Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of fatty acid amide (erucamide) using fatty acid and urea.

PubMed

Awasthi, Neeraj Praphulla; Singh, R P

2007-01-01

Ammonolysis of fatty acids to the corresponding fatty acid amides is efficiently catalysed by Candida antartica lipase (Novozym 435). In the present paper lipase-catalysed synthesis of erucamide by ammonolysis of erucic acid and urea in organic solvent medium was studied and optimal conditions for fatty amides synthesis were established. In this process erucic acid gave 88.74 % pure erucamide after 48 hour and 250 rpm at 60 degrees C with 1:4 molar ratio of erucic acid and urea, the organic solvent media is 50 ml tert-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-2-propanol). This process for synthesis is economical as we used urea in place of ammonia or other amidation reactant at atmospheric pressure. The amount of catalyst used is 3 %.

Urea cycle regulation by mitochondrial sirtuin, SIRT5.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Takashi; Guarente, Leonard

2009-06-29

Mammalian sirtuins have diverse roles in aging, metabolism and disease. Recently we reported a new function for SIRT5 in urea cycle regulation. Our study uncovered that SIRT5 localized to mitochondria matrix and deacetylates carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), an enzyme which is the first and rate-limiting step of urea cycle. Deacetylation of CPS1 by SIRT5 resulted in activation of CPS1 enzymatic activity. Indeed, SIRT5-deficient mice failed to up-regulate CPS1 activity and showed hyper ammonemia during fasting. Similar effects are also observed on high protein diet or calorie restriction. These data indicate SIRT5 also has an emerging role in the metabolic adaptation to fasting, high protein diet and calorie restriction.

Fast and Facile Synthesis of 4-Nitrophenyl 2-Azidoethylcarbamate Derivatives from N-Fmoc-Protected α-Amino Acids as Activated Building Blocks for Urea Moiety-Containing Compound Library.

PubMed

Chen, Ying-Ying; Chang, Li-Te; Chen, Hung-Wei; Yang, Chia-Ying; Hsin, Ling-Wei

2017-03-13

A fast and facile synthesis of a series of 4-nitrophenyl 2-azidoethylcarbamate derivatives as activated urea building blocks was developed. The N-Fmoc-protected 2-aminoethyl mesylates derived from various commercially available N-Fmoc-protected α-amino acids, including those having functionalized side chains with acid-labile protective groups, were directly transformed into 4-nitrophenyl 2-azidoethylcarbamate derivatives in 1 h via a one-pot two-step reaction. These urea building blocks were utilized for the preparation of a series of urea moiety-containing mitoxantrone-amino acid conjugates in 75-92% yields and parallel solution-phase synthesis of a urea compound library consisted of 30 members in 38-70% total yields.

Electro Decomposition of Ammonia into Hydrogen for Fuel Cell Use

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

electrolyte for the experiments reflects the average amount of urea observed in human urine , 20 g/L/day. Figure 5 shows the flow dia- gram of a single cell...to improve the current density of the urea electrolysis process and to reduce the onset potential of the urea oxidation. The synthesis of layered...the new developments in the synthesis of nickel nanosheets can be coupled with the ammonia and urea electrolysis technology. This work concludes

Effect of synthesis variables on tack in urea-formaldehyde resin

Treesearch

R.J. Leicht; C.Y. Hse; R.C. Tang

1988-01-01

The degree of tack-the ability of resin to adhere to another surface under light pressure and over short time- in urea-formaldehyde resin varies throughout the particle board manufacturing process and affects mill maintenance and board quality. A three-part study was conducted to evaluate the effects of certain synthesis variables- molar formaldehyde:urea ratio,...

Combining a Laboratory Practical Class with a Computer Simulation: Studies on the Synthesis of Urea in Isolated Hepatocytes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bender, David A.

1986-01-01

Describes how a computer simulation is used with a laboratory experiment on the synthesis of urea in isolated hepatocytes. The simulation calculates the amount of urea formed and the amount of ammonium remaining as the concentrations of ornithine, citrulline, argininosuccinate, arginine, and aspartate are altered. (JN)

Parallel synthesis of ureas and carbamates from amines and CO2 under mild conditions.

PubMed

Peterson, Scott L; Stucka, Sabrina M; Dinsmore, Christopher J

2010-03-19

A mild and efficient library synthesis technique has been developed for the synthesis of ureas and carbamates from carbamic acids derived from the DBU-catalyzed reaction of amines and gaseous carbon dioxide. Carbamic acids derived from primary amines reacted with Mitsunobu reagents to generate isocyanates in situ which were condensed with primary and secondary amines to afford the desired ureas. Similarly, carbamic acids from secondary amines reacted with alcohols activated with Mitsunobu reagents to form carbamates.

In vivo urea cycle flux distinguishes and correlates with phenotypic severity in disorders of the urea cycle

PubMed Central

Lee, Brendan; Yu, Hong; Jahoor, Farook; O'Brien, William; Beaudet, Arthur L.; Reeds, Peter

2000-01-01

Urea cycle disorders are a group of inborn errors of hepatic metabolism that result in often life-threatening hyperammonemia and hyperglutaminemia. Clinical and laboratory diagnosis of partial deficiencies during asymptomatic periods is difficult, and correlation of phenotypic severity with either genotype and/or in vitro enzyme activity is often imprecise. We hypothesized that stable isotopically determined in vivo rates of total body urea synthesis and urea cycle-specific nitrogen flux would correlate with both phenotypic severity and carrier status in patients with a variety of different enzymatic deficiencies of the urea cycle. We studied control subjects, patients, and their relatives with different enzymatic deficiencies affecting the urea cycle while consuming a low protein diet. On a separate occasion the subjects either received a higher protein intake or were treated with an alternative route medication sodium phenylacetate/benzoate (Ucephan), or oral arginine supplementation. Total urea synthesis from all nitrogen sources was determined from [18O]urea labeling, and the utilization of peripheral nitrogen was estimated from the relative isotopic enrichments of [15N]urea and [15N]glutamine during i.v. co-infusions of [5-(amide)15N]glutamine and [18O]urea. The ratio of the isotopic enrichments of 15N-urea/15N-glutamine distinguished normal control subjects (ratio = 0.42 ± 0.06) from urea cycle patients with late (0.17 ± 0.03) and neonatal (0.003 ± 0.007) presentations irrespective of enzymatic deficiency. This index of urea cycle activity also distinguished asymptomatic heterozygous carriers of argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency (0.22 ± 0.03), argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (0.35 ± 0.11), and partial ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (0.26 ± 0.06) from normal controls. Administration of Ucephan lowered, and arginine increased, urea synthesis to the degree predicted from their respective rates of metabolism. The 15N-urea/15N-glutamine ratio is a sensitive index of in vivo urea cycle activity and correlates with clinical severity. Urea synthesis is altered by alternative route medications and arginine supplementation to the degree that is to be expected from theory. This stable isotope protocol provides a sensitive tool for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic modalities and acts as an aid to the diagnosis and management of urea cycle patients. PMID:10869432

Proteomics of Durum Wheat Grain during Transition to Conservation Agriculture

PubMed Central

Galieni, Angelica; Stagnari, Fabio; Bonas, Urbana; Speca, Stefano; Faccini, Andrea; Pisante, Michele; Marmiroli, Nelson

2016-01-01

Nitrogen management in combination with sustainable agronomic techniques can have a great impact on the wheat grain proteome influencing its technological quality. In this study, proteomic analyses were used to document changes in the proportion of prolamins in mature grains of the newly released Italian durum wheat cv Achille. Such an approach was applied to wheat fertilized with urea (UREA) and calcium nitrate (NITRATE), during the transition to no-till Conservation Agriculture (CA) practice in a Mediterranean environment. Results obtained in a two-years field experiment study suggest low molecular weight glutenins (LMW-GS) as the fraction particularly inducible regardless of the N-form. Quantitative analyses of LMW-GS by 2D-GE followed by protein identification by LC-ESI-MS/MS showed that the stable increase was principally due to C-type LMW-GS. The highest accumulation resulted from a physiologically healthier state of plants treated with UREA and NITRATE. Proteomic analysis on the total protein fraction during the active phase of grain filling was also performed. For both N treatments, but at different extent, an up-regulation of different classes of proteins was observed: i) enzymes involved in glycolysis and citric acid cycles which contribute to an enhanced source of energy and carbohydrates, ii) stress proteins like heat shock proteins (HSPs) and antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidases and superoxide dismutase which protect the grain from abiotic stress during starch and storage protein synthesis. In conclusion N inputs, which combined rate with N form gave high yield and improved quality traits in the selected durum wheat cultivar. The specific up-regulation of some HSPs, antioxidant enzymes and defense proteins in the early stages of grain development and physiological indicators related to fitness traits, could be useful bio-indicators, for wheat genotype screening under more sustainable agronomic conditions, like transition phase to no-till CA in Mediterranean environments. PMID:27281174

Effect of ornithine and lactate on urea synthesis in isolated hepatocytes.

PubMed Central

Briggs, S; Freedland, R A

1976-01-01

1. In hepatocytes isolated from 24 h-starved rats, urea production from ammonia was stimulated by addition of lactate, in both the presence and the absence of ornithine. The relationship of lactate concentration to the rate of urea synthesis was hyperbolic. 2. Other glucose precursors also stimulated urea production to varying degrees, but none more than lactate. Added oleate and butyrate did not stimulate urea synthesis. 3. Citrulline accumulation was largely dependent on ornithine concentration. As ornithine was increased from 0 to 40 mM, the rate of citrulline accumulation increased hyperbolically, and was half-maximal when ornithine was 8-12 mM. 4. The rate of citrulline accumulation was independent of the presence of lactate, but with pyruvate the rate increased. 5. The rate of urea production continued to increase as ornithine was varied from 0 to 40 mM. 6. It was concluded that intermediates provided by both ornithine and lactate are limiting for urea production from ammonia in isolated liver cells. It was suggested that the stimulatory effect of lactate lies in increased availability of cytosolic aspartate for condensation with citrulline. PMID:1008850

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED PREPARATION OF CYCLIC UREAS FROM DIAMINES

EPA Science Inventory

Rajender S. Varma* and Yong-Jin Kim
Cyclic ureas are useful intermediates for a variety of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. One of the attractive approaches for the synthesis of cyclic ureas uses condensation of diamines with urea as a carbonyl source under dynamic evacuation. ...

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, decreases nitrogenous excretion, reduces urea synthesis and suppresses ammonia production during emersion.

PubMed

Ip, Yuen K; Lee, Serene M L; Wong, Wai P; Chew, Shit F

2013-05-01

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of 6 days of emersion on nitrogen metabolism and excretion in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Despite having a soft shell with a cutaneous surface that is known to be water permeable, P. sinensis lost only ~2% of body mass and was able to maintain its hematocrit and plasma osmolality, [Na(+)] and [Cl(-)] during 6 days of emersion. During emersion, it ameliorated water loss by reducing urine output, which led to a reduction (by 29-76%) in ammonia excretion. In comparison, there was a more prominent reduction (by 82-99%) in urea excretion during emersion due to a lack of water to flush the buccopharyngeal epithelium, which is known to be the major route of urea excretion. Consequently, emersion resulted in an apparent shift from ureotely to ammonotely in P. sinensis. Although urea concentration increased in several tissues, the excess urea accumulated could only account for 13-22% of the deficit in urea excretion. Hence, it can be concluded that a decrease (~80%) in urea synthesis occurred in P. sinensis during the 6 days of emersion. Indeed, emersion led to significant decreases in the activity of some ornithine-urea cycle enzymes (argininosuccinate synthetase/argininosuccinate lyase and arginase) from the liver of P. sinensis. As a decrease in urea synthesis occurred without the accumulation of ammonia and total free amino acids, it can be deduced that ammonia production through amino acid catabolism was suppressed with a proportional reduction in proteolysis in P. sinensis during emersion. Indeed, calculated results revealed that there could be a prominent decrease (~88%) in ammonia production in turtles after 6 days of emersion. In summary, despite being ureogenic and ureotelic in water, P. sinensis adopted a reduction in ammonia production, instead of increased urea synthesis, as the major strategy to ameliorate ammonia toxicity and problems associated with dehydration during terrestrial exposure.

Hepatic amino nitrogen conversion and organ N-contents in hypothyroidism, with thyroxine replacement, and in hyperthyroid rats.

PubMed

Grøfte, T; Wolthers, T; Jensen, D S; Møller, N; Jørgensen, J O; Orskov, H; Vilstrup, H

1997-02-01

The role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of hepatic conversions of amino nitrogen to urea is unresolved. The present study was designed to assess ureagenesis in rats with experimentally well-established hypo- and hyperthyroidism. The possible role of propylthiuracil (PTU), used for induction of hypothyroidism, was ascertained during thyroxine replacement of PTU treated hypothyroid rats. Basal blood amino nitrogen concentrations (AAN), the urea nitrogen synthesis rate (UNSR) and the maximal hepatic capacity for urea nitrogen synthesis (CUNS) obtained during alanine infusion were determined together with N-contents in the soleus muscle and kidneys in experimentally hypothyroid rats (n = 19), upon thyroxine replacement (n = 14) and in experimentally hyperthyroid rats (n = 19). Hypothyroidism was induced by adding propylthiouracil (0.05%) to the drinking water for 5 weeks. Hyperthyroidism was induced by thyroxine 100 micrograms/100 g body weight. During hyperthyroidism, T3 fell to less than 10%, food intake was halved, and body weight fell by 13%. Basal blood AAN fell by 25% (p < 0.01), UNSR more than doubled (p < 0.01), and CUNS rose by 45% (p < 0.05). N-contents of the soleus muscle fell by 13% and by 20% in kidneys, respectively (p < 0.05). Thyroxine replacement normalized AAN, UNSR, CUNS and reduced N-loss to 7% in the soleus muscle (NS) and kidneys (p < 0.05), respectively. During hyperthyroidism, T3 rose five-fold, food intake rose by two thirds, and body weight fell by 10%. Basal AAN rose by 20% (p < 0.05), UNSR doubled (p < 0.01), and CUNS rose by 25% (p < 0.05). N-contents of the soleus muscle decreased by 19%, whereas kidney N-contents increased by 25% (p < 0.05). Overall liver function assessed by galactose elimination capacity did not differ among groups. Both conditions increased the rate of urea synthesis; in the hypothyroid state the hepatic waste of amino-N was limited by low blood concentration of amino-N, probably due to lower proteolysis. In the hyperthyroid state hepatic amino-N loss was aggravated by higher blood concentration of amino-N, probably due to higher proteolysis. This difference may explain the markedly different dietary nitrogen economy between the two groups. The findings suggest that distinct hepatic acceleration of urea synthesis may contribute to the protein loss seen in both myxedema and in thyrotoxicosis in humans.

Hereditary urea cycle abnormality

MedlinePlus

Nagamani SCS, Lichter-Konecki U. Inborn errors of urea synthesis. In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, et al, ... Elsevier; 2017:chap 38. Rezvani I, Yudkoff M. Urea cycle and ... errors of metabolism. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. ...

Effect of different catalysts on urea-formaldehyde resin synthesis

Treesearch

Qi-Ning Sun; Chung-Yun Hse; Todd F. Shupe

2014-01-01

Four catalysts (H2SO4, HCl, H3PO4, and NaOH/NH4OH) were studied in the preparation of melamine modified urea– formaldehyde (UFM) resins. 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of the UFM resins at different synthesis stages revealed the...

Expression of urea transporters and their regulation.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D

2014-01-01

UT-A and UT-B families of urea transporters consist of multiple isoforms that are subject to regulation of both acutely and by long-term measures. This chapter provides a brief overview of the expression of the urea transporter forms and their locations in the kidney. Rapid regulation of UT-A1 results from the combination of phosphorylation and membrane accumulation. Phosphorylation of UT-A1 has been linked to vasopressin and hyperosmolality, although through different kinases. Other acute influences on urea transporter activity are ubiquitination and glycosylation, both of which influence the membrane association of the urea transporter, again through different mechanisms. Long-term regulation of urea transport is most closely associated with the environment that the kidney experiences. Low-protein diets may influence the amount of urea transporter available. Conditions of osmotic diuresis, where urea concentrations are low, will prompt an increase in urea transporter abundance. Although adrenal steroids affect urea transporter abundance, conflicting reports make conclusions tenuous. Urea transporters are upregulated when P2Y2 purinergic receptors are decreased, suggesting a role for these receptors in UT regulation. Hypercalcemia and hypokalemia both cause urine concentration deficiencies. Urea transporter abundances are reduced in aging animals and animals with angiotensin-converting enzyme deficiencies. This chapter will provide information about both rapid and long-term regulation of urea transporters and provide an introduction into the literature.

New Efficient Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones Catalyzed by Benzotriazolium-Based Ionic Liquids under Solvent-Free Conditions.

PubMed

Liu, Zhiqing; Ma, Rong; Cao, Dawei; Liu, Chenjiang

2016-04-07

An efficient synthesis of novel 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) and their derivatives, using Brønsted acidic ionic liquid [C₂O₂BBTA][TFA] as a catalyst, from the condensation of aryl aldehyde, β-ketoester and urea was described. Reactions proceeded smoothly for 40 min under solvent-free conditions and gave the desirable products with good to excellent yields (up to 99%). The catalyst could be easily recycled and reused with similar efficacies for at least six cycles.

Highly Efficient Low-Temperature N-Doped TiO2 Catalysts for Visible Light Photocatalytic Applications

PubMed Central

Mahy, Julien G.; Cerfontaine, Vincent; Devred, François; Gaigneaux, Eric M.; Heinrichs, Benoît; Lambert, Stéphanie D.

2018-01-01

In this paper, TiO2 prepared with an aqueous sol-gel synthesis by peptization process is doped with nitrogen precursor to extend its activity towards the visible region. Three N-precursors are used: urea, ethylenediamine and triethylamine. Different molar N/Ti ratios are tested and the synthesis is adapted for each dopant. For urea- and trimethylamine-doped samples, anatase-brookite TiO2 nanoparticles of 6–8 nm are formed, with a specific surface area between 200 and 275 m2·g−1. In ethylenediamine-doped samples, the formation of rutile phase is observed, and TiO2 nanoparticles of 6–8 nm with a specific surface area between 185 and 240 m2·g−1 are obtained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance measurements show the incorporation of nitrogen in TiO2 materials through Ti–O–N bonds allowing light absorption in the visible region. Photocatalytic tests on the remediation of water polluted with p-nitrophenol show a marked improvement for all doped catalysts under visible light. The optimum doping, taking into account cost, activity and ease of synthesis, is up-scaled to a volume of 5 L and compared to commercial Degussa P25 material. This up-scaled sample shows similar properties compared to the lab-scale sample, i.e., a photoactivity 4 times higher than commercial P25. PMID:29642626

Synthesis of phenol-urea-formaldehyde cocondensed resins from UF-concentrate and phenol

Treesearch

Bunchiro Tomita; Mashiko Ohyama; Chung-Yun Hse

1994-01-01

A new synthetic method to obtain phenol-urea-formaldehyde cocondensed resins was developed by reacting phenol with "UF-concentrate", which is a kind of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin prepared with a high molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea (F/U) such as above 2.5. The products were analyzed with 13C-NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation...

Arginase activity, urea, and hydroxyproline concentration are reduced in keratoconus keratocytes.

PubMed

Stachon, Tanja; Kolev, Krasimir; Flaskó, Zsuzsa; Seitz, Berthold; Langenbucher, Achim; Szentmáry, Nóra

2017-01-01

Keratoconus (KC) is a disease characterized by thinning and deformation of the cornea, but its etiology remains unknown. Seventy percent of the corneal stroma consists of collagen, which is composed of three intertwined polypeptide chains with glycine-hydroxyproline-proline repeats along their sequence. Arginase is a cytoplasmatic enzyme and catalyzes the conversion of arginine to urea and ornithine, which serves as a precursor for the endogenous synthesis of proline and hydroxyproline. The purpose of this study was to analyze arginase activity, as well as collagen and urea formation in normal and KC-keratocytes and to determine the impact of urea on keratocyte viability and proliferation in vitro. Primary human keratocytes were isolated by digestion in collagenase (1.0 mg/mL) from surgically removed corneas of eight keratoconus patients and eight normal human corneal buttons and cultured in DMEM/Ham's F12 medium supplemented with 5 % fetal calf serum. Arginase activity and urea concentration were measured in cell-lysates, hydroxyproline concentration in supernatant of cultured keratocytes using colorimetric assay. Cell viability and cell proliferation of cultured keratocytes were assessed after treatment with urea at concentrations up to10 mM for 24 h using assays for metabolic activity and DNA replication. Arginase activity and urea concentration in KC-keratocytes decreased by about 50 % compared to normal keratocytes (p = 0.003 and p = 0.008). Hydroxyproline synthesized by cultured KC-keratocytes was also approximately 50 % less compared to normal keratocytes (p = 0.02) and this difference decreased following treatment with 5.0 or 10.0 mM urea (p = 0.02; 0.03), without any change in cell viability (p > 0.09). However, the urea treatment increased modestly (by 20 %) the proliferation rate of KC-keratocytes (p = 0.04; 0.04; 0.04), without any effect on normal cultured keratocytes (p > 0.09). We identified suppressed arginase activity in the metabolic program of cultured keratoconus keratocytes. The level of urea, as one product of the enzyme arginase was also decreased. This results in impaired collagen synthesis, evidenced in the culture by reduced hydroxyproline concentration. In addition, our data showed that the other product of the arginase reaction, urea supports the proliferation of KC-keratocytes, without changes in their viability. The metabolic reprogramming of keratoconus keratocytes and its impact on development of a clinically detectable keratoconus disease has to be further analyzed.

Hydroponics versus field lysimeter studies of urea, ammonium and nitrate uptake by oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).

PubMed

Arkoun, Mustapha; Sarda, Xavier; Jannin, Laëtitia; Laîné, Philippe; Etienne, Philippe; Garcia-Mina, José-Maria; Yvin, Jean-Claude; Ourry, Alain

2012-09-01

N-fertilizer use efficiencies are affected by their chemical composition and suffer from potential N-losses by volatilization. In a field lysimeter experiment, (15)N-labelled fertilizers were used to follow N uptake by Brassica napus L. and assess N-losses by volatilization. Use of urea with NBPT (urease inhibitor) showed the best efficiency with the lowest N losses (8% of N applied compared with 25% with urea alone). Plants receiving ammonium sulphate, had similar yield achieved through a better N mobilization from vegetative tissues to the seeds, despite a lower N uptake resulting from a higher volatilization (43% of applied N). Amounts of (15)N in the plant were also higher when plants were fertilized with ammonium nitrate but N-losses reached 23% of applied N. In parallel, hydroponic experiments showed a deleterious effect of ammonium and urea on the growth of oilseed rape. This was alleviated by the nitrate supply, which was preferentially taken up. B. napus was also characterized by a very low potential for urea uptake. BnDUR3 and BnAMT1, encoding urea and ammonium transporters, were up-regulated by urea, suggesting that urea-grown plants suffered from nitrogen deficiency. The results also suggested a role for nitrate as a signal for the expression of BnDUR3, in addition to its role as a major nutrient. Overall, the results of the hydroponic study showed that urea itself does not contribute significantly to the N nutrition of oilseed rape. Moreover, it may contribute indirectly since a better use efficiency for urea fertilizer, which was further increased by the application of a urease inhibitor, was observed in the lysimeter study.

The influence of feeding and fasting on plasma metabolites in the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias).

PubMed

Wood, Chris M; Walsh, Patrick J; Kajimura, Makiko; McClelland, Grant B; Chew, Shit F

2010-04-01

Dogfish sharks are opportunistic predators, eating large meals at irregular intervals. Here we present a synthesis of data from several previous studies on responses in plasma metabolites after natural feeding and during prolonged fasting (up to 56days), together with new data on changes in plasma concentrations of amino acids and non-esterified fatty acids. Post-prandial and long-term fasting responses were compared to control sharks fasted for 7days, a typical inter-meal interval. A feeding frenzy was created in which dogfish were allowed to feed naturally on dead teleosts at two consumed ration levels, 2.6% and 5.5% of body weight. Most responses were more pronounced at the higher ration level. These included increases in urea and TMAO concentrations at 20h, followed by stability through to 56days of fasting. Ammonia levels were low and exhibited little short-term response to feeding, but declined to very low values during the extended fast. Glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate both fell after feeding, the latter to a greater and more prolonged extent (up to 60h), whereas acetoacetate did not change. During prolonged fasting, glucose concentrations were well regulated, but beta-hydroxybutyrate increased to 2-3-fold control levels. Total plasma amino acid concentrations increased in a biphasic fashion, with peaks at 6-20h, and 48-60h after the meal, followed by homeostasis during the extended fast. Essential and non-essential amino acids generally followed this same pattern, though some exhibited different trends after feeding: taurine, beta-alanine, and glycine (decreases or stability), alanine and glutamine (modest prolonged increases), and threonine, serine, asparagine, and valine (much larger short-term increases). Plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations declined markedly through 48h after the 2.6% meal. These data are interpreted in light of companion studies showing elevations in aerobic metabolic rate, urea production, rectal gland function, metabolic base excretion, and activation of ornithine-urea cycle and aerobic enzymes after the meal, and muscle N-depletion but maintenance of osmolality and urea production during long-term fasting.

Effects of high-volume plasmapheresis on ammonia, urea, and amino acids in patients with acute liver failure.

PubMed

Clemmesen, J O; Kondrup, J; Nielsen, L B; Larsen, F S; Ott, P

2001-04-01

In acute liver failure (ALF), urea production is severely impaired, and detoxification of ammonia by glutamine synthesis plays an important protective role. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of therapeutic high-volume plasmapheresis (HVP) on arterial concentrations and splanchnic exchange rates of ammonia, urea, and amino acids-in particular, glutamine. A quantity of 8 L of plasma was exchanged over the course of 7 h in 11 patients with ALF after development of hepatic encephalopathy grade III-IV. Splanchnic exchange rates of ammonia, urea, and amino acids were measured by use of liver vein catheterization. HVP removed ammonia and glutamine at a rate of 1 micromol/min and 27 micromol/min, respectively. Arterial ammonia decreased from 160 +/- 65 to 114 +/- 50 micromol/L (p < 0.001). In contrast, arterial glutamine was only minimally changed from 1791 +/- 1655 to 1764 +/- 1875 micromol/L (NS). This implied that the rate of systemic glutamine synthesis was increased by 27 micromol/min. Splanchnic exchange rates (before vs after HVP) were as follows: for ammonia, -93 +/- 101 versus -70 +/- 80 micromol/min (NS); urea-nitrogen, 0.08 +/- 1.64 versus -0.31 +/- 0.45 mmol/min (NS); alanine, -73 +/- 151 versus 12 +/- 83 micromol/min (p < 0.05); and glutamine: 132 +/- 246 versus 186 +/- 285 micromol/min (NS), with negative values denoting release. Arterial ammonia decreased during HVP in patients with ALF. The data suggest that this effect of HVP could be explained by increased hepatic urea synthesis and possibly by increased glutamine synthesis in muscle tissue.

Metal-Free Approaches to Sterically-Hindered Bonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunham, Veronica Vin-yi

Developing methods to perform cross coupling reactions by means of catalysis is highly desirable in chemistry. Many industries in today's society, such as the petroleum, agriculture, pharmaceutical, electronics, and polymer industry, use catalysis to some extent whether it is to make molecules that offer crop protection or toward the synthesis of the active ingredient of a medication. It is noteworthy that over 90% of chemicals are made through catalytic processes and that the catalyst market reached $17 billion in 2014, which demonstrates the demand for such methods. While transition metal catalysts have advantages such as low catalyst loading, broad reactivity, and that they have been well studied, some disadvantages are that they can be relatively expensive and sometimes air sensitive which can make them challenging to use. Organocatalysis, specifically noncovalent catalysis operating through hydrogen bond donating interactions, offers an environmentally-friendly alternative to transition metal catalysis. Our lab utilizes organocatalysis as a strategy to synthesize challenging, sterically-hindered bonds. Nitrimines have been identified as powerful coupling partners for the sustainable construction of new sterically congested carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Using urea catalysis, a metal-free method to synthesize previously inaccessible enamines has been developed. Conventional routes to synthesize enamines as important building blocks toward target molecules generally require Lewis/Bronsted acids or expensive transition metals; however, these methods are often unsuccessful when stericallyhindered substrates are used. To address this synthetic challenge, it was hypothesized that hydrogen bonding interactions between a urea organocatalyst and nitrimine would generate a reactive species suited for the effective carbon-nitrogen coupling with amines to give the desired enamine products. This reaction provides high yields (up to 99%) of enamines using a variety of nitrimines and amines including piperidine, pyrrolidine, dibenzylamine, substituted indolines, and substituted N-methylanilines. Further investigations into the applicability of nitrimines for the synthesis of sterically-hindered bonds led to the discovery of formal carbon-carbon cross coupling reactions involving nitrimines and carbon nucleophiles such as indole, pyrrole, and hydroxycoumarin. Under optimized conditions, moderate to high yields of the desired dior tri-substituted alkene product were obtained with electron-rich and electron-poor nitrimines. Furthermore, by strategic modification of the reaction conditions, control over the E/Z selectivity of the tri-substituted alkene products gave up to 19:1 ratio of Z:E isomers. This nitrimine-based formal carbon-carbon cross coupling methodology was then applied to the synthesis of a small target molecule, phenprocoumon, which was obtained in an overall 67% yield. The undeniable utility of urea catalysis operating through hydrogen bond donor (HBD) interactions has prompted the examination into enhanced HBD catalysts. Through the incorporation of a strategically placed Lewis acid on a urea scaffold, a new family of highly tunable HBD catalysts benefitting from enhanced activity was established. After determining the pKa of various urea catalysts using Bordwell's method of overlapping indicators and comparing catalysts in two reaction systems, it was observed that the choice of Lewis acid and its associated ligands had an effect on urea reactivity, acidity, and polarization. In addition to Lewis acid assisted urea catalysts, silanediols have been discovered to participate as enhanced HBD catalysts. Taking advantage of the ability of our silanediol catalysts to participate in asymmetric anion-binding catalysis, a strategy toward an enantioselective synthesis of the sterically-encumbered molecule gonytolide A, an innate immune promoter, is underway.

One-step synthesis of layered yttrium hydroxides in immiscible liquid-liquid systems: Intercalation of sterically-bulky hydrophobic organic anions and doping of europium ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Mebae; Fujihara, Shinobu

2014-02-01

Inorganic-organic layered rare-earth compounds were synthesized on the basis of a biphasic liquid-liquid system in one pot. Layered yttrium hydroxides (LYHs) were chosen as a host material for the intercalation of hydrophobic organic guest anions such as benzoate, sebacate, or laurate. In a typical synthesis, an organic phase dissolving carboxylic acid was placed in contact with an equal amount of an aqueous phase dissolving yttrium nitrate n-hydrate and urea. At elevated temperatures up to 80 °C, urea was hydrolyzed to release hydroxyl anions which were used to form yttrium hydroxide layers. LYHs were then precipitated with the intercalation of carboxylate anions delivered from the organic phase under the distribution law. The structure and the morphology of the LYHs could be modulated by the intercalated anions. Doped with Eu3+ ions, the LYHs exhibited red photoluminescence which was enhanced by the intercalated anions due to the antenna effect.

Exposure to acute severe hypoxia leads to increased urea loss and disruptions in acid-base and ionoregulatory balance in dogfish sharks (Squalus acanthias).

PubMed

Zimmer, Alex M; Wood, Chris M

2014-01-01

The effects of acute moderate (20% air O2 saturation; 6-h exposure) and severe (5% air O2 saturation; 4-h exposure) hypoxia on N-waste, acid-base, and ion balance in dogfish sharks (Squalus acanthias suckleyi) were evaluated. We predicted that the synthesis and/or retention of urea, which are active processes, would be inhibited by hypoxia. Exposure to moderate hypoxia had negligible effects on N-waste fluxes or systemic physiology, except for a modest rise in plasma lactate. Exposure to severe hypoxia led to a significant increase in urea excretion (Jurea), while plasma, liver, and muscle urea concentrations were unchanged, suggesting a loss of urea retention. Ammonia excretion (Jamm) was elevated during normoxic recovery. Moreover, severe hypoxia led to disruptions in acid-base balance, indicated by a large increase in plasma [lactate] and substantial decreases in arterial pHa and plasma [Formula: see text], as well as loss of ionic homeostasis, indicated by increases in plasma [Mg(2+)], [Ca(2+)], and [Na(+)]. We suggest that severe hypoxia in dogfish sharks leads to a reduction in active gill homeostatic processes, such as urea retention, acid-base regulation and ionoregulation, and/or an osmoregulatory compromise due to increased functional gill surface area. Overall, the results provide a comprehensive picture of the physiological responses to a severe degree of hypoxia in an ancient fish species.

Docking, synthesis and pharmacological activity of novel urea-derivatives designed as p38 MAPK inhibitors.

PubMed

de Oliveira Lopes, Raquel; Romeiro, Nelilma Correia; de Lima, Cleverton Kleiton F; Louback da Silva, Leandro; de Miranda, Ana Luisa Palhares; Nascimento, Paulo Gustavo B D; Cunha, Fernando Q; Barreiro, Eliezer J; Lima, Lídia Moreira

2012-08-01

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is an important signal transducing enzyme involved in many cellular regulations, including signaling pathways, pain and inflammation. Several p38 MAPK inhibitors have been developed as drug candidates to treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper we reported the docking, synthesis and pharmacological activity of novel urea-derivatives (4a-e) designed as p38 MAPK inhibitors. These derivatives presented good theoretical affinity to the target p38 MAPK, standing out compound 4e (LASSBio-998), which showed a better score value compared to the prototype GK-00687. This compound was able to reduce in vitro TNF-α production and was orally active in a hypernociceptive murine model sensible to p38 MAPK inhibitors. Otherwise, compound 4e presented a dose-dependent analgesic effect in a model of antigen (mBSA)-induced arthritis and anti-inflammatory profile in carrageenan induced paw edema, indicating its potential as a new antiarthritis prototype. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Markov modeling and reliability analysis of urea synthesis system of a fertilizer plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aggarwal, Anil Kr.; Kumar, Sanjeev; Singh, Vikram; Garg, Tarun Kr.

2015-12-01

This paper deals with the Markov modeling and reliability analysis of urea synthesis system of a fertilizer plant. This system was modeled using Markov birth-death process with the assumption that the failure and repair rates of each subsystem follow exponential distribution. The first-order Chapman-Kolmogorov differential equations are developed with the use of mnemonic rule and these equations are solved with Runga-Kutta fourth-order method. The long-run availability, reliability and mean time between failures are computed for various choices of failure and repair rates of subsystems of the system. The findings of the paper are discussed with the plant personnel to adopt and practice suitable maintenance policies/strategies to enhance the performance of the urea synthesis system of the fertilizer plant.

Evaluation of endogenous nitric oxide synthesis in congenital urea cycle enzyme defects.

PubMed

Nagasaka, Hironori; Tsukahara, Hirokazu; Yorifuji, Tohru; Miida, Takashi; Murayama, Kei; Tsuruoka, Tomoko; Takatani, Tomozumi; Kanazawa, Masaki; Kobayashi, Kunihiko; Okano, Yoshiyuki; Takayanagi, Masaki

2009-03-01

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from arginine and O(2) by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Citrulline, which is formed as a by-product of the NOS reaction, can be recycled to arginine by the 2 enzymes acting in the urea cycle: argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL). Although the complete urea cycle is expressed only in the liver, ASS and ASL are expressed in other organs including the kidney and vascular endothelium. To examine possible alterations of the NO pathway in urea cycle defects, we measured plasma concentrations of arginine and citrulline and serum concentrations of nitrite/nitrate (NOx(-), stable NO metabolites) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, an endogenous NOS inhibitor) in patients with congenital urea cycle disorders of 3 types: ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, ASS deficiency, and ASL deficiency. All were receiving oral arginine replacement at the time of this study. The same parameters were also measured in healthy subjects, who participated as controls. The OTC-deficient patients had significantly high NOx(-) and nonsignificantly high ADMA concentrations. Their NOx(-) was significantly positively correlated with arginine. The ASS-deficient patients had significantly low NOx(-) and significantly high ADMA concentrations. The ASL-deficient patients had normal NOx(-) and nonsignificantly high ADMA concentrations. In ASS-deficient and ASL-deficient patients, the NOx(-) was significantly inversely correlated with citrulline. These results suggest that NO synthesis is enhanced in OTC-deficient patients while receiving arginine but that NO synthesis remains low in ASS-deficient patients despite receiving arginine. They also suggest that endogenous NO synthesis is negatively affected by citrulline and ADMA in ASS-deficient and ASL-deficient patients. Although the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood, we infer that the NO pathway might play a role in the pathophysiology related to congenital urea cycle disorders.

Aberrant expression and distribution of enzymes of the urea cycle and other ammonia metabolizing pathways in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.

PubMed

van Straten, Giora; van Steenbeek, Frank G; Grinwis, Guy C M; Favier, Robert P; Kummeling, Anne; van Gils, Ingrid H; Fieten, Hille; Groot Koerkamp, Marian J A; Holstege, Frank C P; Rothuizen, Jan; Spee, Bart

2014-01-01

The detoxification of ammonia occurs mainly through conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver via the urea cycle and glutamine synthesis. Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs cause hyperammonemia eventually leading to hepatic encephalopathy. In this study, the gene expression of urea cycle enzymes (carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS1), ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC), argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), and arginase (ARG1)), N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS), Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1), and glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) was evaluated in dogs with CPSS before and after surgical closure of the shunt. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed on urea cycle enzymes and GLUL on liver samples of healthy dogs and dogs with CPSS to investigate a possible zonal distribution of these enzymes within the liver lobule and to investigate possible differences in distribution in dogs with CPSS compared to healthy dogs. Furthermore, the effect of increasing ammonia concentrations on the expression of the urea cycle enzymes was investigated in primary hepatocytes in vitro. Gene-expression of CPS1, OTC, ASL, GLUD1 and NAGS was down regulated in dogs with CPSS and did not normalize after surgical closure of the shunt. In all dogs GLUL distribution was localized pericentrally. CPS1, OTC and ASS1 were localized periportally in healthy dogs, whereas in CPSS dogs, these enzymes lacked a clear zonal distribution. In primary hepatocytes higher ammonia concentrations induced mRNA levels of CPS1. We hypothesize that the reduction in expression of urea cycle enzymes, NAGS and GLUD1 as well as the alterations in zonal distribution in dogs with CPSS may be caused by a developmental arrest of these enzymes during the embryonic or early postnatal phase.

Aberrant Expression and Distribution of Enzymes of the Urea Cycle and Other Ammonia Metabolizing Pathways in Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

PubMed Central

van Straten, Giora; van Steenbeek, Frank G.; Grinwis, Guy C. M.; Favier, Robert P.; Kummeling, Anne; van Gils, Ingrid H.; Fieten, Hille; Groot Koerkamp, Marian J. A.; Holstege, Frank C. P.; Rothuizen, Jan; Spee, Bart

2014-01-01

The detoxification of ammonia occurs mainly through conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver via the urea cycle and glutamine synthesis. Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs cause hyperammonemia eventually leading to hepatic encephalopathy. In this study, the gene expression of urea cycle enzymes (carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS1), ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC), argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), and arginase (ARG1)), N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS), Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1), and glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) was evaluated in dogs with CPSS before and after surgical closure of the shunt. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed on urea cycle enzymes and GLUL on liver samples of healthy dogs and dogs with CPSS to investigate a possible zonal distribution of these enzymes within the liver lobule and to investigate possible differences in distribution in dogs with CPSS compared to healthy dogs. Furthermore, the effect of increasing ammonia concentrations on the expression of the urea cycle enzymes was investigated in primary hepatocytes in vitro. Gene-expression of CPS1, OTC, ASL, GLUD1 and NAGS was down regulated in dogs with CPSS and did not normalize after surgical closure of the shunt. In all dogs GLUL distribution was localized pericentrally. CPS1, OTC and ASS1 were localized periportally in healthy dogs, whereas in CPSS dogs, these enzymes lacked a clear zonal distribution. In primary hepatocytes higher ammonia concentrations induced mRNA levels of CPS1. We hypothesize that the reduction in expression of urea cycle enzymes, NAGS and GLUD1 as well as the alterations in zonal distribution in dogs with CPSS may be caused by a developmental arrest of these enzymes during the embryonic or early postnatal phase. PMID:24945279

An Investigation of Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Li2FeSiO4/C Composite for Li Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thirumoolam, Mani Chandran; Manikandan, Ananda Kumar; Sivaramakrishnan, Balaji; Kaluvan, Hariharan; Gowravaram, Mohan Rao

2018-03-01

Li2FeSiO4 and its carbon composite are prepared by an urea-assisted combustion method. The synthesis has been carried out in different urea concentrations, namely 1 Molar (M), 2 M and 3 M urea in the cost-effective ambient atmospheric condition. The x-ray diffraction analysis confirms the orthorhombic structure of Li2FeSiO4 compounds. The urea-assisted combustion reaction enhanced the phase purity of the compound and prevented the oxidation of ferrous ions in Li2FeSiO4. The x-ray photo electron spectroscopy analysis further confirmed the reduction of Fe3+ concentration in Li2FeSiO4 while adding urea. The Li2FeSiO4 compound formation in the presence of urea occurred at a temperature < 623 K. The one-pot synthesis of Li2FeSiO4/C with the help of starch and urea in ambient atmospheric condition resulted in Li2FeSiO4 with an orthorhombic crystal structure. The carbon coating in an amorphous nature is observed and the lattice dimension values of Li2FeSiO4/C are 6.248 Å, 5.330 Å, and 5.029 Å. The lattice parameter has remained unchanged with carbon addition. The addition of 5% carbon to Li2FeSiO4 improves the electrical conductivity and lithium diffusion coefficient to 7.24 × 10-4 S cm-1 and 5.54 × 10-6 cm2, respectively. The coulombic efficiency and capacity retention after 50 cycles of Li2FeSiO4/C composite are around 83% and 95%, respectively.

CsNIP2;1 is a Plasma Membrane Transporter from Cucumis sativus that Facilitates Urea Uptake When Expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Yan, Jiapei; Vatamaniuk, Olena K; Du, Xiangge

2016-03-01

Urea is an important source of nitrogen (N) for the growth and development of plants. It occurs naturally in soils, is the major N source in agricultural fertilizers and is an important N metabolite in plants. Therefore, the identification and characterization of urea transporters in higher plants is important for the fundamental understanding of urea-based N nutrition in plants and for designing novel strategies for improving the N-use efficiency of urea based-fertilizers. Progress in this area, however, is hampered due to scarce knowledge of plant urea transporters. From what is known, urea uptake from the soil into plant roots is mediated by two types of transporters: the major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) and the DUR3 orthologs, mediating low- and high-affinity urea transport, respectively. Here we characterized a MIP family member from Cucumis sativus, CsNIP2;1, with regard to its contribution to urea transport. We show that CsNIP2;1 is a plasma membrane transporter that mediates pH-dependent urea uptake when expressed in yeast. We also found that ectopic expression of CsNIP2;1 improves growth of wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana and rescues growth and development of the atdur3-3 mutant on medium with urea as the sole N source. In addition, CsNIP2;1 is transcriptionally up-regulated by N deficiency, urea and NO3 (-). These data and results from the analyses of the pattern of CsNIP2;1 expression in A. thaliana and cucumber suggest that CsNIP2;1 might be involved in multiple steps of urea-based N nutrition, including urea uptake and internal transport during N remobilization throughout seed germination and N delivery to developing tissues. © Crown copyright 2016.

Effects of local nasal immunotherapy in allergic airway inflammation: Using urea denatured Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

PubMed Central

Yu, Sheng-Jie; Liao, En-Chih; Tsai, Jaw-Ji

2015-01-01

Despite improvements in anti-allergy medication, the prevalence of allergic airway inflammation remains high, affecting up to 40% of the population worldwide. Allergen immunotherapy is effective for inducing tolerance but has the adverse effect of severe allergic reaction. This can be avoided by denaturing with urea. In this study, we demonstrated that the serum level of allergen-specific IgE in mice sensitized with native Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) crude extract after receiving local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) with urea-denatured Der p crude extract (DN-Dp) significantly decreased compared to that in the normal saline (NS) treatment group. Expressions of IL-4 were significantly reduced in lung tissues after treatment. Inflammation around the bronchial epithelium improved and airway hypersensitivity was down-regulated. LNIT with DN-Dp can down-regulate IL-1b, IL-6 and TNF-a expression and then decrease Der p-induced allergic airway inflammation. This therapeutic modality may be used as an alternative treatment for airway allergic diseases. PMID:25933184

Novel thidiazuron-derived inhibitors of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase.

PubMed

Nisler, Jaroslav; Kopečný, David; Končitíková, Radka; Zatloukal, Marek; Bazgier, Václav; Berka, Karel; Zalabák, David; Briozzo, Pierre; Strnad, Miroslav; Spíchal, Lukáš

2016-09-01

Two new TDZ derivatives (HETDZ and 3FMTDZ) are very potent inhibitors of CKX and are promising candidates for in vivo studies. Cytokinin hormones regulate a wide range of essential processes in plants. Thidiazuron (N-phenyl-N'-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl urea, TDZ), formerly registered as a cotton defoliant, is a well known inhibitor of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), an enzyme catalyzing the degradation of cytokinins. TDZ thus increases the lifetime of cytokinins and their effects in plants. We used in silico modeling to design, synthesize and characterize twenty new TDZ derivatives with improved inhibitory properties. Two compounds, namely 1-[1,2,3]thiadiazol-5-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)urea (3FMTDZ) and 1-[2-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl]-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea (HETDZ), displayed up to 15-fold lower IC 50 values compared with TDZ for AtCKX2 from Arabidopsis thaliana and ZmCKX1 and ZmCKX4a from Zea mays. Binding modes of 3FMTDZ and HETDZ were analyzed by X-ray crystallography. Crystal structure complexes, solved at 2.0 Å resolution, revealed that HETDZ and 3FMTDZ bound differently in the active site of ZmCKX4a: the thiadiazolyl ring of 3FMTDZ was positioned over the isoalloxazine ring of FAD, whereas that of HETDZ had the opposite orientation, pointing toward the entrance of the active site. The compounds were further tested for cytokinin activity in several cytokinin bioassays. We suggest that the combination of simple synthesis, lowered cytokinin activity, and enhanced inhibitory effects on CKX isoforms, makes 3FMTDZ and HETDZ suitable candidates for in vivo studies.

75 FR 40827 - Petitions Concerning Whether Ammonia or Urea Sold or Distributed and Used for Certain Purposes...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-14

... Ammonia or Urea Sold or Distributed and Used for Certain Purposes Should Be Regulated as Pesticides... concerning whether ammonia or urea sold or distributed and used for certain purposes should be regulated as... availability of and sought public comment on petitions concerning whether ammonia or urea sold or distributed...

Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of copper(II) complex of 2-Benzimidazolyl-urea and the nitrate salt of 2-Benzimidazolyl-urea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poyraz, Mehmet; Sari, Musa; Banti, Christina N.; Hadjikakou, Sotiris K.

2017-10-01

The synthesis of the complex {[Cu(BZIMU)2](NO3)2} (1) (BZIMU = 2-Benzimidazolyl-urea) is reported here. The complex 1 was characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance measurements. The crystal structures of 1 and of the nitrate salt of [(BZIMUH+)(NO3)-] (2) were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The copper complex 1 and [(BZIMUH+)(NO3)-] (2) were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity (cell viability) against human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line and normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) with SRB assay.

Urea uptake enhances barrier function and antimicrobial defense in humans by regulating epidermal gene expression

PubMed Central

Grether-Beck, Susanne; Felsner, Ingo; Brenden, Heidi; Kohne, Zippora; Majora, Marc; Marini, Alessandra; Jaenicke, Thomas; Rodriguez-Martin, Marina; Trullas, Carles; Hupe, Melanie; Elias, Peter M.; Krutmann, Jean

2012-01-01

Urea is an endogenous metabolite, known to enhance stratum corneum hydration. Yet, topical urea anecdotally also improves permeability barrier function, and it appears to exhibit antimicrobial activity. Hence, we hypothesized that urea is not merely a passive metabolite, but a small-molecule regulator of epidermal structure and function. In 21 human volunteers, topical urea improved barrier function in parallel with enhanced antimicrobial peptide (LL-37 and β-defensin-2) expression. Urea both stimulates expression of, and is transported into keratinocytes by two urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A2, and by aquaporin 3, 7 and 9. Inhibitors of these urea transporters block the downstream biological effects of urea, which include increased mRNA and protein levels for: (i) transglutaminase-1, involucrin, loricrin and filaggrin; (ii) epidermal lipid synthetic enzymes, and (iii) cathelicidin/LL-37 and β-defensin-2. Finally, we explored the potential clinical utility of urea, showing that topical urea applications normalized both barrier function and antimicrobial peptide expression in a murine model of atopic dermatitis (AD). Together, these results show that urea is a small-molecule regulator of epidermal permeability barrier function and antimicrobial peptide expression after transporter uptake, followed by gene regulatory activity in normal epidermis, with potential therapeutic applications in diseased skin. PMID:22418868

Hybrid Pd/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires: Fabrication, characterization, optical properties and application as magnetically reusable catalyst for the synthesis of N-monosubstituted ureas under ligand-free conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nasrollahzadeh, Mahmoud, E-mail: mahmoudnasr81@gmail.com; Azarian, Abbas; Ehsani, Ali

2014-07-01

Highlights: • Preparation of Pd/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires as magnetically reusable catalysts. • The optical properties of the catalyst were studied using Gans theory. • N-arylation of benzylurea and in situ hydrogenolysis of 1-benzyl-3-arylureas. - Abstract: This paper reports the synthesis and use of Pd/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanowires, as magnetically separable catalysts for ligand-free amidation coupling reactions of aryl halides with benzylurea under microwave irradiation. Then, the in situ hydrogenolysis of the products was performed to afford the N-monosubstituted ureas from good to excellent yields. This method has the advantages of high yields, simple methodology and easy work up. Themore » catalyst can be recovered by using a magnet and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. The catalyst was characterized using the powder XRD, SEM, EDS and UV–vis spectroscopy. Experimental absorbance spectra was compared with results from the Gans theory.« less

Role of rumen butyrate in regulation of nitrogen utilization and urea nitrogen kinetics in growing sheep.

PubMed

Agarwal, U; Hu, Q; Baldwin, R L; Bequette, B J

2015-05-01

Butyrate, a major rumen VFA, has been indirectly linked to enhancement of urea recycling on the basis of increased expression of urea transporter in the rumen epithelia of steers fed a rumen butyrate-enhancing diet. Two studies were conducted to quantify the effect of elevated rumen butyrate concentrations on N balance, urea kinetics and rumen epithelial proliferation. Wether sheep (n= 4), fitted with a rumen cannula, were fed a pelleted ration (∼165 g CP/kg DM, 10.3 MJ ME/kg DM) at 1.8 × ME requirement. In Exp. 1, sheep were infused intraruminally with either an electrolyte buffer solution (Con-Buf) or butyrate dissolved in the buffer solution (But-Buf) during 8-d periods in a balanced crossover design. In Exp. 2, sheep were infused intraruminally with either sodium acetate (Na-Ac) or sodium butyrate (Na-But) for 9 d. All solutions were adjusted to pH 6.8 and 8.0 in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, and VFA were infused at 10% of ME intake. [15N2] urea was continuously infused intravenously for the last 5 d of each period, and total urine and feces were collected. In Exp. 1, 2H5-phenylalanine was continuously infused intravenously over the last 12 h, after which a biopsy from the rumen papillae was taken for measurement of fractional protein synthesis rate (FSR). Butyrate infusion treatments increased (P = 0.1 in Exp. 1; P < 0.05 in Exp. 2) the proportion of rumen butyrate, and acetate infusion increased (P < 0.05) rumen acetate. All animals were in positive N balance (4.2 g N/d in Exp. 1; 7.0 g N/d in Exp. 2), but no difference in N retention was observed between treatments. In Exp. 2, urea entry (synthesis) rate was reduced ( < 0.05) by Na-But compared with the Na-Ac control. In Exp. 1, although But-Buf infusion increased the FSR of rumen papillae (35.3% ± 1.08%/d vs. 28.7% ± 1.08%/d; P < 0.05), urea kinetics were not altered by But-Buf compared with Con-Buf. These studies are the first to directly assess the role of butyrate in urea recycling and its effects on rumen papillae protein turnover in growing lambs. Under the feeding conditions used and the rate of continuous butyrate infusion into the rumen in the present studies, butyrate does not affect overall N retention in growing sheep. However, butyrate may play a role in the redistribution of urea N fluxes in the overall scheme of N metabolism.

Solution combustion synthesis of strontium aluminate, SrAl2O4, powders: single-fuel versus fuel-mixture approach.

PubMed

Ianoş, Robert; Istratie, Roxana; Păcurariu, Cornelia; Lazău, Radu

2016-01-14

The solution combustion synthesis of strontium aluminate, SrAl2O4, via the classic single-fuel approach and the modern fuel-mixture approach was investigated in relation to the synthesis conditions, powder properties and thermodynamic aspects. The single-fuel approach (urea or glycine) did not yield SrAl2O4 directly from the combustion reaction. The absence of SrAl2O4 was explained by the low amount of energy released during the combustion process, in spite of the highly negative values of the standard enthalpy of reaction and standard Gibbs free energy. In the case of single-fuel recipes, the maximum combustion temperatures measured by thermal imaging (482 °C - urea, 941 °C - glycine) were much lower than the calculated adiabatic temperatures (1864 °C - urea, 2147 °C - glycine). The fuel-mixture approach (urea and glycine) clearly represented a better option, since (α,β)-SrAl2O4 resulted directly from the combustion reaction. The maximum combustion temperature measured in the case of a urea and glycine fuel mixture was the highest one (1559 °C), which was relatively close to the calculated adiabatic temperature (1930 °C). The addition of a small amount of flux, such as H3BO3, enabled the formation of pure α-SrAl2O4 directly from the combustion reaction.

Pilot Study Examining the Influence of Potassium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Nitrogen Balance and Whole-Body Ammonia and Urea Turnover Following Short-Term Energy Restriction in Older Men.

PubMed

Margolis, Lee M; Ceglia, Lisa; Rivas, Donato A; Dawson-Hughes, Bess; Fielding, Roger A

2018-05-16

With aging there is a chronic low-grade metabolic-acidosis that may exacerbate negative protein balance during weight loss. The objective of this randomized pilot study was to assess the impact of 90 mmol∙day -1 potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) versus a placebo (PLA) on 24-h urinary net acid excretion (NAE), nitrogen balance (NBAL), and whole-body ammonia and urea turnover following short-term diet-induced weight loss. Sixteen (KHCO₃; n = 8, PLA; n = 8) older (64 ± 4 years) overweight (BMI: 28.5 ± 2.1 kg∙day -1 ) men completed a 35-day controlled feeding study, with a 7-day weight-maintenance phase followed by a 28-day 30% energy-restriction phase. KHCO₃ or PLA supplementation began during energy restriction. NAE, NBAL, and whole-body ammonia and urea turnover ( 15 N-glycine) were measured at the end of the weight-maintenance and energy-restriction phases. Following energy restriction, NAE was -9.8 ± 27.8 mmol∙day -1 in KHCO₃ and 43.9 ± 27.8 mmol∙day -1 in PLA ( p < 0.05). No significant group or time differences were observed in NBAL or ammonia and urea turnover. Ammonia synthesis and breakdown tended ( p = 0.09) to be higher in KHCO₃ vs. PLA following energy restriction, and NAE was inversely associated ( r = -0.522; p < 0.05) with urea synthesis in all subjects. This pilot study suggests some benefit may exist with KHCO₃ supplementation following energy restriction as lower NAE indicated higher urea synthesis.

Temporal Progression of Pneumonic Plague in Blood of Nonhuman Primate: A Transcriptomic Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-22

urea nitrogen (BUN), Fig 2. Potentially activated and inhibited GoI-Time enriched pathways across the time course. The canonical pathways enriched by up...journal.pone.0151788 March 22, 2016 8 / 21 The quantitative measurements of Y. pestis present in the exposed animals’ blood and urine samples and...leukocytes (S5B Fig), formation of cellular inclusion bodies, synthesis of extracellular matrix, and myocardial and liver failure. Protein ubiquitination

Green urea synthesis catalyzed by hematite nanowires in magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahya, Noorhana; Qureshi, Saima; Rehman, Zia ur; Alqasem, Bilal; Fai Kait, Chong

2017-04-01

The catalytic activity of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanowires under the influence of magnetic field on urea synthesis is considered green. The adsorption and subsequent dissociative reaction of hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases on the α-Fe2O3 (111) nanowires were investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The average adsorption energy is -4.12 kcal/mole at different sites. The adsorption of gases resulted in a difference in density and net spin of electrons from 68 to 120 and 0-21 respectively. In addition, it induces magnetic moment value of 36.33 μB, which confirms the enhanced magnetic behaviour of hematite. α-Fe2O3 nanowires (NWs) synthesized by heating iron wire in a box furnace at (750-800) °C and as synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) were received to use as a catalyst in the magnetic reaction of urea synthesis. X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) confirms the peaks of rhombohedral structure of α-Fe2O3 and Raman spectrum analyses confirms the α-Fe2O3 peaks at 410 cm-1, 500 cm-1 and 616 cm-1. The needle-like shape of hematite nanowires with length ranging from 16-25) μm and diameter from 74 to 145 nm confirmed by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The magnetic properties of the nanowires exhibited different levels of saturation magnetization, for α-Fe2O3 perpendicularly aligned direction (13.18 emu/g) and random direction (10.73 emu/g). Urea synthesis was done under magnetic field ranges from 0.0 to 2.5 T. The activation energy of α-Fe2O3 NWs for urea production is lower than NPs in the range of 0-1 T, whereas it is reversed for higher magnetic induction values. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of urea at the peaks of 1690-1600 cm-1. This green urea employing magnetically induced method could be a contender to the Haber-Bosch process currently used by the current industry which utilizes high temperature and high pressure.

Urea-based hydrothermal synthesis of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode material for Li-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yang; Zhang, Minghao; Fang, Chengcheng; Meng, Ying Shirley

2018-08-01

A urea-based hydrothermal approach has been applied to synthesize LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) cathode materials with focus on investigating the influence of the reaction conditions on their electrochemical performance. The compositions of the carbonate precursor are precisely controlled by tuning urea concentration, hydrothermal reaction temperature, and time. The mole ratio between urea and transition metal ions and reaction temperature influence the composition of the precursor; while the reaction time influences the electrochemical performance of the final product. The optimized materials show better cyclability and rate capability compared with the materials synthesized with other hydrothermal reaction conditions. The enhancement is attributed to the larger Li+ diffusion coefficient and lower charge transfer resistance, which are due to the lower degree of Li/Ni cation mixing and more uniform distribution of transition metal ions. This work is a systematic study on the synthesis of NCM523 cathode material by a urea-based hydrothermal approach.

Protein- and diabetes-induced glomerular hyperfiltration: role of glucagon, vasopressin, and urea.

PubMed

Bankir, Lise; Roussel, Ronan; Bouby, Nadine

2015-07-01

A single protein-rich meal (or an infusion of amino acids) is known to increase the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for a few hours, a phenomenon known as "hyperfiltration." It is important to understand the factors that initiate this upregulation because it becomes maladaptive in the long term. Several mediators and paracrine factors have been shown to participate in this upregulation, but they are not directly triggered by protein intake. Here, we explain how a rise in glucagon and in vasopressin secretion, directly induced by protein ingestion, might be the initial factors triggering the hepatic and renal events leading to an increase in the GFR. Their effects include metabolic actions in the liver and stimulation of sodium chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb. Glucagon is not only a glucoregulatory hormone. It is also important for the excretion of nitrogen end products by stimulating both urea synthesis in the liver (along with gluconeogenesis from amino acids) and urea excretion by the kidney. Vasopressin allows the concentration of nitrogenous end products (urea, ammonia, etc.) and other protein-associated wastes in a hyperosmotic urine, thus allowing a very significant water economy characteristic of all terrestrial mammals. No hyperfiltration occurs in the absence of one or the other hormone. Experimental results suggest that the combined actions of these two hormones, along with the complex intrarenal handling of urea, lead to alter the composition of the tubular fluid at the macula densa and to reduce the intensity of the signal activating the tubuloglomerular feedback control of GFR, thus allowing GFR to raise. Altogether, glucagon, vasopressin, and urea contribute to set up the best compromise between efficient urea excretion and water economy. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Creatine metabolism in urea cycle defects.

PubMed

Boenzi, Sara; Pastore, Anna; Martinelli, Diego; Goffredo, Bianca Maria; Boiani, Arianna; Rizzo, Cristiano; Dionisi-Vici, Carlo

2012-07-01

Creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine play an essential role in energy storage and transmission. Maintenance of creatine pool is provided by the diet and by de novo synthesis, which utilizes arginine, glycine and s-adenosylmethionine as substrates. Three primary Cr deficiencies exists: arginine:glycine amidinotransferase deficiency, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency and the defect of Cr transporter SLC6A8. Secondary Cr deficiency is characteristic of ornithine-aminotransferase deficiency, whereas non-uniform Cr abnormalities have anecdotally been reported in patients with urea cycle defects (UCDs), a disease category related to arginine metabolism in which Cr must be acquired by de novo synthesis because of low dietary intake. To evaluate the relationships between ureagenesis and Cr synthesis, we systematically measured plasma Cr in a large series of UCD patients (i.e., OTC, ASS, ASL deficiencies, HHH syndrome and lysinuric protein intolerance). Plasma Cr concentrations in UCDs followed two different trends: patients with OTC and ASS deficiencies and HHH syndrome presented a significant Cr decrease, whereas in ASL deficiency and lysinuric protein intolerance Cr levels were significantly increased (23.5 vs. 82.6 μmol/L; p < 0.0001). This trend distribution appears to be regulated upon cellular arginine availability, highlighting its crucial role for both ureagenesis and Cr synthesis. Although decreased Cr contributes to the neurological symptoms in primary Cr deficiencies, still remains to be explored if an altered Cr metabolism may participate to CNS dysfunction also in patients with UCDs. Since arginine in most UCDs becomes a semi-essential aminoacid, measuring plasma Cr concentrations might be of help to optimize the dose of arginine substitution.

Effects of varying ruminally undegradable protein supplementation on forage digestion, nitrogen metabolism, and urea kinetics in Nellore cattle fed low-quality tropical forage.

PubMed

Batista, E D; Detmann, E; Titgemeyer, E C; Valadares Filho, S C; Valadares, R F D; Prates, L L; Rennó, L N; Paulino, M F

2016-01-01

Effects of supplemental RDP and RUP on nutrient digestion, N metabolism, urea kinetics, and muscle protein degradation were evaluated in Nellore heifers () consuming low-quality signal grass hay (5% CP and 80% NDF, DM basis). Five ruminally and abomasally cannulated Nellore heifers (248 ± 9 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Treatments were the control (no supplement) and RDP supplementation to meet 100% of the RDP requirement plus RUP provision to supply 0, 50, 100, or 150% of the RUP requirement. Supplemental RDP (casein plus NPN) was ruminally dosed twice daily, and RUP supply (casein) was continuously infused abomasally. Jugular infusion of [NN]-urea with measurement of enrichment in urine was used to evaluate urea kinetics. The ratio of urinary 3-methylhistidine to creatinine was used to estimate skeletal muscle protein degradation. Forage NDF intake (2.48 kg/d) was not affected ( ≥ 0.37) by supplementation, but supplementation did increase ruminal NDF digestion ( < 0.01). Total N intake (by design) and N retention increased ( < 0.001) with supplementation and also linearly increased with RUP provision. Urea entry rate and gastrointestinal entry rate of urea were increased by supplementation ( < 0.001). Supplementation with RUP linearly increased ( = 0.02) urea entry rate and tended ( = 0.07) to linearly increase gastrointestinal entry rate of urea. Urea use for anabolic purposes tended ( = 0.07) to be increased by supplementation, and RUP provision also tended ( = 0.08) to linearly increase the amount of urea used for anabolism. The fraction of recycled urea N incorporated into microbial N was greater ( < 0.001) for control (22%) than for supplemented (9%) heifers. Urinary 3-methylhistidine:creatinine of control heifers was more than double that of supplemented heifers ( < 0.001). Control heifers reabsorbed a greater ( < 0.001) fraction of urea from the renal tubule than did supplemented heifers. Overall, unsupplemented heifers had greater mobilization of AA from myofibrillar protein, which provided N for urea synthesis and subsequent recycling. Supplemental RUP, when RDP was supplied, not only increased N retention but also supported increased urea N recycling and increased ruminal microbial protein synthesis.

Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Activity of Ammonium Nickel Phosphate, [NH4]NiPO4·6H2O, and β-Nickel Pyrophosphate, β-Ni2P2O7: Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Decomposition of Urea.

PubMed

Meguerdichian, Andrew G; Jafari, Tahereh; Shakil, Md R; Miao, Ran; Achola, Laura A; Macharia, John; Shirazi-Amin, Alireza; Suib, Steven L

2018-02-19

Electrocatalytic decomposition of urea for the production of hydrogen, H 2, for clean energy applications, such as in fuel cells, has several potential advantages such as reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector and environmental applications to remove urea from animal and human waste facilities. The study and development of new catalyst materials containing nickel metal, the active site for urea decomposition, is a critical aspect of research in inorganic and materials chemistry. We report the synthesis and application of [NH 4 ]NiPO 4 ·6H 2 O and β-Ni 2 P 2 O 7 using in situ prepared [NH 4 ] 2 HPO 4 . The [NH 4 ]NiPO 4 ·6H 2 O is calcined at varying temperatures and tested for electrocatalytic decomposition of urea. Our results indicate that [NH 4 ]NiPO 4 ·6H 2 O calcined at 300 °C with an amorphous crystal structure and, for the first time applied for urea electrocatalytic decomposition, had the greatest reported electroactive surface area (ESA) of 142 cm 2 /mg and an onset potential of 0.33 V (SCE) and was stable over a 24-h test period.

Pilot Study Examining the Influence of Potassium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Nitrogen Balance and Whole-Body Ammonia and Urea Turnover Following Short-Term Energy Restriction in Older Men

PubMed Central

Margolis, Lee M.; Ceglia, Lisa; Rivas, Donato A.; Dawson-Hughes, Bess; Fielding, Roger A.

2018-01-01

With aging there is a chronic low-grade metabolic-acidosis that may exacerbate negative protein balance during weight loss. The objective of this randomized pilot study was to assess the impact of 90 mmol∙day−1 potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) versus a placebo (PLA) on 24-h urinary net acid excretion (NAE), nitrogen balance (NBAL), and whole-body ammonia and urea turnover following short-term diet-induced weight loss. Sixteen (KHCO3; n = 8, PLA; n = 8) older (64 ± 4 years) overweight (BMI: 28.5 ± 2.1 kg∙day−1) men completed a 35-day controlled feeding study, with a 7-day weight-maintenance phase followed by a 28-day 30% energy-restriction phase. KHCO3 or PLA supplementation began during energy restriction. NAE, NBAL, and whole-body ammonia and urea turnover (15N-glycine) were measured at the end of the weight-maintenance and energy-restriction phases. Following energy restriction, NAE was −9.8 ± 27.8 mmol∙day−1 in KHCO3 and 43.9 ± 27.8 mmol∙day−1 in PLA (p < 0.05). No significant group or time differences were observed in NBAL or ammonia and urea turnover. Ammonia synthesis and breakdown tended (p = 0.09) to be higher in KHCO3 vs. PLA following energy restriction, and NAE was inversely associated (r = −0.522; p < 0.05) with urea synthesis in all subjects. This pilot study suggests some benefit may exist with KHCO3 supplementation following energy restriction as lower NAE indicated higher urea synthesis. PMID:29772642

A new route for the prebiotic synthesis of nucleobases and hydantoins in water/ice solutions involving the photochemistry of acetylene.

PubMed

Menor-Salván, César; Marín-Yaseli, Margarita R

2013-05-10

The origin of nucleobases and other heterocycles is a classic question in the chemistry of the origins of life. The construction of laboratory models for the abiotic synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles in plausible natural conditions also aids the understanding and prediction of chemical species in the Solar System. Here, we report a new explanation for the origin of hydantoins, purines, and pyrimidines in eutectic water/ice/urea solutions driven by ultraviolet irradiation (in the 185-254 nm range, UVC) of acetylene under anoxic conditions. An analysis of the products indicates the synthesis of hydantoin and 5-hydroxyhydantoin, the purines uric acid, xanthine, and guanine, and the pyrimidines uracil and cytosine. The synthesis occurred together with the photo-oxidation of bases in a complex process for which possible pathways are proposed. In conclusion, an acetylene-containing atmosphere could contribute to the origin of nucleobases in the presence of a urea/water system by an HCN-independent mechanism. The presence of ice has a dual role as a favorable medium for the synthesis of nucleobases and protection against degradation and as a source of free radicals for the synthesis of highly oxidized heterocycles. A mechanism for the origin of hydantoins and uracil from urea in plausible conditions for prebiotic chemistry is also proposed. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemically synthesized boron carbon oxynitride as a new cold cathode material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Diptonil; Maity, Supratim; Chattopadhyay, K. K.

2015-11-01

Synthesis of boron carbon oxynitride (BCNO) nanosheets at different temperature from amorphous to crystalline regime has been reported. The synthesis was done by a simple molten salt process using sodium borohydride and urea as precursors. Transmission electron microscopic study confirms the formation of sheet-like structure of the as-synthesized material. The performances of the as-synthesized BCNO nanosheets as cold cathode materials have been studied for the first time in the high vacuum electron field emission set up. It has been seen that the material gives considerable field emission current with turn on field as low as 2.95 V/μm with good stability and thus a new cold cathode material can be postulated.

Regulation of Urea Transporters by Tonicity-responsive Enhancer Binding Protein

PubMed Central

Kwon, H. Moo; Kim, Jim

2007-01-01

Urea accumulation in the renal inner medulla plays a key role in the maintenance of maximal urinary concentrating ability. Urea transport in the kidney is mediated by transporter proteins that include renal urea transporter (UT-A) and erythrocyte urea transporter (UT-B). UT-A1 and UT-A2 are produced from the same gene. There is an active tonicity-responsive enhancer (TonE) in the promoter of UT-A1, and the UT-A1 promoter is stimulated by hypertonicity via tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP). The downregulation of UT-A2 raises the possibility that TonEBP also regulates its promoter. There is some evidence that TonEBP regulates expression of UT-A in vivo; (1) during the renal development of the urinary concentrating ability, expression of TonEBP precedes that of UT-A1; (2) in transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative form of TonEBP, expression of UT-A1 and UT-A2 is severely impaired; (3) in treatment with cyclosporine A, TonEBP was significantly downregulated after 28 days. This downregulation involves mRNA levels of UT-A2; (4) in hypokalemic animals, downregulation of TonEBP contributed to the down regulation of UT-A in the inner medulla. These data support that TonEBP directly contributes to the urinary concentration and renal urea recycling by the regulation of urea transporters. PMID:24459497

Alternative E ammonia feedstock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lentz, M.J.; Wright, R.A.

1999-07-01

Power plants are using more Ammonia for increasing precipitator and baghouse efficiency, for SCR and SNCR processes, and for controlling acid stack plumes and dewpoint corrosion. These simple systems inject ammonia and air into the furnace or the precipitator or baghouse inlet ductwork. The common feedstocks in use today are Anhydrous ammonia [NH{sub 3}] and Aqueous ammonia [NH{sub 4}OH], both defined as poison gases by US authorities and most Western nations. Storage and handling procedures for these products are strictly regulated. Wilhelm Environmental Technologies Inc. is developing use of solid, formed or prilled Urea [CO(NH{sub 2}){sub 2}] as the feedstock.more » When heated in moist air, Urea sublimes to ammonia [NH{sub 3}] and carbon dioxide [CO{sub 2}]. Urea is stored and handled without restrictions or environmental concerns. Urea is a more expensive feedstock than NH{sub 3}, but much less expensive than [NH{sub 4}OH]. The design, and operating results, of a pilot system at Jacksonville Electric St. John's River Plant [Unit 2] are described. The pilot plant successfully sublimed Urea up to 100 pounds/hour. Further testing is planned. Very large ammonia use may favor NH{sub 3}, but smaller quantities can be produced at attractive prices with Urea based ammonia systems. Storage costs are far less. Many fluidized-bed boilers can use pastille or solid urea metered directly into the existing cyclones for NO{sub x} control. This is more economical than aqueous ammonia or aqueous urea based technology.« less

Highly Porous NiTi with Isotropic Pore Morphology Fabricated by Self-Propagated High-Temperature Synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, S. A.; Alizadeh, M.; Ghasemi, A.; Meshkot, M. A.

2013-02-01

Highly porous NiTi with isotropic pore morphology has been successfully produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of elemental Ni/Ti metallic powders. The effects of adding urea and NaCl as temporary pore fillers were investigated on pore morphology, microstructure, chemical composition, and the phase transformation temperatures of specimens. These parameters were studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Highly porous specimens were obtained with up to 83% total porosity and pore sizes between 300 and 500 μm in diameter. Results show pore characteristics were improved from anisotropic to isotropic and pore morphology was changed from channel-like to irregular by adding pore filler powders. Furthermore, the highly porous specimens produced when using urea as a space holder, were of more uniform composition in comparison to NaCl. DSC results showed that a two-step martensitic phase transformation takes place during the cooling cycles and the austenite finish temperature ( A f) is close to human body temperature. Compression test results reveal that the compressive strength of highly porous NiTi is about 155 MPa and recoverable strain about 6% in superelasticity regime.

Synthesis of Carbon Dots with Multiple Color Emission by Controlled Graphitization and Surface Functionalization.

PubMed

Miao, Xiang; Qu, Dan; Yang, Dongxue; Nie, Bing; Zhao, Yikang; Fan, Hongyou; Sun, Zaicheng

2018-01-01

Multiple-color-emissive carbon dots (CDots) have potential applications in various fields such as bioimaging, light-emitting devices, and photocatalysis. The majority of the current CDots to date exhibit excitation-wavelength-dependent emissions with their maximum emission limited at the blue-light region. Here, a synthesis of multiple-color-emission CDots by controlled graphitization and surface function is reported. The CDots are synthesized through controlled thermal pyrolysis of citric acid and urea. By regulating the thermal-pyrolysis temperature and ratio of reactants, the maximum emission of the resulting CDots gradually shifts from blue to red light, covering the entire light spectrum. Specifically, the emission position of the CDots can be tuned from 430 to 630 nm through controlling the extent of graphitization and the amount of surface functional groups, COOH. The relative photoluminescence quantum yields of the CDots with blue, green, and red emission reach up to 52.6%, 35.1%, and 12.9%, respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the CDots can be uniformly dispersed into epoxy resins and be fabricated as transparent CDots/epoxy composites for multiple-color- and white-light-emitting devices. This research opens a door for developing low-cost CDots as alternative phosphors for light-emitting devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nitric-oxide supplementation for treatment of long-term complications in argininosuccinic aciduria

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is required for the synthesis and channeling of L-arginine to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) for nitric oxide (NO) production. Congenital ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA), the second most common urea cycle disorder, and leads to deficiency of both urea...

Characterization of urea transport in Bufo arenarum oocytes.

PubMed

Silberstein, Claudia; Zotta, Elsa; Ripoche, Pierre; Ibarra, Cristina

2003-07-01

Xenopus laevis oocytes have been extensively used for expression cloning, structure/function relationships, and regulation analysis of transporter proteins. Urea transporters have been expressed in Xenopus oocytes and their properties have been described. In order to establish an alternative system in which urea transporters could be efficiently expressed and studied, we determined the urea transport properties of ovarian oocytes from Bufo arenarum, a toad species common in Argentina. Bufo oocytes presented a high urea permeability of 22.3 x 10(-6) cm/s, which was significantly inhibited by the incubation with phloretin. The urea uptake in these oocytes was also inhibited by mercurial reagents, and high-affinity urea analogues. The urea uptake was not sodium dependent. The activation energy was 3.2 Kcal/mol, suggesting that urea movement across membrane oocytes may be through a facilitated urea transporter. In contrast, Bufo oocytes showed a low permeability for mannitol and glycerol. From these results, we propose that one or several specific urea transporters are present in ovarian oocytes from Bufo arenarum. Therefore, these oocytes cannot be used in expression studies of foreign urea transporters. The importance of Bufo urea transporter is not known but could be implicated in osmotic regulation during the laying of eggs in water. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) increases both hepatic and extrahepatic ornithine urea cycle enzyme activities for nitrogen conservation after feeding.

PubMed

Kajimura, Makiko; Walsh, Patrick J; Mommsen, Thomas P; Wood, Chris M

2006-01-01

Urea not only is utilized as a major osmolyte in marine elasmobranchs but also constitutes their main nitrogenous waste. This study investigated the effect of feeding, and thus elevated nitrogen intake, on nitrogen metabolism in the Pacific spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias. We determined the activities of ornithine urea cycle (O-UC) and related enzymes in liver and nonhepatic tissues. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase III (the rate-limiting enzyme of the O-UC) activity in muscle is high compared with liver, and the activities in both tissues increased after feeding. The contribution of muscle to urea synthesis in the dogfish body appears to be much larger than that of liver when body mass is considered. Furthermore, enhanced activities of the O-UC and related enzymes (glutamine synthetase, ornithine transcarbamoylase, arginase) were seen after feeding in both liver and muscle and were accompanied by delayed increases in plasma urea, trimethylamine oxide, total free amino acids, alanine, and chloride concentrations, as well as in total osmolality. The O-UC and related enzymes also occurred in the intestine but showed little change after feeding. Feeding did not change the rate of urea excretion, indicating strong N retention after feeding. Ammonia excretion, which constituted only a small percentage of total N excretion, was raised in fed fish, while plasma ammonia did not change, suggesting that excess ammonia in plasma is quickly ushered into synthesis of urea or protein. In conclusion, we suggest that N conservation is a high priority in this elasmobranch and that feeding promotes ureogenesis and growth. Furthermore, exogenous nitrogen from food is converted into urea not only by the liver but also by the muscle and to a small extent by the intestine.

Regulation of renal urea transport by vasopressin.

PubMed

Sands, Jeff M; Blount, Mitsi A; Klein, Janet D

2011-01-01

Terrestrial life would be miserable without the ability to concentrate urine. Production of concentrated urine requires complex interactions among the nephron segments and vasculature in the kidney medulla. In addition to water channels (aquaporins) and sodium transporters, urea transporters are critically important to the theories proposed to explain the physiologic processes occurring when urine is concentrated. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is the key hormone regulating the production of concentrated urine. Vasopressin rapidly increases water and urea transport in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Vasopressin rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). Vasopressin acts through two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in the IMCD: protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cAMP Epac. Protein kinase A phosphorylates UT-A1 at serines 486 and 499. In summary, vasopressin regulates urea transport acutely by increasing UT-A1 phosphorylation and the apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1 through two cAMP-dependent pathways.

Role of urea in the postprandial urine concentration cycle of the insectivorous bat Antrozous pallidus.

PubMed

Bassett, John E

2004-02-01

Insectivorous bats, which feed once daily, produce maximally concentrated urine only after feeding. The role of urea as an osmolyte in this process was investigated in pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus) in the laboratory. Following a 24-h fast, plasma and urine were sampled before and 2 h after feeding in postprandial (PP) animals and before and 2 h after similar treatment without feeding in nonfed (NF) animals. Food consumption by PP animals and handling of NF animals had no effect on blood water content as measured by hematocrit and plasma oncotic pressure. Food consumption increased both plasma osmolality (P(osm)) and plasma urea (P(urea)) by as much as 15%. Food consumption also increased urine osmolality (U(osm)) and urine urea (U(urea)) by 50-100%. Feeding increased U(osm) regardless of changes in P(osm), and elevation of U(osm) resulted primarily from increased U(urea). In NF bats, P(osm) and P(urea) were unchanged, while U(osm) and U(urea) increased by as much as 25%. Again, increased U(osm) resulted primarily from increased U(urea). The PP urine concentration cycle of pallid bats resulted from increased urea excretion in response to apparent rapid urea synthesis. Bats rapidly metabolized protein and excreted urea following feeding when body water was most plentiful.

Argininosuccinate lyase deficiency-argininosuccinic aciduria and beyond.

PubMed

Erez, Ayelet; Nagamani, Sandesh C Sreenath; Lee, Brendan

2011-02-15

The urea cycle consists of six consecutive enzymatic reactions that convert waste nitrogen into urea. Deficiencies of any of these enzymes of the cycle result in urea cycle disorders (UCD), a group of inborn errors of hepatic metabolism that often result in life threatening hyperammonemia. Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is a cytosolic enzyme which catalyzes the fourth reaction in the cycle and the first degradative step, that is, the breakdown of argininosuccinic acid to arginine and fumarate. Deficiency of ASL results in an accumulation of argininosuccinic acid in tissues, and excretion of argininosuccinic acid in urine leading to the condition argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA). ASA is an autosomal recessive disorder and is the second most common UCD. In addition to the accumulation of argininosuccinic acid, ASL deficiency results in decreased synthesis of arginine, a feature common to all UCDs except argininemia. Arginine is not only the precursor for the synthesis of urea and ornithine as part of the urea cycle but it is also the substrate for the synthesis of nitric oxide, polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine, and agmatine. Hence, while ASL is the only enzyme in the body able to generate arginine, at least four enzymes use arginine as substrate: arginine decarboxylase, arginase, nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) and arginine/glycine aminotransferase. In the liver, the main function of ASL is ureagenesis, and hence, there is no net synthesis of arginine. In contrast, in most other tissues, its role is to generate arginine that is designated for the specific cell's needs. While patients with ASA share the acute clinical phenotype of hyperammonemia, encephalopathy, and respiratory alkalosis common to other UCD, they also present with unique chronic complications most probably caused by a combination of tissue specific deficiency of arginine and/or elevation of argininosuccinic acid. This review article summarizes the clinical characterization, biochemical, enzymatic, and molecular features of this disorder. Current treatment, prenatal diagnosis, diagnosis through the newborn screening as well as hypothesis driven future treatment modalities are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Multi-omics analysis reveals regulators of the response to nitrogen limitation in Yarrowia lipolytica.

PubMed

Pomraning, Kyle R; Kim, Young-Mo; Nicora, Carrie D; Chu, Rosalie K; Bredeweg, Erin L; Purvine, Samuel O; Hu, Dehong; Metz, Thomas O; Baker, Scott E

2016-02-25

Yarrowia lipolytica is an oleaginous ascomycete yeast that stores lipids in response to limitation of nitrogen. While the enzymatic pathways responsible for neutral lipid accumulation in Y. lipolytica are well characterized, regulation of these pathways has received little attention. We therefore sought to characterize the response to nitrogen limitation at system-wide levels, including the proteome, phosphoproteome and metabolome, to better understand how this organism regulates and controls lipid metabolism and to identify targets that may be manipulated to improve lipid yield. We found that ribosome structural genes are down-regulated under nitrogen limitation, during which nitrogen containing compounds (alanine, putrescine, spermidine and urea) are depleted and sugar alcohols and TCA cycle intermediates accumulate (citrate, fumarate and malate). We identified 1219 novel phosphorylation sites in Y. lipolytica, 133 of which change in their abundance during nitrogen limitation. Regulatory proteins, including kinases and DNA binding proteins, are particularly enriched for phosphorylation. Within lipid synthesis pathways, we found that ATP-citrate lyase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase are phosphorylated during nitrogen limitation while many of the proteins involved in β-oxidation are down-regulated, suggesting that storage lipid accumulation may be regulated by phosphorylation of key enzymes. Further, we identified short DNA elements that associate specific transcription factor families with up- and down-regulated genes. Integration of metabolome, proteome and phosphoproteome data identifies lipid accumulation in response to nitrogen limitation as a two-fold result of increased production of acetyl-CoA from excess citrate and decreased capacity for β-oxidation.

Improving the quality of rice straw by urea and calcium hydroxide on rumen ecology, microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle.

PubMed

Polyorach, S; Wanapat, M

2015-06-01

Four rumen-fistulated beef cattle were randomly assigned to four treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the influence of urea and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2 ] treatment of rice straw to improve the nutritive value of rice straw. Four dietary treatments were as follows: untreated rice straw, 50 g/kg urea-treated rice straw, 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide-treated rice straw and 30 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide-treated rice straw. All animals were kept in individual pens and fed with concentrate at 0.5 g/kg of BW (DM), rice straw was fed ad libitum. The experiment was conducted for four periods, and each period lasted for 21 days. During the first 14 days, DM feed intake measurements were made while during the last 7 days, all cattle were moved to metabolism crates for total faeces and urine collections. The results revealed that 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide-treated rice straw improved the nutritive value of rice straw, in terms of dry matter intake, digestibility, ruminal volatile fatty acids, population of bacteria and fungi, nitrogen retention and microbial protein synthesis. Based on this study, it could be concluded that using urea plus calcium hydroxide was one alternative method to improve the nutritive value of rice straw, rumen ecology and fermentation and thus a reduction of treatment cost. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Cyclic tetraureas with variable flexibility--synthesis, crystal structures and properties.

PubMed

Meshcheryakov, Denys; Arnaud-Neu, Françoise; Böhmer, Volker; Bolte, Michael; Cavaleri, Julien; Hubscher-Bruder, Véronique; Thondorf, Iris; Werner, Sabine

2008-09-21

Macrocyclic molecules containing several amide or urea functions may serve as anion receptors. We describe the synthesis of 32-membered macrocycles, in which four rigid xanthene units (X) and/or diphenyl ether units (D) as flexible analogues are linked via urea groups. All six possible combinations of these units (XXXX, XXXD, XXDD, XDXD, XDDD and DDDD) were synthesized and two examples were characterised by single-crystal X-ray analyses (DDDD and two structures for XXXD). Both macrocycles showed distinct differences in their overall conformation and consequently in their hydrogen-bonding pattern. Hydrogen-bonded solvent molecules are found for both compounds and intramolecular hydrogen bonds for the two structures of XXXD, but surprisingly no direct intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the macrocyclic tetraurea molecules. The interaction with various anions was studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Stability constants for all tetramers were determined by UV spectroscopy for complexes with chloride, bromide, acetate and dihydrogenphosphate in acetonitrile-THF (3:1). The strongest binding was found for XXXD and acetate (log beta = 7.4 +/- 0.2), the weakest for XXXX and acetate (log beta = 5.1 +/- 0.5). MD simulations in chloroform and acetonitrile boxes show that all molecules except DDDD adopt very similar conformations characterized by an up-down-up-down arrangement of the spacer groups. Clustered solvation shells of acetonitrile molecules around XXXX and DDDD suggest their preorganization for spherical/planar and tetrahedral/bidentate anions, respectively, which in turn was corroborated by simulation of the corresponding complexes with chloride and dihydrogenphosphate.

Synthesis, molecular docking, DFT calculations and cytotoxicity activity of benzo[g]quinazoline derivatives in choline chloride-urea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakshmanan, Sivalingam; Govindaraj, Dharman; Ramalakshmi, Narayanan; Antony, S. Arul

2017-12-01

Green and highly efficient one-pot three component approach for the synthesis of benzo[g]quinazoline derivatives (6a-g) using Choline chloride-urea (DES). Synthesized compounds 6b and 6g showed the most potent biological activity against A549 lung cancer cell line. Docking simulation was performed to position compounds 6b and 6g showed the greater affinity for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor. Quantum chemical studies were carried out on these compounds to understand the structural features essential for activity using DFT/6-31G level of theory.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl chlorides and triflates with sodium cyanate: A practical synthesis of unsymmetrical ureas

PubMed Central

Vinogradova, Ekaterina V.; Fors, Brett P.; Buchwald, Stephen L.

2012-01-01

An efficient method for palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl chlorides and triflates with sodium cyanate is reported. The protocol allows for the synthesis of unsymmetrical N,N'-di- and N,N,N'-trisubstituted ureas in one pot, and is tolerant of a wide range of functional groups. Insight into the mechanism of aryl isocyanate formation is gleaned through studies of the transmetallation and reductive elimination steps of the reaction, including the first demonstration of reductive elimination from an arylpalladium isocyanate complex to produce an aryl isocyanate. PMID:22716197

Quantum chemistry-assisted synthesis route development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hori, Kenji; Sumimoto, Michinori; Murafuji, Toshihiro

2015-12-31

We have been investigating “quantum chemistry-assisted synthesis route development” using in silico screenings and applied the method to several targets. Another example was conducted to develop synthesis routes for a urea derivative, namely 1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)urea. While five synthesis routes were examined, only three routes passed the second in silico screening. Among them, the reaction of 7-amino-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromen-2-one and O-methyl carbamate with BF{sub 3} as an additive was ranked as the first choice for synthetic work. We were able to experimentally obtain the target compound even though its yield was as low as 21 %. The theoretical result was thus consistent with thatmore » observed. The summary of transition state data base (TSDB) is also provided. TSDB is the key to reducing time of in silico screenings.« less

Emiliania huxleyi endures N-limitation with an efficient metabolic budgeting and effective ATP synthesis.

PubMed

Rokitta, Sebastian D; Von Dassow, Peter; Rost, Björn; John, Uwe

2014-12-02

Global change will affect patterns of nutrient upwelling in marine environments, potentially becoming even stricter regulators of phytoplankton primary productivity. To better understand phytoplankton nutrient utilization on the subcellular basis, we assessed the transcriptomic responses of the life-cycle stages of the biogeochemically important microalgae Emiliania huxleyi to nitrogen-limitation. Cells grown in batch cultures were harvested at 'early' and 'full' nitrogen-limitation and were compared with non-limited cells. We applied microarray-based transcriptome profilings, covering ~10.000 known E. huxleyi gene models, and screened for expression patterns that indicate the subcellular responses. The diploid life-cycle stage scavenges nitrogen from external organic sources and -like diatoms- uses the ornithine-urea cycle to rapidly turn over cellular nitrogen. The haploid stage reacts similarly, although nitrogen scavenging is less pronounced and lipid oxidation is more prominent. Generally, polyamines and proline appear to constitute major organic pools that back up cellular nitrogen. Both stages induce a malate:quinone-oxidoreductase that efficiently feeds electrons into the respiratory chain and drives ATP generation with reduced respiratory carbon throughput. The use of the ornithine-urea cycle to budget the cellular nitrogen in situations of limitation resembles the responses observed earlier in diatoms. This suggests that underlying biochemical mechanisms are conserved among distant clades of marine phototrophic protists. The ornithine-urea cycle and proline oxidation appear to constitute a sensory-regulatory system that monitors and controls cellular nitrogen budgets under limitation. The similarity between the responses of the life-cycle stages, despite the usage of different genes, also indicates a strong functional consistency in the responses to nitrogen-limitation that appears to be owed to biochemical requirements. The malate:quinone-oxidoreductase is a genomic feature that appears to be absent from diatom genomes, and it is likely to strongly contribute to the uniquely high endurance of E. huxleyi under nutrient limitation.

Synthesis and characterization of melamine-urea-formaldehyde microcapsules containing ENB-based self-healing agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xing; Sheng, Xia; Lee, Jong Keun; Kessler, Michael R.

2007-07-01

Microcapsules for self-healing applications were produced with a melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) polymer shell containing two different healing agent candidates, ENB (5-ethylidene-2-norbornene) and ENB with 10 wt.% of a norbornene based crosslinking agent (CL), by in-situ polymerization in an oil-in-water emulsion. Relatively neat outer surfaces with minor roughness were observed on the MUF microcapsules under optical and scanning electron microscopy. Shell thickness of the capsules ranged from 700 to 900 nm. Particle size analysis of the microcapsules showed narrow size distributions with a mean diameter of 113 μm for ENB-filled and 122 μm for ENB+CL-filled microcapsules at an agitation rate of 500 rpm. The microcapsules were found to be thermally stable up to 300°C and exhibited a 10 to 15 % weight loss when isothermally held at 150°C for 2 hr from thermogravimetric analysis. Overall, these MUF microcapsules exhibited superior properties compared to the urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules used extensively for self-healing composites to date. In addition, the manufacturing process of MUF microcapsules is much simpler than those made from UF. Additional advantages of MUF microcapsules for self-healing composites are discussed.

Regulation of Renal Urea Transport by Vasopressin

PubMed Central

Sands, Jeff M.; Blount, Mitsi A.; Klein, Janet D.

2011-01-01

Terrestrial life would be miserable without the ability to concentrate urine. Production of concentrated urine requires complex interactions among the nephron segments and vasculature in the kidney medulla. In addition to water channels (aquaporins) and sodium transporters, urea transporters are critically important to the theories proposed to explain the physiologic processes occurring when urine is concentrated. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is the key hormone regulating the production of concentrated urine. Vasopressin rapidly increases water and urea transport in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Vasopressin rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). Vasopressin acts through two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in the IMCD: protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cAMP Epac. Protein kinase A phosphorylates UT-A1 at serines 486 and 499. In summary, vasopressin regulates urea transport acutely by increasing UT-A1 phosphorylation and the apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1 through two cAMP-dependent pathways. PMID:21686211

Data on the synthesis and mechanical characterization of polysiloxane-based urea-elastomers prepared from amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxanes and polydimethyl-methyl-phenyl-siloxane-copolymers.

PubMed

Riehle, Natascha; Götz, Tobias; Kandelbauer, Andreas; Tovar, Günter E M; Lorenz, Günter

2018-06-01

This article contains data on the synthesis and mechanical characterization of polysiloxane-based urea-elastomers (PSUs) and is related to the research article entitled "Influence of PDMS molecular weight on transparency and mechanical properties of soft polysiloxane-urea-elastomers for intraocular lens application" (Riehle et al., 2018) [1]. These elastomers were prepared by a two-step polyaddition using the aliphatic diisocyanate 4,4'-Methylenbis(cyclohexylisocyanate) (H 12 MDI), a siloxane-based chain extender 1,3-Bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (APTMDS) and amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) or polydimethyl-methyl-phenyl-siloxane-copolymers (PDMS-Me,Ph), respectively. (More details about the synthesis procedure and the reaction scheme can be found in the related research article (Riehle et al., 2018) [1]). Amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxanes with varying molecular weights and PDMS-Me,Ph-copolymers were prepared prior by a base-catalyzed ring-chain equilibration of a cyclic siloxane and the endblocker APTMDS. This DiB article contains a procedure for the synthesis of the base catalyst tetramethylammonium-3-aminopropyl-dimethylsilanolate and a generic synthesis procedure for the preparation of a PDMS having a targeted number average molecular weight M ¯ n of 3000 g mol -1 . Molecular weights and the amount of methyl-phenyl-siloxane within the polysiloxane-copolymers were determined by 1 H NMR and 29 Si NMR spectroscopy. The corresponding NMR spectra and data are described in this article. Additionally, this DiB article contains processed data on in line and off line FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, which was used to follow the reaction progress of the polyaddition by showing the conversion of the diisocyanate. All relevant IR band assignments of a polydimethylsiloxane-urea spectrum are described in this article. Finally, data on the tensile properties and the mechanical hysteresis-behaviour at 100% elongation of PDMS-based polyurea-elastomers are shown in dependence to the PDMS molecular weight.

The emerging physiological roles of the SLC14A family of urea transporters

PubMed Central

Stewart, Gavin

2011-01-01

In mammals, urea is the main nitrogenous breakdown product of protein catabolism and is produced in the liver. In certain tissues, the movement of urea across cell membranes is specifically mediated by a group of proteins known as the SLC14A family of facilitative urea transporters. These proteins are derived from two distinct genes, UT-A (SLC14A2) and UT-B (SLC14A1). Facilitative urea transporters play an important role in two major physiological processes – urinary concentration and urea nitrogen salvaging. Although UT-A and UT-B transporters both have a similar basic structure and mediate the transport of urea in a facilitative manner, there are a number of significant differences between them. UT-A transporters are mainly found in the kidney, are highly specific for urea, have relatively lower transport rates and are highly regulated at both gene expression and cellular localization levels. In contrast, UT-B transporters are more widespread in their tissue location, transport both urea and water, have a relatively high transport rate, are inhibited by mercurial compounds and currently appear to be less acutely regulated. This review details the fundamental research that has so far been performed to investigate the function and physiological significance of these two types of urea transporters. PMID:21449978

Effects of dicyandiamide and acetylene on N2O emissions and ammonia oxidizers in a fluvo-aquic soil applied with urea.

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Zhang, Li-Mei; Shen, Ju-Pei; Du, Shuai; Han, Li-Li; He, Ji-Zheng

2016-11-01

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are crucial for N 2 O emission as they carry out the key step of nitrification. Dicyandiamide (DCD) and acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) are typical nitrification inhibitors (NIs), while the comparative effects of these NIs on N 2 O production and ammonia oxidizers' (AOB and AOA) growth are unclear. Four treatments including a control, urea, urea + DCD, and urea + C 2 H 2 were set up to investigate their effect of inhibiting soil nitrification, nitrification-related N 2 O emission as well as the growth of ammonia oxidizers with a fluvo-aquic soil using microcosms for 28 days. N 2 O emission and net nitrification rate increased after the application of urea, but were significantly restrained in urea + NI treatments, while C 2 H 2 was more effective in reducing N 2 O emission and nitrification rate than DCD. The abundance of AOB, which was significantly correlated with N 2 O emission and net nitrification rate, was more inhibited by C 2 H 2 than DCD. Furthermore, the application of urea in all the soils had little impact on the AOA community, while obvious shifts of AOB community structure were found compared with the control. All AOB sequences fell within Nitrosospira cluster 3, and the AOA community was clustered to group 1.1b. Collectively, it indicated that application of urea combined with NIs (DCD or C 2 H 2 ) could potentially alter N 2 O emission, mainly through regulating the growth of AOB but not AOA in this fluvo-aquic soil.

Urea tolerance of myofibrillar proteins of two elasmobranchs: Squalus acanthias and Raja tengu.

PubMed

Hasnain, A; Yasui, T

1986-09-01

Some biochemical properties of actomyosin and myosin from elasmobranchs, Squalus acanthias and Raja tengu are compared with those of a freshwater (Cyprinus carpio) and a marine teleost (Seriola quinquiradiata). Whereas Ca2+-ATPase of teleost actomyosins are more stable in the absence of urea, the reverse is true for elasmobranchs up to 1.0 M urea. In contrast to that of teleosts, the Mg2+-ATPase of S. acanthias actomyosin shows an activation in the presence of urea, where as that of R. tengu persists. Below 1.0 M urea, there is low incorporation of DTNB into thiols of elasmobranch myosins, and losses in alpha-helicity are reversible up to 5.0 M urea. The results, thus, demonstrate that for a certain concentration of urea, elasmobranch myofibrillar proteins may exhibit a group specific tolerance to urea.

On the discovery of UREA. Identification, synthesis and observations that let to establishing the first uraemic retention solute.

PubMed

Duranton, Flore; Jankowski, Joachim; Więcek, Andrzej; Argilés, Àngel

2016-02-01

Jean Batiste von Helmont (1577-1644) described a salt that "never occurs outside man's body". The substance was further characterized by Hermann Boerhaave from Leiden (1688-1738) in Elementa Chemiae where he described the whole procedure for isolating it from urine of healthy persons. The French scientists Fourcroy and Vauquelin, in 1808, named it "ure" whereas Jean-Etienne Brard from Montpellier established its chemical composition in 1817. The synthesis of urea was accomplished by Friedrich Whler (the first organic substance to be synthesized). Finally in 1851 Friedrich Th. von Frerichs introduced the term "Uraemia".

Remendable Polymeric Materials Using Reversible Covalent Bonds

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

Synthesis and characterization of melamine - urea - formaldehyde microcapsules containing ENB-based self-healing agents. International Conference on Smart...R. Wang, X. He, W. Liu, and H. Hao, 2007: Preparation and characterization of self-healing poly ( urea - formaldehyde ) microcapsules. International...captured much attention. In one method, polymer networks are made to self-heal by adding particles filled with uncured resin . The resin held

Heat stability of cured urea-formaldehyde resins by measuring formaldehyde emission

Treesearch

Shin-ichiro Tohmura; Chung-Yun Hse; Mitsuo Higuchi

1999-01-01

A test method for measuring formaldehyde from urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins at high tempera­tures was developed and used to assess the influence of the reaction pH at synthesis on the formaldehyde emission during cure and heat stability of the cured resins without water. Additionally, 13C-CP/MAS solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)...

Limiting the testing of urea: Urea along with every plasma creatinine test?

PubMed

Zhang, Gao-Ming; Guo, Xu-Xiao; Zhang, Guo-Ming

2017-09-01

We found that it is not necessary to simultaneously detect both creatinine (CREA) and urea until the concentration of CREA is lower than the certain level. To reduce urea testing, we suggest measuring urea only when CREA or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exceeds a predetermined limit. CREA and urea data were analyzed consisting of almost all of people age above 65 years old check-up (n=95441) in Shuyang countryside, and inpatients (n=101631), outpatients (n=18474) and Routine Health Check-up (n=20509) in Shuyang People's Hospital. The proportions of elevated urea were derived. The data used in this study was generated from people more than 13 years old in both outpatients and inpatients. When the limits for initiating urea testing were used at 85 μmol/L CREA and 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR, the percentage of unnecessary urea test are 94.5% and 64.7% (elderly health check-up), 67.9% and 84.5% (outpatients), 88.5% and 73.2% (inpatients), 92.2% and 81.7% (routine health check-up). The missing rate of urea are 1%, 2.5%, 4.6% and 9.2%, 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.9% and 1.8%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.4%, and 2.5%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 1.1%, and 0.8% of ureas exceeding 9.28 mmol/L and 8.3 mmol/L in above each group, respectively. If the CREA≤85 μmol/L or eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , there is 97.5% urea <10.1 mmol/L, the proportion of elevated urea missed is 2.5%. We suggest that the initiating urea testing should be based on the upper limit of Reference Intervals serum CREA of females or a 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR limit. Conservatively, the urea testing would be reduced by 65% at least. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Microbial Interaction on Urea Metabolism in Chinese Liquor Fermentation.

PubMed

Wu, Qun; Lin, Jianchun; Cui, Kaixiang; Du, Rubin; Zhu, Yang; Xu, Yan

2017-12-20

Urea is the primary precursor of the carcinogen ethyl carbamate in fermented foods. Understanding urea metabolism is important for controlling ethyl carbamate production. Using Chinese liquor as a model system, we used metatranscriptome analysis to investigate urea metabolism in spontaneous food fermentation processes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was dominant in gene transcription for urea biosynthesis and degradation. Lysinibacillus sphaericus was dominant for urea degradation. S. cerevisiae degraded 18% and L. sphaericus degraded 13% of urea in their corresponding single cultures, whereas they degraded 56% of urea in coculture after 12 h. Compared to single cultures, transcription of CAR1, DAL2, and argA, which are related to urea biosynthesis, decreased by 51, 36, and 69% in coculture, respectively. Transcription of DUR1 and ureA, which are related to urea degradation, increased by 227 and 70%, respectively. Thus, coexistence of the two strains promoted degradation of urea via transcriptional regulation of genes related to urea metabolism.

Effect of rumen-degradable intake protein supplementation on urea kinetics and microbial use of recycled urea in steers consuming low-quality forage.

PubMed

Wickersham, T A; Titgemeyer, E C; Cochran, R C; Wickersham, E E; Gnad, D P

2008-11-01

We evaluated the effect of increasing amounts of rumen-degradable intake protein (DIP) on urea kinetics in steers consuming prairie hay. Ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers (278 kg of BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square and provided ad libitum access to low-quality prairie hay (4.9% CP). The DIP was provided as casein dosed ruminally once daily in amounts of 0, 59, 118, and 177 mg of N/kg of BW daily. Periods were 13 d long, with 7 d for adaptation and 6 d for collection. Steers were in metabolism crates for total collection of urine and feces. Jugular infusion of (15)N(15)N-urea, followed by determination of urinary enrichment of (15)N(15)N-urea and (14)N(15)N-urea was used to determine urea kinetics. Forage and N intake increased (linear, P < 0.001) with increasing DIP. Retention of N was negative (-2.7 g/d) for steers receiving no DIP and increased linearly (P < 0.001; 11.7, 23.0, and 35.2 g/d for 59, 118, and 177 mg of N/kg of BW daily) with DIP. Urea synthesis was 19.9, 24.8, 42.9, and 50.9 g of urea-N/d for 0, 59, 118, and 177 mg of N/kg of BW daily (linear, P = 0.004). Entry of urea into the gut was 98.9, 98.8, 98.6, and 95.9% of production for 0, 59, 118, and 177 mg of N/kg of BW daily, respectively (quadratic, P = 0.003). The amount of urea-N entering the gastrointestinal tract was greatest for 177 mg of N/kg of BW daily (48.6 g of urea-N/d) and decreased (linear, P = 0.005) to 42.4, 24.5, and 19.8 g of urea-N/d for 118, 59, and 0 mg of N/kg of BW daily. Microbial incorporation of recycled urea-N increased linearly (P = 0.02) from 12.3 g of N/d for 0 mg of N/kg of BW daily to 28.9 g of N/d for 177 mg of N/kg of BW daily. Provision of DIP produced the desired and previously observed increase in forage intake while also increasing N retention. The large percentage of urea synthesis that was recycled to the gut (95.9% even when steers received the greatest amount of DIP) points to the remarkable ability of cattle to conserve N when fed a low-protein diet.

Glycerol and urea can be used to increase skin permeability in reduced hydration conditions.

PubMed

Björklund, Sebastian; Engblom, Johan; Thuresson, Krister; Sparr, Emma

2013-12-18

The natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is a group of hygroscopic molecules that is naturally present in skin and protects from severe drying. Glycerol and urea are two examples of NMF components that are also used in skin care applications. In the present study, we investigate the influence of glycerol and urea on the permeability of a model drug (metronidazole, Mz) across excised pig skin membranes at different hydrating conditions. The degree of skin hydration is regulated by the gradient in water activity across the membrane, which in turn depends on the water activity of the formulation in contact with the skin membrane. Here, we determine the water activity of all formulations employed using an isothermal calorimetric method. Thus, the gradient in water activity is controlled by a novel experimental set-up with well-defined boundary conditions on both sides of the skin membrane. The results demonstrate that glycerol and urea can retain high steady state flux of Mz across skin membranes at dehydrating conditions, which otherwise would decrease the permeability due to dehydration. X-ray diffraction measurements are performed to give insight into the effects of glycerol and urea on SC molecular organization. The novel steady state flux results can be related to the observation that water, glycerol, and urea all affect the structural features of the SC molecular components in a similar manner. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Urea controlled hydrothermal synthesis of ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide rods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fang; Zhu, Jianfeng; Liu, Hui

2018-03-01

In this study, ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (AACH) rods were controllably prepared using the hydrothermal method by manipulating the amount of urea in the reaction system. The experimental results showed that AACH in rod shape was able to be gradually transformed from γ-AlOOH in cluster shape during the molar ratios of urea to Al in the reactants were ranged from 8 to 10, and the yield of AACH has increased accordingly. When the molar ratio of urea to Al reaches 11, pure AACH rods with a diameter of 500 nm and a length of 10 μm approximately was able to be produced. Due to the slow decomposition of urea during the hydrothermal reaction, the nucleation and growth of AACH crystal proceed step by step. Therefore, the crystal can fully grow on each crystal plane and eventually produce a highly crystalline rod-shaped product. The role of urea in controlling the morphology and yield of AACH was also discussed in this paper systematically.

Superabsorbent nanocomposite synthesis of cellulose from rice husk grafted poly(acrylate acid-co-acrylamide)/bentonite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helmiyati; Abbas, G. H.; Kurniawan, S.

2017-04-01

Superabsorbent nanocomposite synthesis of cellulose rice husk as the backbone with free radical polymerization method in copolymerization grafted with acrylic acid and acrylamide monomer. The cellulose was isolated from rice husk with mixture of toluene and ethanol and then hemicellulose and lignin were removed by using potassium hydroxide 4% and hydrogen peroxide 2%. The obtained cellulose rendement was 37.85%. The functional group of lignin analyzed by FTIR spectra was disappeared at wavenumber 1724 cm-1. Crystal size of the obtained isolated cellulose analyzed by XRD diffraction pattern was 34.6 nm, indicated the nanocrystal structure. Copolymerization was performed at temperature of 70°C with flow nitrogen gas. Initiator and crosslinking agent used were potassium persulfate and N‧N-methylene-bis-acrylamide. The swelling capacity of water and urea showed the results was quite satisfactory, the maximum swelling capacity in urea and water were 611.700 g/g and 451.303 g/g, respectively, and can be applied in agriculture to absorb water and urea fertilizer.

Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Nanoporous Carbon for Electrochemical Energy Storage.

PubMed

Schneidermann, Christina; Jäckel, Nicolas; Oswald, Steffen; Giebeler, Lars; Presser, Volker; Borchardt, Lars

2017-06-09

Nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbons were synthesized by a solvent-free mechanochemically induced one-pot synthesis. This facile approach involves the mechanochemical treatment and carbonization of three solid materials: potassium carbonate, urea, and lignin, which is a waste product from pulp industry. The resulting nitrogen-doped porous carbons offer a very high specific surface area up to 3000 m 2  g -1 and large pore volume up to 2 cm 3  g -1 . The mechanochemical reaction and the impact of activation and functionalization are investigated by nitrogen and water physisorption and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our N-doped carbons are highly suitable for electrochemical energy storage as supercapacitor electrodes, showing high specific capacitances in aqueous 1 m Li 2 SO 4 electrolyte (177 F g -1 ), organic 1 m tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile (147 F g -1 ), and an ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate; 192 F g -1 ). This new mechanochemical pathway synergistically combines attractive energy-storage ratings with a scalable, time-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally favorable synthesis. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis and characterization of segmented poly(esterurethane urea) elastomers for bone tissue engineering

PubMed Central

Kavlock, Katherine D.; Pechar, Todd W.; Hollinger, Jeffrey O.; Guelcher, Scott A.; Goldstein, Aaron S.

2007-01-01

Segmented polyurethanes have been used extensively in implantable medical devices, but their tunable mechanical properties make them attractive for examining the effect of biomaterial modulus on engineered musculoskeletal tissue development. In this study a family of segmented degradable poly(esterurethane urea)s (PEUURs) were synthesized from 1,4-diisocyanatobutane, a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) macrodiol soft segment and a tyramine-1,4-diisocyanatobutane-tyramine chain extender. By systematically increasing the PCL macrodiol molecular weight from 1100 to 2700 Da, the storage modulus, crystallinity and melting point of the PCL segment were systematically varied. In particular, the melting temperature, Tm, increased from 21 to 61°C and the storage modulus at 37°C increased from 52 to 278 MPa with increasing PCL macrodiol molecular weight, suggesting that the crystallinity of the PCL macrodiol contributed significantly to the mechanical properties of the polymers. Bone marrow stromal cells were cultured on rigid polymer films under osteogenic conditions for up to 14 days. Cell density, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteopontin and osteocalcin expression were similar among PEUURs and comparable to poly(D,L-lactic-coglycolic acid). This study demonstrates the suitability of this family of PEUURs for tissue engineering applications, and establishes a foundation for determining the effect of biomaterial modulus on bone tissue development. PMID:17418651

A solid phase honey-like channel method for synthesizing urea-ammonium chloride cocrystals on industrial scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Bingchun; Mao, Meiling; Liu, Yanhong; Guo, Jinyu; Li, Jing; Liu, Erbao

2016-05-01

Unanticipated a new and simple urea-ammonium chloride cocrystal synthesis method on industrial scale was found during attempts to produce a kind of granulated compound fertilizer. The aggregation of fertilizer powder can make the interaction among particles from loose to close, which generate mechanical pressure and in turn act as the driving force to benefit cocrystal growth. Additionally, the honeycomb-like channels constructed by other coexisting compound make the water evaporates more moderate, which can help the formation of supersaturated solution at suitable rate, further promote the growth of cocrystal. This approach possibly opens a new route toward the developing methodologies for cocrystal synthesis.

Merging C-H activation and alkene difunctionalization at room temperature: a palladium-catalyzed divergent synthesis of indoles and indolines.

PubMed

Manna, Manash Kumar; Hossian, Asik; Jana, Ranjan

2015-02-06

A palladium-catalyzed 1,2-carboamination through C-H activation at room temperature is reported for the synthesis of 2-arylindoles, and indolines from readily available, inexpensive aryl ureas and vinyl arenes. The reaction initiates with a urea-directed electrophilic ortho palladation, alkene insertion, and β-hydride elimination sequences to provide the Fujiwara-Moritani arylation product. Subsequently, aza-Wacker cyclization, and β-hydride elimination provide the 2-arylindoles in high yields. Intercepting the common σ-alkyl-Pd intermediate, corresponding indolines are also achieved. The indoline formation is attributed to the generation of stabilized, cationic π-benzyl-Pd species to suppress β-hydride elimination.

Ultraviolet-gas phase and -photocatalytic synthesis from CO and NH3. [photolysis products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hubbard, J. S.; Voecks, G. E.; Hobby, G. L.; Ferris, J. P.; Williams, E. A.; Nicodem, D. E.

1975-01-01

Ammonium cyanate is identified as the major product of the photolysis of gaseous NH3-CO mixtures at 206.2 or 184.9 nm. Lesser amounts of urea, biurea, biuret semicarbazide, formamide and cyanide are observed. A series of 18 reactions underlying the formation of photolysis products is presented and discussed. Photocatalytic syntheses of C-14-urea, -formamide, and -formaldehyde are carried out through irradiation of (C-14)O and NH3 in the presence of Vycor, silica gel, or volcanic ash shale surfaces. The possible contributions of the relevant reactions to the abiotic synthesis of organic nitrogen compounds on Mars, the primitive earth, and in interstellar space are examined.

Nucleation-dependant chemical bonding paradigm: the effect of rare earth ions on the nucleation of urea in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoyan; Sun, Congting; Wu, Sixin; Xue, Dongfeng

2017-03-29

Rare earth ions can be used to construct a variety of novel structures and are favorable to chemical bonding regulation and design. In this study, the chemical bonding paradigm between rare earth ions (Ln 3+ ) and urea molecules in an aqueous solution can be tracked by the evolution of C[double bond, length as m-dash]O, NH 2 , and CN vibration bands during the urea nucleation stage. Rare earth ions such as La 3+ , Gd 3+ , and Lu 3+ can manipulate the nucleation time of urea via regulating the nucleation-dependant N-C[double bond, length as m-dash]OH-N hydrogen-bonding between urea molecules. Two types of chemical bondings between Ln 3+ and urea molecules have been confirmed, which are Ln 3+ O[double bond, length as m-dash]C-N and Ln 3+ NH 2 -C. Compared with Ln 3+ NH 2 -C, Ln 3+ prefers to coordinate with the O[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond in urea. With a higher concentration of rare earth ions in the solution, some N-C[double bond, length as m-dash]OH-N hydrogen bonds are broken as a consequence of the incorporation of Ln 3+ into the lattice, resulting in the decreased symmetry of local urea molecules in the crystalline nuclei and the consequent Ln 3+ concentration-dependent nucleation time of urea. Moreover, using the ionic electronegativity scale of Ln 3+ , the different effects of La 3+ , Gd 3+ , and Lu 3+ on urea nucleation can be further distinguished. The present study provides basic data for unrevealing the chemical bonding regulation role of rare earth ions in the formation of hydrogen bonded materials, which may give insight into the design and fabrication of novel materials utilizing rare earth ions to adjust the chemical bonding process.

A novel protocol for solvent-free synthesis of 4,6-diaryl-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-ones catalyzed by metal oxide-MWCNTs nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safari, Javad; Gandomi-Ravandi, Soheila

2014-09-01

A Biginelli-like condensation is described using acetophenone as active methylene compound with aldehydes and urea to furnish pyrimidinone analogues under solvent-free conditions. In this paper, besides the preparation of nanocomposites based on MWCNTs, our investigations have been focused on the catalytic efficiency of metal oxide-MWCNTs composites. The requisites of a good catalyst are high activity, selectivity, reusability, reasonable cost and long lifetime. The application of solvent-free conditions and transition metal oxides decorated-MWCNTs (MOx-MWCNTs) nanocomposites as attractive, effective and reusable catalysts leads to the efficient synthesis of 4,6-diaryl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones. This recyclable heterogeneous catalytic system provides a simple strategy to generate a variety of pyrimidinones under solvent-free conditions. Utilization of easy reaction condition, recyclable green catalyst, reduced environmental impacts and simple work-up make this methodology as an interesting option for the eco-friendly synthesis of Biginelli-like compounds.

Rapid hydrothermal flow synthesis and characterisation of carbonate- and silicate-substituted calcium phosphates

PubMed Central

Knowles, Jonathan C; Rehman, Ihtesham; Darr, Jawwad A

2013-01-01

A range of crystalline and nano-sized carbonate- and silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite has been successfully produced by using continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis technology. Ion-substituted calcium phosphates are better candidates for bone replacement applications (due to improved bioactivity) as compared to phase-pure hydroxyapatite. Urea was used as a carbonate source for synthesising phase pure carbonated hydroxyapatite (CO3-HA) with ≈5 wt% substituted carbonate content (sample 7.5CO3-HA) and it was found that a further increase in urea concentration in solution resulted in biphasic mixtures of carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the particle size of hydroxyapatite decreased with increasing urea concentration. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy result revealed a calcium deficient apatite with Ca:P molar ratio of 1.45 (±0.04) in sample 7.5CO3-HA. For silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite (SiO4-HA) silicon acetate was used as a silicate ion source. It was observed that a substitution threshold of ∼1.1 wt% exists for synthesis of SiO4-HA in the continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis system, which could be due to the decreasing yields with progressive increase in silicon acetate concentration. All the as-precipitated powders (without any additional heat treatments) were analysed using techniques including Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Differential scanning calorimetry, Thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. PMID:22983020

Direct hydrothermal growth of GDC nanorods for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Soonwook; Lee, Dohaeng; Yang, Hwichul; Kim, Young-Beom

2018-06-01

We report a novel synthesis technique of gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) nano-rod (NRs) via direct hydrothermal process to enhance performance of low temperature solid oxide fuel cell by increasing active reaction area and ionic conductivity at interface between cathode and electrolyte. The cerium nitrate hexahydrate, gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate and urea were used to synthesis GDC NRs for growth on diverse substrate. The directly grown GDC NRs on substrate had a width from 819 to 490 nm and height about 2200 nm with a varied urea concentration. Under the optimized urea concentration of 40 mMol, we confirmed that GDC NRs able to fully cover the substrate by enlarging active reaction area. To maximize ionic conductivity of GDC NRs, we synthesis varied GDC NRs with different ratio of gadolinium and cerium precursor. Electrochemical analysis revealed a significant enhanced performance of fuel cells applying synthesized GDC NRs with a ratio of 2:8 gadolinium and cerium precursor by reducing polarization resistance, which was chiefly attributed to the enlarged active reaction area and enhanced ionic conductivity of GDC NRs. This method of direct hydrothermal growth of GDC NRs enhancing fuel cell performance was considered to apply other types of catalyzing application using nano-structure such as gas sensing and electrolysis fields.

Urea-assisted low temperature green synthesis of graphene nanosheets for transparent conducting film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamoli, Pankaj; Das, Malay K.; Kar, Kamal K.

2018-02-01

Present work demonstrates the fabrication of graphene nanosheet (GN) based transparent conducting film (TCF) using spray coating. Green synthesis of GN is carried out by reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using urea as green reducing agent. The reductive ability of urea with varied concentration is studied for GO at low temperature (i.e., 90 °C). As synthesized graphene nanosheets (GNs) are characterized by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X-ray Photon spectroscopy (XPS). Raman analysis confirms that the maximum reduction of oxygen species is noticed using 30 mg/ml urea concentration at 90 °C from GO, and found Raman D to G band ratio (ID/IG) of ∼1.30. XPS analysis validates the Raman signature of removal of oxygen functional groups from GO, and obtained C/O ratio of ∼5.28. Further, transparent conducting films (TCFs) are fabricated using synthesized GNs. Thermal graphitization is carried out to enhance the optical and electrical properties of TCFs. TCF shows best performance when it is annealed at 900 °C for 1 h in vacuum, and obtained sheet resistance is ∼1.89 kΩ/□ with transmittance of ∼62.53%.

An Integrated Multi-Omics Study Revealed Metabolic Alterations Underlying the Effects of Coffee Consumption

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Shoko; Saito, Kenji; Jia, Huijuan; Kato, Hisanori

2014-01-01

Many epidemiological studies have indicated that coffee consumption may reduce the risks of developing obesity and diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms of these effects are poorly understood. Our previous study revealed the changes on gene expression profiles in the livers of C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet containing three types of coffee (caffeinated, decaffeinated and green unroasted coffee), using DNA microarrays. The results revealed remarkable alterations in lipid metabolism-related molecules which may be involved in the anti-obesity effects of coffee. We conducted the present study to further elucidate the metabolic alterations underlying the effects of coffee consumption through comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic analyses. Proteomics revealed an up-regulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (a key enzyme in the TCA cycle) and its related proteins, suggesting increased energy generation. The metabolomics showed an up-regulation of metabolites involved in the urea cycle, with which the transcriptome data were highly consistent, indicating accelerated energy expenditure. The TCA cycle and the urea cycle are likely be accelerated in a concerted manner, since they are directly connected by mutually providing each other's intermediates. The up-regulation of these pathways might result in a metabolic shift causing increased ATP turnover, which is related to the alterations of lipid metabolism. This mechanism may play an important part in the suppressive effects of coffee consumption on obesity, inflammation, and hepatosteatosis. This study newly revealed global metabolic alterations induced by coffee intake, providing significant insights into the association between coffee intake and the prevention of type 2 diabetes, utilizing the benefits of multi-omics analyses. PMID:24618914

GC/MS-based metabolomic studies reveal key roles of glycine in regulating silk synthesis in silkworm, Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Chen, Quanmei; Liu, Xinyu; Zhao, Ping; Sun, Yanhui; Zhao, Xinjie; Xiong, Ying; Xu, Guowang; Xia, Qingyou

2015-02-01

Metabolic profiling of silkworm, especially the factors that affect silk synthesis at the metabolic level, is little known. Herein, metabolomic method based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to identify key metabolic changes in silk synthesis deficient silkworms. Forty-six differential metabolites were identified in Nd group with the defect of silk synthesis. Significant changes in the levels of glycine and uric acid (up-regulation), carbohydrates and free fatty acids (down-regulation) were observed. The further metabolomics of silk synthesis deficient silkworms by decreasing silk proteins synthesis using knocking out fibroin heavy chain gene or extirpating silk glands operation showed that the changes of the metabolites were almost consistent with those of the Nd group. Furthermore, the increased silk yields by supplying more glycine or its related metabolite confirmed that glycine is a key metabolite to regulate silk synthesis. These findings provide important insights into the regulation between metabolic profiling and silk synthesis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modulation of cadmium-induced phytotoxicity in Cabomba caroliniana by urea involves photosynthetic metabolism and antioxidant status.

PubMed

Huang, Wenmin; Shao, Hui; Zhou, Sining; Zhou, Qin; Li, Wei; Xing, Wei

2017-10-01

Urea is a widespread organic pollutant, which can be a nitrogen source, playing different roles in the growth of submerged macrophytes depending on concentrations, while high cadmium (Cd) concentrations are often toxic to macrophytes. In order to evaluate the combined effect of urea and Cd on a submerged macrophyte, Cabomba caroliniana, the morphological and physiological responses of C. caroliniana in the presence of urea and Cd were studied. The results showed that high concentrations of urea (400mgL -1 ) and Cd (500µmolL -1 ) had negative effects on C. caroliniana. There were strong visible symptoms of toxicity after 4 days of exposure under Cd-alone, 400mgL -1 urea, and Cd+400mgL -1 urea treatments. In addition, 400mgL -1 urea and Cd had adverse effects on C. caroliniana's pigment system. Significant losses in chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic rates, as well as Rubisco activity were also observed under Cd-alone, 400mgL -1 urea, and Cd+400mgL -1 urea treatments. 400mgL -1 urea markedly enhanced Cd toxicity in C. caroliniana, reflected by a sharp decrease in photosynthetic activity and more visible toxicity symptoms. The results of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) pointed to extreme oxidative stress in C. caroliniana induced under Cd or 400mgL -1 urea exposure. Exogenous ascorbate (AsA) protected C. caroliniana from adverse damage in 400mgL -1 urea, which further corroborated the oxidative stress claim under 400mgL -1 urea. However, results also demonstrated that lower urea concentration (10mgL -1 ) alleviated Cd-induced phytotoxicity by stimulating chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic activity, as well as activating the activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), which may explain the alleviating effect of urea on C. caroliniana under Cd stress. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of the utilization of dietary arginine for nitric oxide and urea synthesis: insight into the arginine-nitric oxide metabolic system in humans.

PubMed

Mariotti, François; Petzke, Klaus J; Bonnet, Damien; Szezepanski, Isabelle; Bos, Cécile; Huneau, Jean-François; Fouillet, Hélène

2013-05-01

The systemic availability of oral/dietary arginine and its utilization for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis remains unknown and may be related to a competitive hydrolysis of arginine into urea in the splanchnic area and systemic circulation. We investigated the kinetics and dose-dependency of dietary arginine utilization for NO compared with urea synthesis and studied the characteristics of the arginine-NO metabolic system in healthy humans. We traced the metabolic fate and analyzed the utilization dynamics of dietary arginine after its ingestion at 2 nutritional amounts in healthy humans (n = 9) in a crossover design by using [(15)N-(15)N-(guanido)]-arginine, isotope ratio mass spectrometry techniques, and data analysis with a compartmental modeling approach. Whatever the amount of dietary arginine, 60 ± 3% (±SEM) was converted to urea, with kinetics indicative of a first-pass splanchnic phenomenon. Despite this dramatic extraction, intact dietary arginine made a major contribution to the postprandial increase in plasma arginine. However, the model identified that the plasma compartment was a very minor (~2%) precursor for the conversion of dietary arginine into NO, which, in any case, was small (<0.1% of the dose). The whole-body and plasma kinetics of arginine metabolism were consistent with the suggested competitive metabolism by the arginase and NO synthase pathways. The conversion of oral/dietary arginine into NO is not limited by the systemic availability of arginine but by a tight metabolic compartmentation at the systemic level. We propose an organization of the arginine metabolic system that explains the daily maintenance of NO homeostasis in healthy humans.

Leptin and leucine synergistically regulate protein metabolism in C2C12 myotubes and mouse skeletal muscles.

PubMed

Mao, Xiangbing; Zeng, Xiangfang; Huang, Zhimin; Wang, Junjun; Qiao, Shiyan

2013-07-28

Leucine and leptin play important roles in regulating protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscles in vitro and in vivo. However, the objective of the present study was to determine whether leptin and leucine function synergistically in regulating protein metabolism of skeletal muscles. In the in vitro experiment, C2C12 myotubes were cultured for 2 h in the presence of 5 mm-leucine and/or 50 ng/ml of leptin. In the in vivo experiment, C57BL/6 and ob/ob mice were randomly assigned to be fed a non-purified diet supplemented with 3 % L-leucine or 2·04 % L-alanine (isonitrogenous control) for 14 d. Ob/ob mice were injected intraperitoneally with sterile PBS or recombinant mouse leptin (0·1 μg/g body weight) for 14 d. In C57BL/6 mice, dietary leucine supplementation increased (P< 0·05) plasma leptin, leptin receptor expression and protein synthesis in skeletal muscles, but reduced (P< 0·05) plasma urea and protein degradation in skeletal muscles. Dietary leucine supplementation and leptin injection increased the relative weight of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in ob/ob mice. Moreover, leucine and leptin treatments stimulated (P< 0·05) protein synthesis and inhibited (P< 0·05) protein degradation in C2C12 myotubes and skeletal muscles of ob/ob mice. There were interactions (P< 0·05) between the leucine and leptin treatments with regard to protein metabolism in C2C12 myotubes and soleus muscles of ob/ob mice but not in the gastrocnemius muscles of ob/ob mice. Collectively, these results suggest that leptin and leucine synergistically regulate protein metabolism in skeletal muscles both in vitro and in vivo.

Ornithine transcarbamylase and arginase I deficiency are responsible for diminished urea cycle function in the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2.

PubMed

Mavri-Damelin, Demetra; Eaton, Simon; Damelin, Leonard H; Rees, Myrddin; Hodgson, Humphrey J F; Selden, Clare

2007-01-01

A possible cell source for a bio-artificial liver is the human hepatblastoma-derived cell line HepG2 as it confers many hepatocyte functions, however, the urea cycle is not maintained resulting in the lack of ammonia detoxification via this cycle. We investigated urea cycle activity in HepG2 cells at both a molecular and biochemical level to determine the causes for the lack of urea cycle expression, and subsequently addressed reinstatement of the cycle by gene transfer. Metabolic labelling studies showed that urea production from 15N-ammonium chloride was not detectable in HepG2 conditioned medium, nor could 14C-labelled urea cycle intermediates be detected. Gene expression data from HepG2 cells revealed that although expression of three urea cycle genes Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthase I, Arginosuccinate Synthetase and Arginosuccinate Lyase was evident, Ornithine Transcarbamylase and Arginase I expression were completely absent. These results were confirmed by Western blot for arginase I, where no protein was detected. Radiolabelled enzyme assays showed that Ornithine Transcarbamylase functional activity was missing but that Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthase I, Arginosuccinate Synthetase and Arginosuccinate Lyase were functionally expressed at levels comparable to cultured primary human hepatocytes. To restore the urea cycle, HepG2 cells were transfected with full length Ornithine Transcarbamylase and Arginase I cDNA constructs under a CMV promoter. Co-transfected HepG2 cells displayed complete urea cycle activity, producing both labelled urea and urea cycle intermediates. This strategy could provide a cell source capable of urea synthesis, and hence ammonia detoxificatory function, which would be useful in a bio-artificial liver.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of di-aryl urea derivatives as c-Kit inhibitors.

PubMed

Ravez, Séverine; Arsenlis, Stéphane; Barczyk, Amélie; Dupont, Anthony; Frédérick, Raphaël; Hesse, Stéphanie; Kirsch, Gilbert; Depreux, Patrick; Goossens, Laurence

2015-11-15

Inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) continued to be a successful approach for the treatment of many types of human cancers and many potent small molecules kinase inhibitors have been discovered the last decade. In the present study, we describe the synthesis of thienopyrimidine derivatives and their pharmacological evaluation against nine kinases (EGFR, PDGFR-ß, c-Kit, c-Met, Src, Raf, VEGFR-1, -2 and -3). Most of the synthesized compounds showed from moderate to potent activities against c-Kit with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Among them, 4-anilino(urea)thienopyrimidine analogs showed selectivity and potent c-Kit inhibition with IC50 values less than 6 nM. Docking simulation was performed for the most promising compound 9 into the c-Kit active site to determine the potential binding mode. This study reveal that the 4-anilino(urea)thienopyrimidine is an interesting scaffold to design novel potent and selective c-Kit inhibitors which may make promising candidates for cancers where c-Kit receptors are overexpressed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of nitrogen nutrients on the volatile organic compound emissions from Microcystis aeruginosa.

PubMed

Zuo, Zhaojiang; Yang, Lin; Chen, Silan; Ye, Chaolin; Han, Yujie; Wang, Sutong; Ma, Yuandan

2018-06-06

Cyanobacteria release abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can poison other algae and cause water odor. To uncover the effects of nitrogen (N) nutrients on the formation of cyanobacteria VOCs, the cell growth, VOC emission and the expression of genes involving in VOC formation in Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated under different N conditions. With the supplement of NaNO 3 , NaNO 2 , NH 4 Cl, urea, Serine (Ser) and Arginine (Arg) as the sole N source, NaNO 3 , urea and Arg showed the best effects on M. aeruginosa cell growth, and limited N supply inhibited the cell growth. M. aeruginosa released 26, 25, 23, 27, 23 and 25 compounds, respectively, in response to different N forms, including furans, sulfocompounds, terpenoids, benzenes, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and esters. Low-N especially Non-N condition markedly promoted the VOC emission. Under Non-N condition, four up-regulated genes involving in VOC precursor formation were identified, including the genes of pyruvate kinase, malic enzyme and phosphotransacetylase for terpenoids, the gene of aspartate aminotransferase for benzenes and sulfocompounds. In eutrophic water, cyanobacteria release different VOC blends using various N forms, and the reduction of N amount caused by cyanobacteria massive growth can promote algal VOC emission by up-regulating the gene expression. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unique mitochondrial localization of arginase 1 and 2 in hepatocytes of air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus and their differential expression patterns under hyper-ammonia stress.

PubMed

Banerjee, Bodhisattwa; Koner, Debaprasad; Lal, Priyanka; Saha, Nirmalendu

2017-07-30

Arginase (ARG) catalyzes the final step of ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) leading to a conversion of L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea. Several isoforms of ARG have been reported in vertebrates, out of which the two predominant isoforms are the cytosolic ARG1 and the mitochondrial ARG2. The air-breathing walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is frequently being challenged by different environmental insults such as hyper-ammonia, dehydration and osmotic stresses in their natural habitats throughout the year. The present study investigated the active presence of ARG1 and ARG2 isoforms in hepatocytes along with unique localization of both the isoforms inside the mitochondria, and also their specific expression patterns under hyper-ammonia stress (5mM NH 4 Cl) in isolated hepatocytes of walking catfish. Initially, full length sequences of both arg1 and arg2 genes were obtained by RACE-PCR. Studies on molecular characterization demonstrated the presence of all the conserved amino acids required for stability and activity of binuclear metal center in both the isoforms. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences of ARG isoforms showed a differentiation of the ARG1 and ARG2 into two distinct clusters with their respective isoforms from other species. Most interestingly, both the isoforms of ARG in hepatocytes were found to be localized inside the mitochondria as evidenced by the presence of mitochondrial target peptide (mTP) in N-terminal of the derived amino acid sequences, and exclusive localization of ARG activity in the mitochondrial fraction. This was additionally confirmed by Western blot analysis of ARGs in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions, and by immunocytochemical analysis in isolated hepatocytes. Although the possible reasons associated with the presence of both the isoforms of ARGs inside the mitochondria is not clearly understood, perhaps this mitochondrial localization of ARG is functionally advantageous in this catfish for the synthesis of N-acetyl-l-glutamate, the allosteric regulator for the first OUC enzyme, the carbamoyl phosphate synthetase III, and for supplying ornithine required for citrulline synthesis intramitochondrially. Furthermore, the ammonia stress, due to exposure to high external ammonia, led to greater synthesis of urea-N probably as a consequence of induction of ureogenesis, as evidenced by a larger accumulation of urea-N in hepatocytes and higher secretion in culture media parallel to the increased concentration of ammonia-N in hepatocytes. Ammonia stress also led to specific coordinated patterns of induction of both the arg genes in isolated hepatocytes of walking catfish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of rumen butyrate in regulation of nitrogen utilization and urea nitrogen kinetics in growing sheep

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Butyrate, a major rumen VFA, has been indirectly linked to enhancement of urea recycling based on increased expression of urea transporter (UT-B) in the rumen epithelia of steers fed a rumen butyrate-enhancing diet. Two studies were conducted to quantify the effect of elevated rumen butyrate concent...

Urea-induced denaturation of human calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV: a combined spectroscopic and MD simulation studies.

PubMed

Naz, Huma; Shahbaaz, Mohd; Haque, Md Anzarul; Bisetty, Krishna; Islam, Asimul; Ahmad, Faizan; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz

2017-02-01

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) is a multifunctional enzyme which belongs to the Ser/Thr kinase family. CaMKIV plays important role in varieties of biological processes such as gene expression regulation, memory consolidation, bone growth, T-cell maturation, sperm motility, regulation of microtubule dynamics, cell-cycle progression, and apoptosis. To measure stability parameters, urea-induced denaturation of CaMKIV was carried out at pH 7.4 and 25°C, using three different probes, namely far-UV CD, near-UV absorption, and tryptophan fluorescence. A coincidence of normalized denaturation curves of these optical properties suggests that urea-induced denaturation is a two-state process. Analysis of these denaturation curves gave values of 4.20 ± 0.12 kcal mol -1 , 2.95 ± 0.15 M, and 1.42 ± 0.06 kcal mol -1  M -1 for [Formula: see text] (Gibbs free energy change (ΔG D ) in the absence of urea), C m (molar urea concentration ([urea]) at the midpoint of the denaturation curve), and m (=∂ΔG D /∂[urea]), respectively. All these experimental observations have been fully supported by 30 ns molecular dynamics simulation studies.

Na(+) regulation by combined nitrogen in Azolla pinnata-Anabaena azollae symbiotic association during salt toxicity.

PubMed

Singh, Satya S; Singh, Santosh K; Mishra, Arun K

2008-01-01

To study the regulation of Na(+) ion by combined-N sources in Azolla pinnata-Anabaena azollae, Na(+) influx, intracellular Na(+) and Na(+) efflux were investigated in the presence of different N-sources (N(2), NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-) and urea) and various NaCl concentrations. Sodium influx by Azolla pinnata fronds was minimum in the presence of NO(3)(-). Almost identical levels of intracellular sodium, although less than N(2) and NH(4)(+) incubated fronds were observed in the presence of NO(3)(-) and urea. Efflux of sodium was minimum in urea and NO(3)(-) grown fronds. A low residual sodium was observed in the fronds incubated in NO(3)(-) and urea supplemented media. Results suggest that nitrate and urea curtailed the entry of sodium, reduced salt toxicity maximally by maintaining the minimum level of sodium and also conserved energy due to slow influx and efflux of Na(+) within the fronds during salt shock and the process of adaptation.

Microarray-based gene expression profiling to elucidate effectiveness of fermented Codonopsis lanceolata in mice.

PubMed

Choi, Woon Yong; Kim, Ji Seon; Park, Sung Jin; Ma, Choong Je; Lee, Hyeon Yong

2014-04-08

In this study, the effect of Codonopsis lanceolata fermented by lactic acid on controlling gene expression levels related to obesity was observed in an oligonucleotide chip microarray. Among 8170 genes, 393 genes were up regulated and 760 genes were down regulated in feeding the fermented C. lanceolata (FCL). Another 374 genes were up regulated and 527 genes down regulated without feeding the sample. The genes were not affected by the FCL sample. It was interesting that among those genes, Chytochrome P450, Dmbt1, LOC76487, and thyroid hormones, etc., were mostly up or down regulated. These genes are more related to lipid synthesis. We could conclude that the FCL possibly controlled the gene expression levels related to lipid synthesis, which resulted in reducing obesity. However, more detailed protein expression experiments should be carried out.

Isotopic studies of urea metabolism in rabbits

PubMed Central

Regoeczi, E.; Irons, L.; Koj, A.; McFarlane, A. S.

1965-01-01

1. The half-life of [15N]urea was found to be significantly longer than that of [14C]urea injected at the same time, the differences being due to endogenous catabolism of urea, which is accompanied by little or no reutilization of 14C but is approx. 20% for 15N. [15N]Urea therefore appears to be valueless as an indicator of nitrogen metabolism unless the extents of endogenous catabolism of urea and of fractional reutilization of 15N can be separately estimated. 2. Though measurements of the radioactivity of expired 14CO2 confirmed the existence of considerable urea catabolism these could not be used for quantitative assessments. 3. Alternative graphical methods based on [14C]urea specific activities in plasma and urine samples were used to calculate the fraction of urea production that is excreted. Values by the two methods were in good agreement and showed that some animals excrete less than half the urea that they produce. 4. Specific activity differences between simultaneous samples of urinary and plasma urea reflect the presence of a pool of urea in the kidney that is not in equilibrium with the body urea pool. Calculations indicate the presence of urea in the kidney that in some cases may represent as much as 15% of the body pool, and in two animals in which post-mortem renal analyses were performed the masses of urea found agreed closely with the calculated values. 5. A model for urea metabolism is proposed that includes this pool in the excretory pathway. The related theory is shown to be adequate to explain the shape of the specific activity curves of urinary urea from the time of injection and the constant delay of the specific activity of urinary urea, relative to that of plasma urea, that is observed after a short preliminary equilibration period. 6. The body urea pool was calculated from the activity retained at 1·5hr. by excluding renal activity and the corrected specific activity of plasma urea at the same time. The urea pool was calculated to be distributed at the plasma concentration in a substantially smaller water volume than that found by injecting tritiated water in five animals. Reasons for this are discussed. 7. Urea synthesis rates calculated from the pool values are in close agreement with rates calculated from the mass of urea recovered in the urine and the fraction of newly synthesized urea that is excreted. PMID:14340103

Sol-gel synthesis of fine Gd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} particles: Influence of synthesis variables

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mahia, J.; Vazquez-Vazquez, C.; Basadre-Pampin, M.I.

1996-02-01

Fine particles of Gd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} were prepared by a sol-gel reaction of an aqueous solution of metal nitrates in the presence of urea, which leads to high-homogeneity polycrystalline powders of Gd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4}. The authors have studied the synthesis conditions, demonstrating the existence of a relationship between the calcination temperature and the heating time needed to attain the pure phase. Gd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} was obtained at temperatures of the order of 650 C, lower than temperatures employed in the conventional ceramic technique. The influence of the [urea]/[salts] ratio and an excess of Cu(II) in the starting solution was alsomore » studied and discussed. X-ray powder diffraction inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPAES), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the Gd{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} samples obtained.« less

Distributional shift of urea production site from the extraembryonic yolk sac membrane to the embryonic liver during the development of cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame).

PubMed

Takagi, Wataru; Kajimura, Makiko; Tanaka, Hironori; Hasegawa, Kumi; Ogawa, Shuntaro; Hyodo, Susumu

2017-09-01

Urea is an essential osmolyte for marine cartilaginous fishes. Adult elasmobranchs and holocephalans are known to actively produce urea in the liver, muscle and other extrahepatic organs; however, osmoregulatory mechanisms in the developing cartilaginous fish embryo with an undeveloped urea-producing organ are poorly understood. We recently described the contribution of extraembryonic yolk sac membranes (YSM) to embryonic urea synthesis during the early developmental period of the oviparous holocephalan elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii). In the present study, to test whether urea production in the YSM is a general phenomenon among oviparous Chondrichthyes, we investigated gene expression and activities of ornithine urea cycle (OUC) enzymes together with urea concentrations in embryos of the elasmobranch cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame). The intracapsular fluid, in which the catshark embryo develops, had a similar osmolality to seawater, and embryos maintained a high concentration of urea at levels similar to that of adult plasma throughout development. Relative mRNA expressions and activities of catshark OUC enzymes were significantly higher in YSM than in embryos until stage 32. Concomitant with the development of the embryonic liver, the expression levels and activities of OUC enzymes were markedly increased in the embryo from stage 33, while those of the YSM decreased from stage 32. The present study provides further evidence that the YSM contributes to embryonic urea homeostasis until the liver and other extrahepatic organs become fully functional, and that urea-producing tissue shifts from the YSM to the embryonic liver in the late developmental period of oviparous marine cartilaginous fishes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular Mechanisms of Urea Transport in Health and Disease

PubMed Central

Klein, Janet D.; Blount, Mitsi A.; Sands, Jeff M.

2012-01-01

In the late 1980s, urea permeability measurements produced values that could not be explained by paracellular transport or lipid phase diffusion. The existence of urea transport proteins were thus proposed and less than a decade later, the first urea transporter was cloned. The SLC14A family of urea transporters has two major subgroups, designated SLC14A1 (or UT-B) and Slc14A2 (or UT-A). UT-B and UT-A gene products are glycoproteins located in various extra-renal tissues however, a majority of the resulting isoforms are found in the kidney. The UT-B (Slc14A1) urea transporter was originally isolated from erythrocytes and two isoforms have been reported. In kidney, UT-B is located primarily in the descending vasa recta. The UT-A (Slc14A2) urea transporter yields 6 distinct isoforms, of which 3 are found chiefly in the kidney medulla. UT-A1 and UT-A3 are found in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), while UT-A2 is located in the thin descending limb. These transporters are crucial to the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine. The regulation of urea transporter activity in the IMCD involves acute modification through phosphorylation and subsequent movement to the plasma membrane. UT-A1 and UT-A3 accumulate in the plasma membrane in response to stimulation by vasopressin or hypertonicity. Long term regulation of the urea transporters in the IMCD involves altering protein abundance in response to changes in hydration status, low protein diets, or adrenal steroids. Urea transporters have been studied using animal models of disease including diabetes mellitus, lithium intoxication, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug responses. Exciting new genetically engineered mouse models are being developed to study these transporters. PMID:23007461

Molecular mechanisms of urea transport in health and disease.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D; Blount, Mitsi A; Sands, Jeff M

2012-12-01

In the late 1980s, urea permeability measurements produced values that could not be explained by paracellular transport or lipid phase diffusion. The existence of urea transport proteins were thus proposed and less than a decade later, the first urea transporter was cloned. The family of urea transporters has two major subgroups, designated SLC14A1 (or UT-B) and Slc14A2 (or UT-A). UT-B and UT-A gene products are glycoproteins located in various extra-renal tissues however, a majority of the resulting isoforms are found in the kidney. The UT-B (Slc14A1) urea transporter was originally isolated from erythrocytes and two isoforms have been reported. In kidney, UT-B is located primarily in the descending vasa recta. The UT-A (Slc14A2) urea transporter yields six distinct isoforms, of which three are found chiefly in the kidney medulla. UT-A1 and UT-A3 are found in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), while UT-A2 is located in the thin descending limb. These transporters are crucial to the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. The regulation of urea transporter activity in the IMCD involves acute modification through phosphorylation and subsequent movement to the plasma membrane. UT-A1 and UT-A3 accumulate in the plasma membrane in response to stimulation by vasopressin or hypertonicity. Long-term regulation of the urea transporters in the IMCD involves altering protein abundance in response to changes in hydration status, low protein diets, or adrenal steroids. Urea transporters have been studied using animal models of disease including diabetes mellitus, lithium intoxication, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug responses. Exciting new genetically engineered mouse models are being developed to study these transporters.

Urea for long-term treatment of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

PubMed Central

Decaux, G; Genette, F

1981-01-01

The efficacy of oral urea in producing a sufficiently high osmotic diuresis was tested in seven patients with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. In all patients urea corrected the hyponatraemia despite a normal fluid intake. Five patients were controlled (serum sodium concentration greater than 128 mmol(mEq)/1) with a dose of 30 g urea daily, and two with 60 g daily. The patients who needed 30 g drank 1-2 1 of fluid daily, while those who needed 60 g drank up to 3.1 per day. No major side effects were noted, even after treatment periods of up to 270 days. These findings suggest that urea is a safe and efficacious treatment of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. PMID:6794768

Urea for long-term treatment of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

PubMed

Decaux, G; Genette, F

1981-10-24

The efficacy of oral urea in producing a sufficiently high osmotic diuresis was tested in seven patients with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. In all patients urea corrected the hyponatraemia despite a normal fluid intake. Five patients were controlled (serum sodium concentration greater than 128 mmol(mEq)/1) with a dose of 30 g urea daily, and two with 60 g daily. The patients who needed 30 g drank 1-2 1 of fluid daily, while those who needed 60 g drank up to 3.1 per day. No major side effects were noted, even after treatment periods of up to 270 days. These findings suggest that urea is a safe and efficacious treatment of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

The Saga of Two Centuries of Urea: Nontoxic Toxin or Vice Versa?

PubMed

Duranton, Flore; Depner, Thomas A; Argilés, Àngel

2014-03-01

In the early 1700s, a substance ultimately identified as urea was reported for the first time in urine. About a century later, in 1828, synthesis of this organic compound was achieved, thus giving rise to modern organic chemistry. In parallel, physicians showed that urine comes from the kidneys and contains large amounts of urea, which is produced outside of the kidneys, establishing the humoral approach of renal physiology. Urea was the first uremic retention solute to be identified and it has been used as a marker of renal disease ever since. However, progress in the knowledge of urea metabolism has shown that it is susceptible to many extrarenal variations and, therefore, it cannot be a reliable marker of renal function. It reflects protein intake in the stable patient and has been used to assess nutrition and dialysis efficacy in renal patients. Although it has been studied for almost 200 years, its toxicity has been largely debated. An indirect toxicity occurring through carbamylation of lysine residues is now well established and some evidence from recent work also supports direct toxicity of urea, offering additional rationale for interventional prevention of uremic complications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma membrane transporters for arginine.

PubMed

Closs, Ellen I; Simon, Alexandra; Vékony, Nicole; Rotmann, Alexander

2004-10-01

The supply of arginine may become rate limiting for enzymatic reactions that use this semiessential amino acid as a substrate (e.g., nitric oxide, agmatine, creatine, and urea synthesis), particularly under conditions of high demand such as growth, sepsis, or wound healing. In addition, arginine acts as a signaling molecule that regulates essential cellular functions such as protein synthesis, apoptosis, and growth. In the past decade, a number of carrier proteins for amino acids have been identified on the molecular level. They belong to different gene families, exhibit overlapping but distinctive substrate specificities, and can further be distinguished by their requirement for the cotransport or countertransport of inorganic ions. A number of these transporters function as exchangers rather than uniporters. Uptake of amino acids by these transporters therefore depends largely on the intracellular substrate composition. Hence, there is a complex crosstalk between transporters for cationic and neutral amino acids as well as for peptides. This article briefly reviews current knowledge regarding mammalian plasma membrane transporters that accept arginine as a substrate.

Metabolic Engineering of the Regulators in Nitrogen Catabolite Repression To Reduce the Production of Ethyl Carbamate in a Model Rice Wine System

PubMed Central

Zhao, Xinrui; Zou, Huijun; Fu, Jianwei; Chen, Jian

2014-01-01

Rice wine has been one of the most popular traditional alcoholic drinks in China. However, the presence of potentially carcinogenic ethyl carbamate (EC) in rice wine has raised a series of food safety issues. During rice wine production, the key reason for EC formation is urea accumulation, which occurs because of nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. NCR represses urea utilization by retaining Gln3p in the cytoplasm when preferred nitrogen sources are present. In order to increase the nuclear localization of Gln3p, some possible phosphorylation sites on the nuclear localization signal were mutated and the nuclear localization regulation signal was truncated, and the disruption of URE2 provided an additional method of reducing urea accumulation. By combining these strategies, the genes involved in urea utilization (DUR1,2 and DUR3) could be significantly activated in the presence of glutamine. During shake flask fermentations of the genetically modified strains, very little urea accumulated in the medium. Furthermore, the concentrations of urea and EC were reduced by 63% and 72%, respectively, in a model rice wine system. Examination of the normal nutrients in rice wine indicated that there were few differences in fermentation characteristics between the wild-type strain and the genetically modified strain. These results show that metabolic engineering of the NCR regulators has great potential as a method for eliminating EC during rice wine production. PMID:24185848

Metabolic engineering of the regulators in nitrogen catabolite repression to reduce the production of ethyl carbamate in a model rice wine system.

PubMed

Zhao, Xinrui; Zou, Huijun; Fu, Jianwei; Zhou, Jingwen; Du, Guocheng; Chen, Jian

2014-01-01

Rice wine has been one of the most popular traditional alcoholic drinks in China. However, the presence of potentially carcinogenic ethyl carbamate (EC) in rice wine has raised a series of food safety issues. During rice wine production, the key reason for EC formation is urea accumulation, which occurs because of nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. NCR represses urea utilization by retaining Gln3p in the cytoplasm when preferred nitrogen sources are present. In order to increase the nuclear localization of Gln3p, some possible phosphorylation sites on the nuclear localization signal were mutated and the nuclear localization regulation signal was truncated, and the disruption of URE2 provided an additional method of reducing urea accumulation. By combining these strategies, the genes involved in urea utilization (DUR1,2 and DUR3) could be significantly activated in the presence of glutamine. During shake flask fermentations of the genetically modified strains, very little urea accumulated in the medium. Furthermore, the concentrations of urea and EC were reduced by 63% and 72%, respectively, in a model rice wine system. Examination of the normal nutrients in rice wine indicated that there were few differences in fermentation characteristics between the wild-type strain and the genetically modified strain. These results show that metabolic engineering of the NCR regulators has great potential as a method for eliminating EC during rice wine production.

Urea-formaldehyde resins: production, application, and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuryawan, A.; Risnasari, I.; Sucipto, T.; Heri Iswanto, A.; Rosmala Dewi, R.

2017-07-01

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, one of the most important formaldehyde resin adhesives, is a polymeric condensation product of formaldehyde with urea, and being widely used for the manufacture of wood-based composite panels, such as plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard. In spite of its benefits such as fast curing, good performance in the panels (colorless), and lower cost; formaldehyde emission (FE) originated from either UF resin itself or composite products bonded by UF resins is considered a critical drawback as it affects human health particularly in indoor environment. In order to reduce the FE, lowering formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratio in the synthesis of the UF resin was done. In this study, synthesis of UF resins was carried out following the conventional alkaline-acid two-step reaction with a second addition of urea, resulting in F/U mole ratio around 1.0, namely 0.95; 1.05, and 1.15. The UF resins produced were used as binder for particleboard making. The board was manufactured in the laboratory using shaving type particle of Gmelina wood, 8% UF resin based on oven dry particle, and 1% NH4Cl (20%wt) as hardener for the resin. The target of the thickness was 10 mm and the dimension was 25 cm x 25 cm. The resulted particleboard then was evaluated the physical and the mechanical properties by Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) A 5908 (2003). Further, the resulted particleboard also was used for the mice cage’s wall in order to mimic the real living environment. After four weeks exposure in the cages, the mice then were evaluated their mucous organs as well as their blood. The experiment results were as follows: 1) It was possible to synthesis UF resins with low F/U mole ratio; 2) However, the particleboard bonded UF resins with low F/U mole ratio showed poor properties, particularly on the thickness swelling and modulus of elasticity; 3) There was no significant differences among the mucous organs of the mice after a month exposure FE originated from cages wall using histopathology assessment.

Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats.

PubMed

Aagaard, Niels Kristian; Grøfte, Thorbjørn; Greisen, Jacob; Malmlöf, Kjell; Johansen, Peter B; Grønbaek, Henning; Ørskov, Hans; Tygstrup, Niels; Vilstrup, Hendrik

2009-10-01

Growth hormone (GH) reduces the catabolic side effects of steroid treatment via effects on the amino-nitrogen metabolism. Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide with GH releasing properties. We wished to study the metabolic effects of Ipamorelin and GH on selected hepatic measures of alpha-amino-nitrogen conversion during steroid-induced catabolism. Five groups of rats were included: (1) free-fed controls (2) pair-fed controls (3) prednisolone (delcortol, 4 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) (4) prednisolone and GH (1 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) (5) prednisolone and Ipamorelin (0.5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)). After seven days the hepatic capacity of urea-N synthesis (CUNS) was determined in parallel with measurements of liver mRNA levels of urea cycle enzymes, whole-body N-balance, and N-contents of various organs. Compared to pair-fed controls, prednisolone increased CUNS (p<0.01) as well as the expression of urea cycle genes (p<0.01), and decreased N-balance (p<0.01) as well as organ N-contents (p<0.05). Compared to prednisolone treated animals, co-administration of GH reduced CUNS by 33% (p<0.01), normalized urea cycle gene expression, improved N-balance 2.5-fold, and normalized or improved organ N-contents. In prednisolone treated rats Ipamorelin reduced CUNS by 20% (p<0.05), decreased the expression of urea cycle enzymes, neutralised N-balance, and normalized or improved organ N-contents. Accelerated nitrogen wasting in the liver and other organs caused by prednisolone treatment was counteracted by treatment with either GH or its secretagogue Ipamorelin, though at the doses given less efficiently by the latter. This functional study of animals confirms that the GH secretagogue exerts GH related metabolic effects and may be useful in the treatment of steroid-induced catabolism.

Spore coat protein synthesis in cell-free systems from sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Nakayama, T; Munoz, L E; Sadaie, Y; Doi, R H

1978-09-01

Cell-free systems for protein synthesis were prepared from Bacillus subtilis 168 cells at several stages of sporulation. Immunological methods were used to determine whether spore coat protein could be synthesized in the cell-free systems prepared from sporulating cells. Spore coat protein synthesis first occurred in extracts from stage t2 cells. The proportion of spore coat protein to total proteins synthesized in the cell-free systems was 2.4 and 3.9% at stages t2 and t4, respectively. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of immunoprecipitates from the cell-free systems showed the complete synthesis of an apparent spore coat protein precursor (molecular weight, 25,000). A polypeptide of this weight was previously identified in studies in vivo (L.E. Munoz, Y. Sadaie, and R.H. Doi, J. Biol. Chem., in press). The synthesis in vitro of polysome-associated nascent spore coat polypeptides with varying molecular weights up to 23,000 was also detected. These results indicate that the spore coat protein may be synthesized as a precursor protein. The removal of proteases in the crude extracts by treatment with hemoglobin-Sepharose affinity techniques may be preventing the conversion of the large 25,000-dalton precursor to the 12,500-dalton mature spore coat protein.

Urea transport and clinical potential of urearetics.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D; Sands, Jeff M

2016-09-01

Urea is transported by urea transporter proteins in kidney, erythrocytes, and other tissues. Mice in which different urea transporters have been knocked out have urine-concentrating defects, which has led to the development and testing of urea transporters Slc14A2 (UT-A) and Slc14A1 (UT-B) inhibitors as urearetics. This review summarizes the knowledge gained during the past year on urea transporter regulation and investigations into the clinical potential of urearetics. UT-A1 undergoes several posttranslational modifications that increase its function by increasing UT-A1 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane. UT-A1 is phosphorylated by protein kinase A, exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP, protein kinase Cα, and AMP-activated protein kinase, all at different serine residues. UT-A1 is also regulated by 14-3-3, which contributes to UT-A1 removal from the membrane. UT-A1 is glycosylated with various glycan moieties in animal models of diabetes mellitus. Transgenic expression of UT-A1 into UT-A1/UT-A3 knockout mice restores urine-concentrating ability. UT-B is present in descending vasa recta and urinary bladder, and is linked to bladder cancer. Inhibitors of UT-A and UT-B have been developed that result in diuresis with fewer abnormalities in serum electrolytes than conventional diuretics. Urea transporters play critical roles in the urine-concentrating mechanism. Urea transport inhibitors are a promising new class of diuretic agent.

Hydrothermal organic synthesis experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shock, Everett L.

1992-01-01

The serious scientific debate about spontaneous generation which raged for centuries reached a climax in the nineteenth century with the work of Spallanzani, Schwann, Tyndall, and Pasteur. These investigators demonstrated that spontaneous generation from dead organic matter does not occur. Although no aspects of these experiments addressed the issue of whether organic compounds could be synthesized abiotically, the impact of the experiments was great enough to cause many investigators to assume that life and its organic compounds were somehow fundamentally different than inorganic compounds. Meanwhile, other nineteenth-century investigators were showing that organic compounds could indeed be synthesized from inorganic compounds. In 1828 Friedrich Wohler synthesized urea in an attempt to form ammonium cyanate by heating a solution containing ammonia and cyanic acid. This experiment is generally recognized to be the first to bridge the artificial gap between organic and inorganic chemistry, but it also showed the usefulness of heat in organic synthesis. Not only does an increase in temperature enhance the rate of urea synthesis, but Walker and Hambly showed that equilibrium between urea and ammonium cyanate was attainable and reversible at 100 C. Wohler's synthesis of urea, and subsequent syntheses of organic compounds from inorganic compounds over the next several decades dealt serious blows to the 'vital force' concept which held that: (1) organic compounds owe their formation to the action of a special force in living organisms; and (2) forces which determine the behavior of inorganic compounds play no part in living systems. Nevertheless, such progress was overshadowed by Pasteur's refutation of spontaneous generation which nearly extinguished experimental investigations into the origins of life for several decades. Vitalism was dealt a deadly blow in the 1950's with Miller's famous spark-discharge experiments which were undertaken in the framework of the Oparin and Haldane hypotheses concerning the origin of life. These hypotheses were constructed on some basic assumptions which included a reduced atmosphere, and a low surface temperature for the early Earth. These ideas meshed well with the prevailing hypothesis of the 1940's and 50's that the Earth had formed through heterogeneous accretion of dust from a condensing solar nebula. Miller's experiments were extremely successful, and were followed by numerous other experiments by various investigators who employed a wide variety of energy sources for abiotic synthesis including spark discharges, ultra-violet radiation, heat, shock waves, plasmas, gamma rays, and other forms of energy. The conclusion reached from this body of work is that energy inputs can drive organic synthesis from a variety of inorganic starting materials.

Synthesis characterization and luminescence studies of gamma irradiated nanocrystalline yttrium oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivaramu, N. J.; Lakshminarasappa, B. N.; Nagabhushana, K. R.; Singh, Fouran

2016-02-01

Nanocrystalline Y2O3 is synthesized by solution combustion technique using urea and glycine as fuels. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of as prepared sample shows amorphous nature while annealed samples show cubic nature. The average crystallite size is calculated using Scherrer's formula and is found to be in the range 14-30 nm for samples synthesized using urea and 15-20 nm for samples synthesized using glycine respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image of 1173 K annealed Y2O3 samples show well separated spherical shape particles and the average particle size is found to be in the range 28-35 nm. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy reveals a stretching of Y-O bond. Electron spin resonance (ESR) shows V- center, O2- and Y2 + defects. A broad photoluminescence (PL) emission with peak at 386 nm is observed when the sample is excited with 252 nm. Thermoluminescence (TL) properties of γ-irradiated Y2O3 nanopowder are studied at a heating rate of 5 K s- 1. The samples prepared by using urea show a prominent and well resolved peak at 383 K and a weak one at 570 K. It is also found that TL glow peak intensity (Im1) at 383 K increases with increase in γ-dose up to 6.0 kGy and then decreases with increase in dose. However, glycine used Y2O3 shows a prominent TL glow with peaks at 396 K and 590 K. Among the fuels, urea used Y2O3 shows simple and well resolved TL glows. This might be due to fuel and hence particle size effect. The kinetic parameters are calculated by Chen's glow curve peak shape method and results are discussed in detail.

3-D dumbbell-like LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode materials assembled with nano-building blocks for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Won-Hee; Lim, Sung-Jin; Kim, Won-Keun; Kwon, HyukSang

2014-07-01

Dumbbell-like microsphere carbonate precursors including multi-transition metal components (Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3CO3) assembled with nano-building blocks were synthesized by urea-assisted solvo/hydrothermal method, and layered cathode materials (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2) were subsequently prepared using the similarly shaped carbonate precursors for Li-ion batteries. For the synthesis of hierarchical microsphere structures, the partial addition of viscous organic solvent (e.g. ethylene glycol) in aqueous solution played a crucial role, not only in suppressing the sudden particle growth but also in regulating the directional crystallization of carbonate particles on the surface. The dumbbell-like LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 assembled with nanocubes prepared via the urea-assisted solvo/hydrothermal method exhibited better electrochemical characteristics, such as initial discharge capacity, cyclic performance, and rate-capability as a cathode material of Li-ion batteries, compared with the LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 materials prepared via the conventional co-precipitation method.

Collagenase-labile polyurethane urea synthesis and processing into hollow fiber membranes.

PubMed

Fu, Hui-Li; Hong, Yi; Little, Steven R; Wagner, William R

2014-08-11

As a means to stimulate wound healing, a hollow fiber membrane system might be placed within a wound bed to provide local and externally regulated controlled delivery of regenerative factors. After sufficient healing, it would be desirable to triggerably degrade these fibers as opposed to pulling them out. Accordingly, a series of enzymatically degradable thermoplastic elastomers was developed as potential hollow fiber base material. Polyurethane ureas (PUUs) were synthesized based on 1, 4-diisocyanatobutane, polycaprolactone (PCL) diol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different molar fractions as soft segments, and collagenase-sensitive peptide GGGLGPAGGK-NH2 as a chain extender (defined as PUU-CLxEGy-peptide, where x and y are the respective molar percents). In these polymers, PEG in the polymer backbone decreased tensile strengths and initial moduli of solvent-cast films in the wet state, while increasing water absorption. Collagenase degradation was observed at 75% relative PEG content in the soft segment. Control PUUs with putrescine or nonsense peptide chain extenders did not degrade acutely in collagenase. Conduits electrospun from PUU-CL25EG75-peptide and PUU-CL50EG50-peptide exhibited appropriate mechanical strength and sustained release of a model protein from the tube lumen for 7 days. Collapse of PUU-CL25EG75-peptide tubes occurred after collagenase degradation for 3 days. In conclusion, through molecular design, synthesis and characterization, a collagenase-labile PUU-CL25EG75-peptide polymer was identified that exhibited the desired traits of triggerable lability, processability, and the capacity to act as a membrane to facilitate controlled protein release.

Urea Transport and Clinical Potential of Urearetics

PubMed Central

Klein, Janet D.; Sands, Jeff M.

2016-01-01

Purpose of review Urea is transported by urea transporter proteins in kidney, erythrocytes, and other tissues. Mice in which different urea transporters have been knocked-out have urine concentrating defects, which has led to the development and testing of UT-A and UT-B inhibitors as urearetics. This review summarizes the knowledge gained during the past year on urea transporter regulation and investigations into the clinical potential of urearetics. Recent findings UT-A1 undergoes several post-translational modifications that increase its function by increasing UT-A1 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane. UT-A1 is phosphorylated by PKA, Epac, PKCα, and AMPK, all at different serine residues. UT-A1 is also regulated by 14-3-3, which contributes to UT-A1 removal from the membrane. UT-A1 is glycosylated with various glycan moieties in animal models of diabetes mellitus. Transgenic expression of UT-A1 into UT-A1/UT-A3 knock-out mice restores urine concentrating ability. UT-B is present in descending vasa recta and urinary bladder, and is linked to bladder cancer. Inhibitors of UT-A and UT-B have been developed that result in diuresis with fewer abnormalities in serum electrolytes than conventional diuretics. Summary Urea transporters play critical roles in the urine concentrating mechanism. Urea transport inhibitors are a promising new class of diuretic agents. PMID:27367911

[A study of urine concentrating mechanism--a molecular biological approach].

PubMed

Marumo, F

1994-07-01

Human urine can be concentrated up to four times higher than that of the plasma. Urine concentrating mechanism has attracted for a long time. However, studies in the field are now picking up momentum due to recent breakthrough discoveries using molecular biology techniques. Vasopressin-regulated water channel in the apical membrane of the collecting duct and water channel in the basolateral side of the membrane were cloned. cloned. Osmolality-dependent chloride channel in the thin ascending limb of Henle was also cloned. In addition, vasopressin-regulated urea transporter was found in the collecting duct. These newly discovered channels and transporter should be playing important physiological roles in urine concentrating mechanism. Furthermore, recent findings on osmolytes and their transporters also add to the list of urine concentrating mechanisms.

Aerosol synthesis of nano and micro-scale zero valent metal particles from oxide precursors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Phillips, Jonathan; Luhrs, Claudia; Lesman, Zayd

2010-01-01

In this work a novel aerosol method, derived form the batch Reduction/Expansion Synthesis (RES) method, for production of nano / micro-scale metal particles from oxides and hydroxides is presented. In the Aerosol-RES (A-RES) method, an aerosol, consisting of a physical mixture of urea and metal oxide or hydroxides, is passed through a heated oven (1000 C) with a residence time of the order of 1 second, producing pure (zero valent) metal particles. It appears that the process is flexible regarding metal or alloy identity, allows control of particle size and can be readily scaled to very large throughput. Current workmore » is focused on creating nanoparticles of metal and metal alloy using this method. Although this is primarily a report on observations, some key elements of the chemistry are clear. In particular, the reducing species produced by urea decomposition are the primary agents responsible for reduction of oxides and hydroxides to metal. It is also likely that the rapid expansion that takes place when solid/liquid urea decomposes to form gas species influences the final morphology of the particles.« less

Long term betaine supplementation regulates genes involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism of two muscles from an obese pig breed.

PubMed

Albuquerque, A; Neves, José A; Redondeiro, M; Laranjo, M; Félix, M R; Freitas, Amadeu; Tirapicos, José L; Martins, José M

2017-02-01

This study evaluates the effects of betaine supplementation (1gkg -1 for 20weeks) on the regulation of genes involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism of Longissimus lumborum and Biceps femoris from obese Alentejano pigs. Betaine supplementation led to an increase in total cholesterol in both muscles, complementing results previously published indicating a significant increase on the intramuscular lipid content. The expression of twelve genes involved in lipogenesis, lipolysis/FA oxidation, FA transport, and cholesterol metabolism, as well as two transcription factors were also evaluated. Genes related to lipid and cholesterol synthesis plus FA transport were consistently up-regulated in both muscles of betaine fed pigs. On the other hand, genes related to lipolysis/FA oxidation were not affected or down-regulated by betaine supplementation. Our data suggest that the underlying mechanism regulating IMF and cholesterol accumulation in Alentejano pigs supplemented with betaine is associated with the up-regulation of genes involved in lipid synthesis, FA transport, and cholesterol synthesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Birthday of Organic Chemistry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benfey, Otto Theodor; Kaufman, George B.

1979-01-01

Describes how the synthesis of urea, 150 years ago, was a major factor in breaking the artificial barrier that existed between organic and inorganic chemistry, and this contributed to the rapid growth of organic chemistry. (GA)

In vitro recapitulation of the urea cycle using murine embryonic stem cell-derived in vitro liver model.

PubMed

Tamai, Miho; Aoki, Mami; Nishimura, Akihito; Morishita, Koji; Tagawa, Yoh-ichi

2013-12-01

Ammonia, a toxic metabolite, is converted to urea in hepatocytes via the urea cycle, a process necessary for cell/organismal survival. In liver, hepatocytes, polygonal and multipolar structures, have a few sides which face hepatic sinusoids and adjacent hepatocytes to form intercellular bile canaliculi connecting to the ductules. The critical nature of this three-dimensional environment should be related to the maintenance of hepatocyte function such as urea synthesis. Recently, we established an in vitro liver model derived from murine embryonic stem cells, IVL(mES), which included the hepatocyte layer and a surrounding sinusoid vascular-like network. The IVL(mES) culture, where the hepatocyte is polarized in a similar fashion to its in vivo counterpart, could successfully recapitulate in vivo results. L-Ornithine is an intermediate of the urea cycle, but supplemental L-ornithine does not activate the urea cycle in the apolar primary hepatocyte of monolayer culture. In the IVL(mES), supplemental L-ornithine could activate the urea cycle, and also protect against ammonium/alcohol-induced hepatocyte death. While the IVL(mES) displays architectural and functional properties similar to the liver, primary hepatocyte of monolayer culture fail to model critical functional aspects of liver physiology. We propose that the IVL(mES) will represent a useful, humane alternative to animal studies for drug toxicity and mechanistic studies of liver injury.

Synthesis and antimalarial activity of new 4-amino-7-chloroquinolyl amides, sulfonamides, ureas and thioureas.

PubMed

Ekoue-Kovi, Kekeli; Yearick, Kimberly; Iwaniuk, Daniel P; Natarajan, Jayakumar K; Alumasa, John; de Dios, Angel C; Roepe, Paul D; Wolf, Christian

2009-01-01

We report the synthesis and in vitro antimalarial activities of more than 50 7-chloro-4-aminoquinolyl-derived sulfonamides 3-8 and 11-26, ureas 19-22, thioureas 23-26, and amides 27-54. Many of the CQ analogues prepared for this study showed submicromolar antimalarial activity versus HB3 (chloroquine sensitive) and Dd2 (chloroquine resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum) and low resistance indices were obtained in most cases. Systematic variation of the side chain length and introduction of fluorinated aliphatic and aromatic termini revealed promising leads that overcome CQ resistance. In particular, sulfonamide 3 exhibiting a short side chain with a terminal dansyl moiety combined high antiplasmodial potency with a low resistance index and showed IC(50)s of 17.5 and 22.7 nM against HB3 and Dd2 parasites.

Effect of nitrogen supplementation on urea kinetics and microbial use of recycled urea in steers consuming corn-based diets.

PubMed

Brake, D W; Titgemeyer, E C; Jones, M L; Anderson, D E

2010-08-01

We studied the effects of supplementing N as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or urea to steers consuming corn-based diets. Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers (244 kg) were used in 2 concurrent 3 x 3 Latin squares and fed 1 of 3 corn-based diets: control (10.2% CP), urea (13.3% CP), or DDGS (14.9% CP). Periods were 14 d, with 9 d for adaptation and 5 d for collection of urine and feces. Urinary (15)N(15)N-urea enrichments, resulting from venous infusions of (15)N(15)N-urea, were used to measure urea kinetics. Dry matter intake (6.0 kg/d) was not affected by treatment, but N intake differed (99, 151, and 123 g/d for the control, DDGS, and urea treatments, respectively). Urea-N synthesis tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for DDGS (118 g/d) than for the control treatment (52 g/d), with the urea treatment (86 g/d) being intermediate. Urea-N excreted in the urine was greater (P < 0.03) for the DDGS (35 g/d) and urea treatments (29 g/d) than for the control treatment (13 g/d). Gastrointestinal entry of urea-N was not statistically different among treatments (P = 0.25), but was numerically greatest for DDGS (83 g/d), intermediate for urea (57 g/d), and least for the control (39 g/d). The amount of urea-N returned to the ornithine cycle tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for the DDGS treatment (47 g/d) than for the urea (27 g/d) or control treatment (16 g/d). The fraction of recycled urea-N that was apparently used for anabolism tended (P = 0.14) to be greater for the control treatment (0.56) than for the DDGS treatment (0.31), with the urea treatment (0.45) being intermediate, but no differences were observed among treatments in the amount of urea-N used for anabolism (P = 0.66). Urea kinetics in cattle fed grain-based diets were largely related to the amount of N consumed. The percentage of urea production that was captured by ruminal bacteria was greater (P < 0.03) for the control treatment (42%) than for the DDGS (25%) or urea treatment (22%), but the percentage of duodenal microbial N flow that was derived from recycled urea-N tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for the DDGS treatment (35%) than for the urea (22%) or control treatment (17%). Thus, ruminal microbes were more dependent on N recycling when the protein supplement was largely resistant to ruminal degradation.

Dietary protein affects urea transport across rat urothelia.

PubMed

Spector, David A; Deng, Jie; Stewart, Kerry J

2012-10-01

Recent evidence suggests that regulated solute transport occurs across mammalian lower urinary tract epithelia (urothelia). To study the effects of dietary protein on net urothelial transport of urea, creatinine, and water, we used an in vivo rat bladder model designed to mimic physiological conditions. We placed groups of rats on 3-wk diets differing only by protein content (40, 18, 6, and 2%) and instilled 0.3 ml of collected urine in the isolated bladder of anesthetized rats. After 1 h dwell, retrieved urine volumes were unchanged, but mean urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine concentrations fell 17 and 4%, respectively, indicating transurothelial urea and creatinine reabsorption. The fall in UN (but not creatinine) concentration was greatest in high protein (40%) rats, 584 mg/dl, and progressively less in rats receiving lower protein content: 18% diet, 224 mg/dl; 6% diet, 135 mg/dl; and 2% diet, 87 mg/dl. The quantity of urea reabsorbed was directly related to a urine factor, likely the concentration of urea in the instilled urine. In contrast, the percentage of instilled urea reabsorbed was greater in the two dietary groups receiving the lowest protein (26 and 23%) than in those receiving higher protein (11 and 9%), suggesting the possibility that a bladder/urothelial factor, also affected by dietary protein, may have altered bladder permeability. These findings demonstrate significant regulated urea transport across the urothelium, resulting in alteration of urine excreted by the kidneys, and add to the growing evidence that the lower urinary tract may play an unappreciated role in mammalian solute homeostasis.

Global analysis of gene expression profiles in physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seedlings exposed to drought stress.

PubMed

Zhang, Chao; Zhang, Lin; Zhang, Sheng; Zhu, Shuang; Wu, Pingzhi; Chen, Yaping; Li, Meiru; Jiang, Huawu; Wu, Guojiang

2015-01-21

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is a small perennial tree or large shrub, which is well-adapted to semi-arid regions and is considered to have potential as a crop for biofuel production. It is now regarded as an excellent model for studying biofuel plants. However, our knowledge about the molecular responses of this species to drought stress is currently limited. In this study, genome-wide transcriptional profiles of roots and leaves of 8-week old physic nut seedlings were analyzed 1, 4 and 7 days after withholding irrigation. We observed a total of 1533 and 2900 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots and leaves, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the biological processes enriched in droughted plants relative to unstressed plants were related to biosynthesis, transport, nucleobase-containing compounds, and cellular protein modification. The genes found to be up-regulated in roots were related to abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and ABA signal transduction, and to the synthesis of raffinose. Genes related to ABA signal transduction, and to trehalose and raffinose synthesis, were up-regulated in leaves. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response genes were significantly up-regulated in leaves under drought stress, while a number of genes related to wax biosynthesis were also up-regulated in leaves. Genes related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were down-regulated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly reduced in leaves 7 days after withholding irrigation. As drought stress increased, genes related to ethylene synthesis, ethylene signal transduction and chlorophyll degradation were up-regulated, and the chlorophyll content of leaves was significantly reduced by 7 days after withholding irrigation. This study provides us with new insights to increase our understanding of the response mechanisms deployed by physic nut seedlings under drought stress. The genes and pathways identified in this study also provide much information of potential value for germplasm improvement and breeding for drought resistance.

In situ eNOS/NO up-regulation—a simple and effective therapeutic strategy for diabetic skin ulcer

PubMed Central

Yang, Ye; Yin, Dengke; Wang, Fei; Hou, Ziyan; Fang, Zhaohui

2016-01-01

Decreased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and increased NO consumption in diabetes induces the inadequate blood flow to tissues that is primarily responsible for the pathogenesis and refractoriness of diabetic skin ulcers. The present study proposed a simple and effective therapeutic strategy for diabetic skin ulcers—in situ up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and NO synthesis by statin-loaded tissue engineering scaffold (TES). In vitro experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells indicated that the statin-loaded TES relieved the high-glucose induced decrease in cell viability and promoted NO synthesis under high-glucose conditions. In a rat model of diabetes, the statin-loaded TES promoted eNOS expression and NO synthesis in/around the regenerated tissues. Subsequently, accelerated vascularization and elevated blood supply were observed, followed by rapid wound healing. These findings suggest that the in situ up-regulation of eNOS/NO by a statin-loaded TES may be a useful therapeutic method for intractable diabetic skin wounds. PMID:27453476

Effects of feeding wheat or corn-wheat dried distillers grains with solubles in low- or high-crude protein diets on ruminal function, omasal nutrient flows, urea-N recycling, and performance in cows.

PubMed

Chibisa, G E; Mutsvangwa, T

2013-10-01

A study was conducted to determine the effects of including either wheat-based (W-DDGS) or corn-wheat blend (B-DDGS) dried distillers grains with solubles as the major protein source in low- or high-crude protein (CP) diets fed to dairy cows on ruminal function, microbial protein synthesis, omasal nutrient flows, urea-N recycling, and milk production. Eight lactating Holstein cows (768.5 ± 57.7 kg of body weight; 109.5 ± 40.0 d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods (18d of dietary adaptation and 10d of measurements) and a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. Four cows in one Latin square were ruminally cannulated for the measurement of ruminal fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, urea-N recycling kinetics, and omasal nutrient flow. The treatment factors were type of distillers co-product (W-DDGS vs. B-DDGS) and dietary CP content [15.2 vs. 17.3%; dry matter (DM) basis]. The B-DDGS was produced from a mixture of 15% wheat and 85% corn grain. All diets were formulated to contain 10% W-DDGS or B-DDGS on a DM basis. No diet effect was observed on DM intake. Yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose, and plasma urea-N and milk urea-N concentrations were lower in cows fed the low-CP compared with those fed the high-CP diet. Although feeding B-DDGS tended to reduce ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration compared with feeding W-DDGS (9.3 vs. 10.5mg/dL), no differences were observed in plasma urea-N and milk urea-N concentrations. Additionally, dietary inclusion of B-DDGS compared with W-DDGS did not affect rumen-degradable protein supply, omasal flows of total N, microbial nonammonia N (NAN), rumen-undegradable protein, and total NAN, or urea-N recycling kinetics and milk production. However, cows fed the low-CP diet had lower N intake, rumen-degradable protein supply, ruminal NH3-N concentration, and omasal flows of N, microbial NAN, and total NAN compared with those fed the high-CP diet. Feeding the low-CP compared with the high-CP diet also resulted in lower endogenous urea-N production, urea-N recycled to the gastrointestinal tract, and urea-N excretion in urine. In summary, our results indicate that both W-DDGS and B-DDGS can be included as the major protein sources in dairy cow diets without compromising nutrient supply and production performance. However, feeding the low-CP diet lowered omasal flows of microbial protein and metabolizable protein, which, in turn, resulted in lower milk production compared with feeding the high-CP diet. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of leptin in modulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced up-regulation of endothelin-1 in salivary gland acinar cells.

PubMed

Slomiany, Bronislaw L; Slomiany, Amalia

2005-08-01

Leptin, a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates food intake and metabolic and endocrine responses, has emerged recently as an important regulator of mucosal inflammatory responses to bacterial infection. In this study, we report that in sublingual salivary gland acinar cells leptin plays a role in the suppression of up-regulation in endothelin-1 (ET-1), induced by the LPS of a periodontopathic bacterium P. gingivalis. We show that P. gingivalisLPS detrimental effect on salivary mucin synthesis, associated with up-regulation (3.9-fold) in ET-1 generation and the enhancement (3.2-fold) in endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) activity, was subject to a dose-dependent suppression by leptin. The impedance by leptin of the LPS inhibitory effect on mucin synthesis was blocked by wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, as well as by ERK inhibitor, PD98059. However, while the blockade of ERK led also to amplification in the impedance by leptin of the LPS-induced expression of ECE-1 and ET-1, the effect was not observed in the presence of wortmannin. The findings are the first to demonstrate that leptin counters the pathological consequences of P. gingivalisinfection on the synthesis of salivary mucin through the involvement in signaling events of PI3K and ERK pathways. We also show that the ERK cascade represents a critical signaling target for leptin in the LPS-induced up-regulation in ET-1.

Sodium phenylbutyrate coated granules (Pheburane). Defective urea synthesis: a welcome formulation.

PubMed

2015-02-01

Compared with Ammonaps granules, Pheburane coated granules mask the unpleasant taste of sodium phenylbutyrate. A more precise dosing device is provided with the coated granules than with the uncoated granules (Ammonaps).

Deposits from Creams Containing 20% (w/w) Urea and Suppression of Crystallization (Part 2): Novel Analytical Methods of Urea Accumulated in the Stratum Corneum by Tape stripping and Colorimetry.

PubMed

Goto, Norio; Morita, Yutaka; Terada, Katsuhide

2016-01-01

The transfer of urea from a urea formulation to the stratum corneum varies with the formulation base and form, and impacts the formulation's therapeutic effect. Consequently, determining the amount of urea transferred is essential for developing efficient formulations. This study assessed a simple method for measuring the amount of urea accumulated in the stratum corneum. Conventional methods rely on labeling urea used in the formulation with radiocarbon ((14)C) or other radioactive isotopes (RIs), retrieving the transferred urea from the stratum corneum by tape stripping, then quantitating the urea. The handling and use of RIs, however, is subject to legal regulation and can only be performed in sanctioned facilities, so methods employing RIs are neither simple nor convenient. We therefore developed a non-radiolabel method "tape stripping-colorimetry (T-C)" that combines tape stripping with colorimetry (urease-glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH)) for the quantitative measurement of urea. Urea in the stratum corneum is collected by tape stripping and measured using urease-GLDH, which is commonly used to measure urea nitrogen in blood tests. The results indicate that accurate urea measurement by the T-C method requires the application of 1400 mg (on hairless rats) of a 20% urea solution on a 50 cm(2) (5×10 cm) area. Further, we determined the amount of urea accumulated in the stratum corneum using formulations with different urea concentrations, and the time course of urea accumulation from formulations differing in the rate of urea crystallization. We demonstrate that the T-C method is simple and convenient, with no need for (14)C or other RIs.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of piperidine-derived non-urea soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pecic, Stevan; Pakhomova, Svetlana; Newcomer, Marcia E.

2013-09-27

A series of potent amide non-urea inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is disclosed. The inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase leads to elevated levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and thus inhibitors of sEH represent one of a novel approach to the development of vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory drugs. Structure–activities studies guided optimization of a lead compound, identified through high-throughput screening, gave rise to sub-nanomolar inhibitors of human sEH with stability in human liver microsomal assay suitable for preclinical development.

Synthesis and X-ray diffraction study of new uranyl malonate and oxalate complexes with carbamide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Medvedkov, Ya. A.; Serezhkina, L. B., E-mail: Lserezh@samsu.ru; Grigor’ev, M. S.

2016-05-15

Two new malonate-containing uranyl complexes with carbamide of the formulas [UO{sub 2}(C{sub 3}H{sub 2}O{sub 4})(Urea){sub 2}] (I) and [UO{sub 2}(C{sub 3}H{sub 2}O{sub 4})(Urea){sub 3}] (II), where Urea is carbamide, and one uranyl oxalate complex of the formula [UO{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})(Urea){sub 3}] (III) were synthesized, and their crystals were studied by X-ray diffraction. The main structural units in crystals I are the electroneutral chains [UO{sub 2}(C{sub 3}H{sub 2}O{sub 4})(Urea){sub 2}]{sub ∞} belonging to the crystal-chemical group AT{sup 11}M{sub 2}{sup 1} (A = UO{sub 2}{sup 2+}, T{sup 11} = C{sub 3}H{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2-}, M{sup 1} = Urea) of uranyl complexes.more » Crystals II and III are composed of the molecular complexes [UO{sub 2}(L)(Urea){sub 3}], where L = C{sub 3}H{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2-} or C{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2-}, belonging to the crystal-chemical group AB{sup 01}M{sub 3}{sup 1} (A = UO{sub 2}{sup 2+}, B{sup 01} = C{sub 3}H{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2-} or C{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2-}, M{sup 1} = Urea). The characteristic features of the packing of the uranium-containing complexes are discussed in terms of molecular Voronoi–Dirichlet polyhedra. The effect of the Urea: U ratio on the structure of uranium-containing structural units is considered.« less

Urea increased nickel and copper accumulation in the leaves of Egeria densa (Planch.) Casp. and Ceratophyllum demersum L. during short-term exposure.

PubMed

Maleva, Maria; Borisova, Galina; Chukina, Nadezhda; Kumar, Adarsh

2018-02-01

In the present study, two fresh water plant species Egeria densa (Planch.) Casp. and Ceratophyllum demersum L. were subjected to separate and combined action of urea (2mМ) and metals (Ni and Cu, 10μM) to investigate the phytoremediation potential of these two submerged macrophytes during short-term experiments (48h). Both submerged macrophytes demonstrated high accumulative potential for Ni and Cu (average bioconcentration factors were 2505 for Ni and 3778 for Cu). The urea (2 mM) was not significantly toxic for studied plant species. Futhermore, urea worked as an additional source of nitrogen and stimulated some metabolic processes such as the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, soluble proteins, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and activated some enzymes. Adding urea to the metals increased their accumulation in both macrophytes (on average by 35% for Ni and 15% for Cu). Combined action of urea and Ni did not have a significant effect on antioxidant response, but caused a sharp increase of urease activity (4 folds on an average) in both plants. The copper exerted a stronger toxic effect on both studied macrophytes compared to nickel. Adding urea to copper in some cases diminished the toxic action of this metal. Study concludes that the responses of E. densa and C. demersum to urea and metal action (separate and combined) were depended on the type of pollutant and the activity of antioxidant defence system. Therefore, the studied aquatic macrophytes found to be potential phytoremediators of water bodies, the addition of an organic nitrogen source in the form of urea in environmentally relevant concentration will increase the efficiency of phytoextraction of metals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary inflammation-induced loss and subsequent recovery of skeletal muscle mass require functional poly-ubiquitin conjugation.

PubMed

Ceelen, Judith J M; Schols, Annemie M W J; Thielen, Nathalie G M; Haegens, Astrid; Gray, Douglas A; Kelders, Marco C J M; de Theije, Chiel C; Langen, Ramon C J

2018-05-02

Pulmonary inflammation in response to respiratory infections can evoke muscle wasting. Increased activity of the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy lysosome pathway (ALP) have been implicated in inflammation-induced muscle atrophy. Since poly-Ub conjugation is required for UPS-mediated proteolysis and has been implicated in the ALP, we assessed the effect of impaired ubiquitin conjugation on muscle atrophy and recovery following pulmonary inflammation, and compared activation and suppression of these proteolytic systems to protein synthesis regulation. Pulmonary inflammation was induced in mice by an intratracheal instillation of LPS. Proteolysis (UPS and ALP) and synthesis signaling were examined in gastrocnemius muscle homogenates. Ub-conjugation-dependency of muscle atrophy and recovery was addressed using Ub-K48R (K48R) mice with attenuated poly-ubiquitin conjugation, and compared to UBWT control mice. Pulmonary inflammation caused a decrease in skeletal muscle mass which was accompanied by a rapid increase in expression of UPS and ALP constituents and reduction in protein synthesis signaling acutely after LPS. Muscle atrophy was attenuated in K48R mice, while ALP and protein synthesis signaling were not affected. Muscle mass recovery starting 72 h post LPS, correlated with reduced expression of UPS and ALP constituents and restoration of protein synthesis signaling. K48R mice however displayed impaired recovery of muscle mass. Pulmonary inflammation-induced muscle atrophy is in part attributable to UPS-mediated proteolysis, as activation of ALP- and suppression of protein synthesis signaling occur independently of poly-Ub conjugation during muscle atrophy. Recovery of muscle mass following pulmonary inflammation involves inverse regulation of proteolysis and protein synthesis signaling, and requires a functional poly-Ub conjugation.

Synthesis of kenaf cellulose carbamate using microwave irradiation for preparation of cellulose membrane.

PubMed

Gan, Sinyee; Zakaria, Sarani; Chia, Chin Hua; Kaco, Hatika; Padzil, Farah Nadia Mohammad

2014-06-15

Cellulose carbamate (CCs) was produced from kenaf core pulp (KCP) using microwave reactor-assisted method. The effects of urea concentration and reaction time on the formation of nitrogen content in CCs were investigated. The CCs' solubility in LiOH/urea system was determined and its membranes were characterized. As the urea content and reaction time increased, the nitrogen content form in CCs increased which enhanced the CCs' solubility. The formation of CCs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nitrogen content analysis. The CCs' morphology was examined using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cellulose II and crystallinity index of the membranes were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The pore size of the membrane displayed upward trend with respect to the urea content observed under Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). This investigation provides a simple and efficient procedure of CCs determination which is useful in producing environmental friendly regenerated CCs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of the effects of proline, phenylalanine, and urea foliar application to Tempranillo vineyards on grape amino acid content. Comparison with commercial nitrogen fertilisers.

PubMed

Garde-Cerdán, T; López, R; Portu, J; González-Arenzana, L; López-Alfaro, I; Santamaría, P

2014-11-15

The aim of this work was to study the influence of foliar application of different nitrogen sources on grape amino acid content. The nitrogen sources applied to Tempranillo grapevines were proline, phenylalanine, urea, and two commercial nitrogen fertilisers, both without and with amino acids in their formulations. All treatments were applied at veraison and one week later. Proline treatment did not affect the must nitrogen composition. However, phenylalanine and urea foliar application enhanced the plants' synthesis of most of the amino acids, producing similar effects. In addition, the spray of commercial nitrogen fertilisers over leaves also induced a rise in grape amino acid concentrations regardless of the presence or absence of amino acids in their formulation. The most effective treatments were phenylalanine and urea followed by nitrogen fertilisers. This finding is of oenological interest for improved must nitrogen composition, ensuring better fermentation kinetics and most likely enhancing wine quality. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic synthesis of urea from in situ generated ammonia and carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Srinivas, Basavaraju; Kumari, Valluri Durga; Sadanandam, Gullapelli; Hymavathi, Chilumula; Subrahmanyam, Machiraju; De, Bhudev Ranjan

2012-01-01

TiO(2) and Fe-titanate (different wt%) supported on zeolite were prepared by sol-gel and solid-state dispersion methods. The photocatalysts prepared were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet (UV)-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. Photocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water and isopropanol/oxalic acid as hole scavengers are investigated in a batch reactor under UV illumination. The yield of urea increased notably when the catalysts were supported on zeolite. The Fe-titanate supported catalyst promotes the charge separation that contributes to an increase in selective formation of urea. The product formation is because of the high adsorption of in situ generated CO(2) and NH(3) over shape-selective property of the zeolite in the composite photocatalyst. The maximum yield of urea is found to be 18 ppm while 1% isopropanol containing solution over 10 wt% Fe-titanate/HZSM-5 photocatalyst was used. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Photochemistry and Photobiology © 2011 The American Society of Photobiology.

Surfactant-assisted morphological studies of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Janki; Ranjan, Mukesh; Gupta, Sanjeev K.; Sonvane, Yogesh

2018-05-01

The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanopowders, it is very useful material as dielectric, ceramic and catalyst. The high-quality nanopowders were obtained by adding surfactants urea and sodium acetate. Further, all characterizations are done for with (urea and sodium acetate) and without surfactant. X-ray diffraction was used to characterize phase formation and the crystallite size of powder while, FTIR gives information about the particle composition and surface intermediates. X-ray diffraction spectra revealed the synthesized nanoparticles phase transformation were γ-Al2O3 to α-Al2O3 phase. Furthermore, the addition of urea and sodium acetate significantly reduced the crystalline size of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles from 43.94 nm to 35.12 nm respectively.

Genomic and proteomic studies on the effects of the insect growth regulator diflubenzuron in the model beetle species Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Merzendorfer, Hans; Kim, Hee Shin; Chaudhari, Sujata S; Kumari, Meera; Specht, Charles A; Butcher, Stephen; Brown, Susan J; Manak, J Robert; Beeman, Richard W; Kramer, Karl J; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam

2012-04-01

Several benzoylphenyl urea-derived insecticides such as diflubenzuron (DFB, Dimilin) are in wide use to control various insect pests. Although this class of compounds is known to disrupt molting and to affect chitin content, their precise mode of action is still not understood. To gain a broader insight into the mechanism underlying the insecticidal effects of benzoylphenyl urea compounds, we conducted a comprehensive study with the model beetle species and stored product pest Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle) utilizing genomic and proteomic approaches. DFB was added to a wheat flour-based diet at various concentrations and fed to larvae and adults. We observed abortive molting, hatching defects and reduced chitin amounts in the larval cuticle, the peritrophic matrix and eggs. Electron microscopic examination of the larval cuticle revealed major structural changes and a loss of lamellate structure of the procuticle. We used a genomic tiling array for determining relative expression levels of about 11,000 genes predicted by the GLEAN algorithm. About 6% of all predicted genes were more than 2-fold up- or down-regulated in response to DFB treatment. Genes encoding enzymes involved in chitin metabolism were unexpectedly unaffected, but many genes encoding cuticle proteins were affected. In addition, several genes presumably involved in detoxification pathways were up-regulated. Comparative 2D gel electrophoresis of proteins extracted from the midgut revealed 388 protein spots, of which 7% were significantly affected in their levels by DFB treatment as determined by laser densitometry. Mass spectrometric identification revealed that UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase and glutathione synthetase were up-regulated. In summary, the red flour beetle turned out to be a good model organism for investigating the global effects of bioactive materials such as insect growth regulators and other insecticides. The results of this study recapitulate all of the different DFB-induced symptoms in a single model insect, which have been previously found in several different insect species, and further illustrate that DFB treatment causes a wide range of effects at the molecular level. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan alkyl urea.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Jiang, Ji-Zhou; Chen, Wei; Bai, Zheng-Wu

2016-07-10

Chitosan is a versatile material employed for various purposes in many fields including the development of chiral stationary phases for enantioseparation. Chitosan alkyl urea is a kind of intermediate used to prepare enantioseparation materials. In order to synthesize the intermediates, in the present work, a new way to prepare chitosan alkyl urea has been established: chitosan was first reacted with methyl chloroformate yielding N-methoxyformylated chitosan, which was then converted to chitosan alkyl urea through amine-ester exchange reaction. With a large excess of methyl chloroformate and primary amine of low stereohindrance, the amino group in chitosan could be almost completely converted to ureido group. The as-prepared chitosan alkyl urea derivatives were characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR,(1)H-(1)H COSY and (1)H-(13)C HSQC NMR spectra. The chemical shifts of hydrogen and carbon atoms of glucose unit were assigned. It was found that the degree of substitution was obviously lower if cyclopropyl amine, aniline, tert-butyl amine and diethyl amine were used as reactants for the amine-ester exchange reaction. The reason was explained with the aid of theoretical calculations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutants resistant to urea inhibition of growth on acetanilide.

PubMed

Gregoriou, M; Brown, P R; Tata, R

1977-11-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa AI 3 was able to grow in medium containing acetanilide (N-phenylacetamide) as a carbon source when NH4+ was the nitrogen source but not when urea was the nitrogen source. AIU mutants isolated from strain AI 3 grew on either medium. Urease levels in bacteria grown in the presence of urea were 10-fold lower when NH4+ or acetanilide was also in the medium, but there were no apparent differences in urease or its synthesis between strain AI 3 and mutant AIU 1N. The first metabolic step in the acetanilide utlization is catalyzed by an amidase. Amidases in several AIU strains showed altered physiochemical properties. Urea inhibited amidase in a time-dependent reaction, but the rates of the inhibitory reaction with amidases from the AIU mutants were slower than with AI 3 amidase. The purified amidase from AIU 1N showed a marked difference in its pH/activity profile from that obtained with purified AI 3 amidase. These observations indicate that the ability of strain AIU 1N and the other mutants to grow on acetanilide/urea medium is associated with a mutation in the amidase structural gene; this was confirmed for strain AIU 1N by transduction.

Mechanisms of molecular transport through the urea channel of Helicobacter pylori

PubMed Central

McNulty, Reginald; Ulmschneider, Jakob P.; Luecke, Hartmut; Ulmschneider, Martin B.

2013-01-01

Helicobacter pylori survival in acidic environments relies on cytoplasmic hydrolysis of gastric urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which buffer the pathogen’s periplasm. Urea uptake is greatly enhanced and regulated by HpUreI, a proton-gated inner membrane channel protein essential for gastric survival of H. pylori. The crystal structure of HpUreI describes a static snapshot of the channel with two constriction sites near the center of the bilayer that are too narrow to allow passage of urea or even water. Here we describe the urea transport mechanism at atomic resolution, revealed by unrestrained microsecond equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of the hexameric channel assembly. Two consecutive constrictions open to allow conduction of urea, which is guided through the channel by interplay between conserved residues that determine proton rejection and solute selectivity. Remarkably, HpUreI conducts water at rates equivalent to aquaporins, which might be essential for efficient transport of urea at small concentration gradients. PMID:24305683

Mechanisms of molecular transport through the urea channel of Helicobacter pylori

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNulty, Reginald; Ulmschneider, Jakob P.; Luecke, Hartmut; Ulmschneider, Martin B.

2013-12-01

Helicobacter pylori survival in acidic environments relies on cytoplasmic hydrolysis of gastric urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which buffer the pathogen’s periplasm. Urea uptake is greatly enhanced and regulated by HpUreI, a proton-gated inner membrane channel protein essential for gastric survival of H. pylori. The crystal structure of HpUreI describes a static snapshot of the channel with two constriction sites near the center of the bilayer that are too narrow to allow passage of urea or even water. Here we describe the urea transport mechanism at atomic resolution, revealed by unrestrained microsecond equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of the hexameric channel assembly. Two consecutive constrictions open to allow conduction of urea, which is guided through the channel by interplay between conserved residues that determine proton rejection and solute selectivity. Remarkably, HpUreI conducts water at rates equivalent to aquaporins, which might be essential for efficient transport of urea at small concentration gradients.

Testing the ability of non-methylamine osmolytes present in kidney cells to counteract the deleterious effects of urea on structure, stability and function of proteins.

PubMed

Khan, Sheeza; Bano, Zehra; Singh, Laishram R; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz; Islam, Asimul; Ahmad, Faizan

2013-01-01

Human kidney cells are under constant urea stress due to its urine concentrating mechanism. It is believed that the deleterious effect of urea is counteracted by methylamine osmolytes (glycine betaine and glycerophosphocholine) present in kidney cells. A question arises: Do the stabilizing osmolytes, non-methylamines (myo-inositol, sorbitol and taurine) present in the kidney cells also counteract the deleterious effects of urea? To answer this question, we have measured structure, thermodynamic stability (ΔG D (o)) and functional activity parameters (K m and k cat) of different model proteins in the presence of various concentrations of urea and each non-methylamine osmolyte alone and in combination. We observed that (i) for each protein myo-inositol provides perfect counteraction at 1∶2 ([myo-inositol]:[urea]) ratio, (ii) any concentration of sorbitol fails to refold urea denatured proteins if it is six times less than that of urea, and (iii) taurine regulates perfect counteraction in a protein specific manner; 1.5∶2.0, 1.2∶2.0 and 1.0∶2.0 ([taurine]:[urea]) ratios for RNase-A, lysozyme and α-lactalbumin, respectively.

Testing the Ability of Non-Methylamine Osmolytes Present in Kidney Cells to Counteract the Deleterious Effects of Urea on Structure, Stability and Function of Proteins

PubMed Central

Khan, Sheeza; Bano, Zehra; Singh, Laishram R.; Hassan, Md. Imtaiyaz; Islam, Asimul; Ahmad, Faizan

2013-01-01

Human kidney cells are under constant urea stress due to its urine concentrating mechanism. It is believed that the deleterious effect of urea is counteracted by methylamine osmolytes (glycine betaine and glycerophosphocholine) present in kidney cells. A question arises: Do the stabilizing osmolytes, non-methylamines (myo-inositol, sorbitol and taurine) present in the kidney cells also counteract the deleterious effects of urea? To answer this question, we have measured structure, thermodynamic stability (ΔG D o) and functional activity parameters (K m and k cat) of different model proteins in the presence of various concentrations of urea and each non-methylamine osmolyte alone and in combination. We observed that (i) for each protein myo-inositol provides perfect counteraction at 1∶2 ([myo-inositol]:[urea]) ratio, (ii) any concentration of sorbitol fails to refold urea denatured proteins if it is six times less than that of urea, and (iii) taurine regulates perfect counteraction in a protein specific manner; 1.5∶2.0, 1.2∶2.0 and 1.0∶2.0 ([taurine]:[urea]) ratios for RNase-A, lysozyme and α-lactalbumin, respectively. PMID:24039776

The effects of fuel type in synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles by microwave assisted combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karcıoğlu Karakaş, Zeynep; Boncukçuoğlu, Recep; Karakaş, İbrahim H.

2016-04-01

In this study, it was investigated the effects of the used fuels on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of nanoparticles in nanoparticle synthesis with microwave assisted combustion method with an important method in quick, simple and low cost at synthesis of the nanoparticles. In this aim, glycine, urea and citric acid were used as fuel, respectively. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) techniques. We observed that fuel type is quite effective on magnetic properties and surface properties of the nanoparticles. X-ray difractograms of the obtained nanoparticles were compared with standard powder diffraction cards of NiFe2O4 (JCPDS Card Number 54-0964). The results demonstrated that difractograms are fully compatible with standard reflection peaks. According to the results of the XRD analysis, the highest crystallinity was observed at nanoparticles synthesized with glycine. The results demonstrated that the nanoparticles prepared with urea has the highest surface area. The micrographs of SEM showed that all of the nanoparticles have nano-crystalline behaviour and particles indication cubic shape. VSM analysis demonstrated that the type of fuel used for synthesis is highly effective a parameter on magnetic properties of nanoparticles.

[The modification of nitric oxide production by exogenous substrates of Krebs cycle during acute hypoxia].

PubMed

Kurhaliuk, N M; Kotsiuruba, A V; Sahach, V F

2005-01-01

Hypoxia causes the disruption of mitochondria electron respiratory chain, production of active oxygen forms and the unoxidative protection. In experiments on Wistar rats the influence of sodium succinate (50 mg/kg) and 6-ketoglutarate (200 mg/kg) on NO2-, NO3-, urea and polyamines contents in blood and liver under acute hypoxia (7% O2 in N2, 30 min) was investigated. Nitrite and nitrate content decreased in erythrocytes and liver but not in plasma under acute hypoxia. The exogenous succinate (SK) stimulated production of nitric oxide in erythrocytes and liver while 6-ketoglutarate (KG) only in liver. The switch from more intensive SK oxidation that reveals adrenomimetic influence and causes the synthesis and release of NO from erythrocyte, to less intensive KG correlates with well-known decrease of tissue respiration under the activation of the cholinergic system due to urea cycle activation particularly in liver. The activation of the SK oxidation takes place mainly under the different stress conditions and causes NO production in the blood cells. These conditions of the intensive and fast action under acute hypoxia are accompanied on the one hand by the increase of oxygen input ratio and on the other hand by activation of the free radical oxidation. The protective effect of the natural Krebs cycle intermediates--SK and KG in particular, is related to the regulation of NO synthesis and its metabolism in the main organs. These results proved the existence not only metabolite control of NO system by Krebs cycle intermediates, but the existence of the systemic mechanism for the support of the functional state of mitochondria under hypoxia.

Changes of ammonia, urea contents and transaminase activity in the body during aerial exposure and ammonia loading in Chinese loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus.

PubMed

Zhang, Yun-Long; Zhang, Hai-Long; Wang, Ling-Yu; Gu, Bei-Yi; Fan, Qi-Xue

2017-04-01

The Paramisgurnus dabryanus was exposed to 30 mmol L -1 NH 4 Cl solution and air to assessing the change of body ammonia and urea contents and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). After 48 h of ammonia exposure, ammonia concentration in the plasma, brain, liver and muscle were 3.3-fold, 5.6-fold, 3.5-fold and 4.2-fold, respectively, those of the control values. Plasma, brain, liver and muscle ammonia concentrations increased to 2.2-fold, 3.3-fold, 2.5-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively, those of control values in response to 48 h of aerial exposure. Within the given treatment (ammonia or aerial exposure), there was no change in plasma, brain and liver urea concentrations between exposure durations. The plasma ALT activity was significantly affected by exposure time during aerial exposure, while the liver ALT activity was not affected by ammonia or aerial exposure. Exposure to NH 4 Cl or air had no effect on either plasma or liver AST activity. Our results suggested that P. dabryanus could accumulate quite high level of internal ammonia because of the high ammonia tolerance in its cells and tissues, and NH 3 volatilization would be a possible ammonia detoxification strategy in P. dabryanus. Urea synthesis was not an effective mechanism to deal with environmental or internal ammonia problem. The significant increase of ALT activity in plasma during aerial exposure, indicating that alanine synthesis through certain amino acid catabolism may be subsistent in P. dabryanus.

Role of protein kinase C-α in hypertonicity-stimulated urea permeability in mouse inner medullary collecting ducts.

PubMed

Wang, Yanhua; Klein, Janet D; Froehlich, Otto; Sands, Jeff M

2013-01-15

The kidney's ability to concentrate urine is vitally important to our quality of life. In the hypertonic environment of the kidney, urea transporters must be regulated to optimize function. We previously showed that hypertonicity increases urea permeability and that the protein kinase C (PKC) blockers chelerythrine and rottlerin decreased hypertonicity-stimulated urea permeability in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Because PKCα knockout (PKCα(-/-)) mice have a urine-concentrating defect, we tested the effect of hypertonicity on urea permeability in isolated perfused mouse IMCDs. Increasing the osmolality of perfusate and bath from 290 to 690 mosmol/kgH(2)O did not change urea permeability in PKCα(-/-) mice but significantly increased urea permeability in wild-type mice. To determine whether the response to protein kinase A was also missing in IMCDs of PKCα(-/-) mice, tubules were treated with vasopressin and subsequently with the PKC stimulator phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu). Vasopressin stimulated urea permeability in PKCα(-/-) mice. Like vasopressin, forskolin stimulated urea permeability in PKCα(-/-) mice. We previously showed that, in rats, vasopressin and PDBu have additive stimulatory effects on urea permeability. In contrast, in PKCα(-/-) mice, PDBu did not further increase vasopressin-stimulated urea permeability. Western blot analysis showed that expression of the UT-A1 urea transporter in IMCDs was increased in response to vasopressin in wild-type mice as well as PKCα(-/-) mice. Hypertonicity increased UT-A1 phosphorylation in wild-type mice but not in PKCα(-/-) mice. We conclude that PKCα mediates hypertonicity-stimulated urea transport but is not necessary for vasopressin stimulation of urea permeability in mouse IMCDs.

Fabrication of functional nanomaterials using flame assisted spray pyrolysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Purwanto, Agus, E-mail: aguspur@uns.ac.id

2014-02-24

Flame assisted spray pyrolysis (FASP) is a class of synthesis method for nanomaterials fabrication. The ability to control nanomaterials characteristics and easy to be-scaled up are the main features of FASP. The crystallinity and particles size of the prepared nanomaterials can be easily controlled by variation of fuel flow rate. The precursor concentration, carrier gas flow rate, and carrier gas can be also used to control the prepared nanomaterials. Energy related nanomaterials preparation uses as the example case in FASP application. These material are yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) and tungsten oxide (WO{sub 3}). It needs strategies to produce these materialsmore » into nano-sized order. YAG:Ce nanoparticles only can be synthesized by FASP using the urea addition. The decomposition of urea under high temperature of flame promotes the breakage of YAG:Ce particles into nanoparticles. In the preparation of WO{sub 3}, the high temperature flame can be used to gasify WO{sub 3} solid material. As a result, WO{sub 3} nanoparticles can be prepared easily. Generally, to produce nanoparticles via FASP method, the boiling point of the material is important to determine the strategy which will be used.« less

Thymosin beta 4 up-regulates miR-200a expression and induces differentiation and survival of rat brain progenitor cells.

PubMed

Santra, Manoranjan; Chopp, Michael; Santra, Sutapa; Nallani, Ankita; Vyas, Shivam; Zhang, Zheng Gang; Morris, Daniel C

2016-01-01

Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a secreted 43 amino acid peptide, promotes oligodendrogenesis, and improves neurological outcome in rat models of neurologic injury. We demonstrated that exogenous Tβ4 treatment up-regulated the expression of the miR-200a in vitro in rat brain progenitor cells and in vivo in the peri-infarct area of rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The up-regulation of miR-200a down-regulated the expression of the following targets in vitro and in vivo models: (i) growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), an adaptor protein involved in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Grb2/Ras/MEK/ERK1/c-Jun signaling pathway, which negatively regulates the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), a marker of mature oligodendrocyte; (ii) ERRFI-1/Mig-6, an endogenous potent kinase inhibitor of EGFR, which resulted in activation/phosphorylation of EGFR; (iii) friend of GATA 2, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN), which are potent inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, and resulted in marked activation of AKT; and (iv) transcription factor, p53, which induces pro-apoptotic genes, and possibly reduced apoptosis of the progenitor cells subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Anti-miR-200a transfection reversed all the effects of Tβ4 treatment in vitro. Thus, Tβ4 up-regulated MBP synthesis, and inhibited OGD-induced apoptosis in a novel miR-200a dependent EGFR signaling pathway. Our findings of miR-200a-mediated protection of progenitor cells may provide a new therapeutic importance for the treatment of neurologic injury. Tβ4-induced micro-RNA-200a (miR-200a) regulates EGFR signaling pathways for MBP synthesis and apoptosis: up-regulation of miR-200a after Tβ4 treatment, increases MBP synthesis after targeting Grb2 and thereby inactivating c-Jun from inhibition of MBP synthesis; and also inhibits OGD-mediated apoptosis after targeting EGFR inhibitor (Mig-6), PI3K inhibitors (FOG2 and Pten) and an inducer (p53) of pro-apoptotic genes, for AKT activation and down-regulation of p53. These findings may contribute the therapeutic benefits for stroke and other neuronal diseases associated with demyelination disorders. © 2015 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Comparison of nitrogen utilization and urea kinetics between yaks (Bos grunniens) and indigenous cattle (Bos taurus).

PubMed

Zhou, J W; Zhong, C L; Liu, H; Degen, A A; Titgemeyer, E C; Ding, L M; Shang, Z H; Guo, X S; Qiu, Q; Li, Z P; Yang, G; Long, R J

2017-10-01

Under traditional management on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, yaks () graze only on natural pasture without supplements and are forced to cope with sparse forage of low N content, especially in winter. In contrast, indigenous Tibetan yellow cattle () require supplements during the cold season. We hypothesized that, in response to harsh conditions, yaks cope with low N intakes better than cattle. To test this hypothesis, a study of whole-body N retention and urea kinetics was conducted in 2 concurrent 4 × 4 Latin squares, with 1 square using yaks and 1 square using cattle. Four isocaloric forage-concentrate diets differing in N concentrations (10.3, 19.5, 28.5, and 37.6 g N/kg DM) were formulated, and by design, DMI were similar between species and across diets. Urea kinetics were determined with continuous intravenous infusion of NN urea for 104 h, and total urine and feces were concomitantly collected. Urea production, urea recycling to the gut, and ruminal microbial protein synthesis all linearly increased ( < 0.001) with increasing dietary N in both yaks and cattle. Urinary N excretion was less ( = 0.04) and N retention was greater ( = 0.01) in yaks than in cattle. Urea production was greater in yaks than in cattle at the 3 lowest N diets but greater in cattle than in yaks at the highest N diet (species × diet, < 0.02). Urea N recycled to the gut ( < 0.001), recycled urea N captured by ruminal bacteria ( < 0.001), and ruminal microbial protein production ( = 0.05) were greater in yaks than in cattle. No more than 12% of urea recycling was through saliva, with no difference between species ( = 0.61). Glomerular filtration rate was lower ( = 0.05) in yaks than in cattle. The higher urea recycling and greater capture of recycled urea by ruminal microbes in yaks than in cattle suggest that yaks use mechanisms to utilize dietary N more efficiently than cattle, which may partially explain the better survival of yaks than cattle when fed low-N diets.

The effect of addition of PTFE or urea on luminescence response of copper-doped lithium tetraborate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iskandar, Ferry; Fajri, Annisa; Nuraeni, Nunung; Stavila, Erythrina; Aimon, Akfiny H.; Nuryadin, Bebeh W.

2018-04-01

Lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) is a promising material for application in personal dosimetry due to its tissue equivalent properties. The addition of copper as a dopant in Li2B4O7 is known to increase the sensitivity for both photoluminescent (PL) and thermoluminescent (TL) emission. Therefore, in this paper, synthesis of Li2B4O7:Cu is reported. The optimum synthesis condition was achieved using the solution-assisted method, followed by calcination at 700 °C for 2 h. The addition of 0.1 wt% Cu resulted in the highest PL and TL emissions. Further investigation of the influence of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or urea addition on the luminescence response of Li2B4O7:Cu is described. All samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrometry, photoluminescence spectrofluorophotometer, thermoluminescence reader, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The addition of PTFE decreased the PL emission of the Li2B4O7:Cu but slightly increased its TL emission. Meanwhile, the addition of urea increased the luminescence emission for both PL and TL of the Li2B4O7:Cu.

Effect of nitrogen doping on the microstructure and visible light photocatalysis of titanate nanotubes by a facile cohydrothermal synthesis via urea treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Cheng-Ching; Hsu, Tzu-Chien; Lu, Shan-Yu

2013-09-01

A facile one-step cohydrothermal synthesis via urea treatment has been adopted to prepare a series of nitrogen-doped titanate nanotubes with highly efficient visible light photocatalysis of rhodamine B, in an effect to identify the effect of nitrogen doping on the photodegradation efficiency. The morphology and microstructure of the thus-prepared N-doped titanates were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. With increasing urea loadings, the N-doped titanates change from a porous multi-layer and nanotube-shaped to a dense and aggregated particle-shaped structure, accompanied with reduced specific surface area and pore volume and enhanced pore diameter. Interstitial linkage to titanate via Tisbnd Osbnd N and Tisbnd Nsbnd O is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Factors governing the photocatalytic degradation such as the specific surface area of the catalyst and the degradation pathway are analyzed, a mechanistic illustration on the photodegradation is provided, and a 3-stage degradation mechanism is identified. The synergistic contribution due to the enhanced deethylation and chromophore cleavage on rhodamine B molecules and the reduced band gap on the catalyst TiO2 by interstitial nitrogen-doping has been accounted for the high photodegradation efficiency of the N-doped titanate nanotubes.

Excretory nitrogen metabolism in the juvenile axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum: differences in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

PubMed

Loong, Ai M; Chew, Shit F; Ip, Yuen K

2002-01-01

The fully grown but nonmetamorphosed (juvenile) axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum was ureogenic and primarily ureotelic in water. A complete ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) was present in the liver. Aerial exposure impeded urea (but not ammonia) excretion, leading to a decrease in the percentage of nitrogen excreted as urea in the first 24 h. However, urea and not ammonia accumulated in the muscle, liver, and plasma during aerial exposure. By 48 h, the rate of urea excretion recovered fully, probably due to the greater urea concentration gradient in the kidney. It is generally accepted that an increase in carbamoyl phosphate synthetase activity is especially critical in the developmental transition from ammonotelism to ureotelism in the amphibian. Results from this study indicate that such a transition in A. mexicanum would have occurred before migration to land. Aerial exposure for 72 h exhibited no significant effect on carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-I activity or that of other OUC enzymes (with the exception of ornithine transcarbamoylase) from the liver of the juvenile A. mexicanum. This supports our hypothesis that the capacities of OUC enzymes present in the liver of the aquatic juvenile axolotl were adequate to prepare it for its invasion of the terrestrial environment. The high OUC capacity was further supported by the capability of the juvenile A. mexicanum to survive in 10 mM NH(4)Cl without accumulating amino acids in its body. The majority of the accumulating endogenous and exogenous ammonia was detoxified to urea, which led to a greater than twofold increase in urea levels in the muscle, liver, and plasma and a significant increase in urea excretion by hour 96. Hence, it can be concluded that the juvenile axolotl acquired ureotelism while submerged in water, and its hepatic capacity of urea synthesis was more than adequate to handle the toxicity of endogenous ammonia during migration to land.

Dispersion Interactions between Urea and Nucleobases Contribute to the Destabilization of RNA by Urea in Aqueous Solution

PubMed Central

Kasavajhala, Koushik; Bikkina, Swetha; Patil, Indrajit; MacKerell, Alexander D.; Priyakumar, U. Deva

2015-01-01

Urea has long been used to investigate protein folding and, more recently, RNA folding. Studies have proposed that urea denatures RNA by participating in stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds with nucleic acid bases. In this study, the ability of urea to form unconventional stacking interactions with RNA bases is investigated using ab initio calculations (RI-MP2 and CCSD(T) methods with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set). A total of 29 stable nucleobase-urea stacked complexes are identified in which the intermolecular interaction energies (up to −14 kcal/mol) are dominated by dispersion effects. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and atoms in molecules (AIM) calculations further confirm strong interactions between urea and nucleobases. Calculations on model systems with multiple urea and water molecules interacting with a guanine base lead to a hypothesis that urea molecules along with water are able to form cage-like structures capable of trapping nucleic acid bases in extrahelical states by forming both hydrogen bonded and dispersion interactions, thereby contributing to the unfolding of RNA in the presence of urea in aqueous solution. PMID:25668757

Syndecan-2 regulates melanin synthesis via protein kinase C βII-mediated tyrosinase activation.

PubMed

Jung, Hyejung; Chung, Heesung; Chang, Sung Eun; Choi, Sora; Han, Inn-Oc; Kang, Duk-Hee; Oh, Eok-Soo

2014-05-01

Syndecan-2, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is highly expressed in melanoma cells, regulates melanoma cell functions (e.g. migration). Since melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, which largely function to synthesize melanin, we investigated the possible involvement of syndecan-2 in melanogenesis. Syndecan-2 expression was increased in human skin melanoma tissues compared with normal skin. In both mouse and human melanoma cells, siRNA-mediated knockdown of syndecan-2 was associated with reduced melanin synthesis, whereas overexpression of syndecan-2 increased melanin synthesis. Similar effects were also detected in human primary epidermal melanocytes. Syndecan-2 expression did not affect the expression of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin synthesis, but instead enhanced the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase by increasing the membrane and melanosome localization of its regulator, protein kinase CβII. Furthermore, UVB caused increased syndecan-2 expression, and this up-regulation of syndecan-2 was required for UVB-induced melanin synthesis. Taken together, these data suggest that syndecan-2 regulates melanin synthesis and could be a potential therapeutic target for treating melanin-associated diseases. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Novel urea and bis-urea primaquine derivatives with hydroxyphenyl or halogenphenyl substituents: Synthesis and biological evaluation.

PubMed

Perković, I; Antunović, M; Marijanović, I; Pavić, K; Ester, K; Kralj, M; Vlainić, J; Kosalec, I; Schols, D; Hadjipavlou-Litina, D; Pontiki, E; Zorc, B

2016-11-29

A series of novel compounds 3a-j and 6a-j with primaquine and hydroxyl or halogen substituted benzene moieties bridged by urea or bis-urea functionalities were designed, synthesized and evaluated for biological activity. The title compounds were prepared using benzotriazole as the synthon, through several synthetic steps. 3-[3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-{4-[(6-methoxyquinolin-8-yl)amino]pentyl}urea (3j) was the most active urea and 1-[({4-[(6-methoxyquinolin-8-yl)amino]pentyl}carbamoyl)amino]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]urea (6h) the most active bis-urea derivative in antiproliferative screening in vitro against eight tested cancer cell lines. Urea derivatives 3a-g with hydroxy group or one halogen atom showed moderate antiproliferative effects against all the tested cell lines, but stronger activity against breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line, while trifluoromethyl derivatives 3h-j showed antiproliferative effects against all the tested cell lines in low micromolar range. Finally, bis-ureas with hydroxy and fluoro substituents 6a-d showed extreme selectivity and chloro or bromo derivatives 6e-g high selectivity against MCF-7 cells (IC 50 0.1-2.6 μM). p-Fluoro derivative 6d, namely 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-[({4-[(6-methoxyquinolin-8-yl)amino]pentyl}carbamoyl)amino]urea, is the most promising compound. Further biological experiments showed that 6d affected cell cycle and induced cell death of MCF-7 cell line. Due to its high activity against MCF-7 cell line (IC 50 0.31 μM), extreme selectivity and full agreement with the Lipinski's and Gelovani's rules for prospective small molecular drugs, 6d may be considered as a lead compound in development of breast carcinoma drugs. Urea 3b and almost all bis-ureas showed high antioxidant activity in DPPH assay, but urea derivatives were more active in lipid peroxidation test. Only few compounds exhibited weak inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase. Compound 3j exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity in susceptibility assay in vitro (MIC = 1.6-12.5 μg ml -1 ). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Non-canonical Amino Acid Tagging (QuaNCAT) Proteomics Identifies Distinct Patterns of Protein Synthesis Rapidly Induced by Hypertrophic Agents in Cardiomyocytes, Revealing New Aspects of Metabolic Remodeling*

PubMed Central

Liu, Rui; Kenney, Justin W.; Manousopoulou, Antigoni; Johnston, Harvey E.; Kamei, Makoto; Woelk, Christopher H.; Xie, Jianling; Schwarzer, Michael; Proud, Christopher G.

2016-01-01

Cardiomyocytes undergo growth and remodeling in response to specific pathological or physiological conditions. In the former, myocardial growth is a risk factor for cardiac failure and faster protein synthesis is a major factor driving cardiomyocyte growth. Our goal was to quantify the rapid effects of different pro-hypertrophic stimuli on the synthesis of specific proteins in ARVC and to determine whether such effects are caused by alterations on mRNA abundance or the translation of specific mRNAs. Cardiomyocytes have very low rates of protein synthesis, posing a challenging problem in terms of studying changes in the synthesis of specific proteins, which also applies to other nondividing primary cells. To study the rates of accumulation of specific proteins in these cells, we developed an optimized version of the Quantitative Noncanonical Amino acid Tagging LC/MS proteomic method to label and selectively enrich newly synthesized proteins in these primary cells while eliminating the suppressive effects of pre-existing and highly abundant nonisotope-tagged polypeptides. Our data revealed that a classical pathologic (phenylephrine; PE) and the recently identified insulin stimulus that also contributes to the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy (insulin), both increased the synthesis of proteins involved in, e.g. glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and beta-oxidation, and sarcomeric components. However, insulin increased synthesis of many metabolic enzymes to a greater extent than PE. Using a novel validation method, we confirmed that synthesis of selected candidates is indeed up-regulated by PE and insulin. Synthesis of all proteins studied was up-regulated by signaling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 without changes in their mRNA levels, showing the key importance of translational control in the rapid effects of hypertrophic stimuli. Expression of PKM2 was up-regulated in rat hearts following TAC. This isoform possesses specific regulatory properties, so this finding indicates it may be involved in metabolic remodeling and also serve as a novel candidate biomarker. Levels of translation factor eEF1 also increased during TAC, likely contributing to faster cell mass accumulation. Interestingly those two candidates were not up-regulated in pregnancy or exercise induced CH, indicating PKM2 and eEF1 were pathological CH specific markers. We anticipate that the methodologies described here will be valuable for other researchers studying protein synthesis in primary cells. PMID:27512079

Synthesis composite hydrogels from inorganic-organic hybrids based on leftover rice for environment-friendly controlled-release urea fertilizers.

PubMed

Zhou, Tao; Wang, Yan; Huang, Sheng; Zhao, Youcai

2018-02-15

Nearly 1.3 billion tons of food are discarded annually in the production process. In this study, a novel slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with water absorbency was developed using leftover rice and crosslinking methods. Urea was incorporated as the nitrogen source in a leftover rice-g-poly(acrylic acid)/montmorillonite (LR-g-PAA/MMT) network, and then the leftover rice-g-poly(acrylic acid)/montmorillonite/Urea (LR-g-PAA/MMT/Urea) retained in the soil, and used as the loss control agent for water and nutrients. Variables including concentrations of acrylic acid, montmorillonite, N,N´-methylenebis acrylamide (MBA), and potassium persulfate (KPS) were investigated. Samples were with a water absorbency of 102.6g/g in distilled water and 25.1g/g in 1.0wt% NaCl solution under optimized conditions. Swelling measurements and water-retention indicated that higher-covalent cations would aggregate the hydrogels and decrease swelling. Investigating leaching behavior showed that these samples have the potential to carry the necessary nitrogen (N). The results demonstrated that the LR-g-PAA/MMT/Urea had a low leaching losses of N (19.7%) compared with pure urea (52.3%). Therefore, the developed fertilizer may be widely applicable in agriculture and horticulture, and could provide a new platform for reusing leftover rice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monoclinic β-Li2TiO3 nanocrystalline particles employing novel urea assisted solid state route: Synthesis, characterization and sintering behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, Biranchi M.; Mohanty, Trupti; Prakash, Deep; Tyagi, A. K.; Sinha, P. K.

2017-07-01

Pure phase monoclinic nano-crystalline Li2TiO3 powder was synthesized by a novel urea assisted solid state synthesis method using readily available and economical precursors. A single phase and well crystalline Li2TiO3 powder has been obtained at slightly lower temperature (600-700 °C) and shorter duration (2 h) as compared to the conventional solid state method. The proposed method has significant advantages in comparison to other viable methods mainly in terms of phase purity, powder properties and sinterability. Analysis of chemical composition using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) shows no loss of lithium from Li2TiO3 in the proposed method. The emergence of monoclinic Li2TiO3 phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of as-synthesized powder. The crystallite size of Li2TiO3 powder was calculated to be in the range of 15-80 nm, which varied as a function of urea composition and temperature. The morphology of as-prepared Li2TiO3 powders was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of urea composition on phase and morphology was investigated so as to delineate the role of urea. Upon sintering at < 1000 °C temperature, the Li2TiO3 powder compact attained about 98% of the theoretical density with fine grained (grain size: 2-3 μm) microstructure. It indicates excellent sinter-ability of Li2TiO3 powder synthesized by the proposed method. The fine grained structure is desirable for better tritium breeding performance of Li2TiO3. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at variable temperature showed good electrical properties of Li2TiO3. The proposed method is simple, anticipated to be cost effective and convenient to realise for large scale production of phase pure nanocrystalline and having significantly enhanced sinter-ability Li2TiO3 powder.

Amino Acid Oxidation Increases with Dietary Protein Content in Adult Neutered Male Cats as Measured Using [1-13C]Leucine and [15N2]Urea.

PubMed

Wester, Timothy J; Weidgraaf, Karin; Hekman, Margreet; Ugarte, Claudia E; Forsyth, Sandra F; Tavendale, Michael H

2015-11-01

Cats are unique among domestic animals in that they are obligate carnivores and have a high protein requirement. However, there are few data on protein turnover and amino acid (AA) metabolism in cats. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary protein content on urea production and Leu metabolism in cats. Eighteen neutered male cats (4.4 ± 0.11 kg body weight, aged 4.6 ± 0.41 y) fed to maintain body weight for 3 wk with 15%, 40%, or 65% metabolizable energy intake as crude protein (CP) had [1-(13)C]Leu administered in the fed state. Urea production was measured by the infusion of [(15)N2]urea. Leu flux, nonoxidative Leu disposal (NOLD; protein synthesis), Leu rate of appearance (Ra; protein degradation), and Leu oxidation were determined. Urea production and Leu oxidation were both ∼ 3 times greater in cats fed 65% CP compared with those fed 15% CP, whereas those fed 40% CP were ∼ 1.6 times greater (P < 0.05). Leu flux was 1.9 and 1.3 times greater in cats fed 65% CP compared with those fed 15% and 40% CP (P < 0.001). Almost 39% of total Leu flux was oxidized by cats fed 15% CP, whereas this increased to 58% in cats fed 65% CP (P < 0.002). There were no differences for Ra, but cats fed 65% CP tended to have 30% greater NOLD (P = 0.09) and to be in positive protein balance (P = 0.08) compared with those fed 15% CP. The high protein requirement of cats combined with a low rate of whole-body protein synthesis ensures that an obligate demand of AAs for energy or glucose (or both) can be met in an animal that evolved with a diet high in protein with very little or no carbohydrate. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Discovery of (R)-1-(7-chloro-2,2-bis(fluoromethyl)chroman-4-yl)-3-(3-methylisoquinolin-5-yl)urea (A-1165442): a temperature-neutral transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) antagonist with analgesic efficacy.

PubMed

Voight, Eric A; Gomtsyan, Arthur R; Daanen, Jerome F; Perner, Richard J; Schmidt, Robert G; Bayburt, Erol K; DiDomenico, Stanley; McDonald, Heath A; Puttfarcken, Pamela S; Chen, Jun; Neelands, Torben R; Bianchi, Bruce R; Han, Ping; Reilly, Regina M; Franklin, Pamela H; Segreti, Jason A; Nelson, Richard A; Su, Zhi; King, Andrew J; Polakowski, James S; Baker, Scott J; Gauvin, Donna M; Lewis, LaGeisha R; Mikusa, Joseph P; Joshi, Shailen K; Faltynek, Connie R; Kym, Philip R; Kort, Michael E

2014-09-11

The synthesis and characterization of a series of selective, orally bioavailable 1-(chroman-4-yl)urea TRPV1 antagonists is described. Whereas first-generation antagonists that inhibit all modes of TRPV1 activation can elicit hyperthermia, the compounds disclosed herein do not elevate core body temperature in preclinical models and only partially block acid activation of TRPV1. Advancing the SAR of this series led to the eventual identification of (R)-1-(7-chloro-2,2-bis(fluoromethyl)chroman-4-yl)-3-(3-methylisoquinolin-5-yl)urea (A-1165442, 52), an analogue that possesses excellent pharmacological selectivity, has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, and demonstrates good efficacy against osteoarthritis pain in rodents.

Enantioselective Synthesis of SNAP-7941

PubMed Central

Goss, Jennifer M.; Schaus, Scott E.

2009-01-01

An enantioselective synthesis of SNAP-7941, a potent melanin concentrating hormone receptor antagonist, was achieved using two organocatalytic methods. The first method utilized to synthesize the enantioenriched dihydropyrimidone core was the Cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed Mannich reaction of β-keto esters to acyl imines and the second was chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed Biginelli reaction. Completion of the synthesis was accomplished via selective urea formation at the N3 position of the dihydropyrimidone with the 3-(4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)propyl amine side chain fragment. The synthesis of SNAP-7921 highlights the utility of asymmetric organocatalytic methods in the construction of an important class of chiral heterocycles. PMID:18767801

Effect of alternative pathway therapy on branched chain amino acid metabolism in urea cycle disorder patients.

PubMed

Scaglia, Fernando; Carter, Susan; O'Brien, William E; Lee, Brendan

2004-04-01

Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of inborn errors of hepatic metabolism caused by the loss of enzymatic activities that mediate the transfer of nitrogen from ammonia to urea. These disorders often result in life-threatening hyperammonemia and hyperglutaminemia. A combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and sodium phenylacetate/benzoate is used in the clinical management of children with urea cycle defects as a glutamine trap, diverting nitrogen from urea synthesis to alternatives routes of excretion. We have observed that patients treated with these compounds have selective branched chain amino acid (BCAA) deficiency despite adequate dietary protein intake. However, the direct effect of alternative therapy on the steady state levels of plasma branched chain amino acids has not been well characterized. We have measured steady state plasma branched chain and other essential non-branched chain amino acids in control subjects, untreated ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency females and treated null activity urea cycle disorder patients in the fed steady state during the course of stable isotope studies. Steady-state leucine levels were noted to be significantly lower in treated urea cycle disorder patients when compared to either untreated ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency females or control subjects (P<0.0001). This effect was reproduced in control subjects who had depressed leucine levels when treated with sodium phenylacetate/benzoate (P<0.0001). Our studies suggest that this therapeutic modality has a substantial impact on the metabolism of branched chain amino acids in urea cycle disorder patients. These findings suggest that better titration of protein restriction could be achieved with branched chain amino acid supplementation in patients with UCDs who are on alternative route therapy.

1H, 15N, 13C resonance assignment of folded and 8 M urea-denatured state of SUMO from Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Kumar, Dinesh; Kumar, Ashutosh; Misra, Jyoti Ranjan; Chugh, Jeetender; Sharma, Shilpy; Hosur, Ramakrishna V

2008-06-01

SUMO, an important post-translational modifier of variety of substrate proteins, regulates different cellular functions. Here, we report the NMR resonance assignment of the folded and 8 M urea-denatured state of SUMO from Drosophila melanogaster (dsmt3).

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the ionizing radiation response by ATM and p53

PubMed Central

Venkata Narayanan, Ishwarya; Paulsen, Michelle T.; Bedi, Karan; Berg, Nathan; Ljungman, Emily A.; Francia, Sofia; Veloso, Artur; Magnuson, Brian; di Fagagna, Fabrizio d’Adda; Wilson, Thomas E.; Ljungman, Mats

2017-01-01

In response to ionizing radiation (IR), cells activate a DNA damage response (DDR) pathway to re-program gene expression. Previous studies using total cellular RNA analyses have shown that the stress kinase ATM and the transcription factor p53 are integral components required for induction of IR-induced gene expression. These studies did not distinguish between changes in RNA synthesis and RNA turnover and did not address the role of enhancer elements in DDR-mediated transcriptional regulation. To determine the contribution of synthesis and degradation of RNA and monitor the activity of enhancer elements following exposure to IR, we used the recently developed Bru-seq, BruChase-seq and BruUV-seq techniques. Our results show that ATM and p53 regulate both RNA synthesis and stability as well as enhancer element activity following exposure to IR. Importantly, many genes in the p53-signaling pathway were coordinately up-regulated by both increased synthesis and RNA stability while down-regulated genes were suppressed either by reduced synthesis or stability. Our study is the first of its kind that independently assessed the effects of ionizing radiation on transcription and post-transcriptional regulation in normal human cells. PMID:28256581

Trypsin-catalyzed tandem reaction: one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones by in situ formed acetaldehyde.

PubMed

Xie, Zong-Bo; Wang, Na; Wu, Wan-Xia; Le, Zhang-Gao; Yu, Xiao-Qi

2014-01-20

A simple, mild, one-pot tandem method catalyzed by trypsin was developed for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones by the Biginelli reaction of urea, β-dicarbonyl compounds, and in situ-formed acetaldehyde. Trypsin was found to display dual promiscuous functions to catalyze transesterification and the Biginelli reaction in sequence. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of N-pyrazole ureas and the p38alpha inhibitor BIRB 796 for study into accelerated cell ageing.

PubMed

Bagley, Mark C; Davis, Terence; Dix, Matthew C; Widdowson, Caroline S; Kipling, David

2006-11-21

Microwave irradiation of substituted hydrazines and beta-ketoesters gives 5-aminopyrazoles in excellent yield, which can be transformed to the corresponding N-carbonyl derivatives by treatment with an isocyanate or chloroformate. Derivatization of 4-nitronaphth-1-ol using predominantly microwave heating methods and reaction with an N-pyrazole carbamate provides a rapid route to the N-pyrazole urea BIRB 796 in high purity, as a potent and selective inhibitor of p38alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase for the study of accelerated ageing in Werner syndrome cells.

High salt intake reprioritizes osmolyte and energy metabolism for body fluid conservation.

PubMed

Kitada, Kento; Daub, Steffen; Zhang, Yahua; Klein, Janet D; Nakano, Daisuke; Pedchenko, Tetyana; Lantier, Louise; LaRocque, Lauren M; Marton, Adriana; Neubert, Patrick; Schröder, Agnes; Rakova, Natalia; Jantsch, Jonathan; Dikalova, Anna E; Dikalov, Sergey I; Harrison, David G; Müller, Dominik N; Nishiyama, Akira; Rauh, Manfred; Harris, Raymond C; Luft, Friedrich C; Wassermann, David H; Sands, Jeff M; Titze, Jens

2017-05-01

Natriuretic regulation of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis includes suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pressure natriuresis, and reduced renal nerve activity, actions that concomitantly increase urinary Na+ excretion and lead to increased urine volume. The resulting natriuresis-driven diuretic water loss is assumed to control the extracellular volume. Here, we have demonstrated that urine concentration, and therefore regulation of water conservation, is an important control system for urine formation and extracellular volume homeostasis in mice and humans across various levels of salt intake. We observed that the renal concentration mechanism couples natriuresis with correspondent renal water reabsorption, limits natriuretic osmotic diuresis, and results in concurrent extracellular volume conservation and concentration of salt excreted into urine. This water-conserving mechanism of dietary salt excretion relies on urea transporter-driven urea recycling by the kidneys and on urea production by liver and skeletal muscle. The energy-intense nature of hepatic and extrahepatic urea osmolyte production for renal water conservation requires reprioritization of energy and substrate metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, resulting in hepatic ketogenesis and glucocorticoid-driven muscle catabolism, which are prevented by increasing food intake. This natriuretic-ureotelic, water-conserving principle relies on metabolism-driven extracellular volume control and is regulated by concerted liver, muscle, and renal actions.

High salt intake reprioritizes osmolyte and energy metabolism for body fluid conservation

PubMed Central

Kitada, Kento; Daub, Steffen; Zhang, Yahua; Klein, Janet D.; Nakano, Daisuke; Pedchenko, Tetyana; Lantier, Louise; LaRocque, Lauren M.; Marton, Adriana; Neubert, Patrick; Schröder, Agnes; Rakova, Natalia; Jantsch, Jonathan; Dikalova, Anna E.; Dikalov, Sergey I.; Harrison, David G.; Müller, Dominik N.; Nishiyama, Akira; Rauh, Manfred; Harris, Raymond C.; Luft, Friedrich C.; Wasserman, David H.; Sands, Jeff M.

2017-01-01

Natriuretic regulation of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis includes suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pressure natriuresis, and reduced renal nerve activity, actions that concomitantly increase urinary Na+ excretion and lead to increased urine volume. The resulting natriuresis-driven diuretic water loss is assumed to control the extracellular volume. Here, we have demonstrated that urine concentration, and therefore regulation of water conservation, is an important control system for urine formation and extracellular volume homeostasis in mice and humans across various levels of salt intake. We observed that the renal concentration mechanism couples natriuresis with correspondent renal water reabsorption, limits natriuretic osmotic diuresis, and results in concurrent extracellular volume conservation and concentration of salt excreted into urine. This water-conserving mechanism of dietary salt excretion relies on urea transporter–driven urea recycling by the kidneys and on urea production by liver and skeletal muscle. The energy-intense nature of hepatic and extrahepatic urea osmolyte production for renal water conservation requires reprioritization of energy and substrate metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, resulting in hepatic ketogenesis and glucocorticoid-driven muscle catabolism, which are prevented by increasing food intake. This natriuretic-ureotelic, water-conserving principle relies on metabolism-driven extracellular volume control and is regulated by concerted liver, muscle, and renal actions. PMID:28414295

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parra, Pamela Ochoa, E-mail: lapochoap@unal.edu.co; Veloza, Stella

The radiotracer called {sup 68}Ga-labelled Glu-urea-Lys(Ahx)-HBED-CC ([68Ga]Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC) is a novel radiophar-maceutical for the detection of prostate cancer lesions by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Setting up a cost-effective manual synthesis of this radiotracer and making its clinical translation in Colombia will require two important elements: the evaluation of the procedure to yield a consistent product, meeting standards of radio-chemical purity and low toxicity and then, the evaluation of the radiation dosimetry. In this paper a protocol to extrapolate the biokinetic model made in normal mice to humans by using the computer software for internal dose assessment OLINDA/EXM® is presented asmore » an accurate and standardized method for the calculation of radiation dosimetry estimates.« less

The effect of 24S-hydroxycholesterol on cholesterol homeostasis in neurons: quantitative changes to the cortical neuron proteome.

PubMed

Wang, Yuqin; Muneton, Sabina; Sjövall, Jan; Jovanovic, Jasmina N; Griffiths, William J

2008-04-01

In humans, the brain represents only about 2% of the body's mass but contains about one-quarter of the body's free cholesterol. Cholesterol is synthesized de novo in brain and removed by metabolism to oxysterols. 24S-Hydoxycholesterol represents the major metabolic product of cholesterol in brain, being formed via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP46A1. CYP46A1 is expressed exclusively in brain, normally by neurons. In this study, we investigated the effect of 24S-hydroxycholesterol on the proteome of rat cortical neurons. With the use of two-dimensional liquid chromatography linked to nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometry, over 1040 proteins were identified including members of the cholesterol, isoprenoid and fatty acid synthesis pathways. With the use of stable isotope labeling technology, the protein expression patterns of enzymes in these pathways were investigated. 24S-Hydroxycholesterol was found to down-regulate the expression of members of the cholesterol/isoprenoid synthesis pathways including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A synthase 1 (EC 2.3.3.10), diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.33), isopentenyl-diphosphate delta isomerase (EC 5.3.3.2), farnesyl-diphosphate synthase (Geranyl trans transferase, EC 2.5.1.10), and dedicated sterol synthesis enzymes, farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (squalene synthase, EC 2.5.1.21) and methylsterol monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.72). The expression of many enzymes in the cholesterol/isoprenoid and fatty acid synthesis pathways are regulated by the membrane-bound transcription factors named sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), which themselves are both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally regulated. The current proteomic data indicates that 24S-hydroxycholesterol down-regulates cholesterol synthesis in neurons, possibly, in a post-transcriptional manner through SREBP-2. In contrast to cholesterol metabolism, enzymes responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids were not found to be down-regulated in neurons treated with 24S-hydroxycholesterol, while apolipoprotein E (apo E), a cholesterol trafficking protein, was found to be up-regulated. Taken together, this data leads to the hypothesis that, in times of cholesterol excess, 24S-hydroxycholesterols signals down-regulation of cholesterol synthesis enzymes through SREBP-2, but up-regulates apo E synthesis (through the liver X receptor) leading to cholesterol storage and restoration of cholesterol balance.

Role of protein kinase C-α in hypertonicity-stimulated urea permeability in mouse inner medullary collecting ducts

PubMed Central

Klein, Janet D.; Froehlich, Otto; Sands, Jeff M.

2013-01-01

The kidney's ability to concentrate urine is vitally important to our quality of life. In the hypertonic environment of the kidney, urea transporters must be regulated to optimize function. We previously showed that hypertonicity increases urea permeability and that the protein kinase C (PKC) blockers chelerythrine and rottlerin decreased hypertonicity-stimulated urea permeability in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Because PKCα knockout (PKCα−/−) mice have a urine-concentrating defect, we tested the effect of hypertonicity on urea permeability in isolated perfused mouse IMCDs. Increasing the osmolality of perfusate and bath from 290 to 690 mosmol/kgH2O did not change urea permeability in PKCα−/− mice but significantly increased urea permeability in wild-type mice. To determine whether the response to protein kinase A was also missing in IMCDs of PKCα−/− mice, tubules were treated with vasopressin and subsequently with the PKC stimulator phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu). Vasopressin stimulated urea permeability in PKCα−/− mice. Like vasopressin, forskolin stimulated urea permeability in PKCα−/− mice. We previously showed that, in rats, vasopressin and PDBu have additive stimulatory effects on urea permeability. In contrast, in PKCα−/− mice, PDBu did not further increase vasopressin-stimulated urea permeability. Western blot analysis showed that expression of the UT-A1 urea transporter in IMCDs was increased in response to vasopressin in wild-type mice as well as PKCα−/− mice. Hypertonicity increased UT-A1 phosphorylation in wild-type mice but not in PKCα−/− mice. We conclude that PKCα mediates hypertonicity-stimulated urea transport but is not necessary for vasopressin stimulation of urea permeability in mouse IMCDs. PMID:23097465

A Urea Biosensor from Stacked Sol-Gel Films with Immobilized Nile Blue Chromoionophore and Urease Enzyme.

PubMed

Alqasaimeh, Muawia Salameh; Heng, Lee Yook; Ahmad, Musa

2007-10-11

An optical urea biosensor was fabricated by stacking several layers of sol-gelfilms. The stacking of the sol-gel films allowed the immobilization of a Nile Bluechromoionophore (ETH 5294) and urease enzyme separately without the need of anychemical attachment procedure. The absorbance response of the biosensor was monitoredat 550 nm, i.e. the deprotonation of the chromoionophore. This multi-layer sol-gel filmformat enabled higher enzyme loading in the biosensor to be achieved. The urea opticalbiosensor constructed from three layers of sol-gel films that contained urease demonstrateda much wider linear response range of up to 100 mM urea when compared with biosensorsthat constructed from 1-2 layers of films. Analysis of urea in urine samples with thisoptical urea biosensor yielded results similar to that determined by a spectrophotometricmethod using the reagent p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (R² = 0.982, n = 6). The averagerecovery of urea from urine samples using this urea biosensor is approximately 103%.

A Urea Biosensor from Stacked Sol-Gel Films with Immobilized Nile Blue Chromoionophore and Urease Enzyme

PubMed Central

Alqasaimeh, Muawia Salameh; Heng, Lee Yook; Ahmad, Musa

2007-01-01

An optical urea biosensor was fabricated by stacking several layers of sol-gel films. The stacking of the sol-gel films allowed the immobilization of a Nile Blue chromoionophore (ETH 5294) and urease enzyme separately without the need of any chemical attachment procedure. The absorbance response of the biosensor was monitored at 550 nm, i.e. the deprotonation of the chromoionophore. This multi-layer sol-gel film format enabled higher enzyme loading in the biosensor to be achieved. The urea optical biosensor constructed from three layers of sol-gel films that contained urease demonstrated a much wider linear response range of up to 100 mM urea when compared with biosensors that constructed from 1-2 layers of films. Analysis of urea in urine samples with this optical urea biosensor yielded results similar to that determined by a spectrophotometric method using the reagent p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (R2 = 0.982, n = 6). The average recovery of urea from urine samples using this urea biosensor is approximately 103%.

Intrarenal urea recycling leads to a higher rate of renal excretion of potassium: an hypothesis with clinical implications.

PubMed

Kamel, Kamel S; Halperin, Mitchell L

2011-09-01

This review aims to illustrate why urea recycling may play an important role in potassium (K⁺) excretion and to emphasize its potential clinical implications. A quantitative analysis of the process of intrarenal urea recycling reveals that the amount of urea delivered to the distal convoluted tubule is about two-fold larger than the quantity of urea excreted in the urine. As the number of osmoles delivered to the late cortical distal nephron (CCD) determines its flow rate when aquaporin 2 water channels have been inserted in the luminal membrane of principal cells, urea recycling may play an important role in regulating the rate of excretion of K⁺ when the distal delivery of electrolytes is not very high. Urea recycling aids the excretion of K⁺; this is especially important in patients with disorders or those who are taking drugs that lead to a less lumen-negative voltage in the CCD. As a large quantity of urea is reabsorbed daily in the inner medullary collecting duct, the assumption made in the calculation of the transtubular K concentration gradient that there is no appreciable reabsorption of osmoles downstream CCD is not valid.

Urea and Ammonia Metabolism and the Control of Renal Nitrogen Excretion.

PubMed

Weiner, I David; Mitch, William E; Sands, Jeff M

2015-08-07

Renal nitrogen metabolism primarily involves urea and ammonia metabolism, and is essential to normal health. Urea is the largest circulating pool of nitrogen, excluding nitrogen in circulating proteins, and its production changes in parallel to the degradation of dietary and endogenous proteins. In addition to serving as a way to excrete nitrogen, urea transport, mediated through specific urea transport proteins, mediates a central role in the urine concentrating mechanism. Renal ammonia excretion, although often considered only in the context of acid-base homeostasis, accounts for approximately 10% of total renal nitrogen excretion under basal conditions, but can increase substantially in a variety of clinical conditions. Because renal ammonia metabolism requires intrarenal ammoniagenesis from glutamine, changes in factors regulating renal ammonia metabolism can have important effects on glutamine in addition to nitrogen balance. This review covers aspects of protein metabolism and the control of the two major molecules involved in renal nitrogen excretion: urea and ammonia. Both urea and ammonia transport can be altered by glucocorticoids and hypokalemia, two conditions that also affect protein metabolism. Clinical conditions associated with altered urine concentrating ability or water homeostasis can result in changes in urea excretion and urea transporters. Clinical conditions associated with altered ammonia excretion can have important effects on nitrogen balance. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Urea and Ammonia Metabolism and the Control of Renal Nitrogen Excretion

PubMed Central

Mitch, William E.; Sands, Jeff M.

2015-01-01

Renal nitrogen metabolism primarily involves urea and ammonia metabolism, and is essential to normal health. Urea is the largest circulating pool of nitrogen, excluding nitrogen in circulating proteins, and its production changes in parallel to the degradation of dietary and endogenous proteins. In addition to serving as a way to excrete nitrogen, urea transport, mediated through specific urea transport proteins, mediates a central role in the urine concentrating mechanism. Renal ammonia excretion, although often considered only in the context of acid-base homeostasis, accounts for approximately 10% of total renal nitrogen excretion under basal conditions, but can increase substantially in a variety of clinical conditions. Because renal ammonia metabolism requires intrarenal ammoniagenesis from glutamine, changes in factors regulating renal ammonia metabolism can have important effects on glutamine in addition to nitrogen balance. This review covers aspects of protein metabolism and the control of the two major molecules involved in renal nitrogen excretion: urea and ammonia. Both urea and ammonia transport can be altered by glucocorticoids and hypokalemia, two conditions that also affect protein metabolism. Clinical conditions associated with altered urine concentrating ability or water homeostasis can result in changes in urea excretion and urea transporters. Clinical conditions associated with altered ammonia excretion can have important effects on nitrogen balance. PMID:25078422

Urea inhibits NaK2Cl cotransport in human erythrocytes.

PubMed Central

Lim, J; Gasson, C; Kaji, D M

1995-01-01

We examined the effect of urea on NaK2Cl cotransport in human erythrocytes. In erythrocytes from nine normal subjects, the addition of 45 mM urea, a concentration commonly encountered in uremic subjects, inhibited NaK2Cl cotransport by 33 +/- 7%. Urea inhibited NaK2Cl cotransport reversibly, and in a concentration-dependent fashion with half-maximal inhibition at 63 +/- 10 mM. Acute cell shrinkage increased, and acute cell swelling decreased NaK2Cl cotransport in human erythrocytes. Okadaic acid (OA), a specific inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A, increased NaK2Cl cotransport by nearly 80%, suggesting an important role for these phosphatases in the regulation of NaK2Cl cotransport. Urea inhibited bumetanide-sensitive K influx even when protein phosphatases were inhibited with OA, suggesting that urea acted by inhibiting a kinase. In cells subjected to shrinking and OA pretreatment, maneuvers expected to increase the net phosphorylation, urea inhibited cotransport only minimally, suggesting that urea acted by causing a net dephosphorylation of the cotransport protein, or some key regulatory protein. The finding that concentrations of urea found in uremic subjects inhibited NaK2Cl cotransport, a widespread transport pathway with important physiological functions, suggests that urea is not only a marker for accumulation of other uremic toxins, but may be a significant uremic toxin itself. PMID:7593597

Counteraction of urea-induced protein denaturation by trimethylamine N-oxide: a chemical chaperone at atomic resolution.

PubMed

Bennion, Brian J; Daggett, Valerie

2004-04-27

Proteins are very sensitive to their solvent environments. Urea is a common chemical denaturant of proteins, yet some animals contain high concentrations of urea. These animals have evolved an interesting mechanism to counteract the effects of urea by using trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). The molecular basis for the ability of TMAO to act as a chemical chaperone remains unknown. Here, we describe molecular dynamics simulations of a small globular protein, chymotrypsin inhibitor 2, in 8 M urea and 4 M TMAO/8 M urea solutions, in addition to other control simulations, to investigate this effect at the atomic level. In 8 M urea, the protein unfolds, and urea acts in both a direct and indirect manner to achieve this effect. In contrast, introduction of 4 M TMAO counteracts the effect of urea and the protein remains well structured. TMAO makes few direct interactions with the protein. Instead, it prevents unfolding of the protein by structuring the solvent. In particular, TMAO orders the solvent and discourages it from competing with intraprotein H bonds and breaking up the hydrophobic core of the protein.

Synthesis characterization and luminescence studies of gamma irradiated nanocrystalline yttrium oxide.

PubMed

Shivaramu, N J; Lakshminarasappa, B N; Nagabhushana, K R; Singh, Fouran

2016-02-05

Nanocrystalline Y2O3 is synthesized by solution combustion technique using urea and glycine as fuels. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of as prepared sample shows amorphous nature while annealed samples show cubic nature. The average crystallite size is calculated using Scherrer's formula and is found to be in the range 14-30 nm for samples synthesized using urea and 15-20 nm for samples synthesized using glycine respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image of 1173 K annealed Y2O3 samples show well separated spherical shape particles and the average particle size is found to be in the range 28-35 nm. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy reveals a stretching of Y-O bond. Electron spin resonance (ESR) shows V(-) center, O2(-) and Y(2+) defects. A broad photoluminescence (PL) emission with peak at ~386nm is observed when the sample is excited with 252 nm. Thermoluminescence (TL) properties of γ-irradiated Y2O3 nanopowder are studied at a heating rate of 5 K s(-1). The samples prepared by using urea show a prominent and well resolved peak at ~383 K and a weak one at ~570 K. It is also found that TL glow peak intensity (I(m1)) at ~383 K increases with increase in γ-dose up to ~6.0 kGy and then decreases with increase in dose. However, glycine used Y2O3 shows a prominent TL glow with peaks at 396 K and 590 K. Among the fuels, urea used Y2O3 shows simple and well resolved TL glows. This might be due to fuel and hence particle size effect. The kinetic parameters are calculated by Chen's glow curve peak shape method and results are discussed in detail. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Biochemical properties of urea transporters.

PubMed

Chen, Guangping

2014-01-01

Urea and urea transporters (UT) are critical to the production of concentrated urine and hence in maintaining body fluid balance. The UT-A1 urea transporter is the major and most important UT isoform in the kidney. Native UT-A1, expressed in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) epithelial cells, is a glycosylated protein with two glycoforms of 117 and 97 kDa. Vasopressin is the major hormone in vivo that rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1. The cell signaling pathway for vasopressin-mediated UT-A1 phosphorylation and activity involves two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways: protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac). In this chapter, we will discuss UT-A1 regulation by phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation.

Solution based zinc tin oxide TFTs: the dual role of the organic solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salgueiro, Daniela; Kiazadeh, Asal; Branquinho, Rita; Santos, Lídia; Barquinha, Pedro; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2017-02-01

Chemical solution deposition is a low cost, scalable and high performance technique to obtain metal oxide thin films. Recently, solution combustion synthesis has been introduced as a chemical route to reduce the processing temperature. This synthesis method takes advantage of the chemistry of the precursors as a source of energy for localized heating. According to the combustion chemistry some organic solvents can have a dual role in the reaction, acting both as solvent and fuel. In this work, we studied the role of 2-methoxyethanol in solution based synthesis of ZTO thin films and its influence on the performance of ZTO TFTs. The thermal behaviour of ZTO precursor solutions confirmed that 2-methoxyethanol acts simultaneously as a solvent and fuel, replacing the fuel function of urea. The electrical characterization of the solution based ZTO TFTs showed a slightly better performance and lower variability under positive gate bias stress when urea was not used as fuel, confirming that the excess fuel contributes negatively to the device operation and stability. Solution based ZTO TFTs demonstrated a low hysteresis (ΔV  =  -0.3 V) and a saturation mobility of 4-5 cm2 V-1 s-1.

Relationship between plasma uridine and urinary urea excretion.

PubMed

Ka, Tuneyoshi; Inokuchi, Taku; Tamada, Daisuke; Suda, Michio; Tsutsumi, Zenta; Okuda, Chihiro; Yamamoto, Asako; Takahashi, Sumio; Moriwaki, Yuji; Yamamoto, Tetsuya

2010-03-01

To investigate whether the concentration of uridine in plasma is related to the urinary excretion of urea, 45 healthy male subjects with normouricemia and normal blood pressure were studied after providing informed consent. Immediately after collection of 24-hour urine, blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast except for water. The contents of ingested foods during the 24-hour urine collection period were described by the subjects and analyzed by a dietician. Simple regression analysis showed that plasma uridine was correlated with the urinary excretions of urea (R = 0.41, P < .01), uric acid (R = 0.36, P < .05), and uridine (R = 0.30, P < .05), as well as uric acid clearance (R = 0.35, P < .05) and purine intake (R = 0.30, P < .05). In contrast, multiple regression analysis showed a positive relationship only between plasma uridine and urinary excretion of urea. These results suggest that an increase in de novo pyrimidine synthesis leads to an increased concentration of uridine in plasma via nitrogen catabolism in healthy subjects with normouricemia and normal blood pressure. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of CP concentration in the diet on urea kinetics and microbial usage of recycled urea in cattle: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Batista, E D; Detmann, E; Valadares Filho, S C; Titgemeyer, E C; Valadares, R F D

2017-08-01

In ruminants, urea recycling is considered an evolutionary advantage. The amount of urea recycled mainly depends of the nitrogen (N) intake and the amount of organic matter (OM) digested in the rumen. Because recycled N contributes to meeting microbial N requirements, accurate estimates of urea recycling can improve the understanding of efficiency of N utilization and N losses to the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate urea kinetics and microbial usage of recycled urea N in ruminants using a meta-analytical approach. Treatment mean values were compiled from 25 studies with ruminants (beef cattle, dairy cows and sheep) which were published from 2001 to 2016, totalling 107 treatment means. The data set was analyzed according to meta-analysis techniques using linear or non-linear mixed models, taking into account the random variations among experiments. Urea N synthesized in the liver (UER) and urea N recycled to the gut (GER) linearly increased (P<0.001) as N intake (g/BW0.75) increased, with increases corresponding to 71.5% and 35.2% of N intake, respectively. The UER was positively associated (P<0.05) with dietary CP concentration and the ratio of CP to digestible OM (CP:DOM). Maximum curvature analyses identified 17% dietary CP as the point where there was a prominent increase in hepatic synthesis of urea N, likely due to an excess of dietary N leading to greater ammonia absorption. The GER:UER decreased with increasing dietary CP concentration (P<0.05). At dietary CP⩾19%, GER:UER reached near minimal values. The fraction of UER eliminated as urinary urea N and the contribution of urea N to total urinary N were positively associated with dietary CP (P<0.05), both reaching values near the plateau when dietary CP was 17%. The fractions of GER excreted in the feces and utilized for anabolism decreased, whereas the fraction of GER returned to the ornithine cycle increased with dietary CP concentration (P<0.05). Recycled urea N assimilated by ruminal microbes (as a fraction of GER) decreased as dietary CP and CP:DOM increased (P<0.05). The efficiency of microbial assimilation of recycled urea N was near plateau values at 194 g CP/kg DOM. The models obtained in this study contribute to the knowledge on N utilization, and they could be used in feeding models to predict urea recycling and thus to improve formulation of diets to reduce N losses that contribute to air and water pollution.

[Separation of gamma linolenic acid from evening primrose oil with urea inclusion--orthogonal experiment of optimizing technological parameters and observation of urea inclusion compound I].

PubMed

Wang, Hua; Ling, Man; Xue, Gang; Liu, Fengxia; Guo, Shuxian

2010-05-01

The influence on the urea inclusion compound under different conditions (allocated proportion, time of inclusion, temperature of inclusion) were studied through the orthogonal test, and theoretical reference of urea inclusion process for further optimization wound be offered. The orthogonal experiment was adopted, and microscope was used to observe the shape, aperture size of the urea inclusion compound under different technological parameters, the GC was employed to inspect the purity of GLA. The results indicated that the ratio of fatty acids and urea, inclusion of temperature, time of inclusion had great effect on urea inclusion compound. The three factors and its interactions significantly affected the purity of GLA. The results also showed that the best process was that the ratio of fatty acids and urea was 1 : 3, temperature of inclusion was--15 degrees C, time of inclusion was 24 h. Under the best condition, the purity of GLA reach up to 95.575 9%; and it is feasible to observe the shape and the amount of the urea inclusion compound to reflect and guide the urea inclusion technology.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutants resistant to urea inhibition of growth on acetanilide.

PubMed Central

Gregoriou, M; Brown, P R; Tata, R

1977-01-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa AI 3 was able to grow in medium containing acetanilide (N-phenylacetamide) as a carbon source when NH4+ was the nitrogen source but not when urea was the nitrogen source. AIU mutants isolated from strain AI 3 grew on either medium. Urease levels in bacteria grown in the presence of urea were 10-fold lower when NH4+ or acetanilide was also in the medium, but there were no apparent differences in urease or its synthesis between strain AI 3 and mutant AIU 1N. The first metabolic step in the acetanilide utlization is catalyzed by an amidase. Amidases in several AIU strains showed altered physiochemical properties. Urea inhibited amidase in a time-dependent reaction, but the rates of the inhibitory reaction with amidases from the AIU mutants were slower than with AI 3 amidase. The purified amidase from AIU 1N showed a marked difference in its pH/activity profile from that obtained with purified AI 3 amidase. These observations indicate that the ability of strain AIU 1N and the other mutants to grow on acetanilide/urea medium is associated with a mutation in the amidase structural gene; this was confirmed for strain AIU 1N by transduction. PMID:410788

Urea and deuterium mixtures at high pressures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Donnelly, M., E-mail: m.donnelly-2@sms.ed.ac.uk; Husband, R. J.; Frantzana, A. D.

2015-03-28

Urea, like many network forming compounds, has long been known to form inclusion (guest-host) compounds. Unlike other network formers like water, urea is not known to form such inclusion compounds with simple molecules like hydrogen. Such compounds if they existed would be of interest both for the fundamental insight they provide into molecular bonding and as potential gas storage systems. Urea has been proposed as a potential hydrogen storage material [T. A. Strobel et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 478, 97 (2009)]. Here, we report the results of high-pressure neutron diffraction studies of urea and D{sub 2} mixtures that indicate nomore » inclusion compound forms up to 3.7 GPa.« less

Ethyl Carbamate Formation Regulated by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Nonconventional Yeasts in Solid-State Fermentation of Chinese Moutai-Flavor Liquor.

PubMed

Du, Hai; Song, Zhewei; Xu, Yan

2018-01-10

This study aimed to identify specific microorganisms related to the formation of precursors of EC (ethyl carbamate) in the solid-state fermentation of Chinese Moutai-flavor liquor. The EC content was significantly correlated with the urea content during the fermentation process (R 2 = 0.772, P < 0.01). Differences in urea production and degradation were found at both species and functional gene levels by metatranscriptomic sequencing and culture-dependent analysis. Lactobacillus spp. could competitively degrade arginine through the arginine deiminase pathway with yeasts, and most Lactobacillus species were capable of degrading urea. Some dominant nonconventional yeasts, such as Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, and Zygosaccharomyces species, were shown to produce low amounts of urea relative to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, unusual urea degradation pathways (urea carboxylase, allophanate hydrolase, and ATP-independent urease) were identified. Our results indicate that EC precursor levels in the solid-state fermentation can be controlled using lactic acid bacteria and nonconventional yeasts.

40 CFR 1068.101 - What general actions does this regulation prohibit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., operating an engine without a supply of appropriate quality urea if the emissions control system relies on urea to reduce NOx emissions or the use of incorrect fuel or engine oil that renders the emissions... manufacturers of new engines, manufacturers of equipment containing these engines, and manufacturers of new...

40 CFR 1068.101 - What general actions does this regulation prohibit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., operating an engine without a supply of appropriate quality urea if the emissions control system relies on urea to reduce NOx emissions or the use of incorrect fuel or engine oil that renders the emissions... manufacturers of new engines, manufacturers of equipment containing these engines, and manufacturers of new...

40 CFR 1068.101 - What general actions does this regulation prohibit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., operating an engine without a supply of appropriate quality urea if the emissions control system relies on urea to reduce NOx emissions or the use of incorrect fuel or engine oil that renders the emissions... manufacturers of new engines, manufacturers of equipment containing these engines, and manufacturers of new...

Coordination Polymer: Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Thermal Behaviour of Starch-Urea Based Biodegradable Polymer and Its Polymer Metal Complexes

PubMed Central

Malik, Ashraf; Parveen, Shadma; Ahamad, Tansir; Alshehri, Saad M.; Singh, Prabal Kumar; Nishat, Nahid

2010-01-01

A starch-urea-based biodegradable coordination polymer modified by transition metal Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) was prepared by polycondensation of starch and urea. All the synthesized polymeric compounds were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H-NMR spectroscopy, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, UV-visible spectra, magnetic moment measurements, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of electronic spectra and magnetic moment measurements indicate that Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) complexes show octahedral geometry, while Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes show square planar and tetrahedral geometry, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that all the polymeric metal complexes are more thermally stable than the parental ligand. In addition, biodegradable studies of all the polymeric compounds were also carried out through ASTM standards of biodegradable polymers by CO2 evolution method. PMID:20414461

The novel 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one urea derivatives of N-aryl urea: synthesis, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activity evaluation.

PubMed

Tale, Rajesh H; Rodge, Atish H; Hatnapure, Girish D; Keche, Ashish P

2011-08-01

A series of novel 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one urea derivatives of biological interest were prepared by sequential Bigineli's reaction, reduction followed by reaction of resulting amines with different arylisocynates. All the synthesized (1-23) compounds were screened against the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal). Biological activity evaluation study reveled that among all the compounds screened, compounds 12 and 17 found to have promising anti-inflammatory activity (68-62% TNF-α and 92-86% IL-6 inhibitory activity at 10 μM). Interestingly compounds 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 22 and 23 revealed promising antimicrobial activity at MIC of 10-30 μg/mL against selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase regulates the synthesis of microtubule-related proteins in neurons.

PubMed

Kenney, Justin W; Genheden, Maja; Moon, Kyung-Mee; Wang, Xuemin; Foster, Leonard J; Proud, Christopher G

2016-01-01

Modulation of the elongation phase of protein synthesis is important for numerous physiological processes in both neurons and other cell types. Elongation is primarily regulated via eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K). However, the consequence of altering eEF2K activity on the synthesis of specific proteins is largely unknown. Using both pharmacological and genetic manipulations of eEF2K combined with two protein-labeling techniques, stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture and bio-orthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging, we identified a subset of proteins whose synthesis is sensitive to inhibition of eEF2K in murine primary cortical neurons. Gene ontology (GO) analyses indicated that processes related to microtubules are particularly sensitive to eEF2K inhibition. Our findings suggest that eEF2K likely contributes to neuronal function by regulating the synthesis of microtubule-related proteins. Modulation of the elongation phase of protein synthesis is important for numerous physiological processes in neurons. Here, using labeling of new proteins coupled with proteomic techniques in primary cortical neurons, we find that the synthesis of microtubule-related proteins is up-regulated by inhibition of elongation. This suggests that translation elongation is a key regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Neurochemistry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society for Neurochemistry.

Modulation of kidney urea transporter UT-A3 activity by alpha2,6-sialylation

PubMed Central

Qian, Xiaoqian; Sands, Jeff M.; Song, Xiang; Chen, Guangping

2016-01-01

Two urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A3, are expressed in the kidney terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and are important for the production of concentrated urine. UT-A1, as the largest isoform of all UT-A urea transporters, has gained much attention and been extensively studied; however the role and the regulation of UT-A3 are less explored. In this study, we investigated UT-A3 regulation by glycosylation modification. A site-directed mutagenesis verified a single glycosylation site in UT-A3 at Asn279. Loss of the glycosylation reduced forskolin-stimulated UT-A3 cell membrane expression and urea transport activity. UT-A3 has two glycosylation forms, 45 kDa and 65 kDa. Using sugar specific-binding lectins, the UT-A3 glycosylation profile was examined. The 45 kDa form was pulled down by lectin Con A and GNL, indicating an immature glycan with a high amount of mannose (Man); whereas the 65 kDa form is a mature glycan composed of acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), poly-N-acetyllactosame (poly-LacNAc) that was pulled down by WGA and tomato lectin, respectively. Interestingly, the mature form of UT-A3 glycan contains significant amounts of sialic acid. We explored the enzymes responsible for directing UT-A3 sialylation. Sialyltransferase ST6GalI, but not ST3GalIV, catabolizes UT-A3 α2, 6-sialylation. Activation of PKC by PDB treatment promoted UT-A3 glycan sialylation and membrane surface expression. PKC inhibitor chelerythrine blocks ST6GalI-induced UT-A3 sialylation. Increased sialylation by ST6GalI increased UT-A3 protein stability and urea transport activity. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of UT-A3 regulation by ST6GalI-mediated sialylation modification that may play an important in kidney urea reabsorption and the urinary concentrating mechanism. PMID:26972907

Fluorous Parallel Synthesis of A Hydantoin/Thiohydantoin Library

PubMed Central

Lu, Yimin; Zhang, Wei

2007-01-01

Fluorous tagging strategy is applied to solution-phase parallel synthesis of a library containing hydantoin and thiohydantoin analogs. Two perfluoroalkyl (Rf)-tagged α-amino esters each react with 6 aromatic aldehydes under reductive amination conditions. Twelve amino esters then each react with 10 isocyanates and isothiocyanates in parallel. The resulting 120 ureas and thioureas undergo spontaneous cyclization to form the corresponding hydantoins and thiohydantoins. The intermediate and final product purifications are performed with solid-phase extraction (SPE) over FluoroFlash™ cartridges, no chromatography is required. Using standard instruments and straightforward SPE technique, one chemist accomplished the 120-member library synthesis in less than 5 working days, including starting material synthesis and product analysis. PMID:15789556

Mineral water administration may increase kidney elimination of urea, creatinine and folic acid in a concentration-dependent fashion.

PubMed

Calomino, Francesco; Di Paolo, Nicola; Nicolai, Giulia; Miglio, Antonio

2010-05-01

In a previous experimental study we showed that the administration of a large water load in a short time increases the urinary flow and the transport capacity in the excretory tract of the rabbit ureter. In human subjects drinking a water load of 25 ml/kg(BW) in 30 minutes, diuresis, creatinine and urea clearance increase more than in those drinking the same load in 24 hours. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible correlations between percent reduction and baseline values of serum urea, creatinine, folic acid, and magnesium in humans. 20 volunteers were divided in two groups. Subjects in group 1 received a water load of 25 ml/kg(BW) in 24 hours followed by the same load in 30 minutes. Subjects in group 2 received the same water load but in inverse order. Before and after each water administration, the following variables were measured and compared: diuresis, serum urea, creatinine, folic acid and magnesium concentration, and urea and creatinine clearance. Serum urea and folic acid concentration decreased up to 40% after administration of the water load in 24 hours. Serum creatinine concentration decreased up to 20% after administration of the water load in 30 minutes. The concentration drop of these metabolites increased with increasing baseline metabolite concentrations.

Synthesis and SAR of highly potent and selective dopamine D3-receptor antagonists: variations on the 1H-pyrimidin-2-one theme.

PubMed

Geneste, Hervé; Amberg, Wilhelm; Backfisch, Gisela; Beyerbach, Armin; Braje, Wilfried M; Delzer, Jürgen; Haupt, Andreas; Hutchins, Charles W; King, Linda L; Sauer, Daryl R; Unger, Liliane; Wernet, Wolfgang

2006-04-01

In our efforts to further pursue one of the most selective dopamine D(3)-receptor antagonists reported to date, we now describe the synthesis and SAR of novel and highly selective dopamine D(3) antagonists based on a 1H-pyridin-2-one or on a urea scaffold. The most potent compounds exhibited K(i) values toward the D(3) receptor in the nano- to subnanomolar range and high selectivity versus the related D(2) dopamine receptor. Thus, 1H-pyridin-2-one 7b displays oral bioavailability (F=37%) as well as brain penetration (brain plasma ratio 3.7) in rat. Within the urea series, an excellent D(3) versus D(2) selectivity (>100-fold) could be achieved by removal of one NH group (compound 6), although bioavailability (rat) was suboptimal (F<10%). These data significantly enhance our understanding of the D(3) pharmacophore and are expected to lead to novel approaches for the treatment of schizophrenia.

One - Step synthesis of nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide with NiCo nanoparticles for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.

PubMed

Kakaei, Karim; Marzang, Kamaran

2016-01-15

Development of anode catalysts and catalyst supporting carbonaceous material containing non-precious metal have attracted tremendous attention in the field of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). Herein, we report the synthesis and electrochemical properties of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NRGO) supported Co, Ni and NiCo nanocomposites. The metal NRGO nanocomposites, in which metal nanoparticles are embedded in the highly porous nitrogen-doped graphene matrix, have been synthesized by simply and one-pot method at a mild temperature using GO, urea choline chloride and urea as reducing and doping agent. The fabricated NiCo/NRGO exhibit remarkable electrocatalytic activity (with Tafel slope of 159.1mVdec(-1)) and high stability for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). The superior performance of the alloy based NRGO is attributed to high surface area, well uniform distribution of high-density nitrogen, metal active sites and synergistic effect. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, Characterization and the Corrosion Inhibition Study of Two Schiff Base Ligands Derived From Urea and Thiourea and Their Complexes with Cu(II) and Hg(II) Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alwan, Wasan Mohammed

2018-05-01

The research includes synthesis of [L1] and [L2] Schiff base ligands by the reaction of vanillin with urea and thiourea respectively in 2:1 mol ratio. The two ligands were reacted with CuII ion in 1:2 mol ratio and HgII ion in 1:1 mol ratio. The prepared compounds have been identified by FTIR, U.V-Vis, 1H-NMR (L1, L2 and HgII complex) spectroscopies, microelemental analysis (C.H.N.S), magnetic susceptibility measurements, atomic absorption, chloride content along with conductivity and melting point measurements. According to applied characterization methods, the proposed general formulas of CuII and HgII complexes were [Cu2LnCl4] and [HgLnCl]Cl, respectively, (where n = 1, 2). The ability of corrosion inhibition with two ligands and their cupper complexes has been studied in diluted hydrochloric acid media.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Urea Assisted Pristine LiMn2O4 Cathode for Li Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, Azhar; Iqbal, Yousaf; Khan, Abdul Majeed; Ahmed, Safeer

2017-12-01

We report the synthesis of electrochemically active LiMn2O4 nanoparticles at varied temperature and pH values by sol-gel method using urea as a chelating and combusting agent. The effect of pH and annealing temperature on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance was evaluated. The results obtained by XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR show that LiMn2O4 has uniform porous morphology and highly crystalline particles that can be obtained at pH 7.0 and 8.0 and at a relatively lower temperature of 600°C. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed reversible redox reactions with fast kinetics corresponding to Li ions intercalation/deintercalation at 600°C at neutral pH 7.0. Charge/discharge studies carried out at a current rate of 40 mA g-1 reveal that LiMn2O4 synthesized at 600°C and pH 7.0 has the best structural stability and excellent cycling performance.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Conotte, R.; Colet, J.-M., E-mail: jean-marie.colet@umons.ac.be

The main curative treatment of colorectal cancer remains the surgery. However, when metastases are suspected, surgery is followed by a preventive chemotherapy using oxaliplatin which, unfortunately, may cause liver sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). Such hepatic damage is barely detected during or after chemotherapy due to a lack of effective diagnostic procedures, but liver biopsy. The primary objective of the present study was to identify potential early diagnosis biomarkers of SOS using a metabonomic approach. SOS was induced in rats by monocrotaline, a prototypical toxic substance. {sup 1}H NMR spectroscopy analysis of urine samples collected from rats treated with monocrotaline showedmore » significant metabolic changes as compared to controls. During a first phase, cellular protective mechanisms such as an increased synthesis of GSH (reduced taurine) and the recruitment of cell osmolytes in the liver (betaine) were seen. In the second phase, the disturbance of the urea cycle (increased ornithine and urea reduction) leading to the depletion of NO, the alteration in the GSH synthesis (increased creatine and GSH precursors (glutamate, dimethylglycine and sarcosine)), and the liver necrosis (decrease taurine and increase creatine) all indicate the development of SOS. - Highlights: • Urine metabonomic profiles of SOS have been identified. • Urine osmoprotectants and anti-oxidants indicated an initial liver protection. • Liver necrosis was demonstrated by increased urine levels of taurine and creatine. • NO depletion was suggested by changes in ornithine and urea.« less

Facile synthesis of luminescent carbon dots from mangosteen peel by pyrolysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aji, Mahardika Prasetya; Susanto; Wiguna, Pradita Ajeng; Sulhadi

2017-06-01

Carbon dots (C-Dots) from mangosteen peel has been synthesized by pyrolysis method. Synthesis of C-Dots is done using precursor solution which is prepared from extract of mangosteen peel as carbon source and urea as passivation agent. C-Dots is successfully formed with absorbance spectra at wavelength 350-550 nm. Urea affects to the formed C-Dots, while the absorbance and the luminescent spectra are independent toward urea. C-Dots from extract of mangosteen peel has size in range 2-15 nm. The absorbance peaks of C-Dots shows significant wavelength shift at visible region as the increasing of synthesized temperature. Shift of wavelength absorbance indicates the change of electronic transition of C-Dots. Meanwhile, the luminescent of C-Dots can be controlled by synthesized temperature as well. C-Dots luminescent were increasing as higher synthesized temperature. It was shown by the shift of wavelength emission into shorter wavelength, 465 nm at 200 °C, 450 nm at 250 °C, and 423 nm at 300 °C. Synthesized temperature also affects size of C-Dots. It has size 10-15 nm at 200 °C, 7-11 nm at 250 °C and 2-4 nm at 300 °C. In addition, temperature corresponds to the structure of carbon chains and C-N configuration of formed C-Dots from mangosteen peel extract.

Facile synthesis of fluoro, methoxy, and methyl substituted ferrocene-based urea complexes as potential therapeutic agents.

PubMed

Asghar, Faiza; Badshah, Amin; Lal, Bhajan; Zubair, Shumaila; Fatima, Saira; Butler, Ian S

2017-06-01

In the present work, the synthesis, characterization (FT-IR, multinuclear ( 1 H and 13 C) NMR, AAS, Raman, and elemental analysis), DNA binding (cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis spectroscopy and viscometry), and in vitro biological assessment of nine new ferrocene-based ureas are reported. The desulphurization of ferrocenyl thioureas to the corresponding oxo analogues using aqueous sodium hydroxide and mercuric chloride led to the ferrocenyl ureas (F1-F9) in high yields. The DNA binding studies performed by cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis spectroscopy produced results that are in close agreement with one another for the binding constants (K) and an electrostatic mode of interaction was observed. The nature and the extent of interaction with DNA was further investigated by viscometry. The DFT/B3LYP method was used to determine the charge distribution and HOMO/LUMO energies of the optimized structure. The DFT calculated HOMO and LUMO energies correlate well with the experimentally determined redox potential values. The synthesized ferrocenyl derivatives exhibited good scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). These complexes were also scanned for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human carcinoma cell line THP-1 (leukemia cells). The results showed a moderate level of cytotoxicity against the subjected cancer cell line as compared with the standard chemotherapeutic drug (cisplatin). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cyclic phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid induce hyaluronic acid synthesis via CREB transcription factor regulation in human skin fibroblasts.

PubMed

Maeda-Sano, Katsura; Gotoh, Mari; Morohoshi, Toshiro; Someya, Takao; Murofushi, Hiromu; Murakami-Murofushi, Kimiko

2014-09-01

Cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid mediator and an analog of the growth factor-like phospholipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). cPA has a unique cyclic phosphate ring at the sn-2 and sn-3 positions of its glycerol backbone. We showed before that a metabolically stabilized cPA derivative, 2-carba-cPA, relieved osteoarthritis pathogenesis in vivo and induced hyaluronic acid synthesis in human osteoarthritis synoviocytes in vitro. This study focused on hyaluronic acid synthesis in human fibroblasts, which retain moisture and maintain health in the dermis. We investigated the effects of cPA and LPA on hyaluronic acid synthesis in human fibroblasts (NB1RGB cells). Using particle exclusion and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we found that both cPA and LPA dose-dependently induced hyaluronic acid synthesis. We revealed that the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 messenger RNA and protein is up-regulated by cPA and LPA treatment time dependently. We then characterized the signaling pathways up-regulating hyaluronic acid synthesis mediated by cPA and LPA in NB1RGB cells. Pharmacological inhibition and reporter gene assays revealed that the activation of the LPA receptor LPAR1, Gi/o protein, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) but not nuclear factor κB induced hyaluronic acid synthesis by the treatment with cPA and LPA in NB1RGB cells. These results demonstrate for the first time that cPA and LPA induce hyaluronic acid synthesis in human skin fibroblasts mainly through the activation of LPAR1-Gi/o followed by the PI3K, ERK, and CREB signaling pathway. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The electrorheological behavior of suspensions based on molten-salt synthesized lithium titanate nanoparticles and their core-shell titanate/urea analogues.

PubMed

Plachy, T; Mrlik, M; Kozakova, Z; Suly, P; Sedlacik, M; Pavlinek, V; Kuritka, I

2015-02-18

This paper concerns the preparation of novel electrorheological (ER) materials using microwave-assisted synthesis as well as utilizing a suitable shell-providing system with enhanced ER performance. Lithium titanate nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, and their composition was confirmed via X-ray diffraction. Rheological properties were investigated in the absence as well as in the presence of an external electric field. Dielectric properties clarified the response of the particles to the application of an electric field. The urea-coated lithium titanate nanoparticle-based suspension exhibits higher ER performance in comparison to suspensions based on bare particles.

46 CFR Table 2 to Part 153 - Cargoes Not Regulated Under Subchapters D or O of This Chapter When Carried in Bulk on Non...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Category 2-Amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol solution III Ammonium hydrogen phosphate solution D...) D Ammonium phosphate, Urea solution, see also Urea, Ammonium phosphate solution D Ammonium..., Magnesium nitrate, Potassium chloride solution III Caramel solutions III Chlorinated paraffins (C14-C17...

Determinants of urea nitrogen production in sepsis. Muscle catabolism, total parenteral nutrition, and hepatic clearance of amino acids.

PubMed

Pittiruti, M; Siegel, J H; Sganga, G; Coleman, B; Wiles, C E; Placko, R

1989-03-01

The major determinants of urea production were investigated in 26 patients with multiple trauma (300 studies). The body clearances (CLRs) of ten amino acids (AAs) were estimated as a ratio of muscle-released AAs plus total parenteral nutrition-infused AAs to their extracellular pool. While clinically septic trauma (ST) patients without multiple-organ failure syndrome (MOFS) had a higher level of urea nitrogen production (25.6 +/- 13.4 g of N per day) compared with nonseptic trauma (NST) patients (14 +/- 7.5 g of N per day) and with ST patients with MOFS (4.28 +/- 1.5 g of N per day), in all groups urea N production was found to be a function of muscle protein degradation (catabolism), total parenteral nutrition-administered AAs, and the ratio between leucine CLR and tyrosine CLR (L/T) (r2 = .82, P less than .0001). Since tyrosine is cleared almost exclusively by the liver, the L/T ratio may be regarded as an index of hepatic function. The significant differences between urea N production in ST and NST patients lay in an increased positive dependence on muscle catabolism and increased negative correlation with L/T in the ST group. At any L/T ratio, urea N production was increased in ST patients over NST patients, but in ST patients with MOFS, it fell to or below levels of NST patients. These data show that the ST process is associated with enhancement of ureagenesis, due to increased hepatic CLR of both exogenous and endogenous AAs. In sepsis with MOFS, a marked inhibition of urea synthesis occurs, partially explained by a decreased hepatic CLR of non-branched-chain AAs.

Quantifying creatinine and urea in human urine through Raman spectroscopy aiming at diagnosis of kidney disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saatkamp, Cassiano Junior; de Almeida, Maurício Liberal; Bispo, Jeyse Aliana Martins; Pinheiro, Antonio Luiz Barbosa; Fernandes, Adriana Barrinha; Silveira, Landulfo, Jr.

2016-03-01

Due to their importance in the regulation of metabolites, the kidneys need continuous monitoring to check for correct functioning, mainly by urea and creatinine urinalysis. This study aimed to develop a model to estimate the concentrations of urea and creatinine in urine by means of Raman spectroscopy (RS) that could be used to diagnose kidney disease. Midstream urine samples were obtained from 54 volunteers with no kidney complaints. Samples were subjected to a standard colorimetric assay of urea and creatinine and submitted to spectroscopic analysis by means of a dispersive Raman spectrometer (830 nm, 350 mW, 30 s). The Raman spectra of urine showed peaks related mainly to urea and creatinine. Partial least squares models were developed using selected Raman bands related to urea and creatinine and the biochemical concentrations in urine measured by the colorimetric method, resulting in r=0.90 and 0.91 for urea and creatinine, respectively, with root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSEcv) of 312 and 25.2 mg/dL, respectively. RS may become a technique for rapid urinalysis, with concentration errors suitable for population screening aimed at the prevention of renal diseases.

Three-component one-pot synthesis of 4,6-diarylpyrimidin- 2(1H)-ones under solvent-free conditions in the presence of sulfamic acid as a green and reusable catalyst.

PubMed

Heravi, Majid M; Ranjbar, Leila; Derikvand, Fatemeh; Alimadadi, Behnoush

2008-01-01

A rapid and efficient one-pot method for the synthesis of 4,6-diarylpyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and related heterocycles is described. The condensation of acetophenone derivatives, aldehydes and urea in the presence of sulfamic acid was employed to synthesize a variety of pyrimidinones in moderate to excellent yields. The scope and limitations of this method are described.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations in late-onset urea cycle disorder patients.

PubMed

Serrano, Mercedes; Martins, Cecilia; Pérez-Dueñas, Belén; Gómez-López, Lilian; Murgui, Empar; Fons, Carmen; García-Cazorla, Angels; Artuch, Rafael; Jara, Fernando; Arranz, José A; Häberle, Johannes; Briones, Paz; Campistol, Jaume; Pineda, Mercedes; Vilaseca, Maria A

2010-03-01

Inherited urea cycle disorders represent one of the most common groups of inborn errors of metabolism. Late-onset urea cycle disorders caused by partial enzyme deficiencies may present with unexpected clinical phenotypes. We report 9 patients followed up in our hospital presenting late-onset urea cycle disorders who initially manifested neuropsychiatric/neurodevelopmental symptoms (the most prevalent neuropsychiatric/neurodevelopmental diagnoses were mental retardation, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], language disorder, and delirium). Generally, these clinical pictures did not benefit from pharmacological treatment. Conversely, dietary treatment improved the symptoms. Regarding biochemical data, 2 patients showed normal ammonium but high glutamine levels. This study highlights the fact that neuropsychiatric/neurodevelopmental findings are common among the initial symptomatology of late-onset urea cycle disorders. The authors recommend that unexplained or nonresponsive neuropsychiatric/neurodevelopmental symptoms appearing during childhood or adolescence be followed by a study of ammonia and amino acid plasmatic levels to rule out a urea cycle disorder.

Activation of Gαq subunits up-regulates the expression of the tumor suppressor Fhit.

PubMed

Zuo, Hao; Chan, Anthony S L; Ammer, Hermann; Wong, Yung H

2013-12-01

The tumor suppressor Fhit protein is defective or absent in many tumor cells due to methylation, mutation or deletion of the FHIT gene. Despite numerous attempts to unravel the functions of Fhit, the mechanisms by which the function and expression of Fhit are regulated remain poorly understood. We have recently shown that activated Gαq subunits interact directly with Fhit and enhance its inhibitory effect on cell growth. Here we investigated the regulation of Fhit expression by Gq. Our results showed that Fhit was up-regulated specifically by activating Gα subunits of the Gq subfamily but not by those of the other G protein subfamilies. This up-regulation effect was mediated by a PKC/MEK pathway independent of Src-mediated Fhit Tyr(114) phosphorylation. We further demonstrated that elevated Fhit expression was due to the specific regulation of Fhit protein synthesis in the ribosome by activated Gαq, where the regulations of cap-dependent protein synthesis were apparently not required. Moreover, we showed that activated Gαq could increase cell-cell adhesion through Fhit. These findings provide a possible handle to modulate the level of the Fhit tumor suppressor by manipulating the activity of Gq-coupled receptors. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Natural product synthesis at the interface of chemistry and biology

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Nature has evolved to produce unique and diverse natural products that possess high target affinity and specificity. Natural products have been the richest sources for novel modulators of biomolecular function. Since the chemical synthesis of urea by Wöhler, organic chemists have been intrigued by natural products, leading to the evolution of the field of natural product synthesis over the past two centuries. Natural product synthesis has enabled natural products to play an essential role in drug discovery and chemical biology. With the introduction of novel, innovative concepts and strategies for synthetic efficiency, natural product synthesis in the 21st century is well poised to address the challenges and complexities faced by natural product chemistry and will remain essential to progress in biomedical sciences. PMID:25043880

Efficacy of topical hydrating and emollient lotion containing 10% urea ISDIN® plus dexpanthenol (Ureadin Rx 10) in the treatment of skin xerosis and pruritus in hemodialyzed patients: an open prospective pilot trial.

PubMed

Castello, M; Milani, M

2011-10-01

Dry skin and pruritus are common complication of end-stage renal diseases (ESRD), affecting up to 80% of dialysis patients. They are chronic, unpleasant skin manifestations with a strong negative impact on patients' quality of life, often inducing sleeplessness and mood disorders. The pathogenesis of skin xerosis (SX) and uraemic pruritus (UP) are multifactorial. Moisturizing emollients are commonly used for the treatment of SX and UP. Urea is used in dermatology due to its excellent hydrating and moisturizing properties. Urea is useful in all cases of dry skin and, depending on the concentration levels, will act as moisturizing or keratolitic agent. Ureadin Rx 10 is a topical hydrating and emollient lotion formulation. So far no data are available regarding the efficacy of topical application of urea in lotion in the treatment of SX and UP in dialysed patients. In a prospective open pilot trial we assessed the effect of topical 10% Urea ISDIN® plus dexpanthenol lotion in the treatment of SX and UP in dialyzed patients. A total of 15 hemodialyzed patients (3 men; 12 women, mean age 66 years) with SX and UP were enrolled after their informed consent in the trial. Topical 10% Urea ISDIN® plus dexpanthenol (Ureadin RX; ISDIN) lotion (URx) was applied twice daily over the arm and the legs for 28 consecutive days. Primary outcomes were a 5-point SRRC Index score (evaluating scaling roughness, redness and cracks) and a 4-point itching score (IS) both measured at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. At baseline mean (SD) SRRC was 5 (2.3). After URx treatment SRRC significantly (P=0.0001) decreased to 1.6 (2.1) and to 0.9 (1.2) after two and four weeks respectively (a relative reduction of 82% at week 4). IS at baseline was 1.0 (1.4). URx reduced IS significantly (P=0.008) to 0.2 (0.5) at week 2 and to 0.06 at week 4 (a relative reduction of 94% at week 4). Local tolerability was excellent/good in 14 out of 15 patients. One patient reported mild burning sensation after application of the product. In this pilot trial topical application of 10% Urea ISDIN ® plus dexpanthenol lotion has shown to improve skin dryness and pruritus in haemodialysis patients.

Optimization of biodiesel synthesis by esterification using a fermented solid produced by Rhizopus microsporus on sugarcane bagasse.

PubMed

Botton, Vanderleia; Piovan, Leandro; Meier, Henry França; Mitchell, David Alexander; Cordova, Jesús; Krieger, Nadia

2018-04-01

A fermented solid containing lipases was produced by solid-state fermentation of Rhizopus microsporus on sugarcane bagasse enriched with urea, soybean oil, and a mineral solution. The dry fermented solid produced using R. microsporus (RMFS) was used to catalyze the synthesis of alkyl-esters by esterification in a solvent-free system containing ethanol and oleic acid (as a model system) or a mixture of fatty acids obtained from the physical hydrolysis of soybean soapstock acid oil (FA-SSAO) in subcritical water. The conversions were 93.5 and 84.1%, for oleic acid and FA-SSAO, respectively, at 48 h and 40 °C, at a molar ratio (MR) of ethanol to fatty acid of 5:1. A further increase in the MR to 10:1 improved the production of ethylic-esters, giving conversions at 48 h of 98 and 86% for oleic acid and FA-SSAO, respectively. The results obtained in this work foster further studies on scaling-up of an environmentally friendly process to produce biofuels.

Remodeling of intermediate metabolism in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum under nitrogen stress

PubMed Central

Levitan, Orly; Dinamarca, Jorge; Zelzion, Ehud; Lun, Desmond S.; Guerra, L. Tiago; Kim, Min Kyung; Kim, Joomi; Van Mooy, Benjamin A. S.; Bhattacharya, Debashish; Falkowski, Paul G.

2015-01-01

Diatoms are unicellular algae that accumulate significant amounts of triacylglycerols as storage lipids when their growth is limited by nutrients. Using biochemical, physiological, bioinformatics, and reverse genetic approaches, we analyzed how the flux of carbon into lipids is influenced by nitrogen stress in a model diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Our results reveal that the accumulation of lipids is a consequence of remodeling of intermediate metabolism, especially reactions in the tricarboxylic acid and the urea cycles. Specifically, approximately one-half of the cellular proteins are cannibalized; whereas the nitrogen is scavenged by the urea and glutamine synthetase/glutamine 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase pathways and redirected to the de novo synthesis of nitrogen assimilation machinery, simultaneously, the photobiological flux of carbon and reductants is used to synthesize lipids. To further examine how nitrogen stress triggers the remodeling process, we knocked down the gene encoding for nitrate reductase, a key enzyme required for the assimilation of nitrate. The strain exhibits 40–50% of the mRNA copy numbers, protein content, and enzymatic activity of the wild type, concomitant with a 43% increase in cellular lipid content. We suggest a negative feedback sensor that couples photosynthetic carbon fixation to lipid biosynthesis and is regulated by the nitrogen assimilation pathway. This metabolic feedback enables diatoms to rapidly respond to fluctuations in environmental nitrogen availability. PMID:25548193

Synthesis and application of a new fluorous-tagged ammonia equivalent.

PubMed

Nielsen, Simon D; Smith, Garrick; Begtrup, Mikael; Kristensen, Jesper L

2010-04-19

A novel fluorous-tagged ammonia equivalent has been developed. It is based on a nitrogen-oxygen bond, which can be cleaved in a traceless manner by a molybdenum complex or samarium diiodide. The application in the synthesis of ureas, amides, sulfonamides, and carbamates is described. The scope of the fluorous N-O linker is exemplified by the synthesis of itopride, a drug used for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Itopride was synthesized with the aid of fluorous purification methods and the product was isolated in good overall yield, with high purity. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Re-evaluation of amino-oxyacetate as an inhibitor.

PubMed Central

Smith, S B; Briggs, S; Triebwasser, K C; Freedland, R A

1977-01-01

Data are provided which indicate that pyruvate and/or acetaldehyde can reverse the inhibition of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase by amino-oxyacetate. It was shown that acetaldehyde could reverse the inhibition of gluconeogenesis from alanine and that pyruvate could reverse the inhibition of urea synthesis by amino-oxyacetate. PMID:849292

Urea cycle disorders: a case report of a successful treatment with liver transplant and a literature review.

PubMed

Foschi, Francesco Giuseppe; Morelli, Maria Cristina; Savini, Sara; Dall'Aglio, Anna Chiara; Lanzi, Arianna; Cescon, Matteo; Ercolani, Giorgio; Cucchetti, Alessandro; Pinna, Antonio Daniele; Stefanini, Giuseppe Francesco

2015-04-07

The urea cycle is the final pathway for nitrogen metabolism. Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) include a variety of genetic defects, which lead to inefficient urea synthesis. Elevated blood ammonium level is usually dominant in the clinical pattern and the primary manifestations affect the central nervous system. Herein, we report the case of a 17-year-old girl who was diagnosed with UCD at the age of 3. Despite a controlled diet, she was hospitalized several times for acute attacks with recurrent life risk. She came to our attention for a hyperammonemic episode. We proposed an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) as a treatment; the patient and her family were in complete agreement. On February 28, 2007, she successfully received a transplant. Following the surgery, she has remained well, and she is currently leading a normal life. Usually for UCDs diet plays the primary therapeutic role, while OLT is often considered as a last resort. Our case report and the recent literature data on the quality of life and prognosis of traditionally treated patients vs OLT patients, support OLT as a primary intervention to prevent life-threatening acute episodes and chronic mental impairment.

Two-dimensional ytterbium oxide nanodisks based biosensor for selective detection of urea.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Ahmed A; Ahmad, Rafiq; Umar, Ahmad; Al-Assiri, M S; Al-Salami, A E; Kumar, Rajesh; Ansari, S G; Baskoutas, S

2017-12-15

Herein, we demonstrate synthesis and application of two-dimensional (2D) rectangular ytterbium oxide (Yb 2 O 3 ) nanodisks via a facile hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, compositional, crystallinity, and phase properties of as-synthesized nanodisks were carried out using several analytical techniques that showed well defined 2D rectangular nanodisks/sheet like morphologies. The average thickness and edge length of the nanosheet structures were 20 ± 5nm and 600 ± 50nm, respectively. To develop urea biosensor, glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified with Yb 2 O 3 nanodisks, followed by urease immobilization and Nafion membrane covering (GCE/Yb 2 O 3 /Urease/Nafion). The fabricated biosensor showed sensitivity of 124.84μAmM -1 cm -2 , wide linear range of 0.05-19mM, detection limit down to ~ 2μM, and fast response time of ~ 3s. The developed biosensor was also used for the urea detection in water samples through spike-recovery experiments, which illustrates satisfactory recoveries. In addition, the obtained desirable selectivity towards specific interfering species, long-term stability, reproducibility, and repeatability further confirm the potency of as-fabricated urea biosensor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Urinary concentrating defect in mice with selective deletion of phloretin-sensitive urea transporters in the renal collecting duct

PubMed Central

Fenton, Robert A.; Chou, Chung-Lin; Stewart, Gavin S.; Smith, Craig P.; Knepper, Mark A.

2004-01-01

To investigate the role of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) urea transporters in the renal concentrating mechanism, we deleted 3 kb of the UT-A urea transporter gene containing a single 140-bp exon (exon 10). Deletion of this segment selectively disrupted expression of the two known IMCD isoforms of UT-A, namely UT-A1 and UT-A3, producing UT-A1/3-/- mice. In isolated perfused IMCDs from UT-A1/3-/- mice, there was a complete absence of phloretin-sensitive or vasopressin-stimulated urea transport. On a normal protein intake (20% protein diet), UT-A1/3-/- mice had significantly greater fluid consumption and urine flow and a reduced maximal urinary osmolality relative to wild-type controls. These differences in urinary concentrating capacity were nearly eliminated when urea excretion was decreased by dietary protein restriction (4% by weight), consistent with the 1958 Berliner hypothesis stating that the chief role of IMCD urea transport in the concentrating mechanism is the prevention of urea-induced osmotic diuresis. Analysis of inner medullary tissue after water restriction revealed marked depletion of urea in UT-A1/3-/- mice, confirming the concept that phloretin-sensitive IMCD urea transporters play a central role in medullary urea accumulation. However, there were no significant differences in mean inner medullary Na+ or Cl- concentrations between UT-A1/3-/- mice and wild-type controls, indicating that the processes that concentrate NaCl were intact. Thus, these results do not corroborate the predictions of passive medullary concentrating models stating that NaCl accumulation in the inner medulla depends on rapid vasopressin-regulated urea transport across the IMCD epithelium. PMID:15123796

Cryoprotectants and Extreme Freeze Tolerance in a Subarctic Population of the Wood Frog

PubMed Central

Costanzo, Jon P.; Reynolds, Alice M.; do Amaral, M. Clara F.; Rosendale, Andrew J.; Lee, Richard E.

2015-01-01

Wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) exhibit marked geographic variation in freeze tolerance, with subarctic populations tolerating experimental freezing to temperatures at least 10-13 degrees Celsius below the lethal limits for conspecifics from more temperate locales. We determined how seasonal responses enhance the cryoprotectant system in these northern frogs, and also investigated their physiological responses to somatic freezing at extreme temperatures. Alaskan frogs collected in late summer had plasma urea levels near 10 μmol ml-1, but this level rose during preparation for winter to 85.5 ± 2.9 μmol ml-1 (mean ± SEM) in frogs that remained fully hydrated, and to 186.9 ± 12.4 μmol ml-1 in frogs held under a restricted moisture regime. An osmolality gap indicated that the plasma of winter-conditioned frogs contained an as yet unidentified osmolyte(s) that contributed about 75 mOsmol kg-1 to total osmotic pressure. Experimental freezing to –8°C, either directly or following three cycles of freezing/thawing between –4 and 0°C, or –16°C increased the liver’s synthesis of glucose and, to a lesser extent, urea. Concomitantly, organs shed up to one-half (skeletal muscle) or two-thirds (liver) of their water, with cryoprotectant in the remaining fluid reaching concentrations as high as 0.2 and 2.1 M, respectively. Freeze/thaw cycling, which was readily survived by winter-conditioned frogs, greatly increased hepatic glycogenolysis and delivery of glucose (but not urea) to skeletal muscle. We conclude that cryoprotectant accrual in anticipation of and in response to freezing have been greatly enhanced and contribute to extreme freeze tolerance in northern R. sylvatica. PMID:25688861

New insights into urea and glucose handling by the kidney, and the urine concentrating mechanism.

PubMed

Bankir, Lise; Yang, Baoxue

2012-06-01

The mechanism by which urine is concentrated in the mammalian kidney remains incompletely understood. Urea is the dominant urinary osmole in most mammals and may be concentrated a 100-fold above its plasma level in humans and even more in rodents. Several facilitated urea transporters have been cloned. The phenotypes of mice with deletion of the transporters expressed in the kidney have challenged two previously well-accepted paradigms regarding urea and sodium handling in the renal medulla but have provided no alternative explanation for the accumulation of solutes that occurs in the inner medulla. In this review, we present evidence supporting the existence of an active urea secretion in the pars recta of the proximal tubule and explain how it changes our views regarding intrarenal urea handling and UT-A2 function. The transporter responsible for this secretion could be SGLT1, a sodium-glucose cotransporter that also transports urea. Glucagon may have a role in the regulation of this secretion. Further, we describe a possible transfer of osmotic energy from the outer to the inner medulla via an intrarenal Cori cycle converting glucose to lactate and back. Finally, we propose that an active urea transporter, expressed in the urothelium, may continuously reclaim urea that diffuses out of the ureter and bladder. These hypotheses are all based on published findings. They may not all be confirmed later on, but we hope they will stimulate further research in new directions.

The problem of nitrogen disposal in the obese.

PubMed

Alemany, Marià

2012-06-01

Amino-N is preserved because of the scarcity and nutritional importance of protein. Excretion requires its conversion to ammonia, later incorporated into urea. Under conditions of excess dietary energy, the body cannot easily dispose of the excess amino-N against the evolutively adapted schemes that prevent its wastage; thus ammonia and glutamine formation (and urea excretion) are decreased. High lipid (and energy) availability limits the utilisation of glucose, and high glucose spares the production of ammonium from amino acids, limiting the synthesis of glutamine and its utilisation by the intestine and kidney. The amino acid composition of the diet affects the production of ammonium depending on its composition and the individual amino acid catabolic pathways. Surplus amino acids enhance protein synthesis and growth, and the synthesis of non-protein-N-containing compounds. But these outlets are not enough; consequently, less-conventional mechanisms are activated, such as increased synthesis of NO∙ followed by higher nitrite (and nitrate) excretion and changes in the microbiota. There is also a significant production of N(2) gas, through unknown mechanisms. Health consequences of amino-N surplus are difficult to fathom because of the sparse data available, but it can be speculated that the effects may be negative, largely because the fundamental N homeostasis is stretched out of normalcy, forcing the N removal through pathways unprepared for that task. The unreliable results of hyperproteic diets, and part of the dysregulation found in the metabolic syndrome may be an unwanted consequence of this N disposal conflict.

Effect of abomasal infusion of oligofructose on portal-drained visceral ammonia and urea-nitrogen fluxes in lactating Holstein cows.

PubMed

Røjen, B A; Larsen, M; Kristensen, N B

2012-12-01

The effects of abomasal infusion of oligofructose in lactating dairy cows on the relationship between hindgut fermentation and N metabolism, and its effects on NH(3) absorption and transfer of blood urea-N across the portal-drained viscera versus ruminal epithelia were investigated. Nine lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas and permanent indwelling catheters in major splanchnic blood vessels were used in an unbalanced crossover design with 14-d periods. Treatments were continuous abomasal infusion of water or 1,500 g/d of oligofructose. The same basal diet was fed with both treatments. Eight sample sets of arterial, portal, hepatic, and ruminal vein blood, ruminal fluid, and urine were obtained at 0.5h before the morning feeding and at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 h after feeding. It was hypothesized that an increased supply of fermentable substrate to the hindgut would increase the uptake of urea-N from blood to the hindgut at the expense of urea-N uptake to the forestomach. The study showed that abomasal oligofructose infusion decreased the total amount of urea-N transferred from the blood to the gut, NH(3) absorption, and arterial blood urea-N concentration. Subsequently, hepatic NH(3) uptake and urea-N production also decreased with oligofructose infusion. Additionally, urea-N concentration in milk and urinary N excretion decreased with oligofructose treatment. The oligofructose infusion did not affect ruminal NH(3) concentrations or any other ruminal variables, nor did it affect ruminal venous - arterial concentration differences for urea-N and NH(3). The oligofructose treatment did not affect milk yield, but did decrease apparent digestibility of OM, N, and starch. Nitrogen excreted in the feces was greater with the oligofructose infusion. In conclusion, the present data suggest that increased hindgut fermentation did not upregulate urea-N transfer to the hindgut at the expense of urea-N uptake by the rumen, and the observed reduction in arterial blood urea-N concentration appeared not to be due to increased urea-N transport, but rather could be explained by reduced NH(3) input to hepatic urea-N synthesis caused by increased sequestration of NH(3) in the hindgut and excretion in feces. Increasing the hindgut fermentation in lactating dairy cows by abomasal infusion of 1,500 g/d of oligofructose shifted some N excretion from the urine to feces and possibly reduced manure NH(3) volatilization without impairing rumen fermentation. Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A study on the indirect urea dosing method in the Selective Catalytic Reduction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brzeżański, M.; Sala, R.

2016-09-01

This article presents the results of studies on concept solution of dosing urea in a gas phase in a selective catalytic reduction system. The idea of the concept was to heat-up and evaporate the water urea solution before introducing it into the exhaust gas stream. The aim was to enhance the processes of urea converting into ammonia, what is the target reductant for nitrogen oxides treatment. The study was conducted on a medium-duty Euro 5 diesel engine with exhaust line consisting of DOC catalyst, DPF filter and an SCR system with a changeable setup allowing to dose the urea in liquid phase (regular solution) and to dose it in a gas phase (concept solution). The main criteria was to assess the effect of physical state of urea dosed on the NOx conversion ratio in the SCR catalyst. In order to compare both urea dosing methods a special test procedure was developed which consisted of six test steps covering a wide temperature range of exhaust gas generated at steady state engine operation condition. Tests were conducted for different urea dosing quantities defined by the a equivalence ratio. Based on the obtained results, a remarkable improvement in NOx reduction was found for gas urea application in comparison to the standard liquid urea dosing. Measured results indicate a high potential to increase an efficiency of the SCR catalyst by using a gas phase urea and provide the basis for further scientific research on this type of concept.

Analysis of the stability of urea in dried blood spots collected and stored on filter paper.

PubMed

Quraishi, Rizwana; Lakshmy, Ramakrishnan; Mukhopadhyay, Ashok Kumar; Jailkhani, Bansi Lal

2013-05-01

The ability to use dry blood spots (DBSs) on filter paper for the analysis of urea levels could be an important diagnostic tool for areas that have limited access to laboratory facilities. We developed a method for the extraction and quantification of urea from DBSs that were stored on 3M Whatman filter paper and investigated the effect of long-term storage on the level of urea in DBSs. DBSs of 4.5 mm in diameter were used for our assay, and we determined the urea levels in blood using a commercially available enzymatic kit (UV GLDH-method; Randox laboratories Ltd., UK). The DBSs on filter discs were stored at 4℃ or at 37℃ for 120 days. The mean intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variance for our method of urea extraction from dried blood was 4.2% and 6.3%, respectively. We collected 75 fresh blood samples and compared the urea content of each fresh sample with the urea content of DBSs taken from corresponding fresh blood samples. Regression analysis reported a regression coefficient (r) value of 0.97 and a recovery of urea from dried spots was 102.2%. Urea concentrations in DBSs were stable for up to 120 and 90 days when stored at 4℃ and 37℃, respectively. Our results show that urea can be stored and quantitatively recovered from small volumes of blood that was collected on filter paper.

Proteomic and functional analyses reveal MAPK1 regulates milk protein synthesis.

PubMed

Lu, Li-Min; Li, Qing-Zhang; Huang, Jian-Guo; Gao, Xue-Jun

2012-12-27

L-Lysine (L-Lys) is an essential amino acid that plays fundamental roles in protein synthesis. Many nuclear phosphorylated proteins such as Stat5 and mTOR regulate milk protein synthesis. However, the details of milk protein synthesis control at the transcript and translational levels are not well known. In this current study, a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE)/MS-based proteomic technology was used to identify phosphoproteins responsible for milk protein synthesis in dairy cow mammary epithelial cells (DCMECs). The effect of L-Lys on DCMECs was analyzed by CASY technology and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The results showed that cell proliferation ability and β-casein expression were enhanced in DCMECs treated with L-Lys. By phosphoproteomics analysis, six proteins, including MAPK1, were identified up-expressed in DCMECs treated with 1.2 mM L-Lys for 24 h, and were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Overexpression and siRNA inhibition of MAPK1 experiments showed that MAPK1 upregulated milk protein synthesis through Stat5 and mTOR pathway. These findings that MAPK1 involves in regulation of milk synthesis shed new insights for understanding the mechanisms of milk protein synthesis.

Synthesis and studies on structural, optical and nonlinear optical properties of novel organic inter-molecular compounds: 4-chloro-3-nitroaniline-3-hydroxy benzaldehyde and urea-4-dimethylaminopyridine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Priyanka; Rai, R. N.

2018-05-01

Two novel organic inter-molecular compounds (IMCs), (3-(4-chloro-3-nitrophenylimino) methyl) phenol) (CNMP) and urea ̶ 4-dimethylaminopyridine complex (UDMAP), have been synthesized by solid state reaction. These two IMCs were identified by phase diagram study of CNA-HB and U-DMAP systems. The single crystals of newly obtained IMCs were grown by slow solvent evaporation technique at room temperature. Both the IMCs were further studied for their thermal, spectral, single crystal XRD for their atomic packing in molecule, crystallinity, optical and nonlinear optical behaviour. In both the cases, melting point of inter-molecular compounds was found to be higher than that of their parent components, CNMP was found to be thermally stable up to 158 °C while UDMAP was stable up to 144 °C, which indicate their extra stability than their parents. The single crystal XRD studies confirmed that CNMP has crystallized in orthorhombic unit cell with non-centrosymmetric space group P212121 while UDMAP has crystallized in monoclinic unit cell with centrosymmetric space group C2/c. The absorption spectrum of CNMP was found to be in between the absorption of parents, while broadening of peak and red shift was observed in UDMAP as compared to the parents. Second order nonlinear optical property of CNMP and UDMAP was studied using Kurtz Perry powder technique and intense green light emission was observed with CNMP on excitation with 1064 nm of Nd:YAG laser while no emission was observed with UDMAP.

Hypothermic temperature effects on organ survival and restoration

PubMed Central

Ishikawa, Jun; Oshima, Masamitsu; Iwasaki, Fumitaka; Suzuki, Ryoji; Park, Joonhong; Nakao, Kazuhisa; Matsuzawa-Adachi, Yuki; Mizutsuki, Taro; Kobayashi, Ayaka; Abe, Yuta; Kobayashi, Eiji; Tezuka, Katsunari; Tsuji, Takashi

2015-01-01

A three-dimensional multicellular organism maintains the biological functions of life support by using the blood circulation to transport oxygen and nutrients and to regulate body temperature for intracellular enzymatic reactions. Donor organ transplantation using low-temperature storage is used as the fundamental treatment for dysfunctional organs. However, this approach has a serious problem in that donor organs maintain healthy conditions only during short-term storage. In this study, we developed a novel liver perfusion culture system based on biological metabolism that can maintain physiological functions, including albumin synthesis, bile secretion and urea production. This system also allows for the resurrection of a severely ischaemic liver. This study represents a significant advance for the development of an ex vivo organ perfusion system based on biological metabolism. It can be used not only to address donor organ shortages but also as the basis of future regenerative organ replacement therapy. PMID:25900715

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) inhibitors. A comprehensive systematic review.

PubMed

Floresta, Giuseppe; Pistarà, Venerando; Amata, Emanuele; Dichiara, Maria; Marrazzo, Agostino; Prezzavento, Orazio; Rescifina, Antonio

2017-09-29

Small molecule inhibitors of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) have attracted interest following the recent publications of beneficial pharmacological effects of these compounds. FABP4 is predominantly expressed in macrophages and adipose tissue where it regulates fatty acids (FAs) storage and lipolysis and is an important mediator of inflammation. In the past years, hundreds FABP4 inhibitors have been synthesized for effective atherosclerosis and diabetes treatments, including derivatives of niacin, quinoxaline, aryl-quinoline, bicyclic pyridine, urea, aromatic compounds and other novel heterocyclic compounds. This review provides an overview of the synthesized and discovered molecules as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 inhibitors (FABP4is) since the synthesis of the putative FABP4i, BMS309403, highlighting the interactions of the different classes of inhibitors with the targets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A current perspective on the compensatory effects of urea and methylamine on protein stability and function.

PubMed

Rahman, Safikur; Warepam, Marina; Singh, Laishram R; Dar, Tanveer Ali

2015-11-01

Urea is a strong denaturant and inhibits many enzymes but is accumulated intracellularly at very high concentrations (up to 3-4 M) in mammalian kidney and in many marine fishes. It is known that the harmful effects of urea on the macromolecular structure and function is offset by the accumulation of an osmolytic agent called methylamine. Intracellular concentration of urea to methylamines falls in the ratio of 2:1 to 3:2 (molar ratio). At this ratio, the thermodynamic effects of urea and methylamines on protein stability and function are believed to be algebraically additive. The mechanism of urea-methylamine counteraction has been widely investigated on various approaches including, thermodynamic, structural and functional aspects. Recent advances have also revealed atomic level insights of counteraction and various molecular dynamic simulation studies have yielded significant molecular level informations on the interaction between urea and methylamines with proteins. It is worthwhile that urea-methylamine system not only plays pivotal role for the survival and functioning of the renal medullary cells but also is a key osmoregulatory component of the marine elasmobranchs, holocephalans and coelacanths. Therefore, it is important to combine all discoveries and discuss the developments in context to physiology of the mammalian kidney and adaptation of the marine organisms. In this article we have for the first time reviewed all major developments on urea-counteraction systems to date. We have also discussed about other additional urea-counteraction systems discovered so far including urea-NaCl, urea-myoinsoitol and urea-molecular chaperone systems. Insights for the possible future research have also been highlighted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of di-substituted cinnamic hydroxamic acids bearing urea/thiourea unit as potent histone deacetylase inhibitors.

PubMed

Ning, Chengqing; Bi, Yanjing; He, Yujun; Huang, WenYuan; Liu, Lifei; Li, Yi; Zhang, Sihan; Liu, Xiaoyu; Yu, Niefang

2013-12-01

A novel class of di-substituted cinnamic hydroxamic acid derivatives containing urea or thiourea unit was designed, synthesized and evaluated as HDAC inhibitors. All tested compounds demonstrated significant HDAC inhibitory activities and anti-proliferative effects against diverse human tumor cell lines. Among them, 7l exhibited most potent pan-HDAC inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 130 nM. It also showed strong cellular inhibition against diverse cell lines including HCT-116, MCF-7, MDB-MB-435 and NCI-460, with GI50 values of 0.35, 0.22, 0.51 and 0.48 μM, respectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymer Coated Urea in Turfgrass Maintains Vigor and Mitigates Nitrogen's Environmental Impacts

PubMed Central

LeMonte, Joshua J.; Jolley, Von D.; Summerhays, Jeffrey S.; Terry, Richard E.; Hopkins, Bryan G.

2016-01-01

Polymer coated urea (PCU) is a N fertilizer which, when added to moist soil, uses temperature-controlled diffusion to regulate N release in matching plant demand and mitigate environmental losses. Uncoated urea and PCU were compared for their effects on gaseous (N2O and NH3) and aqueous (NO3-) N environmental losses in cool season turfgrass over the entire PCU N-release period. Field studies were conducted on established turfgrass sites with mixtures of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in sand and loam soils. Each study compared 0 kg N ha-1 (control) to 200 kg N ha-1 applied as either urea or PCU (Duration 45CR®). Application of urea resulted in 127–476% more evolution of measured N2O into the atmosphere, whereas PCU was similar to background emission levels from the control. Compared to urea, PCU reduced NH3 emissions by 41–49% and N2O emissions by 45–73%, while improving growth and verdure compared to the control. Differences in leachate NO3- among urea, PCU and control were inconclusive. This improvement in N management to ameliorate atmospheric losses of N using PCU will contribute to conserving natural resources and mitigating environmental impacts of N fertilization in turfgrass. PMID:26764908

Natural product synthesis at the interface of chemistry and biology.

PubMed

Hong, Jiyong

2014-08-11

Nature has evolved to produce unique and diverse natural products that possess high target affinity and specificity. Natural products have been the richest sources for novel modulators of biomolecular function. Since the chemical synthesis of urea by Wöhler, organic chemists have been intrigued by natural products, leading to the evolution of the field of natural product synthesis over the past two centuries. Natural product synthesis has enabled natural products to play an essential role in drug discovery and chemical biology. With the introduction of novel, innovative concepts and strategies for synthetic efficiency, natural product synthesis in the 21st century is well poised to address the challenges and complexities faced by natural product chemistry and will remain essential to progress in biomedical sciences. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Transcriptome Analysis Comparison of Lipid Biosynthesis in the Leaves and Developing Seeds of Brassica napus

PubMed Central

Chen, Jie; Tan, Ren-Ke; Guo, Xiao-Juan; Fu, Zheng-Li; Wang, Zheng; Zhang, Zhi-Yan; Tan, Xiao-Li

2015-01-01

Brassica napus seed is a lipid storage organ containing approximately 40% oil, while its leaves contain many kinds of lipids for many biological roles, but the overall amounts are less than in seeds. Thus, lipid biosynthesis in the developing seeds and the leaves is strictly regulated which results the final difference of lipids. However, there are few reports about the molecular mechanism controlling the difference in lipid biosynthesis between developing seeds and leaves. In this study, we tried to uncover this mechanism by analyzing the transcriptome data for lipid biosynthesis. The transcriptome data were de novo assembled and a total of 47216 unigenes were obtained, which had an N50 length and median of 1271 and 755 bp, respectively. Among these unigenes, 36368 (about 77.02%) were annotated and there were 109 up-regulated unigenes and 72 down-regulated unigenes in the developing seeds lipid synthetic pathway after comparing with leaves. In the oleic acid pathway, 23 unigenes were up-regulated and four unigenes were down-regulated. During triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, the key unigenes were all up-regulated, such as phosphatidate phosphatase and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase. During palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid synthesis in leaves, the unigenes were nearly all up-regulated, which indicated that the biosynthesis of these particular fatty acids were more important in leaves. In the developing seeds, almost all the unigenes in the ABI3VP1, RKD, CPP, E2F-DP, GRF, JUMONJI, MYB-related, PHD and REM transcript factorfamilies were up-regulated, which helped us to discern the regulation mechanism underlying lipid biosynthesis. The differential up/down-regulation of the genes and TFs involved in lipid biosynthesis in developing seeds and leaves provided direct evidence that allowed us to map the network that regulates lipid biosynthesis, and the identification of new TFs that are up-regulated in developing seeds will help us to further elucidate the lipids biosynthesis pathway in developing seeds and leaves. PMID:25965272

Modulation of kidney urea transporter UT-A3 activity by alpha2,6-sialylation.

PubMed

Qian, Xiaoqian; Sands, Jeff M; Song, Xiang; Chen, Guangping

2016-07-01

Two urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A3, are expressed in the kidney terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and are important for the production of concentrated urine. UT-A1, as the largest isoform of all UT-A urea transporters, has gained much attention and been extensively studied; however, the role and the regulation of UT-A3 are less explored. In this study, we investigated UT-A3 regulation by glycosylation modification. A site-directed mutagenesis verified a single glycosylation site in UT-A3 at Asn279. Loss of the glycosylation reduced forskolin-stimulated UT-A3 cell membrane expression and urea transport activity. UT-A3 has two glycosylation forms, 45 and 65 kDa. Using sugar-specific binding lectins, the UT-A3 glycosylation profile was examined. The 45-kDa form was pulled down by lectin concanavalin A (Con A) and Galant husnivalis lectin (GNL), indicating an immature glycan with a high amount of mannose (Man), whereas the 65-kDa form is a mature glycan composed of acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and poly-N-acetyllactosame (poly-LacNAc) that was pulled down by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and tomato lectin, respectively. Interestingly, the mature form of UT-A3 glycan contains significant amounts of sialic acid. We explored the enzymes responsible for directing UT-A3 sialylation. Sialyltransferase ST6GalI, but not ST3GalIV, catabolizes UT-A3 α2,6-sialylation. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by PDB treatment promoted UT-A3 glycan sialylation and membrane surface expression. The PKC inhibitor chelerythrine blocks ST6GalI-induced UT-A3 sialylation. Increased sialylation by ST6GalI increased UT-A3 protein stability and urea transport activity. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of UT-A3 regulation by ST6GalI-mediated sialylation modification that may play an important role in kidney urea reabsorption and the urinary concentrating mechanism.

Synthesis of Titania@Carbon Nanocomposite from Urea-Impregnated Cellulose for Efficient Lithium and Sodium Batteries.

PubMed

Henry, Aurélien; Louvain, Nicolas; Fontaine, Olivier; Stievano, Lorenzo; Monconduit, Laure; Boury, Bruno

2016-02-08

Nanostructured TiO2 and TiO2@C nanocomposites were prepared directly from urea-impregnated cellulose by a simple reaction/diffusion process and evaluated as negative electrode materials for Li and Na batteries. By direct treatment with TiCl4 under anhydrous conditions, the urea impregnation of cellulose impacts both the TiO2 morphology and the carbon left by cellulose after pyrolysis. Hierarchical TiO2 structures with a flower-like morphology grown from-and-at the surface of the cellulose fibers are obtained without any directing agent. The resulting TiO2/cellulose composite is then transformed either into pure TiO2 flowers by calcination in air at 600 °C, or into TiO2@C nanocomposites by pyrolysis under Ar at 600 °C. Electrochemical studies demonstrate that both samples can (de)insert lithium and sodium ions and are promising electrode materials. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Self-association of urea in aqueous solutions: a Voronoi polyhedron analysis study.

PubMed

Idrissi, Abdenacer; Damay, Pierre; Yukichi, Kitamura; Jedlovszky, Pal

2008-10-28

Molecular dynamics simulation of the aqueous solutions of urea of seven different concentrations (including neat water as a reference system) has been performed on the isothermal-isobaric (N,p,T) ensemble. The ability of the urea molecules of self-association is investigated by means of the method of Voronoi polyhedra. For this purpose, all the analyses are repeated by removing one of the two components from the sample configurations and considering only the other one. In this way, the analysis of self-aggregation is reduced to the analysis of voids, a problem that can routinely be addressed by means of Voronoi analysis. The obtained results show that the urea molecules exhibit self-association behavior, which is found to be the strongest at the urea mole fraction of 0.23. However, the size of these urea aggregates is found to be rather limited; on average, they are built up by 3-4 molecules, and never exceed the size of 20-25 molecules.

Final report of the safety assessment of Urea.

PubMed

2005-01-01

Although Urea is officially described as a buffering agent, humectant, and skin-conditioning agent-humectant for use in cosmetic products, there is a report stating that Urea also is used in cosmetics for its desquamating and antimicrobial action. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Urea was used in 239 formulations. Concentrations of use for Urea ranged from 0.01% to 10%. Urea is generally recognized as safe by FDA for the following uses: side-seam cements for food contact; an inhibitor or stabilizer in pesticide formulations and formulations applied to animals; internal sizing for paper and paperboard and surface sizing and coating of paper and paper board that contact water-in-oil dairy emulsions, low-moisture fats and oils, moist bakery products, dry solids with surface containing no free fats or oil, and dry solids with the surface of fat or oil; and to facilitate fermentation of wine. Urea is the end product of mammalian protein metabolism and the chief nitrogenous compound of urine. Urea concentrations in muscle, liver, and fetuses of rats increased after a subcutaneous injection of Urea. Urea diffused readily through the placenta and into other maternal and fetal organs. The half-life of Urea injected into rabbits was on the order of several hours, and the reutilization rate was 32.2% to 88.8%. Urea given to rats by a bolus injection or continuous infusion resulted in distribution to the following brain regions: frontal lobe, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, thalamus plus hypothalamus, pons and white matter (corpus callosum). The permeability constant after treatment with Urea of whole skin and the dermis of rabbits was 2.37 +/- 0.13 (x 10(6)) and 1.20 +/- 0.09 (x10(3)) cm/min, respectively. The absorption of Urea across normal and abraded human skin was 9.5% +/- 2.3% and 67.9% +/- 5.6%, respectively. Urea increased the skin penetration of other compounds, including hydrocortisone. No toxicity was observed for Urea at levels as high as 2000 mg/kg in acute oral studies using female rats or mice. No signs of toxicity were observed in male piglets dosed orally with up to 4 g/kg Urea for 5 days. Dogs dosed orally with 5 to 30 g/L Urea for 4 to 10 days had signs of toxicity, including weakness, anorexia, vomiting and retching, diarrhea and a decreased body temperature, which led to a deep torpor or coma. No significant microscopic changes were observed in the skin of male nude mice dermally exposed to 100% Urea for 24 h. No observable effect on fetal development was seen in rats and mice dosed orally with an aqueous solution of Urea (2000 mg/kg) on days 10 and 12 of gestation. The mean number of implants, live fetuses, percent fetal resorptions, mean fetal weight, and percent fetuses malformed were comparable to control group. A detergent containing 15% Urea was injected into pregnant ICR-JCl mice and dams and fetuses had no significant differences when compared to control animals. Urea given orally did not enhance the developmental toxicity of N-nitrosomethylurea. Female Sprague-Dawley rats injected in the uterine horn with 0.05 ml Urea on day 3 (preimplantation) or on day 7 (post implantation) exhibited no maternal mortality or morbidity; a dose-dependent reduction in embryo survival was seen with preimplantation treatment. Urea injected intra-amniotically induces mid-trimester abortions in humans. Urea was not genotoxic in several bacterial and mammalian assays; although in assays where Urea was used at a high concentration, genotoxicity was found, many in in vitro assays. Urea is commonly used in studies of DNA because it causes uncoiling of DNA molecules. Urea was not carcinogenic in Fisher 344 rats or C57B1/6 mice fed diets containing up to 4.5% Urea. Exposure of normal human skin to 60% Urea produced no significant irritation in one study, but 5% Urea was slightly irritating and 20% Urea was irritating in other reports. Burning sensations are the most frequently reported effect of Urea used alone or with other agents in treatment of diseased skin. Overall, there are few reports of sensitization among the many clinical studies that report use of Urea in treatment of diseased skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel determined the data provided in this report to be sufficient to assess the safety of Urea. The Panel did note that Urea can cause uncoiling of DNA, a property used in many DNA studies, but concluded that this in vitro activity is not linked to any in vivo genotoxic activity. Although noting that formulators should be aware that Urea can increase the percutaneous absorption of other chemicals, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Urea is safe as used in cosmetic products.

Greener on the Other Side: How Increased Urea Use may Promote Cyanobacterial Blooms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erratt, K. J.; Creed, I. F.; Trick, C. G.

2017-12-01

The frequency of freshwater cyanobacterial blooms is on the rise in temperate regions around the world. The widespread use of chemical fertilizers linked to modern agricultural practices has enhanced the fertility of surface waters promoting the expansion of cyanobacteria dominated harmful algal blooms. While phosphorus (P) has been recognized as the principal agent regulating phytoplankton productivity in inland waters, elevated P is not the universal trigger for bloom initiation. P fertilizer applications across the globe have been outpaced by nitrogen (N) fertilizer use. Not only has the load of N entering surface waters increased, but its chemical composition has been altered. The use of inorganic-N fertilizers has been waned in favor of urea-based products, with urea now accounting for more than half of total N-fertilizer applications worldwide. This contemporary shift in fertilizer usage has coincided with the rise of cyanobacteria dominated harmful algal blooms in freshwaters. Here, we examined the relative success of urea as a N-source relative to inorganic N forms (NO3-, NH4+) for three common bloom-forming species of cyanobacteria: Microcystis aeruginosa, Dolichospermum flos-aque, and Synechococcus sp. We found that (1) urea was consistently drawdown more rapidly relative to inorganic N substrates, suggesting that cyanobacteria exhibit a preference for urea over inorganic N forms; (2) cyanobacteria consume urea in excess of cellular requirements; and (3) urea may offer cyanobacteria a competitive edge over eukaryotic algae by enhancing light absorption capabilities. As we push forward into the 21st century, our reliance on urea-based fertilizers is projected to escalate and it is critical that we understand the unintended consequences urea discharge could be having on receiving freshwaters.

Microscopic significance of hydrophobic residues in the protein-stabilizing effect of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO).

PubMed

Yang, Yanmei; Mu, Yuguang; Li, Weifeng

2016-08-10

Although it is widely known that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) stabilizes the native structure of proteins, the underlying mechanism of its action is poorly documented. To obtain an in-depth understanding of this important osmolyte molecule, we conducted large-scale molecular dynamic simulations of model proteins, namely, wild-type villin headpiece protein HP35 and its doubly norleucine-substituent mutant (Lys24/29Nle) HP35NN in pure urea and urea + TMAO mixed solutions for direct comparison. From extensive sampling, the protective capability of TMAO was well captured in the simulations, where HP35NN demonstrated a significantly more stable native structure than HP35 in the presence of TMAO, whereas in pure urea solution, the former denatured in a shorter time. These findings highlight the importance of the two norleucine residues that regulates the interactions of proteins with urea and TMAO. By accessing the hydration and conformational dynamics of both proteins, we were able to directly probe how TMAO compensates the denaturing effect of urea at the atomic level. The accumulation of urea around hydrophobic residues is clearly suppressed, which indicates that the van der Waals interactions between urea and proteins are weakened by TMAO. As a consequence, the hydrophobic core of protein is preferentially protected by TMAO against urea attack. Although the hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) between proteins and urea are suppressed by TMAO, this plays a very minor role than expected in the enhanced protein stability. In addition, TMAO was found to be always excluded from the protein surface and incapable of forming H-bonds with proteins. Thus, the present study provides solid evidence to support the indirect mechanism of TMAO counteracting the denaturing effects of urea.

Long term effects of neonatal hypoglycaemia on pancreatic function.

PubMed

Anju, T R; Paulose, C S

2015-02-01

Low blood glucose in neonates predisposes to long term pancreatic damage. We focused on evaluating long term consequences of neonatal hypoglycaemia in pancreatic functions. Pancreatic function was analysed by measuring DNA/protein synthesis, glucose/ATP uptake in vitro. Gene expression of Pdx1, NeuroD1, Pax4, Bax, caspase 3, Beclin1 were done. Muscarinic receptors were analysed by radio receptor assay. Overall pancreatic efficiency was reduced in one-month-old rats exposed to neonatal hypoglycaemia as indicated by decreased DNA/protein synthesis and glucose/ATP uptake in vitro. Both Pdx1 and Neuro D1 expression were significantly down-regulated whereas Pax4 was up-regulated. Up-regulated Bax, caspase 3 and beclin1 along with reduced muscarinic receptors accounts for activation of cell death pathways. The study revealed a drastic reduction in pancreatic functions along with activation of apoptotic factors in one month old rats exposed to neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Synthesis and insecticidal activity of novel pyrimidine derivatives containing urea pharmacophore against Aedes aegypti

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Aedes aegypti is a major mosquito vector for the transmission of serious diseases, especially dengue and yellow fever. More than one billion people in developing countries are at risk. The widespread and continual use of pesticides can lead to resistant mosquitoes. In order to maintain mosquito cont...

Synthesis and characterization of shape memory poly (epsilon-caprolactone) polyurethane-ureas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Hongfeng

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted significant interest in recent times because of their potential applications in a number of areas, such as medical devices and textiles. However, there are some major drawbacks of SMPs, such as their relatively low moduli resulting in small recovery stresses, and their long response times compared with shape memory alloys (SMAs). A suitable recovery stress which comes from the elastic recovery stress generated in the deformation process is critical in some medical devices. To address some of these shortcomings, the work in this dissertation mainly focuses on the design and synthesis of linear shape memory polymers with higher recovery stress. A series of segmented poly (epsilon-caprolactone) polyurethane-ureas (PCLUUs) were prepared from poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) diol, different dissociates and chain extenders. NMR and FT-IR were used to identify the structure of the synthesized shape memory polyurethane-ureas. Parameters such as soft segment content (molecular weight and content), chain extender and the rigidity of the main chain were investigated to understand the structure-property relationships of the shape memory polymer systems through DSC, DMA, physical property test, etc. Cyclic thermal mechanic tests were applied to measure the shape memory properties which showed that the recovery stress can be improved above 200% simply by modifying the chain extender. Meanwhile, the synthesis process was optimized to be similar to that of Spandex /LYCRA®. Continuous fibers form shape memory polyurethane-ureas were made from a wet spinning process, which indicated excellent spinnability of the polymer solution. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to study the morphology of the hard segment at different temperatures and stretch rates and found that the monodisperse rigid cylinder model fit the SANS data quite well. From the cylinder model, the radius of the cylinder increased with increasing hard segment content. The SANS results revealed phase separation of hard and soft segments into nano scale domains. The overall objectives of this dissertation were: ■ To improve the recovery stress of linear shape memory polymers. ■ To study the morphology and structure property relationships of shape memory polymers. Chapter 1 reviews the literature on SMAs and SMPs, especially on linear SMPs. Chapter 2 is devoted to SMPUUs with the aliphatic amine 1, 4-Butanediamine (BDA) as chain extender. Chapter 3 reports the effects of different aliphatic diamines as the chain extenders. Chapter 4 covers the results for shape memory polyurethane-ureas with aromatic diamine 4, 4’-Methylenedianiline (MDA) as the chain extender. The effect of different diisocyanates is covered in Chapter 5. Chapter 6-7 show some synthesized polymer systems with unimproved recovery stress or even no shape memory properties. The overall conclusions of this work are reported in Chapter 8.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of novel 4-(2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-(1H)-(thio)ones catalyzed by Sm(ClO(4))(3).

PubMed

Liu, Chen-Jiang; Wang, Ji-De

2010-03-24

An efficient synthesis of novel 4-(2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3,4-dihydro-pyrimidin-2(1H)-(thio)ones from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, 2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde and urea or thiourea under ultrasound irradiation and using samarium perchlorate as catalyst is described. Compared with conventional methods, the main advantages of the present methodology are milder conditions, shorter reaction times and higher yields.

Enantioselective Synthesis and Profiling of Two Novel Diazabicyclooctanone β-Lactamase Inhibitors

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The enantioselective synthesis of two novel cyclopropane-fused diazabicyclooctanones is reported here. Starting from butadiene monoxide, the key enone intermediate 7 was prepared in six steps. Subsequent stereoselective introduction of the cyclopropane group and further transformation led to compounds 1a and 1b as their corresponding sodium salt. The great disparity regarding their hydrolytic stability was rationalized by the steric interaction between the cyclopropyl methylene and urea carbonyl. These two novel β-lactamase inhibitors were active against class A, C, and D enzymes. PMID:25313328

The Increase in Mannose Receptor Recycling Favors Arginase Induction and Trypanosoma Cruzi Survival in Macrophages

PubMed Central

Garrido, Vanina V.; Dulgerian, Laura R.; Stempin, Cinthia C.; Cerbán, Fabio M.

2011-01-01

The macrophage mannose receptor (MR) is a pattern recognition receptor of the innate immune system that binds to microbial structures bearing mannose, fucose and N-acetylglucosamine on their surface. Trypanosoma cruzi antigen cruzipain (Cz) is found in the different developmental forms of the parasite. This glycoprotein has a highly mannosylated C-terminal domain that participates in the host-antigen contact. Our group previously demonstrated that Cz-macrophage (Mo) interaction could modulate the immune response against T. cruzi through the induction of a preferential metabolic pathway. In this work, we have studied in Mo the role of MR in arginase induction and in T. cruzi survival using different MR ligands. We have showed that pre-incubation of T. cruzi infected cells with mannose-Bovine Serum Albumin (Man-BSA, MR specific ligand) biased nitric oxide (NO)/urea balance towards urea production and increased intracellular amastigotes growth. The study of intracellular signals showed that pre-incubation with Man-BSA in T. cruzi J774 infected cells induced down-regulation of JNK and p44/p42 phosphorylation and increased of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These results are coincident with previous data showing that Cz also modifies the MAPK phosphorylation profile induced by the parasite. In addition, we have showed by confocal microscopy that Cz and Man-BSA enhance MR recycling. Furthermore, we studied MR behavior during T. cruzi infection in vivo. MR was up-regulated in F4/80+ cells from T. cruzi infected mice at 13 and 15 days post infection. Besides, we investigated the effect of MR blocking antibody in T. cruzi infected peritoneal Mo. Arginase activity and parasite growth were decreased in infected cells pre-incubated with anti-MR antibody as compared with infected cells treated with control antibody. Therefore, we postulate that during T. cruzi infection, Cz may contact with MR, increasing MR recycling which leads to arginase activity up-regulation and intracellular parasite growth. PMID:22110379

A comparison of RS4-type resistant starch to RS2-type resistant starch in suppressing oxidative stress in high-fat-diet-induced obese rats.

PubMed

Si, Xu; Zhou, Zhongkai; Strappe, Padraig; Blanchard, Chris

2017-01-25

The anti-obesity effects of two types of resistant starch (RS) in high-fat-diet-induced obese rats were investigated. The serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly reduced, and the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase levels and glutathione peroxidase activity were increased by RS2 and RS4 consumption compared to the obesity group. A significant reduction in the serum glucose level and elevations in hepatic lipid metabolic enzyme activities were observed only for RS4 administration. Moreover, the expression levels of the fatty acid synthesis associated genes ACC and Fads1, the triglyceride synthesis and metabolism-related gene SREBP-1, the adipocyte differentiation gene PPARγ, the cholesterol synthesis associated gene HMGCR, and the gluconeogenesis associated gene GAPDH were all significantly down-regulated, whilst the lipid oxidation gene Acox1 and the liver function genes Gsta2, Nqo1, and Gclm were up-regulated in both administered groups. Additionally, RS4 performed well in up-regulating the expressions of Gsta2, Gsta3, Nqo1, and Egfr, and down-regulating LXRα, Igfbp1, and Pml. RS4 exhibited great advantages in reducing oxidative stress compared with RS2.

A novel small-molecule thienoquinolin urea transporter inhibitor acts as a potential diuretic.

PubMed

Li, Fei; Lei, Tianluo; Zhu, Juanjuan; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Chen, Jihui; Dong, Zixun; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Baoxue

2013-06-01

Urea transporters (UTs) are a family of membrane channel proteins that are specifically permeable to urea and play an important role in intrarenal urea recycling and in urine concentration. Using an erythrocyte osmotic lysis assay, we screened a small-molecule library for inhibitors of UT-facilitated urea transport. A novel class of thienoquinolin UT-B inhibitors were identified, of which PU-14 had potent inhibition activity on human, rabbit, rat, and mouse UT-B. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of PU-14 on rat UT-B-mediated urea transport was ∼0.8 μmol/l, and it did not affect urea transport in mouse erythrocytes lacking UT-B but inhibited UT-A-type urea transporters, with 36% inhibition at 4 μmol/l. PU-14 showed no significant cellular toxicity at concentrations up to its solubility limit of 80 μmol/l. Subcutaneous delivery of PU-14 (at 12.5, 50, and 100 mg/kg) to rats caused an increase of urine output and a decrease of the urine urea concentration and subsequent osmolality without electrolyte disturbances and liver or renal damages. This suggests that PU-14 has a diuretic effect by urea-selective diuresis. Thus, PU-14 or its analogs might be developed as a new diuretic to increase renal fluid clearance in diseases associated with water retention without causing electrolyte imbalance. PU-14 may establish 'chemical knockout' animal models to study the physiological functions of UTs.

Growth cycle of Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucous layer.

PubMed

Nakazawa, Teruko

2002-12-01

Helicobacter pylori bacterium is characterized by its strong urease activity. Our studies on the role of H. pylori urease revealed; (i) it is essential for colonization, (ii) exogenous urea is required for acid resistance, (iii) the bacteria have the ability to move toward urea and sodium bicarbonate, (iv) urea hydrolysis accelerates chemotactic locomotion, and (v) decay of urease mRNA to accomplish the active center is pH-regulated; i.e., the mRNA is stabilized and destabilized under acidic and neutral conditions, respectively. Based on the above results, I propose the growth cycle of H. pylori in gastric mucous layer. H. pylori bacteria proliferate on the epithelial cell surface by utilizing nutrients derived from degraded cells. Proliferated bacteria leave the cell surface to pH-variable region where they encounter strong acid. Urease is activated with simultaneous opening of UreI channel so that urea is hydrolyzed to neutralize acid. Chemotaxis of H. pylori toward urea and sodium bicarbonate that are abundant on the cell surface is accelerated by urea hydrolysis so that the bacteria go back to the cell surface for the next round of proliferation. This growth cycle may allow the bacteria to infect persistently in the stomach.

Denaturation of RNA secondary and tertiary structure by urea: simple unfolded state models and free energy parameters account for measured m-values

PubMed Central

Lambert, Dominic; Draper, David E.

2012-01-01

To investigate the mechanism by which urea destabilizes RNA structure, urea-induced unfolding of four different RNA secondary and tertiary structures was quantified in terms of an m-value, the rate at which the free energy of unfolding changes with urea molality. From literature data and our osmometric study of a backbone analog, we derived average interaction potentials (per Å2 of solvent accessible surface) between urea and three kinds of RNA surfaces: phosphate, ribose, and base. Estimates of the increases in solvent accessible surface areas upon RNA denaturation were based on a simple model of unfolded RNA as a combination of helical and single strand segments. These estimates, combined with the three interaction potentials and a term to account for urea interactions with released ions, yield calculated m-values in good agreement with experimental values (200 mm monovalent salt). Agreement was obtained only if single-stranded RNAs were modeled in a highly stacked, A form conformation. The primary driving force for urea induced denaturation is the strong interaction of urea with the large surface areas of bases that become exposed upon denaturation of either RNA secondary or tertiary structure, though urea interactions with backbone and released ions may account for up to a third of the m-value. Urea m-values for all four RNA are salt-dependent, which we attribute to an increased extension (or decreased charge density) of unfolded RNAs with increased urea concentration. The sensitivity of the urea m-value to base surface exposure makes it a potentially useful probe of the conformations of RNA unfolded states. PMID:23088364

Blue light-promoted rice leaf bending and unrolling are due to up-regulated brassinosteroid biosynthesis genes accompanied by accumulation of castasterone.

PubMed

Asahina, Masashi; Tamaki, Yuji; Sakamoto, Tomoaki; Shibata, Kyomi; Nomura, Takahito; Yokota, Takao

2014-08-01

In this study the relationship between blue light- and brassinosteroid-enhanced leaf lamina bending and unrolling in rice was investigated. Twenty-four hours (h) irradiation with white or blue light increased endogenous brassinosteroid levels, especially those of typhasterol and castasterone, in aerial tissues of rice seedlings. There was an accompanying up-regulation of transcript levels of CYP85A1/OsDWARF, encoding an enzyme catalyzing C-6 oxidation, after 6h under either white or blue light. These effects were not observed in seedlings placed under far-red or red light regimes. It was concluded that blue light up-regulates the levels of several cytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP85A1, thereby promoting the synthesis of castasterone, a biologically active brassinosteroid in rice. Based on these findings, it is considered that blue light-mediated rice leaf bending and unrolling are consequences of the enhanced biosynthesis of endogenous castasterone. In contrast to aerial tissues, brassinosteroid synthesis in roots appeared to be negatively regulated by white, blue and red light but positively controlled by far-red light. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of urea on protein-ligand association.

PubMed

Stepanian, Lora; Son, Ikbae; Chalikian, Tigran V

2017-12-01

We combine experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the influence of a cosolvent on a ligand-protein association event. We apply fluorescence measurements to determining the affinity of the inhibitor tri-N-acetylglucosamine [(GlcNAc) 3 ] for lysozyme at urea concentrations ranging from 0 to 8M. Notwithstanding that, at room temperature and neutral pH, lysozyme retains its native conformation up to the solubility limit of urea, the affinity of (GlcNAc) 3 for the protein steadily decreases as the concentration of urea increases. We analyze the urea dependence of the binding free energy within the framework of a simplified statistical thermodynamics-based model that accounts for the excluded volume effect and direct solute-solvent interactions. The analysis reveals that the detrimental action of urea on the inhibitor-lysozyme binding originates from competition between the free energy contributions of the excluded volume effect and direct solute-solvent interactions. The free energy contribution of direct urea-solute interactions narrowly overcomes the excluded volume contribution thereby resulting in urea weakening the protein-ligand association. More broadly, the successful application of the simple model employed in this work points to the possibility of its use in quantifying the stabilizing/destabilizing action of individual cosolvents on biochemical folding and binding reactions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EG-01EPIGENETIC INACTIVATION OF ARGININE BIOSYNTHESIS PATHWAY IN PAEDIATRIC HIGH GRADE GLIOMA

PubMed Central

Channathodiyil, Prasanna; Kardooni, Hoda; Khozoie, Combiz; Nelofer, Syed; Darling, John; Morris, Mark; Warr, Tracy

2014-01-01

Aberrant cellular metabolism contributes significantly to the growth and proliferation of several tumour types. Identification of genes that control critical metabolic pathways is a major factor in the development of novel therapies that target metabolic defects in tumour cells. Our aim is to identify such genes in paediatric high grade glioma that are altered due to promoter hyper-methylation of cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides. Genome wide DNA methylation profiling using Illumina infinium methylation 450K bead chip array was performed on 18 well-characterised short term cultures derived from paediatric high grade astrocytoma including 3 from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Data analyses were based on beta scores of probes for each gene as measures of intensities of methylation. Genes were selected with beta scores of tumour > =0.70 and that of normal human astrocytes < =0.30. We identified that two vital genes involved in the regulation of arginine biosynthetic pathway, argininosuccinate synthetase 1(ASS1) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) were methylated in 9/18 (50%) cases. Hyper methylation was confirmed by methylation-specific PCR and up-regulation of gene expression following treatment with 2 µM 5-aza-2'-deoxyctidine. Down-regulation of ASS1 in hyper methylated samples was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Our findings report epigenetic deregulation of ASS1 and ASL in a subset of paediatric high grade glioma. The enzymes encoded by these genes are essential elements of urea cycle that function together in the de novo synthesis of arginine from citrulline. Tumour cells with deficient ASS1/ASL depend on external sources of arginine for survival and have been reported to be sensitive to autophagic cell death induced by arginine starvation. Therefore, further investigation may render the possibility of arginine-deprivation therapy in such sub type of paediatric high grade glioma. This therapeutic approach is of interest as tumour cells with abnormal expression of ASS1/ASL can be specifically targeted, while the normal cells can be spared.

Simultaneous LC-MS/MS determination of phenylbutyrate, phenylacetate benzoate and their corresponding metabolites phenylacetylglutamine and hippurate in blood and urine.

PubMed

Laryea, Maurice D; Herebian, Diran; Meissner, Thomas; Mayatepek, Ertan

2010-12-01

Inborn errors of urea metabolism result in hyperammonemia. Treatment of urea cycle disorders can effectively lower plasma ammonium levels and results in survival in the majority of patients. Available medications for treating urea cycle disorders include sodium benzoate (BA), sodium phenylacetate (PAA), and sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) and are given to provide alternate routes for disposition of waste nitrogen excretion. In this study, we develop and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, phenylbutyric acid, phenylacetylglutamine, and hippuric acid in plasma and urine from children with inborn errors of urea synthesis. Plasma extracts and diluted urine samples were injected on a reverse-phase column and identified and quantified by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in negative ion mode. Deuterated analogues served as internal standards. Analysis time was 7 min. Assay precision, accuracy, and linearity and sample stability were determined using enriched samples. Quantification limits of the method were 100 ng/ml (0.3-0.8 μmol/L) for all analytes, and recoveries were >90%. Inter- and intraday relative standard deviations were <10%. Our newly developed LC-MS/MS represents a robust, sensitive, and rapid method that allows simultaneous determination of the five compounds in plasma and urine.

Transfer of blood urea nitrogen to cecal microbial nitrogen is increased by fructo-oligosaccharide feeding in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Kiyonori; Min, Xiao; Li, Xiao; Hasegawa, Ena; Sakaguchi, Ei

2015-01-01

The present study was conducted to determine the mechanism by which nitrogen (N) availability is improved by fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) in guinea pigs. Adult male guinea pigs were fed a commercial pellet diet (50 g/day) with either 5% glucose or 5% FOS for 7 days in individual metabolism cages. After 7 days of feeding the diet, (15) N-urea was administered intravenously 1 h before slaughter under anesthesia. The amount and concentration of total, protein, bacterial, ammonia and urea N and the (15) N atom % excess were measured in blood, liver, gut contents and urine. The (15) N atom % excess of total and protein N, and the amount of total, protein and bacteria N and (15) N in the cecum were significantly increased by the consumption of FOS. Furthermore, the concentration and amount of short-chain fatty acids were significantly increased by the consumption of FOS. In contrast, the amount of urinary (15) N was significantly decreased by the consumption of FOS. These results suggest that consumption of FOS increases transfer of blood urea N into the large intestine for bacterial N synthesis, which is subsequently re-absorbed by cecotrophy, and contributes to the increase of N utilization in guinea pigs. © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

The Effects of Acute Copper and Ammonia Challenges on Ammonia and Urea Excretion by the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus.

PubMed

Zimmer, Alex M; Jorge, Marianna Basso; Wood, Chris M; Martins, Camila M G; Bianchini, Adalto

2017-04-01

Copper (Cu) is a persistent environmental contaminant that elicits several physiological disturbances in aquatic organisms, including a disruption in ammonia regulation. We hypothesized that exposure to Cu in a model crustacean (blue crab, Callinectes sapidus) acclimated to brackish water (2 ppt) would lead to hyperammonemia by stimulating an increase in ammonia production and/or by inhibiting ammonia excretion. We further hypothesized that urea production would represent an ammonia detoxification strategy in response to Cu. In a pilot experiment, exposure to 0, 100, and 200 µg/L Cu for 6 h caused significant concentration-dependent increases in ammonia excretion (J amm ). Based on these results, an acute 24-h 100 µg/L Cu exposure was conducted and this similarly caused an overall stimulation of J amm during the 24-h period, indicative of an increase in ammonia production. Terminal haemolymph total ammonia content (T amm ) was unchanged, suggesting that while ammonia production was increased, there was no inhibition of the excretion mechanism. In support of our second hypothesis, urea excretion (J urea ) increased in response to Cu exposure; haemolymph [urea] was unaffected. This suggested that urea production also was increased. To further test the hypothesis that J urea increased to prevent hyperammonemia during Cu exposure, crabs were exposed to high environmental ammonia (HEA; 2.5 mmol/L NH 4 HCO 3 ) for 12 h in a separate experiment. This led to a fourfold increase in haemolymph T amm , whereas J urea increased only transiently and haemolymph [urea] was unchanged, indicating that urea production likely does not contribute to the attenuation of hyperammonemia in blue crabs. Overall, Cu exposure in blue crabs led to increased ammonia and urea production, which were both eliminated by excretion. These results may have important implications in aquaculture systems where crabs may be exposed to elevated Cu and/or ammonia.

The effect of Mg/2+/ and Ca/2+/ on urea-catalyzed phosphorylation reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuk, G. J.; Lohrmann, R.; Orgel, L. E.

1973-01-01

The effect of Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) on phosphorylation reactions catalyzed by urea is investigated, showing that Mg(2+) improves markedly the yield of products containing pyrophosphate bonds. Yields of up to 25% of uridine diphosphate can be obtained with struvite at temperatures as low as 65 C.

Polyisoprenoid epoxides stimulate the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q and inhibit cholesterol synthesis.

PubMed

Bentinger, Magnus; Tekle, Michael; Brismar, Kerstin; Chojnacki, Tadeusz; Swiezewska, Ewa; Dallner, Gustav

2008-05-23

In our search for compounds that up-regulate the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q (CoQ), we discovered that irradiation of CoQ with ultraviolet light results in the formation of a number of compounds that influence the synthesis of mevalonate pathway lipids by HepG2 cells. Among the compounds that potently stimulated CoQ synthesis while inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, derivatives of CoQ containing 1-4 epoxide moieties in their polyisoprenoid side chains were identified. Subsequently, chemical epoxidation of all-trans-polyprenols of different lengths revealed that the shorter farnesol and geranylgeraniol derivatives were without effect, whereas the longer derivatives of solanesol enhanced CoQ and markedly reduced cholesterol biosynthesis. In contrast, none of the modified trans-trans-poly-cis-polyprenols exerted noticeable effects. Tocotrienol epoxides were especially potent in our system; those with one epoxide moiety in the side-chain generally up-regulated CoQ biosynthesis by 200-300%, whereas those with two such moieties also decreased cholesterol synthesis by 50-90%. Prolonged treatment of HepG2 cells with tocotrienol epoxides for 26 days elevated their content of CoQ by 30%. In addition, the levels of mRNA encoding enzymes involved in CoQ biosynthesis were also elevated by the tocotrienol epoxides. The site of inhibition of cholesterol synthesis was shown to be oxidosqualene cyclase. In conclusion, epoxide derivatives of certain all-trans-polyisoprenoids cause pronounced stimulation of CoQ synthesis and, in some cases, simultaneous reduction of cholesterol biosynthesis by HepG2 cells.

Structural basis of urea-induced unfolding: Unraveling the folding pathway of hemochromatosis factor E.

PubMed

Khan, Parvez; Prakash, Amresh; Haque, Md Anzarul; Islam, Asimul; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz; Ahmad, Faizan

2016-10-01

Hereditary hemochromatosis factor E (HFE) is a type 1 transmembrane protein, and acts as a negative regulator of iron-uptake. The equilibrium unfolding and conformational stability of the HFE protein was examined in the presence of urea. The folding and unfolding transitions were monitored with the help of circular dichroism (CD), intrinsic fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Analysis of transition curves revealed that the folding of HFE is not a two-state process. However, it involved stable intermediates. Transition curves (plot of fluorescence (F346) and CD signal at 222nm (θ222) versus [Urea], the molar urea concentration) revealed a biphasic transition with midpoint (Cm) values at 2.88M and 4.95M urea. Whereas, absorption analysis shows one two-state transition centered at 2.96M. To estimate the protein stability, denaturation curves were analyzed for Gibbs free energy change in the absence of urea (ΔGD(0)) associated with the equilibrium of denaturation exist between native state↔denatured state. The intermediate state was further characterized by hydrophobic probe, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (ANS-binding). For seeing the effect of urea on the structure and dynamics of HFE, molecular dynamics simulation for 60ns was also performed. A clear correspondence was established between the in vitro and in silico studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Comparative investigation of the non-histone proteins of chromatin from pigeon erythroblasts and erythrocytes].

PubMed

Fedina, A B; Gazarian, G G

1976-01-01

Chromosomal non-histone proteins are obtained from nuclei of two types of pigeon erythroid cells: erythroblasts (cells active in RNA synthesis) and erythrocytes (cells with repressed RNA synthesis). They are well soluble in solutions of low ionic strength. Electrophoretic separation of the obtained non-histone proteins in polyacrylamide gels with urea and SDS shows the presence of qualitative differences in the pattern of non-histone proteins of chromatine from erythroblasts and erythrocytes. By electrophoresis in urea some protein bands of non-histone proteins of chromatine from erythroblasts were found which disappear with the aging of cells. At the same time two protein fractions were observed in chromatine from erythrocytes which were absent in that of erythroblasts. Disappearance of some high molecular weight protein fractions from erythrocyte chromatine as compared to erythroblasts was observed by separation of the non-histone proteins in the presence of SDS. These fractions of the non-histone proteins disappearing during aging of cells are well extractable from erythroblast chromatine by 0.35 M NaCl solution. In the in vitro system with E. coli RNA polymerase addition of non-histone proteins of chromatine from erythroblasts to chromatine from erythrocytes increases RNA synthesis 2--3 times. At the same time addition of non-histone proteins from erythrocytes is either without any influence on this process or somewhat inhibiting.

Synthesis of monodisperse spherical nanometer ZrO{sub 2} (Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) powders via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Ying; Dong, Shijie, E-mail: dongsjsj@163.com; Wang, Huihu

2012-03-15

Graphical abstract: In this paper, the weight loss and reaction evolution of ZrO{sub 2} precursor powders are determined by TG-DTA, and 600 Degree-Sign C is the most reasonable calcination temperature of precursor according to the TG-DTA. At the same time, we study the effect of reaction conditions upon the particle sizes, such as concentration of zirconium nitrate solution, reaction temperature and urea content. TEM micrographs of zirconia powders indicated that ZrO{sub 2} nano-powders prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with homogenous precipitation possess spherical shape and excellent dispersing. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The monodisperse spherical nanometer ZrO{sub 2} (Y{sub 2}O{submore » 3}) powders have been prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The principle of the coupling route of emulsion with homogenous precipitation has been studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The concentration of zirconium nitrate, reaction temperature of water bath and the quantity of urea effect regularly on the average particle size of products. -- Abstract: Using xylol as the oil phase, span-80 as the surfactant, and an aqueous solution containing zirconium (3 mol% Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and urea as the water phase, tetragonal phase ZrO{sub 2} nano-powders have been prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation. The effects of the zirconium concentration, the reaction temperature and the urea content on the average size of the products have been examined. The as-prepared ZrO{sub 2} powders and the precursor powders were characterized by TGA-DTA, XRD, TEM and BET. Experimental results indicate that ZrO{sub 2} powders prepared via the coupling route of w/o emulsion with urea homogenous precipitation possess some excellent characteristics, such as well-rounded spherical shape and excellent dispersing.« less

Elevated urinary urea by high-protein diet could be one of the inducements of bladder disorders.

PubMed

Liu, Ming; Li, Min; Liu, Jiangfeng; Wang, Hongkai; Zhong, Dandan; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Baoxue

2016-02-16

Previous work found that urea accumulation in urothelial cells caused by urea transporter B knockout led to DNA damage and apoptosis that contributed to the carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential connection between high urinary urea concentration and the bladder disorders. A high protein diet rat model was conducted by feeding with 40 % protein diet. In-silico modeling and algorithm, based on the results of microarray and proteomics from the bladder urothelium, were used for the reconstruction of accurate cellular networks and the identification of novel master regulators in the high-protein diet rat model. Pathway and biological process enrichment analysis were used to characterize predicted targets of candidate mRNAs/proteins. The expression pattern of the most significant master regulators was evaluated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Based on the analysis of different expressed mRNAs/proteins, 15 significant ones (CRP, MCPT2, MCPT9, EPXH2, SERPING1, SRGN, CDKN1C, CDK6, CCNB1, PCNA, BAX, MAGEB16, SERPINE1, HSPA2, FOS) were highly identified and verified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. They were involved in immune and inflammatory response, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and pathways in cancer. These abnormally activated processes caused the bladder interstitial congestion and inflammatory infiltrates under the thinner urothelium, cell desquamation, cytoplasm vacuolization, nucleus swelling and malformation in the high-protein diet group. We provided evidences that high urinary urea concentration caused by high-protein diet might be a potential carcinogenic factor in bladder.

Non-optimal microbial response to antibiotics underlies suppressive drug interactions

PubMed Central

Bollenbach, Tobias; Quan, Selwyn; Chait, Remy; Kishony, Roy

2010-01-01

SUMMARY Antibiotics inhibiting translation can increase bacterial growth rate in the presence of DNA synthesis inhibitors. Here, we show that this extreme type of drug antagonism, termed suppression, results from non-optimal regulation of ribosomal genes, leading to sub-maximal growth in the presence of DNA stress. Using GFP-tagged transcription reporters in Escherichia coli, we find that ribosomal genes are not directly regulated by DNA stress, leading to an imbalance between cellular DNA and protein content. Sequential deletion of up to 6 of the 7 ribosomal RNA operons corrects this imbalance and leads to improved survival and growth under DNA synthesis inhibition. Further, this genetic manipulation completely removes the suppressive drug interaction. Mathematical modeling shows that non-optimal regulation of ribosome synthesis under DNA stress can be explained as a side-effect of optimal growth-rate-dependent regulation in different nutrient environments. Together, these results reveal the genetic mechanism underlying an important class of suppressive drug interactions. PMID:19914165

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Substituted Urea and Thiourea Derivatives Containing 1,2,4-Triazole Moieties

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-19

vine grape production in the United States of America and Europe, while P. obscurans causes Phomopsis leaf blight and fruit rot of strawberry ... strawberry fruit rot diseases in Louisiana and Mississippi. Crop Protect. 2007, 26, 1449–1458. 25. Denny, W.A.; Cain, B.F.; Atwell, G.J.; Hansch, C

The return of the Scarlet Pimpernel: cobalamin in inflammation II — cobalamins can both selectively promote all three nitric oxide synthases (NOS), particularly iNOS and eNOS, and, as needed, selectively inhibit iNOS and nNOS

PubMed Central

Wheatley, Carmen

2007-01-01

The up-regulation of transcobalamins [hitherto posited as indicating a central need for cobalamin (Cbl) in inflammation], whose expression, like inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), is Sp1- and interferondependent, together with increased intracellular formation of glutathionylcobalamin (GSCbl), adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), methylcobalamin (MeCbl), may be essential for the timely promotion and later selective inhibition of iNOS and concordant regulation of endothelial and neuronal NOS (eNOS/nNOS.) Cbl may ensure controlled high output of nitric oxide (NO) and its safe deployment, because: (1) Cbl is ultimately responsible for the synthesis or availability of the NOS substrates and cofactors heme, arginine, BH4 flavin adenine dinucleotide/flavin mononucleotide (FAD/FMN) and NADPH, via the far-reaching effects of the two Cbl coenzymes, methionine synthase (MS) and methylmalonyl CoA mutase (MCoAM) in, or on, the folate, glutathione, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and urea cycles, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. Deficiency of any of theNOS substrates and cofactors results in ‘uncoupled’ NOS reactions, decreasedNO production and increased or excessive O2−, H2O2, ONOO− and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitric oxide species (RNIS) leading to pathology. (2) Cbl is also the overlooked ultimate determinant of positive glutathione status, which favours the formation of more benign NO species, s-nitrosothiols, the predominant form in which NO is safely deployed. Cbl status may consequently act as a ‘back-up disc’ that ensures the active status of antioxidant systems, as well as reversing and modulating the effects of nitrosylation in cell signal transduction.New evidence shows that GSCbl can significantly promote iNOS/ eNOS NO synthesis in the early stages of inflammation, thus lowering high levels of tumour necrosis factor-a that normally result in pathology, while existing evidence shows that in extreme nitrosative and oxidative stress, GSCbl can regenerate the activity of enzymes important for eventual resolution, such as glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, which ensures NADPH supply, lactate dehydrogenase, and more; with human clinical case studies of OHCbl for cyanide poisoning, suggesting Cbl may regenerate aconitase and cytochrome c oxidase in the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, Cbl may simultaneously promote a strong inflammatory response and the means to resolve it. PMID:18836533

Thyroid organotypic rat and human cultures used to investigate drug effects on thyroid function, hormone synthesis and release pathways

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vickers, Alison E.M., E-mail: vickers_alison@allergan.com; Heale, Jason; Sinclair, John R.

Drug induced thyroid effects were evaluated in organotypic models utilizing either a rat thyroid lobe or human thyroid slices to compare rodent and human response. An inhibition of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) function led to a perturbation in the expression of key genes in thyroid hormone synthesis and release pathways. The clinically used thiourea drugs, methimazole (MMI) and 6-n-propyl-2-thioruacil (PTU), were used to evaluate thyroid drug response in these models. Inhibition of TPO occurred early as shown in rat thyroid lobes (2 h) and was sustained in both rat (24–48 h) and human (24 h) with ≥ 10 μM MMI. Thyroidmore » from rats treated with single doses of MMI (30–1000 mg/kg) exhibited sustained TPO inhibition at 48 h. The MMI in vivo thyroid concentrations were comparable to the culture concentrations (∼ 15–84 μM), thus demonstrating a close correlation between in vivo and ex vivo thyroid effects. A compensatory response to TPO inhibition was demonstrated in the rat thyroid lobe with significant up-regulation of genes involved in the pathway of thyroid hormone synthesis (Tpo, Dio1, Slc5a5, Tg, Tshr) and the megalin release pathway (Lrp2) by 24 h with MMI (≥ 10 μM) and PTU (100 μM). Similarly, thyroid from the rat in vivo study exhibited an up-regulation of Dio1, Slc5a5, Lrp2, and Tshr. In human thyroid slices, there were few gene expression changes (Slc5a5, ∼ 2-fold) and only at higher MMI concentrations (≥ 1500 μM, 24 h). Extended exposure (48 h) resulted in up-regulation of Tpo, Dio1 and Lrp2, along with Slc5a5 and Tshr. In summary, TPO was inhibited by similar MMI concentrations in rat and human tissue, however an increased sensitivity to drug treatment in rat is indicated by the up-regulation of thyroid hormone synthesis and release gene pathways at concentrations found not to affect human tissue. -- Highlights: ► Novel model of rat thyroid or human thyroid slices to evaluate pathways of injury. ► TPO inhibition by MMI or PTU altered hormone synthesis and release genes. ► Rat thyroid was more sensitive to the drug effects than human tissue.« less

Global changes in the proteome of Cupriavidus necator H16 during poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis from various biodiesel by-product substrates.

PubMed

Sharma, Parveen K; Fu, Jilagamazhi; Spicer, Victor; Krokhin, Oleg V; Cicek, Nazim; Sparling, Richard; Levin, David B

2016-12-01

Synthesis of poly-[3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) by Cupriavidus necator H16 in batch cultures was evaluated using three biodiesel-derived by-products as the sole carbon sources: waste glycerol (REG-80, refined to 80 % purity with negligible free fatty acids); glycerol bottom (REG-GB, with up to 65 % glycerol and 35 % free fatty acids), and free fatty acids (REG-FFA, with up to 75 % FFA and no glycerol). All the three substrates supported growth and PHB production by C. necator, with polymer accumulation ranging from 9 to 84 % cell dry weight (cdw), depending on the carbon source. To help understand these differences, proteomic analysis indicated that although C. necator H16 was able to accumulate PHB during growth on all three biodiesel by-products, no changes in the levels of PHB synthesis enzymes were observed. However, significant changes in the levels of expression were observed for two Phasin proteins involved with PHB accumulation, and for a number of gene products in the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway, the Glyoxylate Shunt, and the hydrogen (H2) synthesis pathways in C. necator cells cultured with different substrates. The glycerol transport protein (GlpF) was induced in REG-GB and REG-80 glycerol cultures only. Cupriavidus necator cells cultured with REG-GB and REG-FFA showed up-regulation of β-oxidation and Glyoxylate Shunt pathways proteins at 24 h pi, but H2 synthesis pathways enzymes were significantly down-regulated, compared with cells cultured with waste glycerol. Our data confirmed earlier observations of constitutive expression of PHB synthesis proteins, but further suggested that C. necator H16 cells growing on biodiesel-derived glycerol were under oxidative stress.

Adaptation of Staphylococcus xylosus to Nutrients and Osmotic Stress in a Salted Meat Model

PubMed Central

Vermassen, Aurore; Dordet-Frisoni, Emilie; de La Foye, Anne; Micheau, Pierre; Laroute, Valérie; Leroy, Sabine; Talon, Régine

2016-01-01

Staphylococcus xylosus is commonly used as starter culture for meat fermentation. Its technological properties are mainly characterized in vitro, but the molecular mechanisms for its adaptation to meat remain unknown. A global transcriptomic approach was used to determine these mechanisms. S. xylosus modulated the expression of about 40–50% of the total genes during its growth and survival in the meat model. The expression of many genes involved in DNA machinery and cell division, but also in cell lysis, was up-regulated. Considering that the S. xylosus population remained almost stable between 24 and 72 h of incubation, our results suggest a balance between cell division and cell lysis in the meat model. The expression of many genes encoding enzymes involved in glucose and lactate catabolism was up-regulated and revealed that glucose and lactate were used simultaneously. S. xylosus seemed to adapt to anaerobic conditions as revealed by the overexpression of two regulatory systems and several genes encoding cofactors required for respiration. In parallel, genes encoding transport of peptides and peptidases that could furnish amino acids were up-regulated and thus concomitantly a lot of genes involved in amino acid synthesis were down-regulated. Several genes involved in glutamate homeostasis were up-regulated. Finally, S. xylosus responded to the osmotic stress generated by salt added to the meat model by overexpressing genes involved in transport and synthesis of osmoprotectants, and Na+ and H+ extrusion. PMID:26903967

Nitrogen release from urea with different coatings.

PubMed

Campos, Odirley R; Mattiello, Edson Marcio; Cantarutti, Reinaldo Bertola; Vergütz, Leonardus

2018-01-01

Coatings or urease inhibitors are designed to reduce losses of ammonia [NH 3(g) ] from urea fertilizers. However, nitrogen (N) release and its effects on soil solution have not previously been evaluated under standardized conditions in soils. In this study, the urea fertilizers were incubated in chambers filled with sandy loam soil, adapted for the collection of NH 3(g) and soil solution by centrifugation. In the fast-release N fertilizers, around 93% and 100% of urea-N applied was recovered within the first hours of incubation. In contrast, in the slow-release N fertilizers, less than 40% of urea-N applied, was recovered at 19 days of incubation. The maximum N release from the fertilizers followed the order: UP1 (106%) ≈ UNBPT (102%) ≈ urea (93%) > USP2 (57%) ≈ USP3 (57%) > USP4 (31%) ≈ USP5 (18%). NH 3(g) volatilization accounted for only 3% of the applied N in the slow-release fertilizers, which corresponded to about 88% less than the NH 3(g) loss from prilled urea. This study demonstrated distinct N release patterns, which changed the N dynamics in the soil. Some coatings effectively delayed urea release from granules and reduced NH 3(g) gas losses, while other were not efficient. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Formaldehyde in Our Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ojanlatva, Ansa; Weeks, Charlie A.

During the energy crisis of the early 1970s, there was a drive to conserve energy in every segment of society. Citizens were encouraged to insulate their homes and tighten them up to avoid loss of energy. One of the products to emerge from this crisis was urea formaldehyde foam insulation. (Urea formaldehyde is a well-known agent for preserving…

Detection of urea-induced internal denaturation of dsDNA using solid-state nanopores.

PubMed

Singer, Alon; Kuhn, Heiko; Frank-Kamenetskii, Maxim; Meller, Amit

2010-11-17

The ability to detect and measure dsDNA thermal fluctuations is of immense importance in understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for transcription and replication regulation. We describe here the ability of solid-state nanopores to detect sub-nanometer changes in DNA structure as a result of chemically enhanced thermal fluctuations. In this study, we investigate the subtle changes in the mean effective diameter of a dsDNA molecule with 3-5 nm solid-state nanopores as a function of urea concentration and the DNA's AT content. Our studies reveal an increase in the mean effective diameter of a DNA molecule of approximately 0.6 nm at 8.7 M urea. In agreement with the mechanism of DNA local denaturation, we observe a sigmoid dependence of these effects on urea concentration. We find that the translocation times in urea are markedly slower than would be expected if the dynamics were governed primarily by viscous effects. Furthermore, we find that the sensitivity of the nanopore is sufficient to statistically differentiate between DNA molecules of nearly identical lengths differing only in sequence and AT content when placed in 3.5 M urea. Our results demonstrate that nanopores can detect subtle structural changes and are thus a valuable tool for detecting differences in biomolecules' environment.

Ball Milling Assisted Solvent and Catalyst Free Synthesis of Benzimidazoles and Their Derivatives.

PubMed

El-Sayed, Taghreed H; Aboelnaga, Asmaa; Hagar, Mohamed

2016-08-24

Benzoic acid and o-phenylenediamine efficiently reacted under the green solvent-free Ball Milling method. Several reaction parameters were investigated such as rotation frequency; milling balls weight and milling time. The optimum reaction condition was milling with 56.6 g weight of balls at 20 Hz frequency for one hour milling time. The study was extended for synthesis of a series of benzimidazol-2-one or benzimidazol-2-thione using different aldehydes; carboxylic acids; urea; thiourea or ammonium thiocyanate with o-phenylenediamine. Moreover; the alkylation of benzimidazolone or benzimidazolthione using ethyl chloroacetate was also studied.

Non-enzymatic synthesis of the coenzymes, uridine diphosphate glucose and cytidine diphosphate choline, and other phosphorylated metabolic intermediates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mar, A.; Dworkin, J.; Oro, J.

1987-01-01

Using urea and cyanamide, the two condensing agents considered to have been present on the primitive earth, uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG), cytidine diphosphate choline (CDP-choline), glucose-1-phosphate (G1P), and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) were synthesized under simulated prebiotic conditions. The reaction products were separated and identified using paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, enzymatic analyses, and ion-pair reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The possibility of nonenzymatic synthesis of metabolic intermediates on the primitive earth from simple precursors was thus demonstrated.

Synthesis, structural elucidation and pharmacological properties of some 5-acetyl-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-4-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H) -pyrimidinones.

PubMed

Yarim, M; Sarac, S; Ertan, M; Batu, O S; Erol, K

1999-06-30

In this study, the synthesis of some new 5-acetyl-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-4-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyrimidinones has been reported. The compounds were prepared by the Biginelli reaction of acetylacetone with aromatic aldehydes and urea. The structures of the compounds were characterized by UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NRM, mass spectra and elementary analysis. The calcium antagonistic activity of these compounds was tested in vitro on rat ileum precontracted with 4 x 10(-3) M barium chloride.

One-step solution combustion synthesis of pure Ni nanopowders with enhanced coercivity: The fuel effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khort, Alexander; Podbolotov, Kirill; Serrano-García, Raquel; Gun'ko, Yurii K.

2017-09-01

In this paper, we report a new modified one-step combustion synthesis technique for production of Ni metal nanoparticles. The main unique feature of our approach is the use of microwave assisted foam preparation. Also, the effect of different types of fuels (urea, citric acid, glycine and hexamethylenetetramine) on the combustion process and characteristics of resultant solid products were investigated. It is observed that the combination of microwave assisted foam preparation and using of hexamethylenetetramine as a fuel allows producing pure ferromagnetic Ni metal nanoparticles with enhanced coercivity (78 Oe) and high value of saturation magnetization (52 emu/g) by one-step solution combustion synthesis under normal air atmosphere without any post-reduction processing.

Molecular regulation of urea cycle function by the liver glucocorticoid receptor.

PubMed

Okun, Jürgen G; Conway, Sean; Schmidt, Kathrin V; Schumacher, Jonas; Wang, Xiaoyue; de Guia, Roldan; Zota, Annika; Klement, Johanna; Seibert, Oksana; Peters, Achim; Maida, Adriano; Herzig, Stephan; Rose, Adam J

2015-10-01

One of the major side effects of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is lean tissue wasting, indicating a prominent role in systemic amino acid metabolism. In order to uncover a novel aspect of GCs and their intracellular-receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), on metabolic control, we conducted amino acid and acylcarnitine profiling in human and mouse models of GC/GR gain- and loss-of-function. Blood serum and tissue metabolite levels were determined in Human Addison's disease (AD) patients as well as in mouse models of systemic and liver-specific GR loss-of-function (AAV-miR-GR) with or without dexamethasone (DEX) treatments. Body composition and neuromuscular and metabolic function tests were conducted in vivo and ex vivo, the latter using precision cut liver slices. A serum metabolite signature of impaired urea cycle function (i.e. higher [ARG]:[ORN + CIT]) was observed in human (CTRL: 0.45 ± 0.03, AD: 1.29 ± 0.04; p < 0.001) and mouse (AAV-miR-NC: 0.97 ± 0.13, AAV-miR-GR: 2.20 ± 0.19; p < 0.001) GC/GR loss-of-function, with similar patterns also observed in liver. Serum urea levels were consistently affected by GC/GR gain- (∼+32%) and loss (∼-30%) -of-function. Combined liver-specific GR loss-of-function with DEX treatment revealed a tissue-autonomous role for the GR to coordinate an upregulation of liver urea production rate in vivo and ex vivo, and prevent hyperammonaemia and associated neuromuscular dysfunction in vivo. Liver mRNA expression profiling and GR-cistrome mining identified Arginase I (ARG1) a urea cycle gene targeted by the liver GR. The liver GR controls systemic and liver urea cycle function by transcriptional regulation of ARG1 expression.

Metabolomics differences between silkworms (Bombyx mori) reared on fresh mulberry (Morus) leaves or artificial diets.

PubMed

Dong, Hui-Ling; Zhang, Sheng-Xiang; Tao, Hui; Chen, Zhuo-Hua; Li, Xue; Qiu, Jian-Feng; Cui, Wen-Zhao; Sima, Yang-Hu; Cui, Wei-Zheng; Xu, Shi-Qing

2017-09-08

Silkworms (Bombyx mori) reared on artificial diets have great potential applications in sericulture. However, the mechanisms underlying the enhancement of metabolic utilization by altering silkworm nutrition are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the poor development and low silk protein synthesis efficiency of silkworms fed artificial diets. After multi-generational selection of the ingestive behavior of silkworms to artificial diets, we obtained two strains, one of which developed well and another in which almost all its larvae starved to death on the artificial diets. Subsequently, we analyzed the metabolomics of larval hemolymph by gas chromatography/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the results showed that vitamins were in critically short supply, whereas the nitrogen metabolic end product of urea and uric acid were enriched substantially, in the hemolymph of the silkworms reared on the artificial diets. Meanwhile, amino acid metabolic disorders, as well as downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism, co-occurred. Furthermore, 10 male-dominant metabolites and 27 diet-related metabolites that differed between male and female silkworms were identified. These findings provide important insights into the regulation of silkworm metabolism and silk protein synthesis when silkworms adapt to an artificial diet.

Heterometallic metal-organic framework-templated synthesis of porous Co3O4/ZnO nanocage catalysts for the carbonylation of glycerol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lü, Yinyun; Jiang, Yating; Zhou, Qi; Li, Yunmei; Chen, Luning; Kuang, Qin; Xie, Zhaoxiong; Zheng, Lansun

2017-12-01

The efficient synthesis of glycerol carbonate (GLC) has recently received great attention due to its significance in reducing excess glycerol in biodiesel production as well as its promising applications in several industrial fields. However, the achievement of high conversion and high selectivity of GLC from glycerol in heterogeneous catalytic processes remains a challenge due to the absence of high-performance solid catalysts. Herein, highly porous nanocage catalysts composed of well-mixed Co3O4 and ZnO nanocrystals were successfully fabricated via a facile heterometallic metal-organic framework (MOF)-templated synthetic route. Benefiting from a high porosity and the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and ZnO, the as-prepared composite catalysts exhibited a significantly enhanced production efficiency of GLC in the carbonylation reaction of glycerol with urea compared to the single-component counterparts. The yield of GLC over the Co50Zn50-350 catalyst reached 85.2%, with 93.3% conversion and near 91% GLC selectivity, and this catalytic performance was superior to that over most heterogeneous catalysts. More importantly, the proposed templated synthetic strategy of heterometallic MOFs facilitates the regulation of catalyst composition and surface structure and can therefore be potentially extended in the tailoring of other metal oxide composite catalysts.

Enhancement of Bacillus subtilis Lipopeptide Biosurfactants Production through Optimization of Medium Composition and Adequate Control of Aeration.

PubMed

Ghribi, Dhouha; Ellouze-Chaabouni, Semia

2011-01-01

Interest in biosurfactants has increased considerably in recent years, as they are potentially used in many commercial applications in petroleum, pharmaceuticals, biomedical, and food processing industries. Since improvement of their production was of great importance to reduce the final coast, cultural conditions were analyzed to optimize biosurfactants production from Bacillus subtilis SPB1 strain. A high yield of biosurfactants was obtained from a culture of B. subtilis using carbohydrate substrate as a carbon source; among carbohydrates, glucose enhanced the best surfactin production. The optimum glucose concentration was 40 g/L. Higher amount of biosurfactants was obtained using 5 g/L of urea as organic nitrogen source and applying C/N ratio of 7 with ammonium chloride as inorganic nitrogen source. The highest amount of biosurfactants was recorded with the addition of 2% kerosene. Moreover, it was shown, using an automated full-controlled 2.6 L fermenter, that aeration of the medium, which affected strongly the growth regulated biosurfactants synthesis by the producing cell. So that, low or high aerations lead to a decrease of biosurfactants synthesis yields. It was found that when using dissolved oxygen saturation of the medium at 30%, biosurfactants production reached 4.92 g/L.

Effect of dietary nitrogen content and intravenous urea infusion on ruminal and portal-drained visceral extraction of arterial urea in lactating Holstein cows.

PubMed

Kristensen, N B; Storm, A C; Larsen, M

2010-06-01

Urea extraction across ruminal and portal-drained visceral (PDV) tissues were investigated using 9 rumen-cannulated and multi-catheterized lactating dairy cows adapted to low-N (12.9% crude protein) and high-N (17.1% crude protein) diets in a crossover design. The interaction between adaptation to dietary treatments and blood plasma concentrations of urea was studied by dividing samplings into a 2.5-h period without urea infusion followed by a 2.5-h period with primed continuous intravenous infusion of urea (0.493+/-0.012 mmol/kg of BW per h). Cows were sampled at 66+/-14 and 68+/-12 d in milk and produced 42+/-1 and 36+/-1 kg of milk/d with the high-N and low-N diets, respectively. The arterial blood urea concentration before urea infusion was 1.37 and 4.09+/-0.18 mmol/L with low-N and high-N, respectively. Dietary treatment did not affect the urea infusion-induced increase in arterial urea concentration (1.91+/-0.13 mmol/L). Arterial urea extraction across the PDV and rumen increased from 2.7 to 5.4+/-0.5% and from 7.1 to 23.8+/-2.1% when cows were changed from high-N to low-N, respectively. Urea infusion did not decrease urea extractions, implying that urea transport rates were proportional to arterial urea concentrations. Urea extraction increased more across the rumen wall than across the total PDV for low-N compared with high-N, which implies that a larger proportion of total PDV uptake of arterial urea is directed toward the rumen with decreasing N intake. The ruminal vein - arterial (RA) concentration difference for ammonia increased instantly (first sampling 15 min after initiation of infusion) to the primed intravenous infusion when cows were adapted to the low-N diet. The RA difference for ammonia correlated poorly to the ventral ruminal concentration of ammonia (r=0.55). Relating the RA difference for ammonia to a function of both ruminal ammonia concentration and the RA difference for urea markedly improved the fit (r=0.85), indicating that a large fraction of ammonia released to the ruminal vein is absorbed from an epithelial ammonia pool not in equilibrium with the ventral ruminal ammonia pool. Changing cows from high-N to low-N affected the relative blood urea clearance by kidneys and PDV. The clearance by the kidneys decreased from 41 to 27+/-2 L/h and the clearance by the PDV increased from 52 to 105+/-12 L/h when the diet was changed from high-N to low-N. In conclusion, urea transport across gut epithelia in cattle is adapting to N status and driven by mass action. Data are commensurable with a model for urea transport across gut epithelia based on regulated expression or activity of facilitative urea transporters. 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Metabolic Effects of Avocado/Soy Unsaponifiables on Articular Chondrocytes

PubMed Central

Nardo, Joseph V.; Harlan, Robert; Chiou, Tiffany

2008-01-01

Avocado/soy unsaponifiable (ASU) components are reported to have a chondroprotective effect by virtue of anti-inflammatory and proanabolic effects on articular chondrocytes. The identity of the active component(s) remains unknown. In general, sterols, the major component of unsaponifiable plant material have been demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory in vitro and in animal models. These studies were designed to clarify whether the sterol content of ASU preparations were the primary contributors to biological activity in articular chondrocytes. ASU samples were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and GC mass spectrometry. The sterol content was normalized between diverse samples prior to in vitro testing on bovine chondrocytes. Anabolic activity was monitored by uptake of 35-sulfate into proteoglycans and quantitation of labeled hydroxyproline and proline content after incubation with labeled proline. Anti-inflammatory activity was assayed by measuring reduction of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced synthesis of PGE2 and metalloproteases and release of label from tissue prelabeled with S-35.All ASU samples exerted a similar time-dependent up-regulation of 35-sulfate uptake in bovine cells reaching a maximum of greater than 100% after 72 h at sterol doses of 1–10 μg/ml. Non-collagenous protein (NCP) and collagen synthesis were similarly up-regulated. All ASU were equally effective in dose dependently inhibiting IL-1-induced MMP-3 activity (23–37%), labeled sulfate release (15–23%) and PGE2 synthesis (45–58%). Up-regulation of glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis and reduction of IL-1 effects in cartilage are consistent with chondroprotective activity. The similarity of activity of ASU from diverse sources when tested at equal sterol levels suggests sterols are important for biologic effects in articular chondrocytes. PMID:18604259

Thyroid organotypic rat and human cultures used to investigate drug effects on thyroid function, hormone synthesis and release pathways.

PubMed

Vickers, Alison E M; Heale, Jason; Sinclair, John R; Morris, Stephen; Rowe, Josh M; Fisher, Robyn L

2012-04-01

Drug induced thyroid effects were evaluated in organotypic models utilizing either a rat thyroid lobe or human thyroid slices to compare rodent and human response. An inhibition of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) function led to a perturbation in the expression of key genes in thyroid hormone synthesis and release pathways. The clinically used thiourea drugs, methimazole (MMI) and 6-n-propyl-2-thioruacil (PTU), were used to evaluate thyroid drug response in these models. Inhibition of TPO occurred early as shown in rat thyroid lobes (2 h) and was sustained in both rat (24-48 h) and human (24 h) with ≥ 10 μM MMI. Thyroid from rats treated with single doses of MMI (30-1000 mg/kg) exhibited sustained TPO inhibition at 48 h. The MMI in vivo thyroid concentrations were comparable to the culture concentrations (~15-84 μM), thus demonstrating a close correlation between in vivo and ex vivo thyroid effects. A compensatory response to TPO inhibition was demonstrated in the rat thyroid lobe with significant up-regulation of genes involved in the pathway of thyroid hormone synthesis (Tpo, Dio1, Slc5a5, Tg, Tshr) and the megalin release pathway (Lrp2) by 24h with MMI (≥ 10 μM) and PTU (100 μM). Similarly, thyroid from the rat in vivo study exhibited an up-regulation of Dio1, Slc5a5, Lrp2, and Tshr. In human thyroid slices, there were few gene expression changes (Slc5a5, ~2-fold) and only at higher MMI concentrations (≥ 1500 μM, 24h). Extended exposure (48 h) resulted in up-regulation of Tpo, Dio1 and Lrp2, along with Slc5a5 and Tshr. In summary, TPO was inhibited by similar MMI concentrations in rat and human tissue, however an increased sensitivity to drug treatment in rat is indicated by the up-regulation of thyroid hormone synthesis and release gene pathways at concentrations found not to affect human tissue. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of novel amperometric urea-sensor using hybrid synthesized NiO-NPs/GO modified GCE in aqueous solution of cetrimonium bromide.

PubMed

Parsaee, Zohreh

2018-06-01

In this study NiO nanostructures were synthesized via combinational synthetic method (ultrasound-assisted biosynthesis) and immobilized on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as a highly sensitive and selective enzyme-less sensor for urea detection. NiO-NPs were fully characterized using SEM, EDX, XRD, BET, TGA, FT-IR, UV-vis and Raman methods which revealed the formation of NiO nanostructures in the form of cotton like porous material and crystalline in nature with the average size of 3.8 nm. GCE was modified with NiO-NPs in aqueous solution of cetrimonium bromide(CTAB). Highly adhesive NiO/CTAB/GO nanocomposite membrane has been formed on GCE by immersing NiO/CTAB modified GCE in GO suspension. CTAB has a major role in the production and immobilization of the nanocomposites on the GCE surface and the binding NiO nanoparticles on GO plates. In addition, CTAB/GO composition made a highly adhesive surface on the GCE. The resulting NiO/CTAB/GO/GCE contains potently sensitive to urea in aqueous environments. The response of as developed amperometric sensor was linear in the range of 100-1200 µM urea with R 2 value of 0.991 and limit of detection (LOD), 8 µM. The sensor responded negligibly to various interfering species like glucose, uric acid and ascorbic acid. This sensor was applied successfully for determining urea in real water samples such as mineral water, tap water and river water with acceptable recovery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Radiation synthesis of superabsorbent CMC based hydrogels for agriculture applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raafat, Amany I.; Eid, Mona; El-Arnaouty, Magda B.

2012-07-01

A series of superabsorbent hydrogel based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) crosslinked with gamma irradiation have been proposed for agriculture application. The effect of preparation conditions such as feed solution composition and absorbed irradiation dose on the gelation and swelling degree was evaluated. The structure and the morphology of the superabsorbent CMC/PVP hydrogel were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Effect of ionic strength and cationic and anionic kinds on the swelling behavior of the obtained hydrogel was investigated. Urea as an agrochemical model was loaded onto the obtained hydrogel to provide nitrogen (N) nutrients. The water retention capability and the urea release behavior of the CMC/PVP hydrogels were investigated. It was found that, the obtained CMC/PVP hydrogels have good swelling degree that greatly affected by its composition and absorbed dose. The swelling was also extremely sensitive to the ionic strength and cationic kind. Owing to its considerable slow urea release, good water retention capacity, being economical, and environment-friendly, it might be useful for its application in agriculture field.

Design and synthesis of some new 1-phenyl-3/4-[4-(aryl/heteroaryl/alkyl-piperazine1-yl)-phenyl-ureas as potent anticonvulsant and antidepressant agents.

PubMed

Mishra, Chandra Bhushan; Kumari, Shikha; Tiwari, Manisha

2016-05-01

A series of 1-phenyl-3/4-[4-(aryl/heteroaryl/alkyl-piperazine1-yl)-phenyl-urea derivatives (29-42) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity by using maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure tests. The acute neurotoxicity was checked by rotarod assay. Most of the test compounds were found effective in both seizure tests. Compound 30 (1-{4-[4-(4-chloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-3-phenyl-urea) exhibited marked anticonvulsant activity in MES as well as scPTZ tests. The phase II anticonvulsant quantification study of compound 30 indicates the ED50 value of 28.5 mg/kg against MES induced seizures. In addition, this compound also showed considerable protection against pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in rats. Seizures induced by 3-mercaptopropionic acid model and thiosemicarbazide were significantly attenuated by compound 30, which suggested its broad spectrum of anticonvulsant activity. Interestingly, compound 30 displayed better antidepressant activity than standard drug fluoxetine. Moreover, compound 30 appeared as a non-toxic chemical entity in sub-acute toxicity studies.

Urea Derivatives of 2-Aryl-benzothiazol-5-amines: A New Class of Potential Drugs for Human African Trypanosomiasis.

PubMed

Patrick, Donald A; Gillespie, J Robert; McQueen, Joshua; Hulverson, Matthew A; Ranade, Ranae M; Creason, Sharon A; Herbst, Zackary M; Gelb, Michael H; Buckner, Frederick S; Tidwell, Richard R

2017-02-09

A previous publication from this lab (Patrick, et al. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2016, 24 , 2451 - 2465 ) explored the antitrypanosomal activities of novel derivatives of 2-(2-benzamido)ethyl-4-phenylthiazole (1), which had been identified as a hit against Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis. While a number of these compounds, particularly the urea analogues, were quite potent, these molecules as a whole exhibited poor metabolic stability. The present work describes the synthesis of 65 new analogues arising from medicinal chemistry optimization at different sites on the molecule. The most promising compounds were the urea derivatives of 2-aryl-benzothiazol-5-amines. One such analogue, (S)-2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(3-fluoro-N-pyrrolidylamido)benzothiazole (57) was chosen for in vivo efficacy studies based upon in vitro activity, metabolic stability, and brain penetration. This compound attained 5/5 cures in murine models of both early and late stage human African trypanosomiasis, representing a new lead for the development of drugs to combat this neglected disease.

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of urea and thiourea derivatives of 4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione.

PubMed

Struga, Marta; Kossakowski, Jerzy; Kedzierska, Ewa; Fidecka, Sylwia; Stefańska, Joanna

2007-05-01

A series of nineteen new thiourea and urea derivatives of 10-isopropyl-8-methyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione, 1-isopropyl-7-methyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione and 1,7,8,9,10-pentamethyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione have been prepared and studied by (1)H-NMR. The compound k1a (1-(1,7,8,9,10-pentamethyl-3,5-dioxo-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-en-4-yl)-3-phenyl-urea) was tested for pharmacological activity on animal central nervous system (CNS). The activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity in MT-4 cells. Antimicrobial activity of the newly obtained derivatives was tested against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi of the Candida species.

Urea encapsulation in modified starch matrix for nutrients retention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naz, Muhammad Yasin; Sulaiman, Shaharin Anwar; Ariff, Mohd. Hazwan Bin Mohd.; Ariwahjoedi, Bambang

2014-10-01

It has been estimated that 20-70% of the used urea goes to the environment via leaching, nitrification and volatilization which not only harms the environment but also reduces the urea efficiency. By coating the urea granules, the farmers can achieve high urea performance through controlling the excess release of nitrogen. Up until now, different materials have been tested for nutrients retention. However, most of them are either expensive or unfriendly to the environment. Being cheap and biodegradable materials, the starches may also be used to coat the urea fertilizer for controlling the nutrients release. However, the pure starches do not meet the standards set by many industrial processes due to their slow tacking and too low viscosities and should be modified for getting smooth, compact and mechanically stronger coatings. In these studies, the tapioca starch was modified by reacting it with urea and different masses of borax. The prepared solutions were used to coat the urea granules of 3.45 mm average diameter. Different volumes (1, 1.5 and 2 mL) of each solution were used to coat 30 g of urea fluidized above the minimum level of fluidization. It was noticed that the coating thickness, percent coating, dissolution rate and percent release follow an increasing trend with an increase of solution volume; however, some random results were obtained while investigating the solution volume effects on the percent release. It was seen that the nutrients percent release over time increases with an increase in solution volume from 1 to 1.5 mL and thereafter reaches to a steady state. It confirms that the 1.5 mL of solution for 30 g urea samples will give the optimized coating results.

Effect of Co doping on the structural and dielectric properties of ZnO nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ram, Mast, E-mail: Mastram1999@yahoo.com; Bala, Kanchan; Sharma, Hakikat

This paper reports on the synthesis of Co doped Zn{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}O (x= 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.05) nanoparticles by solution combustion method using urea as a fuel. The Structural and dielectric properties of the samples were studied. Crystallite sizes were obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns whose values decreased with increase in Co concentration. The XRD study reveals that Co{sup 2+} ions substitute the Zn{sup 2+} ion without changing the wurtzite structure of pristine ZnO up to Co concentrations of 5%. The dielectric constants, dielectric loss (tanδ) and ac conductivity (σ{sub ac}) were studied as the function ofmore » frequency and composition, which have been explained by Maxwell-Wagner type interfacial polarization and discussed Koops phenomenological theory.« less

Hepatic uptake of amino acids in late-pregnant rats. Effect of food deprivation.

PubMed Central

Casado, J; Remesar, X; Pastor-Anglada, M

1987-01-01

Hepatic availability, uptake and fractional extraction of amino acids were estimated in anaesthetized 21-day-pregnant and age-matched virgin rats, either fed or after 24 h starvation. Amino acid availability was unaltered in fed pregnant rats as compared with fed virgin controls. However, the hepatic uptake of these compounds was higher in the former than in the latter. These adaptations were mediated by an increase in the hepatic capability to take up amino acids in late-pregnant rats, as reflected by the changes found for the fractional extraction rates. The decrease in amino acid availability found after starvation was more pronounced in pregnant than in virgin rats. Nevertheless, the hepatic uptake was similar in both groups. These results indicate that amino acids are not limiting for ureagenesis during late pregnancy, strongly suggesting that the mechanism(s) which modulate urea synthesis may be intracellular in origin. PMID:3435433

Water-tolerant and reusable Lewis acid catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones under solvent-free conditions.

PubMed

Wang, Min; Song, Zhiguo; Jiang, Heng; Gong, Hong

2010-01-01

3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones were synthesized in high yields by a one-pot cyclocondensation of an aldehyde, a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound, and urea using copper methanesulfonate (2 mol%) as a recyclable catalyst under solvent-free conditions in short reaction time (1-2 h).

Preformed amide-containing biopolymer for improving the environmental performance of synthesized urea–formaldehyde in agro-fiber composites

Treesearch

Altaf H. Basta; Houssni El-Saied; Jerrold E. Winandy; Ronald Sabo

2011-01-01

Investigations have continued for production high performance agro-based composites using environmentally acceptable approaches. This study examines the role of adding amide-containing biopolymers during synthesis of urea–formaldehyde (UF) on properties of adhesive produced, especially its adhesion potential. The environmental performance of UF-resin synthesized in the...

Fabrication and evaluation of SDF-1 loaded galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles for liver targeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue-Hui, Chu; Zhang-Qi, Feng; Qian, Xu; Jiang-Qiang, Xiao; Xian-Wen, Yuan; Xi-Tai, Sun

2017-03-01

Objective. SDF-1 loaded galactosylated chitosan (GC) nanoparticles for liver targeting were synthesized by electrospraying technique, and its biocompatibility and liver targeting effect were evaluated. Method. The SDF-1 loaded GC nanoparticles were constructed and its morphology was observed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hepatocytes were harvested and cocultured with the nanoparticles, and the albumin secretion and urea synthesis were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assay, the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was also measured. Finally, the nanoparticles were injected intravenously through the caudal vein of rat, and its liver targeting effect was evaluated. Result. SEM showed the nanoparticles distributed uniformly, with an average diameter of 100 nm and a regular spherical shape. There was no significant difference in urea synthesis, albumin secretion, concentration of LDH and TNF-α between two groups (p > 0.05). The nanoparticles were significantly accumulated in the liver tissue after its injection, but seldom fluorescence signals were observed in the lung, spleen, heart and kidney. Conclusion. The SDF-1 loaded GC nanoparticles showed uniform distribution, good biocompatibility and liver targeting effect, and suggested its potential application as a liver targeting delivery system.

Adaptation to a long term (4 weeks) arginine- and precursor (glutamate, proline and aspartate)-free diet.

PubMed

Tharakan, John F; Yu, Yong M; Zurakowski, David; Roth, Rachel M; Young, Vernon R; Castillo, Leticia

2008-08-01

It is not known whether arginine homeostasis is negatively affected by a "long term" dietary restriction of arginine and its major precursors in healthy adults. To assess the effects of a 4-week arginine- and precursor-free dietary intake on the regulatory mechanisms of arginine homeostasis in healthy subjects. Ten healthy adults received a complete amino acid diet for 1 week (control diet) and following a break period, six subjects received a 4-week arginine, proline, glutamate and aspartate-free diet (APF diet). The other four subjects continued for 4 weeks with the complete diet. On days 4 and 7 of the first week and days 25 and 28 of the 4-week period, the subjects received 24-h infusions of arginine, citrulline, leucine and urea tracers. During the 4-week APF, plasma arginine fluxes for the fed state, were significantly reduced. There were no significant differences for citrulline, leucine or urea fluxes. Arginine de novo synthesis was not affected by the APF intake. However, arginine oxidation was significantly decreased. In healthy adults, homeostasis of arginine under a long term arginine- and precursor-free intake is achieved by decreasing catabolic rates, while de novo arginine synthesis is maintained.

Modulation of sheep ruminal urea transport by ammonia and pH.

PubMed

Lu, Zhongyan; Stumpff, Friederike; Deiner, Carolin; Rosendahl, Julia; Braun, Hannah; Abdoun, Khalid; Aschenbach, Jörg R; Martens, Holger

2014-09-01

Ruminal fermentation products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and CO2 acutely stimulate urea transport across the ruminal epithelium in vivo, whereas ammonia has inhibitory effects. Uptake and signaling pathways remain obscure. The ruminal expression of SLC14a1 (UT-B) was studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The functional short-term effects of ammonia on cytosolic pH (pHi) and ruminal urea transport across native epithelia were investigated using pH-sensitive microelectrodes and via flux measurements in Ussing chambers. Two variants (UT-B1 and UT-B2) could be fully sequenced from ovine ruminal cDNA. Functionally, transport was passive and modulated by luminal pH in the presence of SCFA and CO2, rising in response to luminal acidification to a peak value at pH 5.8 and dropping with further acidification, resulting in a bell-shaped curve. Presence of ammonia reduced the amplitude, but not the shape of the relationship between urea flux and pH, so that urea flux remained maximal at pH 5.8. Effects of ammonia were concentration dependent, with saturation at 5 mmol/l. Clamping the transepithelial potential altered the inhibitory potential of ammonia on urea flux. Ammonia depolarized the apical membrane and acidified pHi, suggesting that, at physiological pH (< 7), uptake of NH4 (+) into the cytosol may be a key signaling event regulating ruminal urea transport. We conclude that transport of urea across the ruminal epithelium involves proteins subject to rapid modulation by manipulations that alter pHi and the cytosolic concentration of NH4 (+). Implications for epithelial and ruminal homeostasis are discussed. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Effects of dietary fibre and protein on urea transport across the cecal mucosa of piglets.

PubMed

Stumpff, F; Lodemann, U; Van Kessel, A G; Pieper, R; Klingspor, S; Wolf, K; Martens, H; Zentek, J; Aschenbach, J R

2013-12-01

In ruminants, gastrointestinal recycling of urea is acutely enhanced by fibre-rich diets that lead to high ruminal concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), while high ammonia has inhibitory effects. This study attempted to clarify if urea flux to the porcine cecum is similarly regulated. Thirty-two weaned piglets were fed diets containing protein (P) of poor prececal digestibility and fibre (F) at high (H) or low levels (L) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. After slaughter, cecal content was analyzed and the cecal mucosa incubated in Ussing chambers to measure the effect of pH, SCFA and NH4 (+) on the flux rates of urea, short-circuit current (I sc) and tissue conductance (G t). NH4 (+) significantly enhanced I sc (from 0.5 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.1 μEq cm(-2) h(-1)). No acute effects of SCFA or ammonia on urea flux were observed. Tissue conductance was significantly lower in the high dietary fibre groups irrespective of the protein content. Only the HP-LF group emerged as different from all others in terms of urea flux (74 ± 6 versus 53 ± 3 nmol cm(-2) h(-1)), associated with higher cecal ammonia concentration and reduced fecal consistency. The data suggest that as in the rumen, uptake of ammonia by the cecum may involve electrogenic transport of the ionic form (NH4 (+)). In contrast to findings in the rumen, neither a high fibre diet nor acute addition of SCFA enhanced urea transport across the pig cecum. Instead, a HP-LF diet had stimulatory effects. A potential role for urea recycling in stabilizing luminal pH is discussed.

Brain urea increase is an early Huntington's disease pathogenic event observed in a prodromal transgenic sheep model and HD cases.

PubMed

Handley, Renee R; Reid, Suzanne J; Brauning, Rudiger; Maclean, Paul; Mears, Emily R; Fourie, Imche; Patassini, Stefano; Cooper, Garth J S; Rudiger, Skye R; McLaughlan, Clive J; Verma, Paul J; Gusella, James F; MacDonald, Marcy E; Waldvogel, Henry J; Bawden, C Simon; Faull, Richard L M; Snell, Russell G

2017-12-26

The neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease (HD) is typically characterized by extensive loss of striatal neurons and the midlife onset of debilitating and progressive chorea, dementia, and psychological disturbance. HD is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Huntingtin ( HTT ) gene, translating to an elongated glutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. The pathogenic mechanism resulting in cell dysfunction and death beyond the causative mutation is not well defined. To further delineate the early molecular events in HD, we performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on striatal tissue from a cohort of 5-y-old OVT73 -line sheep expressing a human CAG-expansion HTT cDNA transgene. Our HD OVT73 sheep are a prodromal model and exhibit minimal pathology and no detectable neuronal loss. We identified significantly increased levels of the urea transporter SLC14A1 in the OVT73 striatum, along with other important osmotic regulators. Further investigation revealed elevated levels of the metabolite urea in the OVT73 striatum and cerebellum, consistent with our recently published observation of increased urea in postmortem human brain from HD cases. Extending that finding, we demonstrate that postmortem human brain urea levels are elevated in a larger cohort of HD cases, including those with low-level neuropathology (Vonsattel grade 0/1). This elevation indicates increased protein catabolism, possibly as an alternate energy source given the generalized metabolic defect in HD. Increased urea and ammonia levels due to dysregulation of the urea cycle are known to cause neurologic impairment. Taken together, our findings indicate that aberrant urea metabolism could be the primary biochemical disruption initiating neuropathogenesis in HD.

Nitrogen metabolism and route of excretion in beef feedlot cattle fed barley-based backgrounding diets varying in protein concentration and rumen degradability.

PubMed

Koenig, K M; Beauchemin, K A

2013-05-01

The objectives of the study were to characterize the effects of CP concentration and ruminal degradability of barley-based backgrounding diets on route and chemical form of N excretion, ruminal fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, and nutrient digestion in beef cattle. Four Angus heifers (479 ± 14.6 kg average BW) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in an experiment designed as a 4 × 4 Latin square. The basal diet consisted of 54% barley silage and 46% barley grain-based concentrate (DM basis). Dietary treatments included the basal diet with no added protein (12% CP) or diets formulated to contain 14% CP by supplementation with urea (UREA), urea and canola meal (UREA+CM), or urea, corn gluten meal, and xylose-treated soybean meal (UREA+CGM+xSBM). The amount of feed offered was restricted to 95% of ad libitum intake. There was no effect of the diets on DMI (P = 0.38), and therefore, N intake was less (P < 0.05) in heifers fed the 12% CP diets than the 14% CP diets. Fecal N output was not affected by the diet (P = 0.15), but urine N (P < 0.10) and urea N output were greater (P < 0.05) in heifers fed the 14% CP than the 12% CP diets. There was no effect of CP degradability (P > 0.10) on the amount of urine N output. Urine N output was 38.9 and 45.1 ± 5.50% of N intake in heifers fed the 12% CP and 14% CP diets (P < 0.05), respectively. Urea N, the form of N most susceptible to NH3-N volatilization and loss, was the major form of N in urine (75.5% in heifers fed the 12% CP diet and 81.4 ± 1.7% in heifers fed the 14% CP diets; P < 0.05). Supplemental RDP (UREA+CM) and RUP combined with urea (UREA+CGM+xSBM) to provide 14% CP increased (P < 0.05) ruminal NH3-N but had no effect on ruminal peptide N (P = 0.62) and free AA N (P = 0.18) concentration, the flow of microbial (P = 0.34) and feed (P = 0.55) N, and ruminal (starch, P = 0.11; NDF, P = 0.78) and total tract nutrient digestibility (OM, P = 0.21; starch, P = 0.16). Supplementation of barley-based backgrounding diets containing 12% CP with NPN alone or combined with ruminally degradable and undegradable true protein to attain 14% CP had no effect on fecal N output, but urine N and urea N increased irrespective of protein source. In addition, the ruminal degradability of the protein sources did not influence the composition of protein flowing to the intestine and site and extent of nutrient digestibility.

Ribonucleotide reductase activity is regulated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)

PubMed Central

Salguero, Israel; Guarino, Estrella; Shepherd, Marianne; Deegan, Tom; Havens, Courtney G.; MacNeill, Stuart A.; Walter, Johannes C.; Kearsey, Stephen E.

2014-01-01

Summary Synthesis of dNTPs is required for both DNA replication and DNA repair and is catalyzed by ribonucleotide reductases (RNR), which convert ribonucleotides to their deoxy forms [1, 2]. Maintaining the correct levels of dNTPs for DNA synthesis is important for minimising the mutation rate [3-7], and this is achieved by tight regulation of ribonucleotide reductase [2, 8, 9]. In fission yeast, ribonucleotide reductase is regulated in part by a small protein inhibitor, Spd1, which is degraded in S phase and after DNA damage to allow up-regulation of dNTP supply [10-12]. Spd1 degradation is mediated by the activity of the CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin ligase complex [5, 13, 14]. This has been reported to be dependent on modulation of Cdt2 levels which are cell cycle regulated, peaking in S phase, and which also increase after DNA damage in a checkpoint-dependent manner [7, 13]. We show here that Cdt2 levels fluctuations are not sufficient to regulate Spd1 proteolysis and that the key step in this event is the interaction of Spd1 with the polymerase processivity factor PCNA, complexed onto DNA. This mechanism thus provides a direct link between DNA synthesis and ribonucleotide reductase regulation. PMID:22464192

The HD-GYP Domain Protein RpfG of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola Regulates Synthesis of Extracellular Polysaccharides that Contribute to Biofilm Formation and Virulence on Rice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yuanbao; Wei, Chao; Jiang, Wendi; Wang, Lei; Li, Churui; Wang, Yunyue; Dow, John Maxwell; Sun, Wenxian

2013-01-01

Bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) is one of the most important diseases in rice. However, little is known about the pathogenicity mechanisms of Xoc. Here we have investigated the function of three HD-GYP domain regulatory proteins in biofilm formation, the synthesis of virulence factors and virulence of Xoc. Deletion of rpfG resulted in altered production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), abolished virulence on rice and enhanced biofilm formation, but had little effect on the secretion of proteases and motility. In contrast, mutational analysis showed that the other two HD-GYP domain proteins had no effect on virulence factor synthesis and tested phenotypes. Mutation of rpfG led to up-regulation of the type III secretion system and altered expression of three putative glycosyltransferase genes gumD, pgaC and xagB, which are part of operons directing the synthesis of different extracellular polysaccharides. The pgaABCD and xagABCD operons were greatly up-regulated in the Xoc ΔrpfG mutant, whereas the expression of the gum genes was unaltered or slightly enhanced. The elevated biofilm formation of the Xoc ΔrpfG mutant was dramatically reduced upon deletion of gumD, xagA and xagB, but not when pgaA and pgaC were deleted. Interestingly, only the ΔgumD mutant, among these single gene mutants, exhibits multiple phenotype alterations including reduced biofilm and EPS production and attenuated virulence on rice. These data indicate that RpfG is a global regulator that controls biofilm formation, EPS production and bacterial virulence in Xoc and that both gumD- and xagB-dependent EPS contribute to biofilm formation under different conditions. PMID:23544067

Cellular and Molecular Responses of Dunaliella tertiolecta by Expression of a Plant Medium Chain Length Fatty Acid Specific Acyl-ACP Thioesterase

PubMed Central

Lin, Huixin; Shen, Hui; Lee, Yuan K.

2018-01-01

Metabolic engineering of microalgae to accumulate high levels of medium chain length fatty acids (MCFAs) has met with limited success. Traditional approaches employ single introduction of MCFA specific acyl-ACP thioesterases (TEs), but our current research in transgenic Dunaliella tertiolecta line has highlighted that, there is no single rate-limiting approach that can effectively increase MCFA levels. Here, we explore the accumulation of MCFAs in D. tertiolecta after transgenic expression of myristic acid biased TE (C14TE). We observe that the MCFA levels were negatively correlated to the fatty acid (FA) synthesis genes, ketoacyl-ACP synthase II (KASII), stearoyl-CoA-9-desaturase (Δ9D), and oleoyl-CoA-12-desaturase (Δ12D). To further examine the molecular mechanism of MCFA accumulation in microalgae, we investigate the transcriptomic dynamics of the MCFA producing strain of D. tertiolecta. At the transcript level, enhanced MCFA accumulation primarily involved up-regulation of photosynthetic genes and down-regulation of genes from central carbon metabolic processes, resulting in an overall decrease in carbon precursors for FA synthesis. We additionally observe that MCFA specific peroxisomal β-oxidation gene (ACX3) was greatly enhanced to prevent excessive build-up of unusual MCFA levels. Besides, long chain acyl-CoA synthetase gene (LACS) was down-regulated, likely in attempt to control fatty acyl supply flux to FA synthesis cycle. This article provides a spatial regulation model of unusual FA accumulation in microalgae and a platform for additional metabolic engineering targeting pathways from FA synthesis, FA transport, and peroxisomal β-oxidation to achieve microalgae oils with higher levels of MCFAs. PMID:29670594

Sirt3 promotes the urea cycle and fatty acid oxidation during dietary restriction

PubMed Central

Hallows, William C.; Yu, Wei; Smith, Brian C.; Devries, Mark K.; Ellinger, James J.; Someya, Shinichi; Shortreed, Michael R.; Prolla, Tomas; Markley, John L.; Smith, Lloyd M.; Zhao, Shimin; Guan, Kun-Liang; Denu, John M.

2011-01-01

Summary Emerging evidence suggests that protein acetylation is a broad-ranging regulatory mechanism. Here we utilize acetyl-peptide arrays and metabolomic analyses to identify substrates of mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3. We identified ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTC) from the urea cycle, and enzymes involved in β-oxidation. Metabolomic analyses of fasted mice lacking Sirt3 (sirt3−/−) revealed alterations in β-oxidation and the urea cycle. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that Sirt3 directly deacetylates OTC and stimulates its activity. Mice under caloric restriction (CR) increased Sirt3 protein levels, leading to deacetylation and stimulation of OTC activity. In contrast, sirt3−/− mice failed to deacetylate OTC in response to CR. Inability to stimulate OTC under CR led to a failure to reduce orotic acid levels, a known outcome of OTC deficiency. Thus, Sirt3 directly regulates OTC activity and promotes the urea cycle during CR, and the results suggest that under low energy input, Sirt3 modulates mitochondria by promoting amino-acid catabolism and β-oxidation. PMID:21255725

Synthesis and evaluation of chalcone analogues based pyrimidines as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

PubMed

Bukhari, S N A; Butt, A M; Amjad, M W B; Ahmad, W; Shah, V H; Trivedi, A R

2013-11-01

Hypertension is a widespread and frequently progressive ailment that imparts a foremost threat for cardiovascular and renal disorders. Mammoth efforts are needed for the synthesis of innovative antihypertensive agents to combat this lethal disease. Chalcones have shown antihypertensive activity through inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE). Hence, a series of chalcone analogues is synthesized and used as precursor for the synthesis of novel series of pyrimidines. Precursor chalcones were prepared by reacting aldehydes and ketones in presence of sodium hydroxide followed by synthesis of corresponding pyrimidines by reaction with urea in presence of potassium hydroxide. Both groups were then evaluated for their effects on ACE. The results depicted that pyrimidines were more active than chalcones with methoxy (C5 and P5) substitution showing best results to inhibit ACE. Given that chalcone analogues and pyrimidines show a potential as the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Isolation of glycine betaine and proline betaine from human urine. Assessment of their role as osmoprotective agents for bacteria and the kidney.

PubMed Central

Chambers, S T; Kunin, C M

1987-01-01

Human urine is osmoprotective for enteric bacteria, permitting E. coli to grow with high concentrations of NaCl and other salts and even higher concentrations of sucrose and mannitol but not urea. The active material in urine is soluble in methanol and is precipitated by ammonium reineckate at acid pH. Using gel filtration and high-pressure liquid chromatography, we have identified two major osmoprotective compounds in urine. One is glycine betaine; the other is proline betaine as demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrum scanning, and chemical synthesis. Proline betaine has not been described previously to our knowledge in vertebrate tissues. It is known to be a cell volume-regulating agent for marine red algae and the euryhaline mollusk Elysia chloritica. We suggest that the presence of glycine and proline betaines in human urine may reflect an osmoprotective role for the kidney and that they protect bacteria in the urine only fortuitously. PMID:3546377

Diflubenzuron Hazards to Fish, Wildlife and Invertebrates: A Synoptic Review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eisler, R.

1992-01-01

Diflubenzuron (1(4chlorophenyl)3(2,6difluorobenzoyl)urea), also known as dimilin, is a potent broad spectrum insect growth regulator that interferes with chitin synthesis at time of molting and is effective in controlling immature stages of insects. Diflubenzuron was approved for domestic use in 1976 to control gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), and in 1979 against the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis). By 1989 this compound was also registered for domestic use against mosquitos, forest Lepidoptera, mushroom flies, and leaf-eating insect pests of citrus, woody ornamentals, vegetables, and fruit. Diflubenzuron seldom persists for more than a few days in soil and water. When used properly in forest management, it is unlikely to be leached into ground water from the application site. Degradation in water and soil is most rapid when small particle formulations are applied; microorganisms are abundant; and at elevated pH, temperature, and organic loading. Chemical and biological processes initially yield 2,6difluorobenzoic acid and 4chlorophenylurea.

[Antioxidant properties of cluster rhenium compounds and their effect on erythropoiesis of rats with guerin carcinoma].

PubMed

Voronkova, Y S; Babiy, S O; Ivans'kar, L V; Shtemenko, O V; Shtemenko, N I

2015-01-01

Biochemical characteristics of kidneys, pe- ripheral blood and bone marrow of rats in model of tumor growth under introduction of cisplatin and cis-tetrachlorodi-μ-isobutyratodirhenium(III), cis-Re2(i-C3H7COO)2Cl4 (I) have been investigated. It was shown that introduction of I alone and together with cisplatin led to decrease of biochemical markers of oxidation of lipids and proteins in tissue homogenates of the kidneys, change of enzyme activity in the urea and tissue homogenates of the kidneys, by a decrease of filtration function of kidneys. Introduction of nanoliposomal forms of the rhenium cluster compound led to a practically normal morphological picture of bone marrow and increase of the RBC (by 60%) with normalization of hematocrit counts, and decrease of quantities of destructed RBC (3.2 times) in comparison with the tumor-bearing animals. A tentative scheme of influence of cluster rhenium compound on erythropoiesis through regulation of synthesis of erythropoietin in kidneys has been proposed.

Rapid Vortex Fluidics: Continuous Flow Synthesis of Amides and Local Anesthetic Lidocaine.

PubMed

Britton, Joshua; Chalker, Justin M; Raston, Colin L

2015-07-20

Thin film flow chemistry using a vortex fluidic device (VFD) is effective in the scalable acylation of amines under shear, with the yields of the amides dramatically enhanced relative to traditional batch techniques. The optimized monophasic flow conditions are effective in ≤80 seconds at room temperature, enabling access to structurally diverse amides, functionalized amino acids and substituted ureas on multigram scales. Amide synthesis under flow was also extended to a total synthesis of local anesthetic lidocaine, with sequential reactions carried out in two serially linked VFD units. The synthesis could also be executed in a single VFD, in which the tandem reactions involve reagent delivery at different positions along the rapidly rotating tube with in situ solvent replacement, as a molecular assembly line process. This further highlights the versatility of the VFD in organic synthesis, as does the finding of a remarkably efficient debenzylation of p-methoxybenzyl amines. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Direct measurement of the rates of synthesis of plasma proteins in control subjects and patients with gastrointestinal protein loss

PubMed Central

Wochner, R. Dean; Weissman, Sherman M.; Waldmann, Thomas A.; Houston, Delores; Berlin, Nathaniel I.

1968-01-01

The guanido carbon of hepatic arginine is the common precursor of urea and of the arginine of plasma proteins synthesized in the liver. It is possible to measure the momentary synthetic rates of plasma proteins by “pulse labeling” this arginine pool with bicarbonate-14C. In the current study, this method has been adapted in order to use urinary urea data and was applied to control subjects and patients with gastrointestinal protein loss. The assumptions required for this determination are discussed. There was close agreement between albumin synthetic rates measured by this method and albumin catabolic rates derived from simultaneous albumin-131I studies, supporting the validity of the method and suggesting that there is relatively little fluctuation in the rate of albumin synthesis from time to time. The albumin synthetic rates in six control subjects averaged 5.8 mg/kg per hr, while those of five patients with gastrointestinal protein loss averaged 7.2 mg/kg per hr. Thus in these patients, there was relatively little acceleration of albumin synthesis in response to continued loss of plasma proteins into the gastrointestinal tract. Fibrinogen synthetic rates averaged 1.9 mg/kg per hr in five control subjects and 3.2 mg/kg per hr in five patients with gastrointestinal protein loss. Transferrin synthetic rates exhibited considerable individual variation in both groups and averaged 0.24 mg/kg per hr in four control subjects and 0.31 mg/kg per hr in five patients with gastrointestinal protein loss. The method employed in this study offers several advantages in studying plasma protein metabolism. It provides a direct measurement of protein synthesis, applicable to several proteins simultaneously, does not require a long-term steady state in the metabolism of the proteins, and is capable of measuring short-term fluctuations in synthetic rates. Therefore, this approach is applicable to the investigation of the physiological factors controlling the rates of synthesis for plasma proteins. PMID:5239039

Urea-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation of natural graphite into few-layer graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Dandan; Liu, Qinfu; Wang, Xianshuai; Qiao, Zhichuan; Wu, Yingke; Xu, Bohui; Ding, Shuli

2018-05-01

The mass production of graphene with high quality is desirable for its wide applications. Here, we demonstrated a facile method to exfoliate natural graphite into graphene in organic solvent by assisting of urea. The exfoliation of graphite may originate from the "molecular wedge" effect of urea, which can intercalate into the edge of natural graphite, thus facilitating the production of graphene dispersion with a high concentration up to 1.2 mg/mL. The obtained graphene is non-oxidized with negligible defects. Therefore, this approach has great promise in bulk production of graphene with superior quality for a variety of applications.

The formation of urea in space. I. Ion-molecule, neutral-neutral, and radical gas-phase reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brigiano, Flavio Siro; Jeanvoine, Yannick; Largo, Antonio; Spezia, Riccardo

2018-02-01

Context. Many organic molecules have been observed in the interstellar medium thanks to advances in radioastronomy, and very recently the presence of urea was also suggested. While those molecules were observed, it is not clear what the mechanisms responsible to their formation are. In fact, if gas-phase reactions are responsible, they should occur through barrierless mechanisms (or with very low barriers). In the past, mechanisms for the formation of different organic molecules were studied, providing only in a few cases energetic conditions favorable to a synthesis at very low temperature. A particularly intriguing class of such molecules are those containing one N-C-O peptide bond, which could be a building block for the formation of biological molecules. Urea is a particular case because two nitrogen atoms are linked to the C-O moiety. Thus, motivated also by the recent tentative observation of urea, we have considered the synthetic pathways responsible to its formation. Aims: We have studied the possibility of forming urea in the gas phase via different kinds of bi-molecular reactions: ion-molecule, neutral, and radical. In particular we have focused on the activation energy of these reactions in order to find possible reactants that could be responsible for to barrierless (or very low energy) pathways. Methods: We have used very accurate, highly correlated quantum chemistry calculations to locate and characterize the reaction pathways in terms of minima and transition states connecting reactants to products. Results: Most of the reactions considered have an activation energy that is too high; but the ion-molecule reaction between NH2OHNH2OH2+ and formamide is not too high. These reactants could be responsible not only for the formation of urea but also of isocyanic acid, which is an organic molecule also observed in the interstellar medium.

Insights into the Regulation of DMSP Synthesis in the Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana through APR Activity, Proteomics and Gene Expression Analyses on Cells Acclimating to Changes in Salinity, Light and Nitrogen

PubMed Central

Kettles, Nicola Louise; Kopriva, Stanislav; Malin, Gill

2014-01-01

Despite the importance of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) in the global sulphur cycle and climate regulation, the biological pathways underpinning its synthesis in marine phytoplankton remain poorly understood. The intracellular concentration of DMSP increases with increased salinity, increased light intensity and nitrogen starvation in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. We used these conditions to investigate DMSP synthesis at the cellular level via analysis of enzyme activity, gene expression and proteome comparison. The activity of the key sulphur assimilatory enzyme, adenosine 5′-phosphosulphate reductase was not coordinated with increasing intracellular DMSP concentration. Under all three treatments coordination in the expression of sulphur assimilation genes was limited to increases in sulphite reductase transcripts. Similarly, proteomic 2D gel analysis only revealed an increase in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase following increases in DMSP concentration. Our findings suggest that increased sulphur assimilation might not be required for increased DMSP synthesis, instead the availability of carbon and nitrogen substrates may be important in the regulation of this pathway. This contrasts with the regulation of sulphur metabolism in higher plants, which generally involves up-regulation of several sulphur assimilatory enzymes. In T. pseudonana changes relating to sulphur metabolism were specific to the individual treatments and, given that little coordination was seen in transcript and protein responses across the three growth conditions, different patterns of regulation might be responsible for the increase in DMSP concentration seen under each treatment. PMID:24733415

Natural Isotopic Signatures of Variations in Body Nitrogen Fluxes: A Compartmental Model Analysis

PubMed Central

Poupin, Nathalie; Mariotti, François; Huneau, Jean-François; Hermier, Dominique; Fouillet, Hélène

2014-01-01

Body tissues are generally 15N-enriched over the diet, with a discrimination factor (Δ15N) that varies among tissues and individuals as a function of their nutritional and physiopathological condition. However, both 15N bioaccumulation and intra- and inter-individual Δ15N variations are still poorly understood, so that theoretical models are required to understand their underlying mechanisms. Using experimental Δ15N measurements in rats, we developed a multi-compartmental model that provides the first detailed representation of the complex functioning of the body's Δ15N system, by explicitly linking the sizes and Δ15N values of 21 nitrogen pools to the rates and isotope effects of 49 nitrogen metabolic fluxes. We have shown that (i) besides urea production, several metabolic pathways (e.g., protein synthesis, amino acid intracellular metabolism, urea recycling and intestinal absorption or secretion) are most probably associated with isotope fractionation and together contribute to 15N accumulation in tissues, (ii) the Δ15N of a tissue at steady-state is not affected by variations of its P turnover rate, but can vary according to the relative orientation of tissue free amino acids towards oxidation vs. protein synthesis, (iii) at the whole-body level, Δ15N variations result from variations in the body partitioning of nitrogen fluxes (e.g., urea production, urea recycling and amino acid exchanges), with or without changes in nitrogen balance, (iv) any deviation from the optimal amino acid intake, in terms of both quality and quantity, causes a global rise in tissue Δ15N, and (v) Δ15N variations differ between tissues depending on the metabolic changes involved, which can therefore be identified using simultaneous multi-tissue Δ15N measurements. This work provides proof of concept that Δ15N measurements constitute a new promising tool to investigate how metabolic fluxes are nutritionally or physiopathologically reorganized or altered. The existence of such natural and interpretable isotopic biomarkers promises interesting applications in nutrition and health. PMID:25275306

Genome-wide transcriptome profiling of nitrogen fixation in Paenibacillus sp. WLY78.

PubMed

Shi, Hao-wen; Wang, Li-ying; Li, Xin-xin; Liu, Xiao-meng; Hao, Tian-yi; He, Xiao-juan; Chen, San-feng

2016-03-01

Diazotrophic (nitrogen-fixing) Gram-positive and endospore-formed Paenibacillus spp. have potential uses as a bacterial fertilizer in agriculture. The transcriptional analysis of nitrogen fixation in Paenibacillus is lacking, although regulation mechanisms of nitrogen fixation have been well studied in Gram-negative diazotrophs. Here we report a global transcriptional profiling analysis of nitrogen fixation in Paenibacillus sp. WLY78 cultured under N2-fixing condition (without O2 and NH4(+)) and non-N2-fixing condition (air and 100 mM NH4(+)). The nif (nitrogen fixation) gene operon composed of 9 genes (nifBHDKENXhesAnifV) in this bacterium was significantly up-regulated in N2-fixing condition compared to non-N2-fixing condition, indicating that nif gene transcription is strictly controlled by NH4(+) and O2. qRT-PCR confirmed that these nif genes were differently expressed. Non-nif genes specifically required in nitrogen fixation, such as mod, feoAB and cys encoding transporters of Mo, Fe and S atoms, were coordinately transcribed with nif genes in N2-fixing condition. The transcript abundance of suf operon specific for synthesis of Fe-S cluster was up-regulated in N2-fixing condition, suggesting that Sul system, which takes place of nifS and nifU, plays important role in the synthesis of nitrogenase. We discover potential specific electron transporters which might provide electron from Fe protein to MoFe protein of nitrogenase. The glnR whose predicted protein might mediate nif transcription regulation by NH4(+) is significantly up-regulated in N2-fixing condition. The transcription levels of nitrogen metabolism and anaerobic respiration were also analyzed. The nif gene operon (nifBHDKENXhesAnifV) in Paenibacillus sp. WLY78 is significantly up-regulated in N2-fixing condition compared to non-N2-fixing condition. Non-nif genes specifically required in nitrogen fixation were also significantly up-regulated in N2-fixing condition. Fur and Fnr which are involved in anaerobic regulation and GlnR which might mediate nif gene transcription regulation by NH4(+) were significantly up-regulated in N2-fixing condition. This study provides valuable insights into nitrogen fixation process and regulation in Gram-positive firmicutes.

The secretion, synthesis, and metabolism of cortisol and its downstream genes in the H-P-I axis of rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) are disrupted by acute waterborne cadmium exposure.

PubMed

Liu, Xiao-Hong; Xie, Bi-Wen; Wang, Zhi-Jian; Jin, Li; Zhang, Yao-Guang

2016-01-01

The H (hypothalamic)-P (pituitary)-I (interrenal) axis plays a critical role in the fish stress response and is regulated by several factors. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals in the world, but its effects on the H-P-I axis of teleosts are largely unknown. Using rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) as an experimental animal, we found that Cd only disrupted the secretion and synthesis of cortisol. Neither hormones at the H or P level nor the expressions of their receptor genes (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor (CRHR) and melanocortin receptor 2 (MC2R)) were affected. Steroidogenic acute regulator (StAR), CYP11A1 and CYP11B1, which encode the key enzymes in the cortisol synthesis pathway, were significantly up-regulated in the kidney (including the head kidney). The level of 11β-HSD2, which is required for the conversion of cortisol to cortisone, was increased in the kidney, intestine, brain, and hepatopancreas, whereas the expression of 11β-HSD1, which encodes the reverse conversion enzyme, was increased in the gill, kidney and almost unchanged in other tissues. The enzyme activity concentration of 11β-HSD2 was increased in the kidney as well. The level of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) decreased in the intestine, gill and muscle, and the key GR regulator FK506 binding protein5 (FKBP5) was up-regulated in the GR-decreased tissues, whereas the level of nuclear receptor co-repressor 1 (NCoR1), another GR regulator remained almost unchanged. Thus, GR, FKBP5 and 11β-HSD2 may be involved in Cd-induced cortisol disruption. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Final report for DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-07ER64404 - Field Investigations of Microbially Facilitated Calcite Precipitation for Immobilization of Strontium-90 and Other Trace Metals in the Subsurface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Robert W; Fujita, Yoshiko; Ginn, Timothy R

2012-10-12

Subsurface radionuclide and metal contaminants throughout the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex pose one of DOE's greatest challenges for long-term stewardship. One promising stabilization mechanism for divalent ions, such as the short-lived radionuclide 90Sr, is co-precipitation in calcite. We have previously found that that nutrient addition can stimulate microbial ureolytic activity that this activity accelerates calcite precipitation and co-precipitation of Sr, and that higher calcite precipitation rates can result in increased Sr partitioning. We have conducted integrated field, laboratory, and computational research to evaluate the relationships between ureolysis and calcite precipitation rates and trace metal partitioning under environmentally relevantmore » conditions, and investigated the coupling between flow/flux manipulations and precipitate distribution. A field experimental campaign conducted at the Integrated Field Research Challenge (IFRC) site located at Rifle, CO was based on a continuous recirculation design; water extracted from a down-gradient well was amended with urea and molasses (a carbon and electron donor) and re-injected into an up-gradient well. The goal of the recirculation design and simultaneous injection of urea and molasses was to uniformly accelerate the hydrolysis of urea and calcite precipitation over the entire inter-wellbore zone. The urea-molasses recirculation phase lasted, with brief interruptions for geophysical surveys, for 12 days followed by long-term monitoring which continued for 13 months. Following the recirculation phase we found persistent increases in urease activity (as determined from 14C labeled laboratory urea hydrolysis rates) in the upper portion of the inter-wellbore zone. We also observed an initial increase (approximately 2 weeks) in urea concentration associated with injection activities followed by decreasing urea concentration and associated increases in ammonium and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) following the termination of injection. Based on the loss of urea and the appearance of ammonium, a first order rate constant for urea hydrolysis of 0.18 day-1 rate with an associate Rf for ammonium of 11 were estimated. This rate constant is approximately 6 times higher than estimated for previous field experiments conducted in eastern Idaho. Additionally, DIC carbon isotope ratios were measured for the groundwater. Injected urea had a ´13C of 40.7±0.4 ° compared to background groundwater DIC of ´13C of -16.0±0.2°. Observed decreases in groundwater DIC ´13C of up to -19.8° followed temporal trends similar to those observed for ammonium and suggest that both the increase in ammonium and the sift in ´13C are the result of urea hydrolysis. Although direct observation of calcite precipitation was not possible because of the high pre-existing calcite content in the site sediments, an observed ´13C decrease for solid carbonates from sediment samples collect following urea injection (compared to pre-injection values) is likely the result of the incorporation of inorganic carbon derived from urea hydrolysis into newly formed solid carbonates.« less

15 CFR 908.5 - Interim reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...., carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide). (c) The totals for the items in paragraph (b) of... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING RECORDS AND...

Urea-temperature phase diagrams capture the thermodynamics of denatured state expansion that accompany protein unfolding.

PubMed

Tischer, Alexander; Auton, Matthew

2013-09-01

We have analyzed the thermodynamic properties of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) A3 domain using urea-induced unfolding at variable temperature and thermal unfolding at variable urea concentrations to generate a phase diagram that quantitatively describes the equilibrium between native and denatured states. From this analysis, we were able to determine consistent thermodynamic parameters with various spectroscopic and calorimetric methods that define the urea-temperature parameter plane from cold denaturation to heat denaturation. Urea and thermal denaturation are experimentally reversible and independent of the thermal scan rate indicating that all transitions are at equilibrium and the van't Hoff and calorimetric enthalpies obtained from analysis of individual thermal transitions are equivalent demonstrating two-state character. Global analysis of the urea-temperature phase diagram results in a significantly higher enthalpy of unfolding than obtained from analysis of individual thermal transitions and significant cross correlations describing the urea dependence of ΔH0 and ΔCP0 that define a complex temperature dependence of the m-value. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy illustrates a large increase in secondary structure content of the urea-denatured state as temperature increases and a loss of secondary structure in the thermally denatured state upon addition of urea. These structural changes in the denatured ensemble make up ∼40% of the total ellipticity change indicating a highly compact thermally denatured state. The difference between the thermodynamic parameters obtained from phase diagram analysis and those obtained from analysis of individual thermal transitions illustrates that phase diagrams capture both contributions to unfolding and denatured state expansion and by comparison are able to decipher these contributions. © 2013 The Protein Society.

Effectiveness of urea in enhancing the extractability of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene from chemically variant soils.

PubMed

Das, Padmini; Sarkar, Dibyendu; Makris, Konstantinos C; Punamiya, Pravin; Datta, Rupali

2013-11-01

One of the major challenges in developing an effective phytoremediation technology for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) contaminated soils is limited plant uptake resulting from low solubility of TNT. The effectiveness of urea as a solubilizing agent in increasing plant uptake of TNT in hydroponic systems has been documented. Our preliminary greenhouse experiments using urea were also very promising, but further characterization of the performance of urea in highly-complex soil-solution was necessary. The present study investigated the natural retention capacity of four chemically variant soils and optimized the factors influencing the effectiveness of urea in enhancing TNT solubility in the soil solutions. Results show that the extent of TNT sorption and desorption varies with the soil properties, and is mainly dependent on soil organic matter (SOM) content. Hysteretic desorption of TNT in all tested soils suggests irreversible sorption of TNT and indicates the need of using an extractant to increase the release of TNT in soil solutions. Urea significantly (p<0.0001) enhanced TNT extraction from all soils, by increasing its solubility at the solid/liquid interface. Soil organic matter content and urea application rates showed significant effects, whereas pH did not exert any significant effect on urea catalysis of TNT extraction from soil. The optimum urea application rates (125 or 350 mg kg(-1)) for maximizing TNT extraction were within the limits set by the agronomic fertilizer-N rates used for major agricultural crops. The data obtained from this batch study will facilitate the optimization of a chemically-catalyzed phytoremediation model for cleaning up TNT-contaminated soils. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A waterborne chemical cue from Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, prompts pulsatile urea excretion in conspecifics.

PubMed

Fulton, Jeremy; LeMoine, Christophe M R; Bucking, Carol; Brix, Kevin V; Walsh, Patrick J; McDonald, M Danielle

2017-03-15

The Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) has a fully functional ornithine urea cycle (O-UC) that allows it to excrete nitrogenous waste in the form of urea. Interestingly, urea is excreted in a pulse across the gill that lasts 1-3h and occurs once or twice a day. Both the stress hormone, cortisol, and the neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-HT) are involved in the control of pulsatile urea excretion. This and other evidence suggests that urea pulsing may be linked to toadfish social behavior. The hypothesis of the present study was that toadfish urea pulses can be triggered by waterborne chemical cues from conspecifics. Our findings indicate that exposure to seawater that held a donor conspecific for up to 48h (pre-conditioned seawater; PC-SW) induced a urea pulse within 7h in naïve conspecifics compared to a pulse latency of 20h when exposed to seawater alone. Factors such as PC-SW intensity and donor body mass influenced the pulse latency response of naïve conspecifics. Fractionation and heat treatment of PC-SW to narrow possible signal candidates revealed that the active chemical was both water-soluble and heat-stable. Fish exposed to urea, cortisol or 5-HT in seawater did not have a pulse latency that was significantly different than seawater alone; however, ammonia, perhaps in the form of NH 4 Cl, was found to be a factor in the pulse latency response of toadfish to PC-SW and could be one component of a multi-component cue used for chemical communication in toadfish. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical cue as well as determine its adaptive significance in this marine teleost fish. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A mathematical model of the influence of salivary urea on the pH of fasted dental plaque and on the changes occurring during a cariogenic challenge.

PubMed

Dibdin, G H; Dawes, C

1998-01-01

Urea diffusing from saliva into dental plaque is converted to ammonia and carbon dioxide by bacterial ureases. The influence of normal salivary urea levels on the pH of fasted plaque and on the depth and duration of a Stephan curve is uncertain. A numerical model which simulates a cariogenic challenge (a 10% sucrose rinse alone or one followed by use of chewing-gum with or without sugar) was modified to include salivary urea levels from 0 to 30 mmol/l. It incorporated: site-dependent exchange between bulk saliva and plaque surfaces via a salivary film; sugar and urea diffusion into plaque; pH-dependent rates of acid formation and urea breakdown; diffusion and dissociation of end-products and other buffers (acetate, lactate, phosphate, ammonia and carbonate); diffusion of protons and other ions; equilibration with fixed and mobile buffers; and charge-coupling between ionic flows. The Km (2.12 mmol/l) and Vmax (0.11 micromol urea/min/mg dry weight) values for urease activity and the pH dependence of Vmax were taken from the literature. From the results, it is predicted that urea concentrations normally present in saliva (3-5 mmol/l) will increase the pH at the base of a 0.5-mm-thick fasted plaque by up to 1 pH unit, and raise the pH minimum after a sucrose rinse or sugar-containing chewing-gum by at least half a pH unit. The results suggest that plaque cariogenicity may be inversely related to salivary urea concentrations, not only when the latter are elevated because of disease, but even when they are in the normal range.

Copper(II) sulfamate: an efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-ones and thiones.

PubMed

Liu, Chen-Jiang; Wang, Ji-De

2009-02-13

A simple, efficient procedure for the one-pot Biginelli condensation reaction of aldehydes, beta-ketoesters and urea or thiourea employing copper(II) sulfamate as a novel catalyst is described. Compared to the classical Biginelli reaction conditions, the present method has the advantages of good yields, short reaction times and experimental simplicity.

Synthesis and Characterization of Tetranitraminocyclobutanes

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

potassium cyanate in aqueous HCl yields urea acetal, 5, a white crystalline solid, which is dehydratively ring closed to imidazolidinone 6 in mild acid...dimerization produces exclusively the cis-trans-cis tetramine isomer as shown. Hydrolysis of the acetate groups is carried out in refluxing ethanol...there is some hydrolysis of the final product. Because nitramine 1 is under consideration as a potential replacement for pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Praseodymium methanesulfonate catalyzed one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones.

PubMed

Wang, Min; Song, Zhiguo; Gong, Hong; Jiang, Heng

2008-01-01

A series of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones compounds was synthesized efficiently by a one-pot cyclocondensation of an aldehyde, 1,3-dicarbonyl compound, and urea in absolute ethanol under refluxing temperature using praseodymium methanesulfonate as catalyst. After the reaction, the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without distinct decrease in reaction yields.

Investigations on the effect of forage source, grinding, and urea supplementation on ruminal fermentation and microbial protein flow in a semi-continuous rumen simulation system.

PubMed

Hildebrand, Bastian; Boguhn, Jeannette; Rodehutscord, Markus

2011-10-01

The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of maize silage and grass silage on microbial fermentation and protein flow in a semi-continuous rumen simulation system (Rusitec) when milling screen size (MSS) during grinding was varied. Oven-dried silages were milled through screens of 1, 4 or 9 mm pore size and incubated for 48 h in a Rusitec system. Furthermore, the effect of N supplementation to maize silage (MSS: 4 mm) was investigated and single dose vs. continuous infusion of urea-N were compared. Degradation of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), fibre fractions and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) as well as short-chain fatty acid production differed significantly between forage sources. Urea-N supplementation improved the degradation of NSC, but not that of fibre fractions in maize silage. The way of urea supply had only marginal effects on fermentation characteristics. An increase in MSS, and consequently in mean feed particle size, led to an improvement in the degradation of OM, CP and NSC, but efficiency of microbial net protein synthesis (EMPS; mg microbial N flow/g degraded OM) and the microbial amino acid profile were less affected. EMPS was higher in grass silage than in maize silage and was improved by urea-N supplementation in maize silage. This study indicates that fermentation of NSC as well as EMPS during incubation of maize silage was limited by availability of NH3-N. Furthermore, an increase in MSS above 1 mm seems to improve fermentation of silages in the Rusitec system.

Effects of trimethylamine N-oxide and urea on DNA duplex and G-quadruplex.

PubMed

Ueda, Yu-Mi; Zouzumi, Yu-Ki; Maruyama, Atsushi; Nakano, Shu-Ichi; Sugimoto, Naoki; Miyoshi, Daisuke

2016-01-01

We systematically investigated effects of molecular crowding with trimethylamine N -oxide (TMAO) as a zwitterionic and protective osmolyte and urea as a nonionic denaturing osmolyte on conformation and thermodynamics of the canonical DNA duplex and the non-canonical DNA G-quadruplex. It was found that TMAO and urea stabilized and destabilized, respectively, the G-quadruplex. On the other hand, these osmolytes generally destabilize the duplex; however, it was observed that osmolytes having the trimethylamine group stabilized the duplex at the lower concentrations because of a direct binding to a groove of the duplex. These results are useful not only to predict DNA structures and their thermodynamics under physiological environments in living cells, but also design of polymers and materials to regulate structure and stability of DNA sequences.

Effects of trimethylamine N-oxide and urea on DNA duplex and G-quadruplex

PubMed Central

Ueda, Yu-mi; Zouzumi, Yu-ki; Maruyama, Atsushi; Nakano, Shu-ichi; Sugimoto, Naoki; Miyoshi, Daisuke

2016-01-01

Abstract We systematically investigated effects of molecular crowding with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as a zwitterionic and protective osmolyte and urea as a nonionic denaturing osmolyte on conformation and thermodynamics of the canonical DNA duplex and the non-canonical DNA G-quadruplex. It was found that TMAO and urea stabilized and destabilized, respectively, the G-quadruplex. On the other hand, these osmolytes generally destabilize the duplex; however, it was observed that osmolytes having the trimethylamine group stabilized the duplex at the lower concentrations because of a direct binding to a groove of the duplex. These results are useful not only to predict DNA structures and their thermodynamics under physiological environments in living cells, but also design of polymers and materials to regulate structure and stability of DNA sequences. PMID:27933115

Amino acid homeostasis and signalling in mammalian cells and organisms

PubMed Central

Bröer, Angelika

2017-01-01

Cells have a constant turnover of proteins that recycle most amino acids over time. Net loss is mainly due to amino acid oxidation. Homeostasis is achieved through exchange of essential amino acids with non-essential amino acids and the transfer of amino groups from oxidised amino acids to amino acid biosynthesis. This homeostatic condition is maintained through an active mTORC1 complex. Under amino acid depletion, mTORC1 is inactivated. This increases the breakdown of cellular proteins through autophagy and reduces protein biosynthesis. The general control non-derepressable 2/ATF4 pathway may be activated in addition, resulting in transcription of genes involved in amino acid transport and biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids. Metabolism is autoregulated to minimise oxidation of amino acids. Systemic amino acid levels are also tightly regulated. Food intake briefly increases plasma amino acid levels, which stimulates insulin release and mTOR-dependent protein synthesis in muscle. Excess amino acids are oxidised, resulting in increased urea production. Short-term fasting does not result in depletion of plasma amino acids due to reduced protein synthesis and the onset of autophagy. Owing to the fact that half of all amino acids are essential, reduction in protein synthesis and amino acid oxidation are the only two measures to reduce amino acid demand. Long-term malnutrition causes depletion of plasma amino acids. The CNS appears to generate a protein-specific response upon amino acid depletion, resulting in avoidance of an inadequate diet. High protein levels, in contrast, contribute together with other nutrients to a reduction in food intake. PMID:28546457

15 CFR 908.5 - Interim reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...., carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide). (c) The totals for the items in paragraph (b) of... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING REC- ORDS AND...

15 CFR 908.6 - Final report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... totaled separately (e.g., carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide). (f) The date on which the... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING REC-ORDS AND...

15 CFR 908.5 - Interim reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...., carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide). (c) The totals for the items in paragraph (b) of... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING REC-ORDS AND...

15 CFR 908.5 - Interim reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...., carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide). (c) The totals for the items in paragraph (b) of... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING REC-ORDS AND...

15 CFR 908.6 - Final report.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... totaled separately (e.g., carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide). (f) The date on which the... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINING REC- ORDS AND...

Synthesis of layered double hydroxides containing Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ and Al3+ layer cations by co-precipitation methods-A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theiss, Frederick L.; Ayoko, Godwin A.; Frost, Ray L.

2016-10-01

Co-precipitation is a common method for the preparation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and related materials. This review article is aimed at providing newcomers to the field with some examples of the types of co-precipitation reactions that have been reported previously and to briefly investigate some of the properties of the products of these reactions. Due to the sheer volume of literature on the subject, the authors have had to limit this article to the synthesis of Mg/Al, Zn/Al and Ca/Al LDHs by co-precipitation and directly related methods. LDHs have been synthesised from various reagents including metal salts, oxides and hydroxides. Co-precipitation is also useful for the direct synthesis of LDHs with a wide range of interlayer anions and various bases have been successfully employed to prepare LDHs. Examples of other synthesis techniques including the urea method, hydrothermal synthesis and various mechanochemical methods that are undoubtedly related to co-precipitation have also been included in this review. The effect of post synthesis hydrothermal has also been summarised.

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Modulate Chemokine Expression and Hyaluronan Synthesis in Fibroblasts.

PubMed

Kretschmer, Inga; Freudenberger, Till; Twarock, Sören; Yamaguchi, Yu; Grandoch, Maria; Fischer, Jens W

2016-02-19

The aim of this study was to characterize the interaction of KYSE-410, an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, and fibroblasts with respect to the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) and chemokine expression. KYSE-410 cells induced the mRNA expression of HA synthase 2 (Has2) in normal skin fibroblasts (SF) only in direct co-cultures. Parallel to Has2 mRNA, Has2 antisense RNA (Has2os2) was up-regulated in co-cultures. Knockdown of LEF1, a downstream target of Wnt signaling, abrogated Has2 and Has2os2 induction. After knockdown of Has2 in SF, significantly less α-smooth muscle actin expression was detected in co-cultures. Moreover, it was investigated whether the phenotype of KYSE-410 was affected in co-culture with SF and whether Has2 knockdown in SF had an impact on KYSE-410 cells in co-culture. However, no effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, proliferation, and migration were detected. In addition to Has2 mRNA, the chemokine CCL5 was up-regulated and CCL11 was down-regulated in SF in co-culture. Furthermore, co-cultures of KYSE-410 cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) were investigated. Similar to SF, Has2 and Ccl5 were up-regulated and Ccl11 was down-regulated in CAF in co-culture. Importantly and in contrast to SF, inhibiting HA synthesis by 4-methylumbelliferone abrogated the effect of co-culture on Ccl5 in CAF. Moreover, HA was found to promote adhesion of CD4(+) but not CD8(+) cells to xenogaft tumor tissues. In conclusion, direct co-culture of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and fibroblasts induced stromal HA synthesis via Wnt/LEF1 and altered the chemokine profile of stromal fibroblasts, which in turn may affect the tumor immune response. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Modulate Chemokine Expression and Hyaluronan Synthesis in Fibroblasts*

PubMed Central

Kretschmer, Inga; Freudenberger, Till; Twarock, Sören; Yamaguchi, Yu; Grandoch, Maria; Fischer, Jens W.

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the interaction of KYSE-410, an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, and fibroblasts with respect to the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) and chemokine expression. KYSE-410 cells induced the mRNA expression of HA synthase 2 (Has2) in normal skin fibroblasts (SF) only in direct co-cultures. Parallel to Has2 mRNA, Has2 antisense RNA (Has2os2) was up-regulated in co-cultures. Knockdown of LEF1, a downstream target of Wnt signaling, abrogated Has2 and Has2os2 induction. After knockdown of Has2 in SF, significantly less α-smooth muscle actin expression was detected in co-cultures. Moreover, it was investigated whether the phenotype of KYSE-410 was affected in co-culture with SF and whether Has2 knockdown in SF had an impact on KYSE-410 cells in co-culture. However, no effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, proliferation, and migration were detected. In addition to Has2 mRNA, the chemokine CCL5 was up-regulated and CCL11 was down-regulated in SF in co-culture. Furthermore, co-cultures of KYSE-410 cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) were investigated. Similar to SF, Has2 and Ccl5 were up-regulated and Ccl11 was down-regulated in CAF in co-culture. Importantly and in contrast to SF, inhibiting HA synthesis by 4-methylumbelliferone abrogated the effect of co-culture on Ccl5 in CAF. Moreover, HA was found to promote adhesion of CD4+ but not CD8+ cells to xenogaft tumor tissues. In conclusion, direct co-culture of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and fibroblasts induced stromal HA synthesis via Wnt/LEF1 and altered the chemokine profile of stromal fibroblasts, which in turn may affect the tumor immune response. PMID:26699196

Electrocatalysis of the Needle-Like NiMoO4 Crystal Toward Urea Oxidation Coupled with H2 Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Mao; Miao, Yuqing

In the International Space Station, urine is considered something to be treated. However, urine is mainly composed of water and urea, while they have been demonstrated as an excellent hydrogen carrier for sustainable energy supply. Through the simple chemical coprecipitation and hydrothermal reaction, the needle-like NiMoO4 crystals were synthesized with the average width around 500nm and length up to 4μm. The resulted products were thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrum. The needle-like NiMoO4 crystals exhibited excellent electrocatalytic oxidation toward urea at anode in alkali solution, leading to the increased performance of hydrogen evolution reaction at cathode with the lower electrochemical potential and energy consumption required to drive the reaction. The high electrocatalysis of the needle-like NiMoO4 crystals toward urea oxidation reveals their great potential for future application to clean the urine/urea-rich wastewater and to produce hydrogen in space station and environmental wastewater.

A hypothesis to reconcile the physical and chemical unfolding of proteins

PubMed Central

de Oliveira, Guilherme A. P.; Silva, Jerson L.

2015-01-01

High pressure (HP) or urea is commonly used to disturb folding species. Pressure favors the reversible unfolding of proteins by causing changes in the volumetric properties of the protein–solvent system. However, no mechanistic model has fully elucidated the effects of urea on structure unfolding, even though protein–urea interactions are considered to be crucial. Here, we provide NMR spectroscopy and 3D reconstructions from X-ray scattering to develop the “push-and-pull” hypothesis, which helps to explain the initial mechanism of chemical unfolding in light of the physical events triggered by HP. In studying MpNep2 from Moniliophthora perniciosa, we tracked two cooperative units using HP-NMR as MpNep2 moved uphill in the energy landscape; this process contrasts with the overall structural unfolding that occurs upon reaching a threshold concentration of urea. At subdenaturing concentrations of urea, we were able to trap a state in which urea is preferentially bound to the protein (as determined by NMR intensities and chemical shifts); this state is still folded and not additionally exposed to solvent [fluorescence and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)]. This state has a higher susceptibility to pressure denaturation (lower p1/2 and larger ΔVu); thus, urea and HP share concomitant effects of urea binding and pulling and water-inducing pushing, respectively. These observations explain the differences between the molecular mechanisms that control the physical and chemical unfolding of proteins, thus opening up new possibilities for the study of protein folding and providing an interpretation of the nature of cooperativity in the folding and unfolding processes. PMID:25964355

Co-reductive fabrication of carbon nanodots with high quantum yield for bioimaging of bacteria

PubMed Central

Wang, Jiajun; Liu, Xia; Milcovich, Gesmi; Chen, Tzu-Yu; Durack, Edel; Mallen, Sarah; Ruan, Yongming

2018-01-01

A simple and straightforward synthetic approach for carbon nanodots (C-dots) is proposed. The strategy is based on a one-step hydrothermal chemical reduction with thiourea and urea, leading to high quantum yield C-dots. The obtained C-dots are well-dispersed with a uniform size and a graphite-like structure. A synergistic reduction mechanism was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The findings show that using both thiourea and urea during the one-pot synthesis enhances the luminescence of the generated C-dots. Moreover, the prepared C-dots have a high distribution of functional groups on their surface. In this work, C-dots proved to be a suitable nanomaterial for imaging of bacteria and exhibit potential for application in bioimaging thanks to their low cytotoxicity. PMID:29441259

Continuous N-alkylation reactions of amino alcohols using γ-Al2O3 and supercritical CO2: unexpected formation of cyclic ureas and urethanes by reaction with CO2.

PubMed

Streng, Emilia S; Lee, Darren S; George, Michael W; Poliakoff, Martyn

2017-01-01

The use of γ-Al 2 O 3 as a heterogeneous catalyst in scCO 2 has been successfully applied to the amination of alcohols for the synthesis of N -alkylated heterocycles. The optimal reaction conditions (temperature and substrate flow rate) were determined using an automated self-optimising reactor, resulting in moderate to high yields of the target products. Carrying out the reaction in scCO 2 was shown to be beneficial, as higher yields were obtained in the presence of CO 2 than in its absence. A surprising discovery is that, in addition to cyclic amines, cyclic ureas and urethanes could be synthesised by incorporation of CO 2 from the supercritical solvent into the product.

Properties of Urea-Doped Ice in the CRREL Test Basin,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

thickness versus initial ice thickness at start of warm-up ................ 7 9. Thin sections of urea-doped ice...following section ) on the mechanical properties of the tank, essential for achieving an ice sheet of uni- the model ice was investigated. In particular...Figure 1. elastic foundation: Measurements ~i 7 A 1 f 2 Temperature As mentioned in the preceding section , water and temperature was measured with a 1/50

Ureic nitrogen transformation in multi-layer soil columns treated with urease and nitrification inhibitors.

PubMed

Giovannini, Camilla; Garcia-Mina, Josè M; Ciavatta, Claudio; Marzadori, Claudio

2009-06-10

The use of N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), as a urease inhibitor, is one of the most successful strategies utilized to increase the efficiency of urea-based fertilization. To date, NBPT has been added to the soil incorporated in fertilizers containing either urea or the inhibitor at a fixed percentage on the urea weight. The possibility of using NBPT physically separated from urea-based fertilizers could make its use more flexible. In particular, a granulated product containing NBPT could be utilized in soils treated with different urea-based fertilizers including livestock urine, the amount depending on soil characteristics and/or the urea source (e.g., mineral fertilizer, organo-mineral fertilizer, or animal slurry). In this study, a multilayer soil column device was used to investigate the influence of an experimental granular product (RV) containing NBPT and a garlic extract, combining the ability to protect NBPT by oxidation and nitrification inhibition activity, on (a) spatial variability of soil urease and nitrification activities and (b) timing of urea hydrolysis and mineral-N form accumulation (NO(2)(-), NO(3)(-), NH(4)(+)) in soil treated with urea. The results clearly demonstrated that RV can, effectively, inhibit the soil urease activity along the soil column profile up to 8-10 cm soil layer depth and that the inhibition power of RV was dependent on time and soil depth. However, nitrification activity is not significantly influenced by RV addition. In addition, the soil N transformations were clearly affected by RV; in fact, RV retarded urea hydrolysis and reduced the accumulation of NH(4)(+)-N and NO(2)(-)-N ions along the soil profile. The RV product was demonstrated to be an innovative additive able to modify some key ureic N trasformation processes correlated with the efficiency of the urea-based fertilization, in a soil column higher than 10 cm.

Alkaline stress and iron deficiency regulate iron uptake and riboflavin synthesis gene expression differently in root and leaf tissue: implications for iron deficiency chlorosis

PubMed Central

Hsieh, En-Jung; Waters, Brian M.

2016-01-01

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral that has low solubility in alkaline soils, where its deficiency results in chlorosis. Whether low Fe supply and alkaline pH stress are equivalent is unclear, as they have not been treated as separate variables in molecular physiological studies. Additionally, molecular responses to these stresses have not been studied in leaf and root tissues simultaneously. We tested how plants with the Strategy I Fe uptake system respond to Fe deficiency at mildly acidic and alkaline pH by measuring root ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity and expression of selected Fe uptake genes and riboflavin synthesis genes. Alkaline pH increased cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) root FCR activity at full Fe supply, but alkaline stress abolished FCR response to low Fe supply. Alkaline pH or low Fe supply resulted in increased expression of Fe uptake genes, but riboflavin synthesis genes responded to Fe deficiency but not alkalinity. Iron deficiency increased expression of some common genes in roots and leaves, but alkaline stress blocked up-regulation of these genes in Fe-deficient leaves. In roots of the melon (Cucumis melo L.) fefe mutant, in which Fe uptake responses are blocked upstream of Fe uptake genes, alkaline stress or Fe deficiency up-regulation of certain Fe uptake and riboflavin synthesis genes was inhibited, indicating a central role for the FeFe protein. These results suggest a model implicating shoot-to-root signaling of Fe status to induce Fe uptake gene expression in roots. PMID:27605716

Dynamic Ureas with Fast and pH-Independent Hydrolytic Kinetics.

PubMed

Cai, Kaimin; Ying, Hanze; Cheng, Jianjun

2018-05-23

Low cost, high performance hydrolysable polymers are of great importance in biomedical applications and materials industries. While many applications require materials to have a degradation profile insensitive to external pH to achieve consistent release profiles under varying conditions, hydrolysable chemistry techniques developed so far have pH-dependent hydrolytic kinetics. This work reports the design and synthesis of a new type of hydrolysable polymer that has identical hydrolysis kinetics from pH 3 to 11. The unprecedented pH independent hydrolytic kinetics of the aryl ureas were shown to be related to the dynamic bond dissociation controlled hydrolysis mechanism; the resulting hindered poly(aryl urea) can be degraded with a hydrolysis half-life of 10 min in solution. More importantly, these fast degradable hindered aromatic polyureas can be easily prepared by addition polymerization from commercially available monomers and are resistant to hydrolysis in solid form for months under ambient storage conditions. The combined features of good stability in solid state and fast hydrolysis at various pH values is unprecedented in polyurea material, and will have implications for materials design and applications, such as sacrificial coatings and biomaterials. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Intellectual, Adaptive, and Behavioral Functioning in Children with Urea Cycle Disorders

PubMed Central

Krivitzky, Lauren; Babikian, Talin; Lee, HyeSeung; Thomas, Nina Hattiangadi; Burk-Paull, Karen L.; Batshaw, Mark L.

2009-01-01

Inborn errors of urea synthesis lead to an accumulation of ammonia in blood and brain, and result in high rates of mortality and neurodevelopmental disability. The current study seeks to characterize the cognitive, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning of children with Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs). These domains were measured through testing and parent questionnaires in 92 children with UCDs (33 neonatal onset, 59 late onset). Results indicate that children who present with neonatal onset have poorer outcome than those who present later in childhood. Approximately half of the children with neonatal onset performed in the range of intellectual disability (ID), including a substantial number (~30%) who were severely impaired. In comparison, only a quarter of the late onset group were in the range of ID. There is also evidence that the UCD group has difficulties in aspects of emotional/behavioral and executive skills domains. In conclusion, children with UCDs present with a wide spectrum of cognitive outcomes. Children with neonatal onset disease have a much higher likelihood of having an intellectual disability, which becomes even more evident with increasing age. However, even children with late onset UCDs demonstrate evidence of neurocognitive and behavioral impairment, particularly in aspects of attention and executive functioning. PMID:19287347

Unexpected self-sorting self-assembly formation of a [4:4] sulfate:ligand cage from a preorganized tripodal urea ligand.

PubMed

Pandurangan, Komala; Kitchen, Jonathan A; Blasco, Salvador; Boyle, Elaine M; Fitzpatrick, Bella; Feeney, Martin; Kruger, Paul E; Gunnlaugsson, Thorfinnur

2015-04-07

The design and synthesis of tripodal ligands 1-3 based upon the N-methyl-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide platform appended with three aryl urea arms is reported. This ligand platform gives rise to highly preorganized structures and is ideally suited for binding SO4 (2-) and H2 PO4 (-) ions through multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions. The solid-state crystal structures of 1-3 with SO4 (2-) show the encapsulation of a single anion within a cage structure, whereas the crystal structure of 1 with H2 PO4 (-) showed that two anions are encapsulated. We further demonstrate that ligand 4, based on the same platform but consisting of two bis-urea moieties and a single ammonium moiety, also recognizes SO4 (2-) to form a self-assembled capsule with [4:4] SO4 (2-) :4 stoichiometry in which the anions are clustered within a cavity formed by the four ligands. This is the first example of a self-sorting self-assembled capsule where four tetrahedrally arranged SO4 (2-) ions are embedded within a hydrophobic cavity. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Reduction Expansion Synthesis as Strategy to Control Nitrogen Doping Level and Surface Area in Graphene

PubMed Central

Canty, Russell; Gonzalez, Edwin; MacDonald, Caleb; Osswald, Sebastian; Zea, Hugo; Luhrs, Claudia C.

2015-01-01

Graphene sheets doped with nitrogen were produced by the reduction-expansion (RES) method utilizing graphite oxide (GO) and urea as precursor materials. The simultaneous graphene generation and nitrogen insertion reactions are based on the fact that urea decomposes upon heating to release reducing gases. The volatile byproducts perform two primary functions: (i) promoting the reduction of the GO and (ii) providing the nitrogen to be inserted in situ as the graphene structure is created. Samples with diverse urea/GO mass ratios were treated at 800 °C in inert atmosphere to generate graphene with diverse microstructural characteristics and levels of nitrogen doping. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the microstructural features of the products. The effects of doping on the samples structure and surface area were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET). The GO and urea decomposition-reduction process as well as nitrogen-doped graphene stability were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis of the evolved gases. Results show that the proposed method offers a high level of control over the amount of nitrogen inserted in the graphene and may be used alternatively to control its surface area. To demonstrate the practical relevance of these findings, as-produced samples were used as electrodes in supercapacitor and battery devices and compared with conventional, thermally exfoliated graphene. PMID:28793618

Characteristics of NO cycle coupling with urea cycle in non-hyperammonemic carriers of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.

PubMed

Nagasaka, Hironori; Yorifuji, Tohru; Egawa, Hiroto; Inui, Ayano; Fujisawa, Tomoo; Komatsu, Haruki; Tsukahara, Hirokazu; Uemoto, Shinji; Inomata, Yukihiro

2013-07-01

Urea cycle deficient patients with prominent hyperammonemic often exhibit abnormal production of nitric oxide (NO), which reduces vascular tone, along with amino acid abnormalities. However, information related to the metabolic changes in heterozygotes of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) lacking overt hyperammonemia is quite limited. We examined vascular mediators and amino acids in non-hyperammonemic heterozygotes. Twenty-four heterozygous OTCD adult females without hyperammonemic bouts, defined as non-hyperammonemic carriers, were enrolled. We measured blood amino acids constituting urea cycle and nitric oxide (NO) cycle. Blood concentrations of nitrate/nitrite (NOx) as stable NO-metabolites, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) inhibiting NO synthesis, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) raising vascular tone were also determined. NOx concentrations were significantly lower in non-hyperammonemic carriers (p < 0.01). However, ADMA and ET-1 levels in this group were comparable to those in the age-matched control group. Arginine and citrulline levels were also significantly lower in non-hyperammonemic carriers than in controls (p < 0.01). Of the 24 non-hyperammonemic carriers, 10 often developed headaches. Their daily NOx and arginine levels were significantly lower than those in headache-free carriers (p < 0.05). In three carriers receiving oral l-arginine, blood NOx concentrations were significantly higher. In two of those three, the occurrence of headaches was decreased. These results suggest that NO cycle coupling with the urea cycle is altered substantially even in non-hyperammonemic OTCD carriers, predisposing them to headaches. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Urea transporter UT-B deletion induces DNA damage and apoptosis in mouse bladder urothelium.

PubMed

Dong, Zixun; Ran, Jianhua; Zhou, Hong; Chen, Jihui; Lei, Tianluo; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Lin, Guiting; Bankir, Lise; Yang, Baoxue

2013-01-01

Previous studies found that urea transporter UT-B is abundantly expressed in bladder urothelium. However, the dynamic role of UT-B in bladder urothelial cells remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physiological roles of UT-B in bladder urothelium using UT-B knockout mouse model and T24 cell line. Urea and NO measurement, mRNA expression micro-array analysis, light and transmission electron microscopy, apoptosis assays, DNA damage and repair determination, and intracellular signaling examination were performed in UT-B null bladders vs wild-type bladders and in vitro T24 epithelial cells. UT-B was highly expressed in mouse bladder urothelium. The genes, Dcaf11, MCM2-4, Uch-L1, Bnip3 and 45 S pre rRNA, related to DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly regulated in UT-B null urothelium. DNA damage and apoptosis highly occurred in UT-B null urothelium. Urea and NO levels were significantly higher in UT-B null urothelium than that in wild-type, which may affect L-arginine metabolism and the intracellular signals related to DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings were consistent with the in vitro study in T24 cells that, after urea loading, exhibited cell cycle delay and apoptosis. UT-B may play an important role in protecting bladder urothelium by balancing intracellular urea concentration. Disruption of UT-B function induces DNA damage and apoptosis in bladder, which can result in bladder disorders.

Urea Transporter UT-B Deletion Induces DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Mouse Bladder Urothelium

PubMed Central

Zhou, Hong; Chen, Jihui; Lei, Tianluo; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Lin, Guiting; Bankir, Lise; Yang, Baoxue

2013-01-01

Background Previous studies found that urea transporter UT-B is abundantly expressed in bladder urothelium. However, the dynamic role of UT-B in bladder urothelial cells remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physiological roles of UT-B in bladder urothelium using UT-B knockout mouse model and T24 cell line. Methodology/Principal Findings Urea and NO measurement, mRNA expression micro-array analysis, light and transmission electron microscopy, apoptosis assays, DNA damage and repair determination, and intracellular signaling examination were performed in UT-B null bladders vs wild-type bladders and in vitro T24 epithelial cells. UT-B was highly expressed in mouse bladder urothelium. The genes, Dcaf11, MCM2-4, Uch-L1, Bnip3 and 45 S pre rRNA, related to DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly regulated in UT-B null urothelium. DNA damage and apoptosis highly occurred in UT-B null urothelium. Urea and NO levels were significantly higher in UT-B null urothelium than that in wild-type, which may affect L-arginine metabolism and the intracellular signals related to DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings were consistent with the in vitro study in T24 cells that, after urea loading, exhibited cell cycle delay and apoptosis. Conclusions/Significance UT-B may play an important role in protecting bladder urothelium by balancing intracellular urea concentration. Disruption of UT-B function induces DNA damage and apoptosis in bladder, which can result in bladder disorders. PMID:24204711

Urotensin II contributes to collagen synthesis and up-regulates Egr-1 expression in cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells through the ERK1/2 pathway

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Wei; Cai, Zhifeng; Liu, Mengmeng

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of urotensin II (UII) treatment on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of cultured rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and to explore whether these effects are mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and early growth response 1 (Egr-1). Methods: The proliferation of cultured PASMCs stimulated with different doses of UII was detected by BrdU incorporation. The mRNA expression levels of procollagen I (procol I), procollagen III (procol III), extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), stress-stimulated protein kinase (Sapk), p38 MAPK (p38), and Egr-1 mRNA in culturedmore » PASMCs after treatment with UII, the UII-specific antagonist urantide, and the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the protein expression levels of procol I, procol III, phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2, p-Sapk, p-p38, and Egr-1 were detected by Western blotting. Results: Treatment with UII increased the proliferation of cultured PASMCs in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). However, treatment with urantide and PD98059 inhibited the promoting effect of UII on PASMC proliferation (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR analysis showed that UII up-regulated the expression of procol I, procol III, ERK1/2, Sapk, and Egr-1 mRNA (P < 0.05), but not p38 mRNA. However, the up-regulating effect of UII was inhibited by PD98059 and urantide. Western blotting analysis showed that UII increased the synthesis of collagen I, collagen III, p-ERK1/2, p-Sapk, and Egr-1, and these effects also were inhibited by PD98059 and urantide (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Egr-1 participates in the UII-mediated proliferation and collagen synthesis of cultured rat PASMCs via activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.« less

Multi-Drug Resistance Transporter 2 Regulates Mucosal Inflammation by Facilitating the Synthesis of Hepoxilin A3

PubMed Central

Pazos, Michael; Siccardi, Dario; Mumy, Karen L.; Bien, Jeffrey D.; Louie, Steve; Shi, Hai Ning; Gronert, Karsten; Mrsny, Randall J.; McCormick, Beth A.

2008-01-01

Neutrophil transmigration across mucosal surfaces contributes to dysfunction of epithelial barrier properties, a characteristic underlying many mucosal inflammatory diseases. Thus, insight into the directional movement of neutrophils across epithelial barriers will provide important information relating to the mechanisms of such inflammatory disorders. The eicosanoid hepoxilin A3, an endogenous product of 12-lipoxygenase activity, is secreted from the apical surface of the epithelial barrier and establishes a chemotatic gradient to guide neutrophils from the submucosa, across epithelia to the luminal site of an inflammatory stimulus - the final step in neutrophil recruitment. Currently, little is known regarding how hepoxilin A3 is secreted from the intestinal epithelium during an inflammatory insult. In this study we reveal that hepoxilin A3 is a substrate for the apical efflux ABC transporter, multi-drug resistance protein 2 (MRP2). Moreover, using multiple in vitro and in vivo models we show that induction of intestinal inflammation profoundly up-regulates apical expression of MRP2, and that interfering with hepoxilin A3 synthesis and/or inhibition of MRP2 function results in a marked reduction in inflammation and severity of disease. Lastly, examination of inflamed intestinal epithelia in human biopsies revealed up-regulation of MRP2. Thus, blocking hepoxilin A3 synthesis and/or inhibiting MRP2 may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of epithelial-associated inflammatory conditions. PMID:19017997

Comparative proteomics analysis of the rice roots colonized by Herbaspirillum seropedicae strain SmR1 reveals induction of the methionine recycling in the plant host.

PubMed

Alberton, Dayane; Müller-Santos, Marcelo; Brusamarello-Santos, Liziane Cristina Campos; Valdameri, Glaucio; Cordeiro, Fabio Aparecido; Yates, Marshall Geoffrey; de Oliveira Pedrosa, Fabio; de Souza, Emanuel Maltempi

2013-11-01

Although the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria in agriculture is a reality, the molecular basis of plant-bacterial interaction is still poorly understood. We used a proteomic approach to study the mechanisms of interaction of Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1 with rice. Root proteins of rice seedlings inoculated or noninoculated with H. seropedicae were separated by 2-D electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and MASCOT program. Among the identified proteins of H. seropedicae, the dinitrogenase reductase NifH and glutamine synthetase GlnA, which participate in nitrogen fixation and ammonium assimilation, respectively, were the most abundant. The rice proteins up-regulated included the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, methylthioribose kinase, and acireductone dioxygenase 1, all of which are involved in the methionine recycling. S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase catalyzes the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, an intermediate used in transmethylation reactions and in ethylene, polyamine, and phytosiderophore biosynthesis. RT-qPCR analysis also confirmed that the methionine recycling and phytosiderophore biosynthesis genes were up-regulated, while ACC oxidase mRNA level was down-regulated in rice roots colonized by bacteria. In agreement with these results, ethylene production was reduced approximately three-fold in rice roots colonized by H. seropedicae. The results suggest that H. seropedicae stimulates methionine recycling and phytosiderophore synthesis and diminishes ethylene synthesis in rice roots.

Ascorbate metabolism and the developmental demand for tartaric and oxalic acids in ripening grape berries

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Fresh fruits are well accepted as a good source of the dietary antioxidant ascorbic acid (Asc, Vitamin C). However, fruits such as grapes do not accumulate exceptionally high quantities of Asc. Grapes, unlike most other cultivated fruits do however use Asc as a precursor for the synthesis of both oxalic (OA) and tartaric acids (TA). TA is a commercially important product in the wine industry and due to its acidifying effect on crushed juice it can influence the organoleptic properties of the wine. Despite the interest in Asc accumulation in fruits, little is known about the mechanisms whereby Asc concentration is regulated. The purpose of this study was to gain insights into Asc metabolism in wine grapes (Vitis vinifera c.v. Shiraz.) and thus ascertain whether the developmental demand for TA and OA synthesis influences Asc accumulation in the berry. Results We provide evidence for developmentally differentiated up-regulation of Asc biosynthetic pathways and subsequent fluctuations in Asc, TA and OA accumulation. Rapid accumulation of Asc and a low Asc to dehydroascorbate (DHA) ratio in young berries was co-ordinated with up-regulation of three of the primary Asc biosynthetic (Smirnoff-Wheeler) pathway genes. Immature berries synthesised Asc in-situ from the primary pathway precursors D-mannose and L-galactose. Immature berries also accumulated TA in early berry development in co-ordination with up-regulation of a TA biosynthetic gene. In contrast, ripe berries have up-regulated expression of the alternative Asc biosynthetic pathway gene D-galacturonic acid reductase with only residual expression of Smirnoff-Wheeler Asc biosynthetic pathway genes and of the TA biosynthetic gene. The ripening phase was further associated with up-regulation of Asc recycling genes, a secondary phase of increased accumulation of Asc and an increase in the Asc to DHA ratio. Conclusion We demonstrate strong developmental regulation of Asc biosynthetic, recycling and catabolic genes in grape berries. Integration of the transcript, radiotracer and metabolite data demonstrates that Asc and TA metabolism are developmentally regulated in grapevines; resulting in low accumulated levels of the biosynthetic intermediate Asc, and high accumulated levels of the metabolic end-product TA. PMID:19995454

Active urea transport in lower vertebrates and mammals.

PubMed

Bankir, Lise

2014-01-01

Some unicellular organisms can take up urea from the surrounding fluids by an uphill pumping mechanism. Several active (energy-dependent) urea transporters (AUTs) have been cloned in these organisms. Functional studies show that active urea transport also occurs in elasmobranchs, amphibians, and mammals. In the two former groups, active urea transport may serve to conserve urea in body fluids in order to balance external high ambient osmolarity or prevent desiccation. In mammals, active urea transport may be associated with the need to either store and/or reuse nitrogen in the case of low nitrogen supply, or to excrete nitrogen efficiently in the case of excess nitrogen intake. There are probably two different families of AUTs, one with a high capacity able to establish only a relatively modest transepithelial concentration difference (renal tubule of some frogs, pars recta of the mammalian kidney, early inner medullary collecting duct in some mammals eating protein-poor diets) and others with a low capacity but able to maintain a high transepithelial concentration difference that has been created by another mechanism or in another organ (elasmobranch gills, ventral skin of some toads, and maybe mammalian urinary bladder). Functional characterization of these transporters shows that some are coupled to sodium (symports or antiports) while others are sodium-independent. In humans, only one genetic anomaly, with a mild phenotype (familial azotemia), is suspected to concern one of these transporters. In spite of abundant functional evidence for such transporters in higher organisms, none have been molecularly identified yet.

Extrinsic nerves are not involved in branchial 5-HT dynamics or pulsatile urea excretion in Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta.

PubMed

Cartolano, Maria C; Amador, Molly H B; Tzaneva, Velislava; Milsom, William K; McDonald, M Danielle

2017-12-01

Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) can switch from continuously excreting ammonia as their primary nitrogenous waste to excreting predominantly urea in distinct pulses. Previous studies have shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) is involved in controlling this process, but it is unknown if 5-HT availability is under central nervous control or if the 5-HT signal originates from a peripheral source. Following up on a previous study, cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus) were sectioned to further characterize their role in controlling pulsatile urea excretion and 5-HT release within the gill. In contrast to an earlier study, nerve sectioning did not result in a change in urea pulse frequency. Total urea excretion, average pulse size, total nitrogen excretion, and percent ureotely were reduced the first day post-surgery in nerve-sectioned fish but recovered by 72h post-surgery. Nerve sectioning also had no effect on toadfish urea transporter (tUT), 5-HT transporter (SERT), or 5-HT 2A receptor mRNA expression or 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) abundance in the gill, all of which were found consistently across the three gill arches except 5-HIAA, which was undetectable in the first gill arch. Our findings indicate that the central nervous system does not directly control pulsatile urea excretion or local changes in gill 5-HT and 5-HIAA abundance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Survey of Glutamine Synthetase Activities in Tissues from Three Classes of Fish.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

reveree side it necessay end identify by block enamaber) Glutamine synthetase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, osmoregulation , glutamate, glutamine...aspects of osmoregulation as well. The only known route of glutanmine synthesis n all species is activity of glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) which...for osmoregulation . There is a relatively small difference n species which retain urea for osmoregulation . This may help to explain the relationship of

Process for the synthesis of iron powder

DOEpatents

Not Available

1982-03-06

A process for preparing iron powder suitable for use in preparing the iron-potassium perchlorate heat-powder fuel mixture used in thermal batteries, comprises preparing a homogeneous, dense iron oxide hydroxide precipitate by homogeneous precipitation from an aqueous mixture of a ferric salt, formic or sulfuric acid, ammonium hydroxide and urea as precipitating agent; and then reducing the dense iron oxide hydroxide by treatment with hydrogen to prepare the iron powder.

Process for the synthesis of iron powder

DOEpatents

Welbon, William W.

1983-01-01

A process for preparing iron powder suitable for use in preparing the iron-potassium perchlorate heat-powder fuel mixture used in thermal batteries, comprises preparing a homogeneous, dense iron oxide hydroxide precipitate by homogeneous precipitation from an aqueous mixture of a ferric salt, formic or sulfuric acid, ammonium hydroxide and urea as precipitating agent; and then reducing the dense iron oxide hydroxide by treatment with hydrogen to prepare the iron powder.

Yak IGF2 Promotes Fibroblast Proliferation Via Suppression of IGF1R and PI3KCG Expression

PubMed Central

Wang, Qi; Gong, Jishang; Du, Jiaxing; Zhang, Yong; Zhao, Xingxu

2018-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) recapitulates many of the activities of insulin and promotes differentiation of myoblasts and osteoblasts, which likely contribute to genetic variations of growth potential. However, little is known about the functions and signaling properties of IGF2 variants in yaks. The over-expression vector and knockdown sequence of yak IGF2 were transfected into yak fibroblasts, and the effects were detected by a series of assays. IGF2 expression in yak muscle tissues was significantly lower than that of other tissues. In yak fibroblasts, the up-regulated expression of IGF2 inhibits expression of IGF1 and insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and significantly up-regulates expression of IGF1R. Inhibition of IGF2 expression caused the up-regulates expression of IGF1, IGF1R and IGF2R. Both over-expression and knockdown of IGF2 resulted in up-regulation of threonine protein kinase 1 (Akt1) expression and down-regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, catalytic subunit gamma (PIK3CG). Cell cycle and cell proliferation assays revealed that over-expression of IGF2 enhanced the DNA synthesis phase and promoted yak fibroblasts proliferation. Conversely, knockdown of IGF2 decreased DNA synthesis and inhibited proliferation. These results suggested that IGF2 was negatively correlated with IGF1R and PIK3CG and demonstrated an association with the IGFs-PI3K-Akt (IGFs-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- threonine protein kinase) pathway in cell proliferation and provided evidence supporting the functional role of IGF2 for use in improving the production performance of yaks. PMID:29558395

Adaptation to a long term (4 weeks) arginine- and precursor (glutamate, proline and aspartate)-free diet☆

PubMed Central

Tharakan, John F.; Yu, Yong M.; Zurakowski, David; Roth, Rachel M.; Young, Vernon R.; Castillo, Leticia

2008-01-01

Summary Background & aims It is not known whether arginine homeostasis is negatively affected by a “long term” dietary restriction of arginine and its major precursors in healthy adults. To assess the effects of a 4-week arginine- and precursor-free dietary intake on the regulatory mechanisms of arginine homeostasis in healthy subjects. Methods Ten healthy adults received a complete amino acid diet for 1 week (control diet) and following a break period, six subjects received a 4-week arginine, proline, glutamate and aspartate-free diet (APF diet). The other four subjects continued for 4 weeks with the complete diet. On days 4 and 7 of the first week and days 25 and 28 of the 4-week period, the subjects received 24-h infusions of arginine, citrulline, leucine and urea tracers. Results During the 4-week APF, plasma arginine fluxes for the fed state, were significantly reduced. There were no significant differences for citrulline, leucine or urea fluxes. Arginine de novo synthesis was not affected by the APF intake. However, arginine oxidation was significantly decreased. Conclusions In healthy adults, homeostasis of arginine under a long term arginine- and precursor-free intake is achieved by decreasing catabolic rates, while de novo arginine synthesis is maintained. PMID:18590940

Effect of synthesis process on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia powders prepared by urea hydrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jyung-Dong; Wu, Zhao-Lun

In this study, NiO/YSZ composite powders were synthesized using hydrolysis on two solutions, one contains YSZ particles and Ni 2+ ion, and the other contains NiO particles, Zr 4+, and Y 3+ ions, with the aid of urea. The microstructure of the powders and sintered bulks was further characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that various synthesis processes yielded NiO/YSZ powders with different morphologies. The NiO precursors would deposit onto the surface of YSZ particles, and NiO-deposited YSZ composite powders were obtained. Alternatively, it was not observed that YSZ precursors deposited onto the surface of NiO particles, thus, a uniform powder mixture of fine NiO and fine YSZ particles was produced. After sintering and subsequent reduction, these powders would lead to the variations of Ni distribution in the YSZ matrix and conductivity of cermets. Owing to the core-shell structure of the powders and the higher size ratio of YSZ and NiO particles, the conductivity of cermet with NiO-deposited YSZ powders containing 23 wt% NiO is comparable to those with a NiO/YSZ powder mixture containing 50 wt% NiO.

Electrocatalytic H2 production from seawater over Co, N-codoped nanocarbons.

PubMed

Gao, Shuang; Li, Guo-Dong; Liu, Yipu; Chen, Hui; Feng, Liang-Liang; Wang, Yun; Yang, Min; Wang, Dejun; Wang, Shan; Zou, Xiaoxin

2015-02-14

One of the main barriers blocking sustainable hydrogen production is the use of expensive platinum-based catalysts to produce hydrogen from water. Herein we report the cost-effective synthesis of catalytically active, nitrogen-doped, cobalt-encased carbon nanotubes using inexpensive starting materials-urea and cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O). Moreover, we show that the as-obtained nanocarbon material exhibits a remarkable electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); and thus it can be deemed as a potential alternative to noble metal HER catalysts. In particular, the urea-derived carbon nanotubes synthesized at 900 °C (denoted as U-CNT-900) show a superior catalytic activity for HER with low overpotential and high current density in our study. Notably also, U-CNT-900 has the ability to operate stably at all pH values (pH 0-14), and even in buffered seawater (pH 7). The possible synergistic effects between carbon-coated cobalt nanoparticles and the nitrogen dopants can be proposed to account for the HER catalytic activity of U-CNT-900. Given the high natural abundance, ease of synthesis, and high catalytic activity and durability in seawater, this U-CNT-900 material is promising for hydrogen production from water in industrial applications.

Regulation of Purine Metabolism in Intact Leaves of Coffea arabica.

PubMed

Nazario, G. M.; Lovatt, C. J.

1993-12-01

The capacity of Coffea arabica leaves (5- x 5-mm pieces) to synthesize de novo and catabolize purine nucleotides to provide precursors for caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) was investigated. Consistent with de novo synthesis, glycine, bicarbonate, and formate were incorporated into the purine ring of inosine 5[prime]-monophosphate (IMP) and adenine nucleotides ([sigma]Ade); azaserine, a known inhibitor of purine de novo synthesis, inhibited incorporation. Activity of the de novo pathway in C. arabica per g fresh weight of leaf tissue during a 3-h incubation period was 8 [plus or minus] 4 nmol of formate incorporated into IMP, 61 [plus or minus] 7 nmol into [sigma]Ade, and 150 nmol into caffeine (the latter during a 7-h incubation). Coffee leaves exhibited classical purine catabolism. Radiolabeled formate, inosine, adenosine, and adenine were incorporated into hypoxanthine and xanthine, which were catabolized to allantoin and urea. Urease activity was demonstrated. Per g fresh weight, coffee leaf squares incorporated 90 [plus or minus] 22 nmol of xanthine into caffeine in 7 h but degraded 102 [plus or minus] 1 nmol of xanthine to allantoin in 3 h. Feedback control of de novo purine biosynthesis was contrasted in C. arabica and Cucurbita pepo, a species that does not synthesize purine alkaloids. End-product inhibition was demonstrated to occur in both species but at different enzyme reactions.

Localization and regulation of a facilitative urea transporter in the kidney of the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).

PubMed

Uchiyama, Minoru; Kikuchi, Ryosuke; Konno, Norifumi; Wakasugi, Tatsuya; Matsuda, Kouhei

2009-01-01

Urea is the major excretory end product of nitrogen metabolism in most chelonian reptiles. In the present study, we report the isolation of a 1632 base pair cDNA from turtle kidney with one open reading frame putatively encoding a 403-residue protein, the turtle urea transporter (turtle UT). The first cloned reptilian UT has high homology with UTs (facilitated urea transporters) cloned from vertebrates, and most closely resembles the UT-A subfamily. Injection of turtle UT cRNA into Xenopus oocytes induced a 6-fold increase in [(14)C]urea uptake that was inhibited by phloretin. The turtle UT mRNA expression and tissue distribution were examined by RT-PCR with total RNA from various tissues. Expression of turtle UT mRNA was restricted to the kidney, and no signal was detected in the other tissues, such as brain, heart, alimentary tract and urinary bladder. An approximately 58 kDa protein band was detected in membrane fractions of the kidney by western blot using an affinity-purified antibody that recognized turtle UT expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In an immunohistochemical study using the anti-turtle UT antibody, UT-immunopositive cells were observed along the distal tubule but not in the collecting duct. In turtles under dry conditions, plasma osmolality and urea concentration increased, and using semi-quantitative RT-PCR the UT mRNA expression level in the kidney was found to increase 2-fold compared with control. The present results, taken together, suggest that the turtle UT probably contributes to urea transport in the distal tubule segments of the kidney in response to hyperosmotic stress under dry conditions.

Hydration status affects urea transport across rat urothelia.

PubMed

Spector, David A; Deng, Jie; Stewart, Kerry J

2011-12-01

Although mammalian urinary tract epithelium (urothelium) is generally considered impermeable to water and solutes, recent data suggest that urine constituents may be reabsorbed during urinary tract transit and storage. To study water and solute transport across the urothelium in an in vivo rat model, we instilled urine (obtained during various rat hydration conditions) into isolated in situ rat bladders and, after a 1-h dwell, retrieved the urine and measured the differences in urine volume and concentration and total quantity of urine urea nitrogen and creatinine between instilled and retrieved urine in rat groups differing by hydration status. Although urine volume did not change >1.9% in any group, concentration (and quantity) of urine urea nitrogen in retrieved urine fell significantly (indicating reabsorption of urea across bladder urothelia), by a mean of 18% (489 mg/dl, from an instilled 2,658 mg/dl) in rats receiving ad libitum water and by a mean of 39% (2,544 mg/dl, from an instilled 6,204 mg/dl) in water-deprived rats, but did not change (an increase of 15 mg/dl, P = not significant, from an instilled 300 mg/dl) in a water-loaded rat group. Two separate factors affected urea nitrogen reabsorption rates, a urinary factor related to hydration status, likely the concentration of urea nitrogen in the instilled urine, and a bladder factor(s), also dependent on the animal's state of hydration. Urine creatinine was also absorbed during the bladder dwell, and hydration group effects on the concentration and quantity of creatinine reabsorbed were qualitatively similar to the hydration group effect on urea transport. These findings support the notion(s) that urinary constituents may undergo transport across urinary tract epithelia, that such transport may be physiologically regulated, and that urine is modified during transit and storage through the urinary tract.

Abscisic acid regulates pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase gene expression and secoisolariciresinol accumulation in developing flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds.

PubMed

Renouard, Sullivan; Corbin, Cyrielle; Lopez, Tatiana; Montguillon, Josiane; Gutierrez, Laurent; Lamblin, Frédéric; Lainé, Eric; Hano, Christophe

2012-01-01

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), the main phytoestrogenic lignan of Linum usitatissimum, is accumulated in the seed coat of flax during its development and pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase (PLR) is a key enzyme in flax for its synthesis. The promoter of LuPLR1, a flax gene encoding a pinoresinol lariciresinol reductase, contains putative regulatory boxes related to transcription activation by abscisic acid (ABA). Gel mobility shift experiments evidenced an interaction of nuclear proteins extracted from immature flax seed coat with a putative cis-acting element involved in ABA response. As ABA regulates a number of physiological events during seed development and maturation we have investigated its involvement in the regulation of this lignan synthesis by different means. ABA and SDG accumulation time courses in the seed as well as LuPLR1 expression were first determined in natural conditions. These results showed that ABA timing and localization of accumulation in the flax seed coat could be correlated with the LuPLR1 gene expression and SDG biosynthesis. Experimental modulations of ABA levels were performed by exogenous application of ABA or fluridone, an inhibitor of ABA synthesis. When submitted to exogenous ABA, immature seeds synthesized 3-times more SDG, whereas synthesis of SDG was reduced in immature seeds treated with fluridone. Similarly, the expression of LuPLR1 gene in the seed coat was up-regulated by exogenous ABA and down-regulated when fluridone was applied. These results demonstrate that SDG biosynthesis in the flax seed coat is positively controlled by ABA through the transcriptional regulation of LuPLR1 gene.

WRINKLED1 Rescues Feedback Inhibition of Fatty Acid Synthesis in Hydroxylase-Expressing Seeds1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Browse, John

2016-01-01

Previous attempts at engineering Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to produce seed oils containing hydroxy fatty acids (HFA) have resulted in low yields of HFA compared with the native castor (Ricinus communis) plant and caused undesirable effects, including reduced total oil content. Recent studies have led to an understanding of problems involved in the accumulation of HFA in oils of transgenic plants, which include metabolic bottlenecks and a decrease in the rate of fatty acid synthesis. Focusing on engineering the triacylglycerol assembly mechanisms led to modest increases in the HFA content of seed oil, but much room for improvement still remains. We hypothesized that engineering fatty acid synthesis in the plastids to increase flux would facilitate enhanced total incorporation of fatty acids, including HFA, into seed oil. The transcription factor WRINKLED1 (WRI1) positively regulates the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and controls seed oil levels. We overexpressed Arabidopsis WRI1 in seeds of a transgenic line expressing the castor fatty acid hydroxylase. The proportion of HFA in the oil, the total HFA per seed, and the total oil content of seeds increased to an average of 20.9%, 1.26 µg, and 32.2%, respectively, across five independent lines, compared with 17.6%, 0.83 µg, and 27.9%, respectively, for isogenic segregants. WRI1 and WRI1-regulated genes involved in fatty acid synthesis were up-regulated, providing for a corresponding increase in the rate of fatty acid synthesis. PMID:27208047

Lack of a peroxiredoxin suppresses the lethality of cells devoid of electron donors by channelling electrons to oxidized ribonucleotide reductase.

PubMed

Boronat, Susanna; Domènech, Alba; Carmona, Mercè; García-Santamarina, Sarela; Bañó, M Carmen; Ayté, José; Hidalgo, Elena

2017-06-01

The thioredoxin and glutaredoxin pathways are responsible of recycling several enzymes which undergo intramolecular disulfide bond formation as part of their catalytic cycles such as the peroxide scavengers peroxiredoxins or the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR, the rate-limiting enzyme of deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, is an essential enzyme relying on these electron flow cascades for recycling. RNR is tightly regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner at different levels, but little is known about the participation of electron donors in such regulation. Here, we show that cytosolic thioredoxins Trx1 and Trx3 are the primary electron donors for RNR in fission yeast. Unexpectedly, trx1 transcript and Trx1 protein levels are up-regulated in a G1-to-S phase-dependent manner, indicating that the supply of electron donors is also cell cycle-regulated. Indeed, genetic depletion of thioredoxins triggers a DNA replication checkpoint ruled by Rad3 and Cds1, with the final goal of up-regulating transcription of S phase genes and constitutive RNR synthesis. Regarding the thioredoxin and glutaredoxin cascades, one combination of gene deletions is synthetic lethal in fission yeast: cells lacking both thioredoxin reductase and cytosolic dithiol glutaredoxin. We have isolated a suppressor of this lethal phenotype: a mutation at the Tpx1-coding gene, leading to a frame shift and a loss-of-function of Tpx1, the main client of electron donors. We propose that in a mutant strain compromised in reducing equivalents, the absence of an abundant and competitive substrate such as the peroxiredoxin Tpx1 has been selected as a lethality suppressor to favor RNR function at the expense of the non-essential peroxide scavenging function, to allow DNA synthesis and cell growth.

Skeletal muscle plasticity induced by seasonal acclimatization in carp involves differential expression of rRNA and molecules that epigenetically regulate its synthesis.

PubMed

Fuentes, Eduardo N; Zuloaga, Rodrigo; Nardocci, Gino; Fernandez de la Reguera, Catalina; Simonet, Nicolas; Fumeron, Robinson; Valdes, Juan Antonio; Molina, Alfredo; Alvarez, Marco

2014-01-01

Ribosomal biogenesis controls cellular growth in living organisms, with the rate-limiting step of this process being the transcription of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Considering that epigenetic mechanisms allow an organism to respond to environmental changes, the expression in muscle of several molecules that regulate epigenetic rRNA synthesis, as well as rDNA transcription, were evaluated during the seasonal acclimatization of the carp. First, the nucleotide sequences encoding the components forming the NoRC (ttf-I, tip5) and eNoSC (sirt1, nml, suv39h1), two chromatin remodeling complexes that silence rRNA synthesis, as well as the sequence of ubf1, a key regulator of rDNA transcription, were obtained. Subsequently the transcriptional regulation of the aforementioned molecules, and other key molecules involved in rRNA synthesis (mh2a1, mh2a2, h2a.z, h2a.z.7, nuc, p80), was assessed. The carp sequences for TTF-I, TIP5, SIRT1, NML, SUV39H1, and UBF1 showed a high conservation of domains and key amino acids in comparison with other fish and higher vertebrates. The mRNA contents in muscle for ttf-I, tip5, sirt1, nml, suv39h1, mh2a1, mh2a.z, and nuc were up-regulated during winter in comparison with summer, whereas the mRNA levels of mh2a2, ubf1, and p80 were down-regulated. Also, the contents of molecules involved in processing the rRNA (snoRNAs) and pRNA, a stabilizer of NoRC complex, were analyzed, finding that these non-coding RNAs were not affected by seasonal acclimatization. These results suggest that variations in the expression of rRNA and the molecules that epigenetically regulate its synthesis are contributing to the muscle plasticity induced by seasonal acclimatization in carp. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Liver transplantation for the treatment of hyperammonemia due to urea cycle disorder: report of four cases].

PubMed

Zhu, Zhijun; Sun, Liying; Wei, Lin; Qu, Wei; Zeng, Zhigui; Liu, Ying; Zhang, Liang; He, Enhui; Wang, Dong

2015-02-01

To analyze clinical efficacy and prognosis of liver transplantation in children with hyperammonemia caused by urea cycle disorders. A retrospective analysis was performed on the occurrence of disease, operation and the follow-up post liver transplantation in 4 patients with urea cycle disorders who underwent liver transplantation during June 2001 to May 2014. Four girls were diagnosed with ornithine carbamoyl transferase deficiency by genetic test. They had the clinical onset at the age of 1.5 to 3.0 years. Liver transplantation had been performed at their age of 53.9 months, 40.6 months, 40.3 months and 22.8 months, respectively. The grafts of case 1 and case 2 were from left lateral lobe of liver of cadaveric donor, the graft of case 3 was from left lateral lobe of liver of a living donor, the graft of case 4 was a whole liver of a dead child. The liver function of 4 patients gradually returned to normal, blood ammonia levels were normal and restored the normal diet, 4 children were discharged on postoperative 25-30 days. Regular follow-up was done, the liver function, biochemical features and growth status have been followed up for 162.2 months, 124.2 months, 12.0 months and 4.8 months after liver transplantation, respectively. Now, all the four cases are healthy and growth is normal. Liver transplantation is an important way to the patients with severe hyperammonemia caused by urea cycle disorders. In this study, the patients with ornithine carbamoyl transferase defect got satisfactory long-term outcome after liver transplantation.

Structure and Function of AmtR in Mycobacterium smegmatis: Implications for Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Urea Metabolism through a Small Antisense RNA.

PubMed

Petridis, Michael; Vickers, Chelsea; Robson, Jennifer; McKenzie, Joanna L; Bereza, Magdalena; Sharrock, Abigail; Aung, Htin Lin; Arcus, Vickery L; Cook, Gregory M

2016-10-23

Soil-dwelling bacteria of the phylum actinomycetes generally harbor either GlnR or AmtR as a global regulator of nitrogen metabolism. Mycobacterium smegmatis harbors both of these canonical regulators; GlnR regulates the expression of key genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, while the function and signal transduction pathway of AmtR in M. smegmatis remains largely unknown. Here, we report the structure and function of the M. smegmatis AmtR and describe the role of AmtR in the regulation of nitrogen metabolism in response to nitrogen availability. To determine the function of AmtR in M. smegmatis, we performed genome-wide expression profiling comparing the wild-type versus an ∆amtR mutant and identified significant changes in the expression of 11 genes, including an operon involved in urea degradation. An AmtR consensus-binding motif (CTGTC-N 4 -GACAG) was identified in the promoter region of this operon, and ligand-independent, high-affinity AmtR binding was validated by both electrophoretic mobility shift assays and surface plasmon resonance measurements. We confirmed the transcription of a cis-encoded small RNA complementary to the gene encoding AmtR under nitrogen excess, and we propose a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism for AmtR. The three-dimensional X-ray structure of AmtR at 2.0Å revealed an overall TetR-like dimeric structure, and the alignment of the M. smegmatis AmtR and Corynebacterium glutamicum AmtR regulatory domains showed poor structural conservation, providing a potential explanation for the lack of M. smegmatis AmtR interaction with the adenylylated P II protein. Taken together, our data suggest an AmtR (repressor)/GlnR (activator) competitive binding mechanism for transcriptional regulation of urea metabolism that is controlled by a cis-encoded small antisense RNA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Body fluid osmolytes and urea and ammonia flux in the colon of two chondrichthyan fishes, the ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei, and spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias.

PubMed

Anderson, W Gary; Nawata, C Michele; Wood, Chris M; Piercey-Normore, Michele D; Weihrauch, Dirk

2012-01-01

The present study has examined the role of the colon in regulating ammonia and urea nitrogen balance in two species of chondrichthyans, the ratfish, Hydrolagus colliei (a holocephalan) and the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias (an elasmobranch). Stripped colonic tissue from both the dogfish and ratfish was mounted in an Ussing chamber and in both species bi-directional urea flux was found to be negligible. Urea uptake by the mucosa and serosa of the isolated colonic epithelium through accumulation of (14)C-urea was determined to be 2.8 and 6.2 fold greater in the mucosa of the dogfish compared to the serosa of the dogfish and the mucosa of the ratfish respectively. Furthermore, there was no difference between serosal and mucosal accumulation of (14)C-urea in the ratfish. Through the addition of 2mM NH(4)Cl to the mucosal side of each preparation the potential for ammonia flux was also examined. This was again found to be negligible in both species suggesting that the colon is an extremely tight epithelium to the movement of both urea and ammonia. Plasma, chyme and bile fluid samples were also taken from the agastric ratfish and were compared with solute concentrations of equivalent body fluids in the dogfish. Finally molecular analysis revealed expression of 3 isoforms of the urea transport protein (UT) and an ammonia transport protein (Rhbg) in the gill, intestine, kidney and colon of the ratfish. Partial nucleotide sequences of the UT-1, 2 and 3 isoforms in the ratfish had 95, 95 and 92% identity to the equivalent UT isoforms recently identified in another holocephalan, the elephantfish, Callorhinchus milii. Finally, the nucleotide sequence of the Rhbg identified in the ratfish had 73% identity to the Rhbg protein recently identified in the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Resistant starch manipulated hyperglycemia/hyperlipidemia and related genes expression in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Zhou, ZhongKai; Wang, Fang; Ren, XiaoChong; Wang, Yuyang; Blanchard, Chris

2015-04-01

The effect of resistant starch (RS) administration on biological parameters including blood glucose, lipids composition and oxidative stress of type 2 diabetic rats was investigated. The results showed blood glucose level, total cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations significantly reduced, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was doubly increased in the rats of RS administration group compared to model control group (P<0.01). The analyses of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism pathways demonstrated that the expression levels of lipid oxidation gene Acox1, glycogen synthesis genes, GS2 and GYG1, and insulin-induced genes, Insig-1 and Insig-2, were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). In contrast, fatty acids and triglycerides synthesis and metabolism-related gene SREBP-1, fatty acid synthesis gene Fads1 and gluconeogenesis gene G6PC1 were greatly down-regulated. The mechanism study shows that the lowering of blood glucose level in diabetic rats by feeding RS is regulated through promoting glycogen synthesis and inhibiting gluconeogenesis, and the increased lipid metabolism is modulated through promoting lipid oxidation and cholesterol homeostasis. Our study revealed for the first time that the regulation of hepatic genes expression involved in glucose and lipids metabolisms in diabetic rats could be achieved even at a moderate level of RS consumption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional regulation of decreased protein synthesis during skeletal muscle unloading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, G.; Steffen, J. M.; Geoghegan, T. E.

1989-01-01

The regulatory role of transcriptional alterations in unloaded skeletal muscles was investigated by determining levels of total muscle RNA and mRNA fractions in soleus, gastrocnemius, and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of rats subjected to whole-body suspension for up to 7 days. After 7 days, total RNA and mRNA contents were lower in soleus and gastrocnemius, compared with controls, but the concentrations of both RNAs per g muscle were unaltered. Alpha-actin mRNA (assessed by dot hybridization) was significantly reduced in soleus after 1, 3, and 7 days of suspension and in gastrocnemius after 3 and 7 days, but was unchanged in EDL. Protein synthesis directed by RNA extracted from soleus and EDL indicated marked alteration in mRNAs coding for several small proteins. Results suggest that altered transcription and availability of specific mRNAs contribute significantly to the regulation of protein synthesis during skeletal muscle unloading.

Synthesis and reactions of C-phosphanylated thiazol-2-thiones.

PubMed

Begum, I; Schnakenburg, G; Streubel, R

2016-02-21

The facile regioselective synthesis of the P(iii) substituted thiazol-2-thione 2 is presented. Reaction of 2 with hydrogenperoxide-urea, elemental sulfur and selenium resulted in P(v) chalcogenide thiazol-2-thiones 3-5. All compounds were characterized using (31)P, (1)H, (13)C NMR, IR and elemental analyses and, additionally, by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Oxidative desulfurization of the 5-phosphinoylated thiazol-2-thione 3 using hydrogenperoxide led to the first C-phosphanoyl substituted thiazolium salt (6). Deprotonation of 6 and in situ reaction with the cyclooctadiene rhodium(i) chloride dimer yielded thiazol-2-ylidene rhodium(i) complex 7 which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS spectrometry.

Renal effects of fresh water-induced hypo-osmolality in a marine adapted seal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortiz, R. M.; Wade, C. E.; Costa, D. P.; Ortiz, C. L.

2002-01-01

With few exceptions, marine mammals are not exposed to fresh water; however quantifying the endocrine and renal responses of a marine-adapted mammal to the infusion of fresh water could provide insight on the evolutionary adaptation of kidney function and on the renal capabilities of these mammals. Therefore, renal function and hormonal changes associated with fresh water-induced diuresis were examined in four, fasting northern elephant seal ( Mirounga angustirostris) (NES) pups. A series of plasma samples and 24-h urine voids were collected prior to (control) and after the infusion of water. Water infusion resulted in an osmotic diuresis associated with an increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but not an increase in free water clearance. The increase in excreted urea accounted for 96% of the increase in osmotic excretion. Following infusion of fresh water, plasma osmolality and renin activity decreased, while plasma aldosterone increased. Although primary regulators of aldosterone release (Na(+), K(+) and angiotensin II) were not significantly altered in the appropriate directions to individually stimulate aldosterone secretion, increased aldosterone may have resulted from multiple, non-significant changes acting in concert. Aldosterone release may also be hypersensitive to slight reductions in plasma Na(+), which may be an adaptive mechanism in a species not known to drink seawater. Excreted aldosterone and urea were correlated suggesting aldosterone may regulate urea excretion during hypo-osmotic conditions in NES pups. Urea excretion appears to be a significant mechanism by which NES pups sustain electrolyte resorption during conditions that can negatively affect ionic homeostasis such as prolonged fasting.

Novel dimer based descriptors with solvational computation for QSAR study of oxadiazoylbenzoyl-ureas as novel insect-growth regulators.

PubMed

Fan, Feng; Cheng, Jiagao; Li, Zhong; Xu, Xiaoyong; Qian, Xuhong

2010-02-01

Molecular aggregation state of bioactive compounds plays a key role in its bio-interactive procedure. In this article, based on the structure information of dimers, the simplest model of molecular aggregation state, and combined with solvational computation, total four descriptors (DeltaV, MR2, DeltaE(1), and DeltaE(2)) were calculated for QSAR study of a novel insect-growth regulator, N-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N'-benzoyl urea. Two QSAR models were constructed with r(2) = 0.671, q(2) = 0.516 and r(2) = 0.816, q(2) = 0.695, respectively. It implicates that the bioactivity may strongly depend on the characters of molecular aggregation state, especially on the dimeric transport ability from oil phase to water phase. Copyright 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis and conformational analysis of new arylated-diphenylurea derivatives related to sorafenib drug via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Masoudi, Najim A.; Essa, Ali Hashem; Alwaaly, Ahmed A. S.; Saeed, Bahjat A.; Langer, Peter

2017-10-01

Sorafenib, is a relatively new cytostatic drug approved for the treatment of renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma. The development of new sorafenib analogues offers the possibility of generating structures of increased potency. To this end, a series of arylated-diphenylurea analogues 17-31 were synthesized via Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction, related to sorafenib by treatment of three diarylureas 2-4 having 3-bromo, 4-chloro and 2-iodo groups with various arylboronic acids. Conformational analysis of the new arylated urea analogues has been investigated using MOPAC 2016 of semi empirical PM7 Hamiltonian computational method. Our results showed that all compounds preferred the trans-trans conformations. Compound 17 has been selected to calculate the torsional energy profiles for rotation around the urea bonds and found to be existed predominantly in the trans-trans conformation with only very minimal fluctuation in conformation.

Suppression of Ammonia Volatilization from Urea-Based Fertilizers Using Urease Inhibitors: A Reasonably Available Control Technology for Agriculture?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robarge, W. P.

2015-12-01

Ammonia loss from fertilizers can impact formation of atmospheric aerosols, as well as contribute to nitrogen (N) deposition in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Urea is the predominant form of N fertilizer used worldwide due to its high N content (46.6% N) and low cost. Once in contact with soil or vegetation, urea is hydrolyzed to ammonium via naturally occurring urease enzymes. Losses of N from surface applied urea as ammonia can exceed 30%. To address this issue, various physical and chemical mechanisms have been incorporated into granular urea. The most common approach is incorporation of urease inhibitors such as N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). We have been investigating ammonia volatilization from urea granules (+/- urease inhibitors) in various field and laboratory controlled experiments for the past several years. Laboratory experiments are conducted with a customized growth chamber system designed to continuously measure ammonia volatilization. Field measurements are conducted using a passive sampler technology with an acid-coated trap in PVC cylinders, or annular denuder technology using flow-through PVC chambers. Daily exchanges of acid-coated denuder tubes enhance the sensitivity of ammonia volatilization measurements for the urease-inhibitor treated product. Loss of N from commercial urea granules has ranged from 6 - ~ 35%, depending on ambient temperature. This loss typically occurs within the first 5-10 days under field conditions. Some urease-inhibitors can minimize loss of N via volatilization (< 5%) for up to 20+ days in the absence of a rainfall event. Visual observations have confirmed that on bare soil, treated or untreated urea granules quickly "dissolve" and move into the soil. The accompanying urease-inhibitor formulation moves with the urea continuing to provide protection against reaction with naturally occurring urease enzymes. Use of urease-inhibitors does not guarantee increased crop yields or NUE, but the consistency of inhibitors incorporating NBPT suggest that these formulations represent a reasonable available control technology for use in agriculture to reduce ammonia emissions.

Inactivation of Phaeodactylum tricornutum urease gene using transcription activator-like effector nuclease-based targeted mutagenesis

DOE PAGES

Weyman, Philip D.; Beeri, Karen; Lefebvre, Stephane C.; ...

2014-10-10

Diatoms are unicellular photosynthetic algae with promise for green production of fuels and other chemicals. Recent genome-editing techniques have greatly improved the potential of many eukaryotic genetic systems, including diatoms, to enable knowledge-based studies and bioengineering. Using a new technique, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), the gene encoding the urease enzyme in the model diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, was targeted for interruption. The knockout cassette was identified within the urease gene by PCR and Southern blot analyses of genomic DNA. The lack of urease protein was confirmed by Western blot analyses in mutant cell lines that were unable to grow onmore » urea as the sole nitrogen source. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed a build-up of urea, arginine and ornithine in the urease knockout lines. All three intermediate metabolites are upstream of the urease reaction within the urea cycle, suggesting a disruption of the cycle despite urea production. Numerous high carbon metabolites were enriched in the mutant, implying a breakdown of cellular C and N repartitioning. The presented method improves the molecular toolkit for diatoms and clarifies the role of urease in the urea cycle.« less

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the biocontrol strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 as response to biofilm formation analyzed by RNA sequencing.

PubMed

Kröber, Magdalena; Verwaaijen, Bart; Wibberg, Daniel; Winkler, Anika; Pühler, Alfred; Schlüter, Andreas

2016-08-10

The strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 is a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) and biocontrol agent known to keep infections of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by the phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani down. Several mechanisms, including the production of secondary metabolites possessing antimicrobial properties and induction of the host plant's systemic resistance (ISR), were proposed to explain the biocontrol effect of the strain. B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 is able to form plaques (biofilm-like structures) on plant roots and this feature was discussed to be associated with its biocontrol properties. For this reason, formation of B. amyloliquefaciens biofilms was studied at the transcriptional level using high-throughput sequencing of whole transcriptome cDNA libraries from cells grown under biofilm-forming conditions vs. planktonic growth. Comparison of the transcriptional profiles of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 under these growth conditions revealed a common set of highly transcribed genes mostly associated with basic cellular functions. The lci gene, encoding an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), was among the most highly transcribed genes of cells under both growth conditions suggesting that AMP production may contribute to biocontrol. In contrast, gene clusters coding for synthesis of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties were only moderately transcribed and not induced in biofilm-forming cells. Differential gene expression revealed that 331 genes were significantly up-regulated and 230 genes were down-regulated in the transcriptome of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 under biofilm-forming conditions in comparison to planktonic cells. Among the most highly up-regulated genes, the yvqHI operon, coding for products involved in nisin (class I bacteriocin) resistance, was identified. In addition, an operon whose products play a role in fructosamine metabolism was enhanced in its transcription. Moreover, genes involved in the production of the extracellular biofilm matrix including exopolysaccharide genes (eps) and the yqxM-tasA-sipW operon encoding amyloid fiber synthesis were up-regulated in the B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 biofilm. On the other hand, highly down-regulated genes in biofilms are associated with synthesis, assembly and regulation of the flagellar apparatus, the degradation of aromatic compounds and the export of copper. The obtained transcriptional profile for B. amyloliquefaciens biofilm cells uncovered genes involved in its development and enabled the assessment that synthesis of secondary metabolites among other factors may contribute to the biocontrol properties of the strain. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Self-healing and thermoreversible rubber from supramolecular assembly.

PubMed

Cordier, Philippe; Tournilhac, François; Soulié-Ziakovic, Corinne; Leibler, Ludwik

2008-02-21

Rubbers exhibit enormous extensibility up to several hundred per cent, compared with a few per cent for ordinary solids, and have the ability to recover their original shape and dimensions on release of stress. Rubber elasticity is a property of macromolecules that are either covalently cross-linked or connected in a network by physical associations such as small glassy or crystalline domains, ionic aggregates or multiple hydrogen bonds. Covalent cross-links or strong physical associations prevent flow and creep. Here we design and synthesize molecules that associate together to form both chains and cross-links via hydrogen bonds. The system shows recoverable extensibility up to several hundred per cent and little creep under load. In striking contrast to conventional cross-linked or thermoreversible rubbers made of macromolecules, these systems, when broken or cut, can be simply repaired by bringing together fractured surfaces to self-heal at room temperature. Repaired samples recuperate their enormous extensibility. The process of breaking and healing can be repeated many times. These materials can be easily processed, re-used and recycled. Their unique self-repairing properties, the simplicity of their synthesis, their availability from renewable resources and the low cost of raw ingredients (fatty acids and urea) bode well for future applications.

Regulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and downstream myogenic proteins during dehydration in the African clawed frog.

PubMed

Zhang, Yichi; English, Simon G; Storey, Kenneth B

2018-06-19

Xenopus laevis, otherwise known as the African clawed frog, undergoes natural dehydration of up to 30% of its total body water during the dry season in sub-Saharan Africa. To survive under these conditions, a variety of physiological and biochemical changes take place in X. laevis. We were interested in understanding the role that the calcineurin-NFAT pathway plays during dehydration stress response in the skeletal muscles of X. laevis. Immunoblotting was performed to characterize the protein levels of NFATc1-4, calcium signalling proteins, in addition to myogenic proteins (MyoD, MyoG, myomaker). In addition, DNA-protein interaction ELISAs were used to assess the binding of NFATs to their consensus binding sequence, and to identify the effect of urea on NFAT-binding. Our results showed that NFATc1 and c4 protein levels decreased during dehydration, and there were no changes in NFATc2, c3, and calcium signalling proteins. However, MyoG and myomaker both showed increases in protein levels during dehydration, thus indicating that the late myogenic program involving myoblast differentiation, but not satellite cell activation and myoblast proliferation, could be involved in preserving the skeletal muscle of X. laevis during dehydration. In addition, we observed that urea seems to reduce NFATc3-binding to DNA during control, but not during dehydration, possibly indicating that NFATc3 is protected from the denaturing effects of urea as it accumulates during dehydration. These findings expand upon our knowledge of adaptive responses to dehydration, and they identify specific protein targets that could be used to protect the skeletal muscle from damage during stress.

A simple apparatus for measuring the blood urea, manufactured by Dr. Luigj Benusi in 1943 in Albania.

PubMed

Tartari, Flamur; Buzo, Stiliano; Vyshka, Gentian

2009-01-01

The apparatus invented by Dr. Luigj Benusi in 1943, in Tirana, was a practical application of the Kowarsky technique and Ambard laws, helping in determining blood urea levels and very important to a variety of diseases, mainly kidney disorders. The apparatus was invented and prepared from very simple laboratory materials, such as glasses, test tubes, corks and volumetric cylinders. Technologically, it was based upon the determination of blood urea through hypobromite, and, among the advantages of the apparatus of Benusi, were its extreme simplicity, the smaller amount of blood needed for producing results (2 milliliters), as well as an easiest way to clean up and to manage the apparatus from a practical point of everyday use.

Co-encapsulation of enzyme and sensitive dye as a tool for fabrication of microcapsule based sensor for urea measuring.

PubMed

Kazakova, Lyubov I; Shabarchina, Lyudmila I; Sukhorukov, Gleb B

2011-06-21

Enzyme based micron sized sensing system with optical readout was fabricated by co-encapsulation of urease and dextran couple with pH sensitive dye SNARF-1 into polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules. Co-precipitation of calcium carbonate, urease and dextran followed up by multilayer film coating and Ca-extracting by EDTA resulted in the formation of 3.5-4 micron capsules, what enable the calibrated fluorescence response to urea in concentration range from 10(-6) to 10(-1) M. The presence of urea can be monitored on a single capsule level as illustrated by confocal fluorescent microscopy. Variations in urease:dye ratio in capsules, applicability and limits of use of that type multi-component microencapsulated sensors are discussed.

Potentiometric Urea Biosensor Based on an Immobilised Fullerene-Urease Bio-Conjugate

PubMed Central

Saeedfar, Kasra; Heng, Lee Yook; Ling, Tan Ling; Rezayi, Majid

2013-01-01

A novel method for the rapid modification of fullerene for subsequent enzyme attachment to create a potentiometric biosensor is presented. Urease was immobilized onto the modified fullerene nanomaterial. The modified fullerene-immobilized urease (C60-urease) bioconjugate has been confirmed to catalyze the hydrolysis of urea in solution. The biomaterial was then deposited on a screen-printed electrode containing a non-plasticized poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) membrane entrapped with a hydrogen ionophore. This pH-selective membrane is intended to function as a potentiometric urea biosensor with the deposition of C60-urease on the PnBA membrane. Various parameters for fullerene modification and urease immobilization were investigated. The optimal pH and concentration of the phosphate buffer for the urea biosensor were 7.0 and 0.5 mM, respectively. The linear response range of the biosensor was from 2.31 × 10−3 M to 8.28 × 10−5 M. The biosensor's sensitivity was 59.67 ± 0.91 mV/decade, which is close to the theoretical value. Common cations such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH4+ showed no obvious interference with the urea biosensor's response. The use of a fullerene-urease bio-conjugate and an acrylic membrane with good adhesion prevented the leaching of urease enzyme and thus increased the stability of the urea biosensor for up to 140 days. PMID:24322561

Potentiometric urea biosensor based on an immobilised fullerene-urease bio-conjugate.

PubMed

Saeedfar, Kasra; Heng, Lee Yook; Ling, Tan Ling; Rezayi, Majid

2013-12-06

A novel method for the rapid modification of fullerene for subsequent enzyme attachment to create a potentiometric biosensor is presented. Urease was immobilized onto the modified fullerene nanomaterial. The modified fullerene-immobilized urease (C60-urease) bioconjugate has been confirmed to catalyze the hydrolysis of urea in solution. The biomaterial was then deposited on a screen-printed electrode containing a non-plasticized poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) membrane entrapped with a hydrogen ionophore. This pH-selective membrane is intended to function as a potentiometric urea biosensor with the deposition of C60-urease on the PnBA membrane. Various parameters for fullerene modification and urease immobilization were investigated. The optimal pH and concentration of the phosphate buffer for the urea biosensor were 7.0 and 0.5 mM, respectively. The linear response range of the biosensor was from 2.31 × 10-3 M to 8.28 × 10-5 M. The biosensor's sensitivity was 59.67 ± 0.91 mV/decade, which is close to the theoretical value. Common cations such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH4+ showed no obvious interference with the urea biosensor's response. The use of a fullerene-urease bio-conjugate and an acrylic membrane with good adhesion prevented the leaching of urease enzyme and thus increased the stability of the urea biosensor for up to 140 days.

Alkaline stress and iron deficiency regulate iron uptake and riboflavin synthesis gene expression differently in root and leaf tissue: implications for iron deficiency chlorosis.

PubMed

Hsieh, En-Jung; Waters, Brian M

2016-10-01

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral that has low solubility in alkaline soils, where its deficiency results in chlorosis. Whether low Fe supply and alkaline pH stress are equivalent is unclear, as they have not been treated as separate variables in molecular physiological studies. Additionally, molecular responses to these stresses have not been studied in leaf and root tissues simultaneously. We tested how plants with the Strategy I Fe uptake system respond to Fe deficiency at mildly acidic and alkaline pH by measuring root ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity and expression of selected Fe uptake genes and riboflavin synthesis genes. Alkaline pH increased cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) root FCR activity at full Fe supply, but alkaline stress abolished FCR response to low Fe supply. Alkaline pH or low Fe supply resulted in increased expression of Fe uptake genes, but riboflavin synthesis genes responded to Fe deficiency but not alkalinity. Iron deficiency increased expression of some common genes in roots and leaves, but alkaline stress blocked up-regulation of these genes in Fe-deficient leaves. In roots of the melon (Cucumis melo L.) fefe mutant, in which Fe uptake responses are blocked upstream of Fe uptake genes, alkaline stress or Fe deficiency up-regulation of certain Fe uptake and riboflavin synthesis genes was inhibited, indicating a central role for the FeFe protein. These results suggest a model implicating shoot-to-root signaling of Fe status to induce Fe uptake gene expression in roots. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Process for the synthesis of iron powder

DOEpatents

Welbon, W.W.

1983-11-08

A process for preparing iron powder suitable for use in preparing the iron-potassium perchlorate heat-powder fuel mixture used in thermal batteries, comprises preparing a homogeneous, dense iron oxide hydroxide precipitate by homogeneous precipitation from an aqueous mixture of a ferric salt, formic or sulfuric acid, ammonium hydroxide and urea as precipitating agent; and then reducing the dense iron oxide hydroxide by treatment with hydrogen to prepare the iron powder. 2 figs.

Urea removal coupled with enhanced electricity generation in single-chambered microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Wang, Luguang; Xie, Beizhen; Gao, Ningshengjie; Min, Booki; Liu, Hong

2017-09-01

High concentration of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) in the form of urea is known to inhibit the performance of many biological wastewater treatment processes. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have great potential for TAN removal due to its unique oxic/anoxic environment. In this study, we demonstrated that increased urea (TAN) concentration up to 3940 mg/L did not inhibit power output of single-chambered MFCs, but enhanced power generation by 67% and improved coulombic efficiency by 78% compared to those obtained at 80 mg/L of TAN. Over 80% of nitrogen removal was achieved at TAN concentration of 2630 mg/L. The increased nitrogen removal coupled with significantly enhanced coulombic efficiency, which was observed for the first time, indicates the possibility of a new electricity generation mechanism in MFCs: direct oxidation of ammonia for power generation. This study also demonstrates the great potential of using one MFC reactor to achieve simultaneous electricity generation and urea removal from wastewater.

[A patient with high creatinine levels but no renal failure: reversed autodialysis in a patient with a ruptured bladder].

PubMed

Raeymaeckers, Steven; Tosi, Maurizio; Van Bael, Kobe; Brussaard, Carola; De Mey, Johan

2016-01-01

In case of a ruptured bladder with urine leakage into the peritoneal cavity 'reversed autodialysis' can occur, in which urea and creatinine diffuse back into the bloodstream via the peritoneum. This causes clinical signs of pseudorenal failure, with raised concentrations of creatinine and urea. The urea/creatinine ratio does not change. A 34-year-old female patient experienced increasing abdominal pain 3 days after laparoscopic myomectomy. Acute renal failure was suspected because of increased serum concentrations of creatinine and urea, but no cause could be found. There was a build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which proved to be urine originating from an iatrogenic rupture of the bladder. Serum levels normalised following repair of the rupture. If serum creatinine levels rise rapidly following abdominal surgery or blunt abdominal trauma the bladder should be examined for possible perforation, particularly if the abdominal dimension increases. A ruptured bladder leading to pseudorenal failure is an indication for rapid surgical intervention.

Influence of Urea, Hydroxyurea, and Thiourea on Meloidogyne javanica and Infected Excised Tomato Roots in Culture

PubMed Central

Glazer, I.; Orion, D.

1984-01-01

Urea (U), hydroxyurea (HU), and thiourea (TU), in various concentrations, were added to chemically defined plant tissue culture medium on which Meloidogyne javanica was reared on excised tomato roots. Concentrations as low as 3 ppm HU or 12 ppm TU inhibited nematode maturation by 70-90% 4 weeks after inoculation, and the coenocytes in the parasitized tissue were poorly developed. Gall weight was also inhibited by 50% in cultures treated with 3 and 6 ppm HU. However, exposing juveniles of M. javanica and Tylenchulus semipenetrans or juveniles and adults of Pratylenchus thornei to increasing concentrations of HU or TU, up to 100 ppm, was not lethal. These two urea derivatives still inhibited nematode maturation when the infected region of the root was not in direct contact with the chemicals. Therefore, we suggest that these urea derivatives inhibit nematode development by affecting the plant metabolism essential to coenocyte formation, an occurrence similar to the hypersensitive reaction in a naturally resistant plant. PMID:19295888

Maximum urine concentrating capability in a mathematical model of the inner medulla of the rat kidney.

PubMed

Marcano, Mariano; Layton, Anita T; Layton, Harold E

2010-02-01

In a mathematical model of the urine concentrating mechanism of the inner medulla of the rat kidney, a nonlinear optimization technique was used to estimate parameter sets that maximize the urine-to-plasma osmolality ratio (U/P) while maintaining the urine flow rate within a plausible physiologic range. The model, which used a central core formulation, represented loops of Henle turning at all levels of the inner medulla and a composite collecting duct (CD). The parameters varied were: water flow and urea concentration in tubular fluid entering the descending thin limbs and the composite CD at the outer-inner medullary boundary; scaling factors for the number of loops of Henle and CDs as a function of medullary depth; location and increase rate of the urea permeability profile along the CD; and a scaling factor for the maximum rate of NaCl transport from the CD. The optimization algorithm sought to maximize a quantity E that equaled U/P minus a penalty function for insufficient urine flow. Maxima of E were sought by changing parameter values in the direction in parameter space in which E increased. The algorithm attained a maximum E that increased urine osmolality and inner medullary concentrating capability by 37.5% and 80.2%, respectively, above base-case values; the corresponding urine flow rate and the concentrations of NaCl and urea were all within or near reported experimental ranges. Our results predict that urine osmolality is particularly sensitive to three parameters: the urea concentration in tubular fluid entering the CD at the outer-inner medullary boundary, the location and increase rate of the urea permeability profile along the CD, and the rate of decrease of the CD population (and thus of CD surface area) along the cortico-medullary axis.

Substance P up-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 and down-regulates collagen in human lung fibroblast.

PubMed

Ramos, Carlos; Montaño, Martha; Cisneros, Jose; Sommer, Bettina; Delgado, Javier; Gonzalez-Avila, Georgina

2007-01-01

Substance P is involved in inflammatory processes, but its effect on extracellular matrix metabolism has not been studied; therefore, the authors evaluated its effect on collagen synthesis and degradation, expression of pro-alpha1(I) collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 in normal human lung fibroblast strains. Substance P induced a decrease in collagen biosynthesis, concomitant to a down-regulation of pro-alpha1(I) collagen mRNA. In contrast, an increase in collagen degradation was observed, accompanied with an up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1. Substance P did not influence tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 or matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression. The results suggest that substance P participates in extracellular matrix metabolism.

Urea-temperature phase diagrams capture the thermodynamics of denatured state expansion that accompany protein unfolding

PubMed Central

Tischer, Alexander; Auton, Matthew

2013-01-01

We have analyzed the thermodynamic properties of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) A3 domain using urea-induced unfolding at variable temperature and thermal unfolding at variable urea concentrations to generate a phase diagram that quantitatively describes the equilibrium between native and denatured states. From this analysis, we were able to determine consistent thermodynamic parameters with various spectroscopic and calorimetric methods that define the urea–temperature parameter plane from cold denaturation to heat denaturation. Urea and thermal denaturation are experimentally reversible and independent of the thermal scan rate indicating that all transitions are at equilibrium and the van't Hoff and calorimetric enthalpies obtained from analysis of individual thermal transitions are equivalent demonstrating two-state character. Global analysis of the urea–temperature phase diagram results in a significantly higher enthalpy of unfolding than obtained from analysis of individual thermal transitions and significant cross correlations describing the urea dependence of and that define a complex temperature dependence of the m-value. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy illustrates a large increase in secondary structure content of the urea-denatured state as temperature increases and a loss of secondary structure in the thermally denatured state upon addition of urea. These structural changes in the denatured ensemble make up ∼40% of the total ellipticity change indicating a highly compact thermally denatured state. The difference between the thermodynamic parameters obtained from phase diagram analysis and those obtained from analysis of individual thermal transitions illustrates that phase diagrams capture both contributions to unfolding and denatured state expansion and by comparison are able to decipher these contributions. PMID:23813497

The effect of virtual cross linking on the oxidative stability and lipid uptake of aliphatic poly(urethane urea).

PubMed

Thomas, Vinoy; Jayabalan, Muthu

2002-01-01

In vitro oxidative degradation and lipid sorption of aliphatic, low elastic modulus and virtually cross-linked poly(urethane urea)s based on 4,4' methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), hydroxy terminated poly butadiene and hexamethylene diamine were evaluated. The aged samples revealed no weight loss in the oxidation medium. The IR spectral analyses revealed the stability of unsaturated double bonds at 964 cm(-1) (characteristic for polybutadiene soft segment) with no change in peak intensity. The poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG)-added poly(ether urethane urea) polymer also revealed no disappearance of IR peaks for ether and unsaturated double bonds in samples aged in vitro oxidation medium. All the polymers have shown increase in weight due to lipid up take in lipid-rich medium (palm oil) but it was rather low in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) cholesterol. The slight change in mechanical properties of the present polymers in oxidation and DMEM is due to the rearrangement of molecular structure with virtual cross links of hydrogen bonding (physical cross linking) without degradation and plasticization effect of lipid. The influence of these media on the rearrangement of virtual cross links has been observed. Higher the virtual cross-link density, lesser is the loss of tensile properties of poly(urethane urea)s in the oxidation medium and vice versa. On the other hand, higher the virtual cross-link density of poly(urethane urea), higher is the loss of ultimate tensile strength and stress at 100% strain and vice versa in DMEM medium.

Synthesis, crystal growth and characterization of a phase matchable nonlinear optical single crystal: p-chloro dibenzylideneacetone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravindra, H. J.; John Kiran, A.; Nooji, Satheesha Rai; Dharmaprakash, S. M.; Chandrasekharan, K.; Kalluraya, Balakrishna; Rotermund, Fabian

2008-05-01

Good quality single crystals of p-chloro dibenzylideneacetone (CDBA) of size 13 mm×8 mm×2 mm were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique. The grown crystals were confirmed by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. From the thermo gravimetric/differential thermal (TG/DT) analysis, the CDBA was found to be thermally stable up to 250 °C. The mechanical stability of the crystal is comparable with that of the other reported chalcones. The lower optical cut-off wavelength for this crystal was observed at 440 nm. The laser damage threshold of the crystal was 0.6 GW/cm 2 at 532 nm. The second harmonic generation conversion efficiency of the powder sample of CDBA was found to be 4.5 times greater than that of urea. We also demonstrate the existence of the phase matching property in this crystal using Kurtz powder technique.

40 CFR 180.569 - Forchlorfenuron; tolerances for residues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... residues of the plant growth regulator forchlorfenuron; N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′phenyl urea in or on the....06 Kiwifruit 0.04 (2) Time-limited tolerances are established for residues of the plant growth...

40 CFR 180.569 - Forchlorfenuron; tolerances for residues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... residues of the plant growth regulator forchlorfenuron; N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′phenyl urea in or on the....06 Kiwifruit 0.04 (2) Time-limited tolerances are established for residues of the plant growth...

40 CFR 180.569 - Forchlorfenuron; tolerances for residues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... residues of the plant growth regulator forchlorfenuron; N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′phenyl urea in or on the....06 Kiwifruit 0.04 (2) Time-limited tolerances are established for residues of the plant growth...

40 CFR 180.569 - Forchlorfenuron; tolerances for residues.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... residues of the plant growth regulator forchlorfenuron; N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N′phenyl urea in or on the....06 Kiwifruit 0.04 (2) Time-limited tolerances are established for residues of the plant growth...

Plasma and urine levels of electrolytes, urea and steroid hormones involved in osmoregulation of cetaceans.

PubMed

Birukawa, Naoko; Ando, Hironori; Goto, Mutsuo; Kanda, Naohisa; Pastene, Luis A; Nakatsuji, Hiroki; Hata, Hiroshi; Urano, Akihisa

2005-11-01

Cetaceans are well adapted to their hyperosmotic environment by properly developed osmoregulatory ability. A question here is how they regulate water and mineral balances in marine habitats. In the present study, we determined blood and urine levels of various chemicals involved in osmoregulation, compared them with those in artiodactyls, and characterized the values in the whales. Blood and urine samples obtained from baleen whales of common minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei (B. borealis), and Bryde's whales (B. brydei), and toothed whales of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were analyzed for osmolality, major electrolytes, urea, steroid hormones and glucose. The urine osmolality and Na(+) concentrations in the cetaceans were much higher than those in the cattle. Furthermore, the cetaceans had 5 to 11-fold urea in plasma than the cattle, and 2 to 4-fold urea in urine. There were no significant difference in the plasma concentrations of corticosteroids between the cetaceans and the cattle. The present results indicate that the osmoregulatory parameters seem to be not affected by the reproductive stage and sex steroid hormones. The concentrations of urea in plasma and urine of the baleen whales were higher than those of the sperm whales, indicating a possibility that their osmoregulatory mechanisms may be correlated to their feeding habits. The present results suggest that cetaceans have unique osmoregulatory mechanisms by which they excrete strongly hypertonic urine to maintain fluid homeostasis in marine habitats.

Effects of agmatine on secretion of interferon tau and catecholamines and expression of genes related to production of polyamines by ovine trophectoderm cells.

PubMed

Lenis, Yasser Y; Wang, Xiaoqiu; Tang, Wanjin; Wu, Guoyao; Bazer, Fuller W

2016-10-01

Embryonic survival requires histotrophic nutrition, including molecules secreted or transported into the uterine lumen by uterine epithelia. L-Arginine (Arg) is a common substrate for synthesis of nitric oxide, ornithine, proline, glutamate, creatinine, urea, polyamines and agmatine. Agmatine (Agm) is a product of arginine decarboxylation and it is a substrate for agmatinase for synthesis of putrescine and other polyamines in the ovine conceptus. Polyamines are essential for conceptus development. Therefore, this study compared effects of Arg and Agm on the behavior of ovine trophectoderm (oTr1) cells cultured in vitro. Arg, but not Agm, increased proliferation and migration of oTr1 cells, but neither Arg nor Agm affected cell adhesion. The total amount of IFNT in culture medium of oTr1 cells was increased by Arg, but Agm increased the IFNT production per oTr1 cell. Arg and Agm plus Arg decreased secretion of dopamine and norepinephrine by oTr1 cells. Agm upregulates expression of mRNAs SLC7A1, agmatinase and OAZ2 while the combination of Arg and Agm decreased expression of mRNAs for ODC1, SLC7A1, OAZ1 and OAZ3 by oTr1 cells. Although Agm does not stimulate proliferation, migration or adhesion of oTr1 cells or their secretion of catecholamines, Agm did increase transcription of SLC7A1, agmatinase and OAZ2 genes which would increase the capacity of oTr1 cells to produce polyamines. Collectively, our findings suggest a role for Arg and Agm in the regulation of transport of basic amino acids (including Arg), polyamine synthesis, and secretion of catecholamines by oTr1 cells.

Use of sugarcane molasses by Pycnoporus sanguineus for the production of laccase for dye decolorization.

PubMed

Marim, R A; Oliveira, A C C; Marquezoni, R S; Servantes, J P R; Cardoso, B K; Linde, G A; Colauto, N B; Valle, J S

2016-10-17

Pycnoporus sanguineus is a white-rot basidiomycete that produces laccase as the only oxidoreductase; enzyme synthesis depends on cultivation variables, and fungal species and strain. Laccases have wide substrate specificity, oxidize a broad range of compounds, and show potential for use in dye decolorization. We evaluated laccase production in a recently isolated strain of P. sanguineus cultivated with sugarcane molasses as the only carbon source, and urea or yeast extract as the nitrogen source [at various nitrogen concentrations (0.4, 1.4, 2.4, 3.4, and 4.4 g/L)], supplemented with copper (0, 150, 200, 250, and 300 µM), with or without agitation. The enzymatic extract produced at laccase peak activity was tested for dye decolorization capability on Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Reactive Black 5, Reactive Red 195, and Reactive Yellow 145. The nitrogen source did not affect enzyme production and the higher nitrogen concentration (3.4 g/L nitrogen as urea) increased enzymatic activity. The addition of up to 300 µM of Cu did not affect laccase production, whereas cultivation with agitation increased the activity peak by 17%. The highest laccase activity was ~50,000 U/L on the ninth day of cultivation. After 24 h, decolorization was 80% for Remazol Brilliant Blue R, 9% for Reactive Yellow 145, 6% for Reactive Red 195, and 2% for Reactive Black 5. The enzymatic extract of P. sanguineus provides a potential alternative to wastewater treatment. A better understanding of the behavior of this fungus under various culture conditions would allow improvement of the enzyme production bioprocess.

Comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus niger and metabolic engineering for citrate production

PubMed Central

Yin, Xian; Shin, Hyun-dong; Li, Jianghua; Du, Guocheng; Liu, Long; Chen, Jian

2017-01-01

Despite a long and successful history of citrate production in Aspergillus niger, the molecular mechanism of citrate accumulation is only partially understood. In this study, we used comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis of citrate-producing strains—namely, A. niger H915-1 (citrate titer: 157 g L−1), A1 (117 g L−1), and L2 (76 g L−1)—to gain a genome-wide view of the mechanism of citrate accumulation. Compared with A. niger A1 and L2, A. niger H915-1 contained 92 mutated genes, including a succinate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase in the γ-aminobutyric acid shunt pathway and an aconitase family protein involved in citrate synthesis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of A. niger H915-1 revealed that the transcription levels of 479 genes changed between the cell growth stage (6 h) and the citrate synthesis stage (12 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h). In the glycolysis pathway, triosephosphate isomerase was up-regulated, whereas pyruvate kinase was down-regulated. Two cytosol ATP-citrate lyases, which take part in the cycle of citrate synthesis, were up-regulated, and may coordinate with the alternative oxidases in the alternative respiratory pathway for energy balance. Finally, deletion of the oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase gene in H915-1 eliminated oxalate formation but neither influence on pH decrease nor difference in citrate production were observed. PMID:28106122

Isoelectric point and adsorption activity of porous g-C3N4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Bicheng; Xia, Pengfei; Ho, Wingkei; Yu, Jiaguo

2015-07-01

The isoelectric point (IEP) is an important physicochemical parameter of many compounds, such as oxides, hydroxides, and nitrides, and can contribute to estimation of the surface charges of compound particles at various pH conditions. In this work, three types of graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) were synthesized by directly heating melamine, thiourea, and urea. The prepared samples showed different microstructures and IEPs that influenced their adsorption activity. Differences in microstructure resulted from the various precursors used during synthesis. The IEPs of the obtained g-C3N4 were measured to be approximately 4-5, which is due to the equilibrium of chemical reactions between hydrogen ions, hydroxyl ions, and amine groups on the g-C3N4 surface. The IEP of g-C3N4 prepared from thiourea was lower than those of the corresponding samples prepared from melamine and urea. The adsorption activity of methylene blue on g-C3N4 prepared from urea and thiourea was excellent, which indicates that g-C3N4 is a promising adsorbent. This work provides a useful reference for choosing precursors with which to prepare g-C3N4 and combining g-C3N4 with other compounds in solution.

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Dosing Simulations of Nitrogen-Scavenging Compounds: Disposition of Glycerol Phenylbutyrate and Sodium Phenylbutyrate in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Urea Cycle Disorders

PubMed Central

Monteleone, Jon P. R.; Mokhtarani, M.; Diaz, G. A.; Rhead, W.; Lichter-Konecki, U.; Berry, S. A.; LeMons, C.; Dickinson, K.; Coakley, D.; Lee, B.; Scharschmidt, B. F.

2014-01-01

Sodium phenylbutyrate and glycerol phenylbutyrate mediate waste nitrogen excretion in the form of urinary phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN) in patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs); rare genetic disorders characterized by impaired urea synthesis and hyperammonemia. Sodium phenylbutyrate is approved for UCD treatment; the development of glycerol phenylbutyrate afforded the opportunity to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both compounds. A population PK model was developed using data from four Phase II/III trials that collectively enrolled patients ages 2 months to 72 years. Dose simulations were performed with particular attention to phenylacetic acid (PAA), which has been associated with adverse events in non-UCD populations. The final model described metabolite levels in plasma and urine for both drugs and was characterized by (a) partial presystemic metabolism of phenylbutyric acid (PBA) to PAA and/or PAGN, (b) slower PBA absorption and greater presystemic conversion with glycerol phenylbutyrate, (c) similar systemic disposition with saturable conversion of PAA to PAGN for both drugs, and (d) body surface area (BSA) as a significant covariate accounting for age-related PK differences. Dose simulations demonstrated similar PAA exposure following mole-equivalent PBA dosing of both drugs and greater PAA exposure in younger patients based on BSA. PMID:23775211

Population pharmacokinetic modeling and dosing simulations of nitrogen-scavenging compounds: disposition of glycerol phenylbutyrate and sodium phenylbutyrate in adult and pediatric patients with urea cycle disorders.

PubMed

Monteleone, Jon P R; Mokhtarani, M; Diaz, G A; Rhead, W; Lichter-Konecki, U; Berry, S A; Lemons, C; Dickinson, K; Coakley, D; Lee, B; Scharschmidt, B F

2013-07-01

Sodium phenylbutyrate and glycerol phenylbutyrate mediate waste nitrogen excretion in the form of urinary phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN) in patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs); rare genetic disorders characterized by impaired urea synthesis and hyperammonemia. Sodium phenylbutyrate is approved for UCD treatment; the development of glycerol phenylbutyrate afforded the opportunity to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both compounds. A population PK model was developed using data from four Phase II/III trials that collectively enrolled patients ages 2 months to 72 years. Dose simulations were performed with particular attention to phenylacetic acid (PAA), which has been associated with adverse events in non-UCD populations. The final model described metabolite levels in plasma and urine for both drugs and was characterized by (a) partial presystemic metabolism of phenylbutyric acid (PBA) to PAA and/or PAGN, (b) slower PBA absorption and greater presystemic conversion with glycerol phenylbutyrate, (c) similar systemic disposition with saturable conversion of PAA to PAGN for both drugs, and (d) body surface area (BSA) as a significant covariate accounting for age-related PK differences. Dose simulations demonstrated similar PAA exposure following mole-equivalent PBA dosing of both drugs and greater PAA exposure in younger patients based on BSA. © The Author(s) 2013.

PRMT7 Interacts with ASS1 and Citrullinemia Mutations Disrupt the Interaction.

PubMed

Verma, Mamta; Charles, Ramya Chandar M; Chakrapani, Baskar; Coumar, Mohane Selvaraj; Govindaraju, Gayathri; Rajavelu, Arumugam; Chavali, Sreenivas; Dhayalan, Arunkumar

2017-07-21

Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) catalyzes the introduction of monomethylation marks at the arginine residues of substrate proteins. PRMT7 plays important roles in the regulation of gene expression, splicing, DNA damage, paternal imprinting, cancer and metastasis. However, little is known about the interaction partners of PRMT7. To address this, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening of PRMT7 and identified argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) as a potential interaction partner of PRMT7. We confirmed that PRMT7 directly interacts with ASS1 using pull-down studies. ASS1 catalyzes the rate-limiting step of arginine synthesis in urea cycle and citrulline-nitric oxide cycle. We mapped the interface of PRMT7-ASS1 complex through computational approaches and validated the predicted interface in vivo by site-directed mutagenesis. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the ASS1 residues important for PRMT7-ASS1 interaction have co-evolved with PRMT7. We showed that ASS1 mutations linked to type I citrullinemia disrupt the ASS1-PRMT7 interaction, which might explain the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental Signals and Regulatory Pathways That Influence Exopolysaccharide Production in Rhizobia

PubMed Central

Janczarek, Monika

2011-01-01

Rhizobia are Gram-negative bacteria that can exist either as free-living bacteria or as nitrogen-fixing symbionts inside root nodules of leguminous plants. The composition of the rhizobial outer surface, containing a variety of polysaccharides, plays a significant role in the adaptation of these bacteria in both habitats. Among rhizobial polymers, exopolysaccharide (EPS) is indispensable for the invasion of a great majority of host plants which form indeterminate-type nodules. Various functions are ascribed to this heteropolymer, including protection against environmental stress and host defense, attachment to abiotic and biotic surfaces, and in signaling. The synthesis of EPS in rhizobia is a multi-step process regulated by several proteins at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Also, some environmental factors (carbon source, nitrogen and phosphate starvation, flavonoids) and stress conditions (osmolarity, ionic strength) affect EPS production. This paper discusses the recent data concerning the function of the genes required for EPS synthesis and the regulation of this process by several environmental signals. Up till now, the synthesis of rhizobial EPS has been best studied in two species, Sinorhizobium meliloti and Rhizobium leguminosarum. The latest data indicate that EPS synthesis in rhizobia undergoes very complex hierarchical regulation, in which proteins engaged in quorum sensing and the regulation of motility genes also participate. This finding enables a better understanding of the complex processes occurring in the rhizosphere which are crucial for successful colonization and infection of host plant roots. PMID:22174640

Excretory nitrogen metabolism and defence against ammonia toxicity in air-breathing fishes.

PubMed

Chew, S F; Ip, Y K

2014-03-01

With the development of air-breathing capabilities, some fishes can emerge from water, make excursions onto land or even burrow into mud during droughts. Air-breathing fishes have modified gill morphology and morphometry and accessory breathing organs, which would tend to reduce branchial ammonia excretion. As ammonia is toxic, air-breathing fishes, especially amphibious ones, are equipped with various strategies to ameliorate ammonia toxicity during emersion or ammonia exposure. These strategies can be categorized into (1) enhancement of ammonia excretion and reduction of ammonia entry, (2) conversion of ammonia to a less toxic product for accumulation and subsequent excretion, (3) reduction of ammonia production and avoidance of ammonia accumulation and (4) tolerance of ammonia at cellular and tissue levels. Active ammonia excretion, operating in conjunction with lowering of ambient pH and reduction in branchial and cutaneous NH₃ permeability, is theoretically the most effective strategy to maintain low internal ammonia concentrations. NH₃ volatilization involves the alkalization of certain epithelial surfaces and requires mechanisms to prevent NH₃ back flux. Urea synthesis is an energy-intensive process and hence uncommon among air-breathing teleosts. Aestivating African lungfishes detoxify ammonia to urea and the accumulated urea is excreted following arousal. Reduction in ammonia production is achieved in some air-breathing fishes through suppression of amino acid catabolism and proteolysis, or through partial amino acid catabolism leading to alanine formation. Others can slow down ammonia accumulation through increased glutamine synthesis in the liver and muscle. Yet, some others develop high tolerance of ammonia at cellular and tissue levels, including tissues in the brain. In summary, the responses of air-breathing fishes to ameliorate ammonia toxicity are many and varied, determined by the behaviour of the species and the nature of the environment in which it lives. © 2014 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Inhibition of hyaluronan synthesis by vesnarinone in cultured human myofibroblasts.

PubMed

Ueki, N; Taguchi, T; Takahashi, M; Adachi, M; Ohkawa, T; Amuro, Y; Hada, T; Higashino, K

2000-02-02

Hyaluronan (HA), which is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), is regulated during myofibroproliferative responses to numerous forms of inflammatory stimuli. It is a key factor involved in cellular migration and adherence. The development of a potent and non-toxic inhibitor of HA synthesis would open up a new avenue for the treatment of fibrocontractive diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. In this study, the effects of vesnarinone (OPC-8212: 3,4-dihydro-6-[4-(3, 4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2(1H)-quinolinone) on the secretion of HA in human myofibroblast cell lines (MRC-5 and LI90 cells, referred to as pulmonary and hepatic myofibroblasts, respectively) were examined. Vesnarinone specifically and dose-dependently inhibited HA secretion by myofibroblasts up-regulated by fetal calf serum (FCS). The treatment of vesnarinone did not modify the phenotype of myofibroblast cells in culture. Vesnarinone also potently inhibited the HA secretion by the two myofibroblast cell lines up-regulated by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The addition of vesnarinone to myofibroblasts resulted in a significant decrease of HA synthase (HAS) activity, with or without the addition of FCS or either cytokine. These findings suggest that vesnarinone inhibits the secretion of HA in myofibroblasts by specifically suppressing HAS activity, and may therefore prove useful for the treatment of chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis.

Biodegradable Poly (Ester Urethane) Urea Biomaterials For Applications in Combat Casualty Care

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

hydroxyapatite (Irvine, CA), and tissue culture polystyrene were used as positive controls in the cell culture experiments. 3.2 Synthesis of PEUUR cast...was performed to detect biomineralization after 28 days of culture in osteogenic medium. 3.6 MicroFT- IR The composition of the materials and...biomineralization was assessed by micro FT- IR (Nicollet Coninuµm™). After 28 days of cell culture on the foams the sample with the cells was fixed

Synthesis, Characterization, and Sensitivity Analysis of Urea Nitrate (UN)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

of the line is the rate of the reaction for the corresponding temperature. The equations for the zero order reaction and half- life equation follow...rate law (k is rate constant; [A] is the concentration of UN) Rate = k[A]n . (1) Eq. 2 shows the half-life (t½) equation for a zero order reaction...MGMT 1 GOVT PRINTG OFC (PDF) A MALHOTRA 2 WEAPONS DEV & (PDF) INTEGRATION DIRCTRT AMRDEC RDMR WDN J NEIDERT G DRAKE

Markers of Ovarian Cancer Using a Glycoprotein/Antibody Array

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

Article dx.doi.org/10.1021/pr400169n | J. Proteome Res. 2013, 12, 3342−33523350 osteopontin fragments for ovarian cancer in urine . Clin. Cancer Res. 2006...absorbent under urea /dithiothreitol denatured environment. Anal. Biochem. 2010, 398 (1), 34−44. (26) Chiu, P. C.; Chung, M. K.; Koistinen, R.; Koistinen... Synthesis and functional analyses of nuclear clusterin, a cell death protein. J. Biol. Chem. 2003, 278 (13), 11590−600. (60) Hassan, M. K.; Watari, H

Synthesis of functional materials in combustion reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuravlev, V. D.; Bamburov, V. G.; Ermakova, L. V.; Lobachevskaya, N. I.

2015-12-01

The conditions for obtaining oxide compounds in combustion reactions of nitrates of metals with organic chelating-reducing agents such as amino acids, urea, and polyvinyl alcohol are reviewed. Changing the nature of internal fuels and the reducing agent-to-oxidizing agent ratio makes possible to modify the thermal regime of the process, fractal dimensionality, morphology, and dispersion of synthesized functional materials. This method can be used to synthesize simple and complex oxides, composites, and metal powders, as well as ceramics and coatings. The possibilities of synthesis in combustion reactions are illustrated by examples of αand γ-Al2O3, YSZ composites, uranium oxides, nickel powder, NiO and NiO: YSZ composite, TiO2, and manganites, cobaltites, and aluminates of rare earth elements.

5-phosphonato-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones: Zinc triflate-catalyzed one-pot multi-component synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and anti-inflammatory activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essid, Idris; Lahbib, Karima; Kaminsky, Werner; Ben Nasr, Cherif; Touil, Soufiane

2017-08-01

Herein we report a simple and efficient one-pot three-component synthesis of 5-phosphonato-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones, through the zinc triflate-catalyzed Biginelli-type reaction of β-ketophosphonates, aldehydes and urea. The compounds obtained were characterized by various spectroscopic tools including IR, NMR (1H, 31P, 13C) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction. All the synthesized compounds were screened, for the first time, for anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method, using female Wister rats and they showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in some cases higher than the standard indomethacin.

Multicomponent Synthesis and Evaluation of New 1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of Dihydropyrimidinones as Acidic Corrosion Inhibitors for Steel.

PubMed

González-Olvera, Rodrigo; Román-Rodríguez, Viridiana; Negrón-Silva, Guillermo E; Espinoza-Vázquez, Araceli; Rodríguez-Gómez, Francisco Javier; Santillan, Rosa

2016-02-22

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives of dihydropyrimidinones has been developed using two multicomponent reactions. The aldehyde-1,2,3-triazoles were obtained in good yields from in situ-generated organic azides and O-propargylbenzaldehyde. The target heterocycles were synthesized through the Biginelli reaction in which the aldehyde-1,2,3-triazoles reacted with ethyl acetoacetate and urea in the presence of Ce(OTf)₃ as the catalyst. The corrosion inhibition of steel grade API 5 L X52 in 1 M HCl by the synthesized compounds was investigated using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. The measurements revealed that these heterocycles are promising candidates to inhibit acidic corrosion of steel.

Enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of spruce by alkaline pretreatment at low temperature.

PubMed

Zhao, Yulin; Wang, Ying; Zhu, J Y; Ragauskas, Art; Deng, Yulin

2008-04-15

Alkaline pretreatment of spruce at low temperature in both presence and absence of urea was studied. It was found that the enzymatic hydrolysis rate and efficiency can be significantly improved by the pretreatment. At low temperature, the pretreatment chemicals, either NaOH alone or NaOH-urea mixture solution, can slightly remove lignin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose in the lignocellulosic materials, disrupt the connections between hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin, and alter the structure of treated biomass to make cellulose more accessible to hydrolysis enzymes. Moreover, the wood fiber bundles could be broken down to small and loose lignocellulosic particles by the chemical treatment. Therefore, the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of untreated mechanical fibers can also be remarkably enhanced by NaOH or NaOH/urea solution treatment. The results indicated that, for spruce, up to 70% glucose yield could be obtained for the cold temperature pretreatment (-15 degrees C) using 7% NaOH/12% urea solution, but only 20% and 24% glucose yields were obtained at temperatures of 23 degrees C and 60 degrees C, respectively, when other conditions remained the same. The best condition for the chemical pretreatment regarding this study was 3% NaOH/12% urea, and -15 degrees C. Over 60% glucose conversion was achieved upon this condition. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rai, R.N., E-mail: rn_rai@yahoo.co.in; Kant, Shiva; Reddi, R.S.B.

Urea is an attractive material for frequency conversion of high power lasers to UV (for wavelength down to 190 nm), but its usage is hindered due to its hygroscopic nature, though there is no alternative organic NLO crystal which could be transparent up to 190 nm. The hygroscopic character of urea has been modified by making the solid solution (UCNB) of urea (U) and p-chloronitrobenzene (CNB). The formation of the solid solution of CNB in U is explained on the basis of phase diagram, powder XRD, FTIR, elemental analysis and single crystal XRD studies. The solubility of U, CNB andmore » UCNB in ethanol solution is evaluated at different temperatures. Transparent single crystals of UCNB are grown from its saturated solution in ethanol. Optical properties e.g., second harmonic generation (SHG), refractive index and the band gap for UCNB crystal were measured and their values were compared with the parent compounds. Besides modification in hygroscopic nature, UCNB has also shown the higher SHG signal and mechanical hardness in comparison to urea crystal. - Highlights: • The hygroscopic character of urea was modified by making the solid solution • Solid solution formation is support by elemental, powder- and single crystal XRD • Crystal of solid solution has higher SHG signal and mechanical stability. • Refractive index and band gap of solid solution crystal have determined.« less

Inactivation of Phaeodactylum tricornutum urease gene using transcription activator-like effector nuclease-based targeted mutagenesis.

PubMed

Weyman, Philip D; Beeri, Karen; Lefebvre, Stephane C; Rivera, Josefa; McCarthy, James K; Heuberger, Adam L; Peers, Graham; Allen, Andrew E; Dupont, Christopher L

2015-05-01

Diatoms are unicellular photosynthetic algae with promise for green production of fuels and other chemicals. Recent genome-editing techniques have greatly improved the potential of many eukaryotic genetic systems, including diatoms, to enable knowledge-based studies and bioengineering. Using a new technique, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), the gene encoding the urease enzyme in the model diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, was targeted for interruption. The knockout cassette was identified within the urease gene by PCR and Southern blot analyses of genomic DNA. The lack of urease protein was confirmed by Western blot analyses in mutant cell lines that were unable to grow on urea as the sole nitrogen source. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed a build-up of urea, arginine and ornithine in the urease knockout lines. All three intermediate metabolites are upstream of the urease reaction within the urea cycle, suggesting a disruption of the cycle despite urea production. Numerous high carbon metabolites were enriched in the mutant, implying a breakdown of cellular C and N repartitioning. The presented method improves the molecular toolkit for diatoms and clarifies the role of urease in the urea cycle. © 2014 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of Urea on G-Quadruplex Stability.

PubMed

Aslanyan, Lusine; Ko, Jordan; Kim, Byul G; Vardanyan, Ishkhan; Dalyan, Yeva B; Chalikian, Tigran V

2017-07-13

G-quadruplexes represent a class of noncanonical nucleic acid structures implicated in transcriptional regulation, cellular function, and disease. An understanding of the forces involved in stabilization and destabilization of the G-quadruplex conformation relative to the duplex or single-stranded conformation is a key to elucidating the biological role of G-quadruplex-based genomic switches and the quest for therapeutic means for controlled induction or suppression of a G-quadruplex at selected genomic loci. Solute-solvent interactions provide a ubiquitous and, in many cases, the determining thermodynamic force in maintaining and modulating the stability of nucleic acids. These interactions involve water as well as water-soluble cosolvents that may be present in the solution or in the crowded environment in the cell. We present here the first quantitative investigation of the effect of urea, a destabilizing cosolvent, on the conformational preferences of a G-quadruplex formed by the telomeric d[A(G 3 T 2 A) 3 G 3 ] sequence (Tel22). At 20 mM NaCl and room temperature, Tel22 undergoes a two-state urea-induced unfolding transition. An increase in salt mitigates the deleterious effect of urea on Tel22. The urea m-value of Tel22 normalized per change in solvent-accessible surface area, ΔS A , is similar to those for other DNA and RNA structures while being several-fold larger than that of proteins. Our results suggest that urea can be employed as an analytical tool in thermodynamic characterizations of G-quadruplexes in a manner similar to the use of urea in protein studies. We emphasize the need for further studies involving a larger selection of G-quadruplexes varying in sequence, topology (parallel, antiparallel, hybrid), and molecularity (monomolecular, bimolecular, tetramolecular) to outline the advantages and the limits of the use of urea in G-quadruplex studies. A deeper understanding of the effect of solvent and cosolvents on the differential stability of the G-quadruplex and duplex conformations is a step toward elucidation of the modulating influence of different types of cosolvents on duplex-G-quadruplex molecular switches triggering genomic events.

Involvement of up-regulated Necl-5/Tage4/PVR/CD155 in the loss of contact inhibition in transformed NIH3T3 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minami, Yukiko; Department of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Osaka; Ikeda, Wataru

2007-01-26

Normal cells show contact inhibition of cell movement and proliferation, but this is lost following transformation. We found that Necl-5, originally identified as a poliovirus receptor and up-regulated in many cancer cells, enhances growth factor-induced cell movement and proliferation. We showed that when cells contact other cells, Necl-5 interacts in trans with nectin-3 and is removed by endocytosis from the cell surface, resulting in a reduction of cell movement and proliferation. We show here that up-regulation of the gene encoding Necl-5 by the oncogene V12-Ki-Ras causes enhanced cell movement and proliferation. Upon cell-cell contact, de novo synthesis of Necl-5 exceedsmore » the rate of Necl-5 endocytosis, eventually resulting in a net increase in the amount of Necl-5 at the cell surface. In addition, expression of the gene encoding nectin-3 is markedly reduced in transformed cells. Thus, up-regulation of Necl-5 following transformation contributes to the loss of contact inhibition in transformed cells.« less

Synthesis, anion exchange, and delamination of Co-Al layered double hydroxide: assembly of the exfoliated nanosheet/polyanion composite films and magneto-optical studies.

PubMed

Liu, Zhaoping; Ma, Renzhi; Osada, Minoru; Iyi, Nobuo; Ebina, Yasuo; Takada, Kazunori; Sasaki, Takayoshi

2006-04-12

This paper describes a systematic study on the synthesis, anion exchange, and delamination of Co-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), with the aim of achieving fabrication and clarifying the properties of LDH nanosheet/polyanion composite films. Co-Al-CO3 LDH hexagonal platelets of 4 mum in lateral size were synthesized by the urea method under optimized reaction conditions. The as-prepared CO3(2-)-LDH was converted to Cl- -LDH by treating with a NaCl-HCl mixed solution, retaining its high crystallinity and hexagonal platelike morphology. LDHs intercalated with a variety of anions (such as NO3-, ClO4-, acetate, lactate, dodecyl sulfate, and oleate) were further prepared from Cl- -LDH via an anion-exchange process employing corresponding salts. Exchanged products in various anion forms were found to show different delamination behaviors in formamide. Among them, best results were observed for NO3- -LDH in terms of the exfoliating degree and the quality of the exfoliated nanosheets. The delamination gave a pink transparent suspension containing well-defined nanosheets with lateral sizes of up to 2 microm. The resulting nanosheets were assembled layer-by-layer with an anionic polymer, poly(sodium styrene 4-sulfonate) (PSS), onto quartz glass substrates to produce composite films. Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurements revealed that the assembled multilayer films exhibited an interesting magneto-optical response.

Transcription factor AtTCP14 regulates embryonic growth potential during seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Tatematsu, Kiyoshi; Nakabayashi, Kazumi; Kamiya, Yuji; Nambara, Eiji

2008-01-01

To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of seed germination, we searched enriched cis elements in the upstream regions of Arabidopsis genes whose transcript levels increased during seed germination. Using available published microarray data, we found that two cis elements, Up1 or Up2, which regulate outgrowth of Arabidopsis axillary shoots, were significantly over-represented. Classification of Up1- and Up2-containing genes by gene ontology revealed that protein synthesis-related genes, especially ribosomal protein genes, were highly over-represented. Expression analysis using a reporter gene driven by a synthetic promoter regulated by these elements showed that the Up1 is necessary and sufficient for germination-associated gene induction, whereas Up2 acts as an enhancer of Up1. Up1-mediated gene expression was suppressed by treatments that blocked germination. Up1 is almost identical to the site II motif, which is the predicted target of TCP transcription factors. Of 24 AtTCP genes, AtTCP14, which showed the highest transcript level just prior to germination, was functionally characterized to test its involvement in the regulation of seed germination. Transposon-tagged lines for AtTCP14 showed delayed germination. In addition, germination of attcp14 mutants exhibited hypersensitivity to exogenously applied abscisic acid and paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis. AtTCP14 was predominantly expressed in the vascular tissues of the embryo, and affected gene expression in radicles in a non-cell-autonomous manner. Taken together, these results indicate that AtTCP14 regulates the activation of embryonic growth potential in Arabidopsis seeds.

Features of cues and processes during chloroplast-mediated retrograde signaling in the alga Chlamydomonas

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Retrograde signalling is a selective process defined by cues generated in chloroplast/mitochondria which traverse membranes and end up regulating nuclear gene expression and protein synthesis. The coding and encoding of organellar message(s) that alter nuclear gene expression and/or cellular metabo...

Propionate supplementation improves nitrogen use by reducing urea flux in sheep.

PubMed

Agarwal, U; Hu, Q; Bequette, B J

2015-10-01

Feeding and postruminal infusion of propionate is known to increase N retention in ruminants. Our aim was to determine the role of rumen propionate on urea N recycling and gluconeogenesis in growing sheep. In Exp. 1, wether sheep ( = 6; 32.5 ± 3.57 kg BW) fitted with a rumen cannula were fed to 1.8 × ME requirement a concentrate-type ration (172 g CP/kg DM and 10.4 MJ ME/kg DM) and continuously infused into the rumen with isoenergetic (10% of dietary ME intake) solutions of either sodium acetate (control) or sodium propionate for 9-d periods in a crossover design. In Exp. 2, a different group of wether sheep ( = 5; 33.6 ± 3.70 kg BW) fitted with a rumen cannula were fed, on an isonitrogenous basis, either a control (151 g CP/kg DM and 8.4 MJ ME/kg DM) or sodium propionate-supplemented (139 g CP/kg DM and 8.9 MJ ME/kg DM) diet at 2-h intervals. [N] urea was continuously infused intravenously for the last 5 d of each period, and total urine was collected by vacuum and feces were collected by a harness bag. Over the last 12 h, [C]glucose was continuously infused intravenously and hourly blood samples were collected during the last 5 h. Propionate treatments increased ( < 0.001) the proportion of rumen propionate in both experiments. In Exp. 1, N retention was not affected by propionate infusion as compared with isoenergetic acetate. There was no effect on urea entry (synthesis) rate (UER) in Exp. 1; however, sodium propionate infusion tended ( < 0.1) to increase urinary urea elimination (UUE). In Exp. 2, feeding propionate increased ( < 0.01) N retention by 0.8 g N/d. In addition, UER was reduced by approximately 2 g urea N/d, leading to a reduction ( < 0.05) in UUE (7.0 vs. 6.2 g urea N/d). Between the 2 experiments, the proportion of UER recycled to the gut was greater with the forage-type diet in Exp. 2 (approximately 60%) compared with the concentrate-type diet in Exp. 1 (approximately 40%), although urea N fluxes across the gut remained unchanged in both experiments. In Exp. 1, glucose entry and gluconeogenesis were greater ( < 0.05) and plasma glucose tended ( < 0.1) to be greater with sodium propionate infusion than with sodium acetate infusion, but there was no difference in Cori cycling. In Exp. 2, glucose entry, gluconeogenesis, Cori cycling, and plasma glucose increased ( < 0.05) with dietary propionate. Our studies indicate that propionate inclusion in feed, but not continuous infusion in to the rumen, improves N utilization in growing sheep. The propionate effect is likely mediated by providing additional precursors for gluconeogenesis.

Proteomics analysis of Fusarium proliferatum under various initial pH during fumonisin production.

PubMed

Li, Taotao; Gong, Liang; Wang, Yong; Chen, Feng; Gupta, Vijai Kumar; Jian, Qijie; Duan, Xuewu; Jiang, Yueming

2017-07-05

Fusarium proliferatum as a fungal pathogen can produce fumonisin which causes a great threat to animal and human health. Proteomic approach was a useful tool for investigation into mycotoxin biosynthesis in fungal pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the fumonisin content and mycelium proteins of Fusarium proliferatum cultivated under the initial pH5 and 10. Fumonisin production after 10days was significantly induced in culture condition at pH10 than pH5. Ninety nine significantly differently accumulated protein spots under the two pH conditions were detected using two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 89 of these proteins were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Among these 89 proteins, 45 were up-regulated at pH10 while 44 were up-accumulated at pH5. At pH10, these proteins were found to involve in the modification of fumonisin backbone including up-regulated polyketide synthase, cytochrome P450, S-adenosylmethionine synthase and O-methyltransferase, which might contribute to the induction of fumonisin production. At pH5, these up-regulated proteins such as l-amino-acid oxidase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and citrate lyase might inhibit the condensation of fumonisin backbone, resulting in reduced production of fumonisins. These results may help us to understand the molecular mechanism of the fumonisin synthesis in F. proliferatum. To extend our understanding of the mechanism of the fumonisin biosynthesis of F. proliferatum, we reported the fumonisin production in relation to the differential proteins of F. proliferatum mycelium under two pH culture conditions. Among these 89 identified spots, 45 were up-accumulated at pH10 while 44 were up-accumulated at pH5. Our results revealed that increased fumonisin production at pH10 might be related to the induction of fumonisin biosynthesis caused by up-regulation of polyketide synthase, cytochrome P450, S-adenosylmethionine synthase and O-methyltransferase. Meanwhile, the up-regulation of l-amino-acid oxidase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and citrate lyase at pH5 might be related to the inhibition of the condensation of fumonisin backbone, resulting in reduced production of fumonisin. These results may help us to understand better the molecular mechanism of the fumonisin synthesis in F. proliferatum and then broaden the current knowledge of the mechanism of the fumonisin biosynthesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seedless Synthesis of Monodispersed Gold Nanorods with Remarkably High Yield: Synergistic Effect of Template Modification and Growth Kinetics Regulation.

PubMed

Liu, Kang; Bu, Yanru; Zheng, Yuanhui; Jiang, Xuchuan; Yu, Aibing; Wang, Huanting

2017-03-08

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are versatile materials due to their broadly tunable optical properties associated with their anisotropic feature. Conventional seed-mediated synthesis is, however, not only limited by the operational complexity and over-sensitivity towards subtle changes of experimental conditions but also suffers from low yield (≈15 %). A facile seedless method is reported to overcome these challenges. Monodispersed AuNRs with high yield (≈100 %) and highly adjustable longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are reproducibly synthesized. The parameters that influence the AuNRs growth were thoroughly investigated in terms of growth kinetics and soft-template regulation, offering a better understanding of the template-based mechanism. The facile synthesis, broad tunability of LSRP, high reproducibility, high yield, and ease of scale-up make this method promising for the future mass production of monodispersed AuNRs for applications in catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis and characterization of lactose-based homopolymers, hydrophilic/hydrophobic copolymers, and hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Wenjing

The focus of this dissertation is the synthesis and characterization of lactose-based functional polymers. Currently 60% of lactose, a by-product from the cheese industry, is being utilized and the remaining fraction represents a serious disposal problem because of the high biological oxygen demand. Therefore, further development of utilization of lactose is an important issue both for industry and environment. Herein, the syntheses of lactose-based polymers such glycopolymers, hydrophilic/hydrophobic copolymers, and hydrogels are reported. A brief review of lactose formation, physical properties, and production is presented in Chapter 1. Syntheses and applications of lactose derivatives such as lactitol, lactulose, lactaime, lactosylurea, lactosylamine, lactone, and barbituric derivative are documented. Previous work in lactose-based polymers include: (1) hydrogels from cross linking of LPEP, borate complexation of lactose-containing polymer, and copolymerization of lactose monomer with crosslinkers; (2) lactose-based polyurethane rigid foams and adhesives; and (3) lactose-containing glycopolymers are also included. Chapter 2 documents the synthesis of acrylamidolactamine and the free radical copolymerization of this monomer with N-isopropylacrylamide in the presence of BisA to make hydrogels. Swelling behavior of the hydrogels at different temperatures as well as DSC study of these hydrogels are also carried out to characterize the swelling transition and the organization of water in the copolymer hydrogels. In Chapter 3, novel monomer syntheses of N-lactosyl- N'-(4-vinylbenzyl)urea or N '-lactosyl-N,N-methyl(4-vinylbenzyl)urea are described. Polymerization of these new urea monomers using a redox initiator gave water-soluble homopolymers with molecular weights in the range of 1.9 x 103 to 5.3 x 106. Synthesis and polymerization of lactose-O-(p-vinylbenzyl)hydroxime are documented in Chapter 4. The resulting polymers had high molecular weight (106) and narrow polydispersity (Mw/Mn: 1.20--1.35). The Mark-Houwink equation was obtained as [eta] = 2.15 x 10-4Mv0.73. Hydrogels produced in the presence of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide swelled as much as 21-fold in deionized water. Copolymerization of styrene with lactose-O-(vinylbenzyl)oxime in dimethylsulfoxide-toluene (1:1, v/v) using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator are discussed in Chapter 5. The resulting hydrophilic/hydrophobic copolymers were characterized by viscometry, TGA, DSC, GPC, and solubility tests in solvents of varied polarities. Chapter 6 documents the preparation of polystyrene beads with different length of oligo(ethylene glycol) crosslinkers. Swelling in different solvents, solvent accessibility, and reagent diffusion of these beads with different crosslinking density were studied and the results indicated that the PEG-crosslinked polymers showed slightly better solvent accessibility in polar solvents than the analogous DVB-crosslinked networks.

Selenium effect on selenoprotein transcriptome in chondrocytes.

PubMed

Yan, Jidong; Zheng, Yuewen; Min, Zixin; Ning, Qilan; Lu, Shemin

2013-04-01

Selenium is an essential micronutrient and exerts its biological functions predominantly through selenoproteins. Selenium deficiency is associated with cartilage function. This study demonstrated that all 24 selenoprotein transcripts in mouse genome were detectable in ATDC5 chondrocytes except deiodinase 1 (DIO1), DIO2, and selenoprotein V (Sel V), while all 25 selenoprotein transcripts in human genome were detectable in C28/I2 chondrocytes except glutathione peroxidase 6 (GPx6) and DIO1. In addition, gene expression of five selenoproteins (GPx1, Sel H, Sel N, Sel P, and Sel W) was up-regulated and two selenoproteins (SPS2 and Sel O) was down-regulated by sodium selenite (Se) in both ATDC5 and C28/I2 cells. Gene expression of six selenoproteins (TrxR1, Sel I, Sel M, Sel R, Sel S, Sel T) and one selenoprotein (GPx3) was up-regulated by Se in ATDC5 and C28/I2 cells, respectively. Gene expression of one selenoprotein (TrxR2) was down-regulated by Se only in ATDC5 cells. Further transcription inhibition assay showed that both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms involved in Se-regulated gene expression of GPx1, TrxR1, TrxR2, SPS2, Sel O, and Sel S. However, Se-regulated gene expression of Sel H, Sel I, Sel M, Sel N, Sel P, Sel R, Sel T, and Sel W mainly at posttranscriptional level. Moreover, new protein synthesis inhibition assay indicated that Se-mediated new protein synthesis also played roles in Se-regulated gene expression of GPx1, TrxR1, TrxR2, Sel H, Sel O, Sel P, Sel R, and Sel W. In summary, this study described the selenoprotein transcriptome, Se-regulated selenoproteins and possible mechanisms involved in chondrocytes.

Transient regulation of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli upon shift-up of growth temperature.

PubMed

Yamamori, T; Ito, K; Nakamura, Y; Yura, T

1978-06-01

Synthesis of total cellular proteins of Escherichia coli was studied upon transfer of a log-phase culture from 30 (or 37) to 42 degrees C. Cells were pulse-labeled with [3H]leucine, and the labeled proteins were analyzed by gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The rates of synthesis of at least five protein chains were found to increase markedly (5- to 10-fold) within 5 min after temperature shift-up and gradually decrease to the new steady-state levels, in contrast to the majority of proteins which gradually increase to the steady-state levels (about 1.5-fold the rate at 30 degrees C). Temperature shift-down did not cause any appreciable changes in the pattern of protein synthesis as detected by the present method. Among the proteins greatly affected by the temperature shift-up were those with apparent molecular weights fo 87,000 (87K), 76K, 73K, 64K, and 61K. Two of them (64K and 61K) were found to be precipitated with specific antiserum against proteins that had previously been shown to have an adenosine triphosphatase activity. The bearings of these findings on bacterial adaptation to variation in growth temperature are discussed.

Bismuth-based oxide semiconductors: Mild synthesis and practical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timmaji, Hari Krishna

In this dissertation study, bismuth based oxide semiconductors were prepared using 'mild' synthesis techniques---electrodeposition and solution combustion synthesis. Potential environmental remediation and solar energy applications of the prepared oxides were evaluated. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) was prepared by electrodeposition and solution combustion synthesis. A two step electrosynthesis strategy was developed and demonstrated for the first time. In the first step, a Bi film was first electrodeposited on a Pt substrate from an acidic BiCl3 medium. Then, this film was anodically stripped in a medium containing hydrolyzed vanadium precursor, to generate Bi3+, and subsequent BiVO4 formation by in situ precipitation. The photoelectrochemical data were consistent with the in situ formation of n-type semiconductor films. In the solution combustion synthesis procedure, BiVO4 powders were prepared using bismuth nitrate pentahydrate as the bismuth precursor and either vanadium chloride or vanadium oxysulfate as the vanadium precursor. Urea, glycine, or citric acid was used as the fuel. The effect of the vanadium precursor on the photocatalytic activity of combustion synthesized BiVO 4 was evaluated in this study. Methyl orange was used as a probe to test the photocatalytic attributes of the combustion synthesized (CS) samples, and benchmarked against a commercial bismuth vanadate sample. The CS samples showed superior activity to the commercial benchmark sample, and samples derived from vanadium chloride were superior to vanadium oxysulfate counterparts. The photoelectrochemical properties of the various CS samples were also studied and these samples were shown to be useful both for environmental photocatalytic remediation and water photooxidation applications. Silver bismuth tungstate (AgBiW2O8) nanoparticles were prepared for the first time by solution combustion synthesis by using silver nitrate, bismuth nitrate, sodium tungstate as precursors for Ag, Bi, and W respectively and urea as the fuel. The photocatalytic activity of these nanoparticles was superior to a sample prepared by solid-state synthesis. The combustion-synthesized particles were subsequently modified with Pt catalyst islands using a photodeposition technique and then used for the photo-generation of syngas (CO + H2). Formic acid was used in these experiments for in situ generation of CO2 and its subsequent reduction to CO. In the absence of Pt modification, H2 was not obtained. These results were compared with those obtained with acetic acid in place of formic acid, and finally the mechanistic pathways for syngas and methane photogeneration are presented.

Gene expression profile in cerebrum in the filial imprinting of domestic chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus).

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Shinji; Fujii-Taira, Ikuko; Katagiri, Sachiko; Izawa, Ei-Ichi; Fujimoto, Yasuyuki; Takeuchi, Hideaki; Takano, Tatsuya; Matsushima, Toshiya; Homma, Koichi J

2008-06-15

In newly hatched chicks, gene expression in the brain has previously been shown to be up-regulated following filial imprinting. By applying cDNA microarrays containing 13,007 expressed sequence tags, we examined the comprehensive gene expression profiling of the intermediate medial mesopallium in the chick cerebrum, which has been shown to play a key role in filial imprinting. We found 52 up-regulated genes and 6 down-regulated genes of at least 2.0-fold changes 3h after the training of filial imprinting, compared to the gene expression of the dark-reared chick brain. The up-regulated genes are known to be involved in a variety of pathways, including signal transduction, cytoskeletal organization, nuclear function, cell metabolism, RNA binding, endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi function, synaptic function, ion channel, and transporter. In contrast, fewer genes were down-regulated in the imprinting, coinciding with the previous data that the total RNA synthesis increased associated with filial imprinting. Our data suggests that the filial imprinting involves the modulation of multiple signaling pathways.

Synthon preference in the cocrystal of 3,4,5-trifluorophenylboronic acid with urea.

PubMed

Kopczyńska, Karolina; Marek, Paulina H; Banaś, Bartłomiej; Madura, Izabela D

2017-11-01

The comprehensive description of the crystal structure of a novel 1:1 cocrystal of 3,4,5-trifluorophenylboronic acid with urea, C 6 H 4 BF 3 O 2 ·CH 4 N 2 O, is presented. Both components are good candidates for crystal engineering as they can create a variety of supramolecular synthons. The preference for the formation of different hetrosynthons is verified based on theoretical calculations. The syn-anti conformation of boronic acid has been found to be the most favourable in the formation of intermolecular interactions with urea. Moreover, the distortions present in the boron coordination sphere have been described quantitatively based on experimental data according to bond-valence vector model calculations. The results revealed that the deformation of the sphere is typical for a syn-anti conformation of boronic acids. The supramolecular structure of the cocrystal is composed of large synthons in the form of layers made up of O-H...O and N-H...O hydrogen bonds. The layers are joined via N-H...F hydrogen bonds which are unusual for urea cocrystal structures.

Floral reversion mechanism in longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) revealed by proteomic and anatomic analyses.

PubMed

You, Xiangrong; Wang, Lingxia; Liang, Wenyu; Gai, Yonghong; Wang, Xiaoyan; Chen, Wei

2012-02-02

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was used to analyze the proteins related to floral reversion in Dimocarpus longan Lour. Proteins were extracted from buds undergoing the normal process of flowering and from those undergoing floral reversion in three developing stages in D. longan. Differentially expressed proteins were identified from the gels after 2-DE analysis, which were confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flying-mass spectroscopy and protein database search. A total of 39 proteins, including 18 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated proteins, were classified into different categories, such as energy and substance metabolism, protein translation, secondary metabolism, phytohormone, cytoskeleton structure, regulation, and stress tolerance. Among these, the largest functional class was associated with primary metabolism. Down-regulated proteins were involved in photosynthesis, transcription, and translation, whereas up-regulated proteins were involved in respiration. Decreased flavonoid synthesis and up-regulated GA20ox might be involved in the floral reversion process. Up-regulated 14-3-3 proteins played a role in the regulation of floral reversion in D. longan by responding to abiotic stress. Observations via transmission electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructure changes in shedding buds undergoing floral reversion. Overall, the results provided insights into the molecular basis for the floral reversion mechanism in D. longan. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimized dietary strategies to protect skeletal muscle mass during periods of unavoidable energy deficit.

PubMed

Pasiakos, Stefan M; Margolis, Lee M; Orr, Jeb S

2015-04-01

Interactions between dietary protein and energy balance on the regulation of human skeletal muscle protein turnover are not well described. A dietary protein intake above the recommended dietary allowance during energy balance typically enhances nitrogen retention and up-regulates muscle protein synthesis, which in turn may promote positive protein balance and skeletal muscle accretion. Recent studies show that during energy deficit, muscle protein synthesis is down-regulated with concomitant increases in ubiquitin proteasome-mediated muscle proteolysis and nitrogen excretion, reflecting the loss of skeletal muscle mass. However, consuming high-protein diets (1.6-2.4 g/kg per day), or high-quality, protein-based meals (15-30 g whey) during energy deficit attenuates intracellular proteolysis, restores muscle protein synthesis, and mitigates skeletal muscle loss. These findings are particularly important for physically active, normal-weight individuals because attenuating the extent to which skeletal muscle mass is lost during energy deficit could prevent decrements in performance, reduce injury risk, and facilitate recovery. This article reviews the relationship between energy status, protein intake, and muscle protein turnover, and explores future research directives designed to protect skeletal muscle mass in physically active, normal-weight adults. © FASEB.

Prebiotic Synthesis of Diaminopyrimidine and Thiocytosine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Michael P.; Levy, Matthew; Miller, Stanley L.

1996-01-01

The reaction of guanidine hydrochloride with cyanoacetaldehyde gives high yields (40-85%) of 2,4-diaminopyrimidine under the concentrated conditions of a drying lagoon model of prebiotic synthesis, in contrast to the low yields previously obtained under more dilute conditions. The prebiotic source of cyanoacetaldehyde, cyanoacetylene, is produced from electric discharges under reducing conditions. The effect of pH and concentration of guanidine hydrochloride on the rate of synthesis and yield of diaminopyrimidine were investigated, as well as the hydrolysis of diaminopyrimidine to cytosine, isocytosine, and uracil. Thiourea also reacts with cyanoacetaldehyde to give 2-thiocytosine, but the pyrimidine yields are much lower than with guanidine hydrochloride or urea. Thiocytosine hydrolyzes to thiouracil and cytosine and then to uracil. This synthesis would have been a significant prebiotic source of 2-thiopyrimidines and 5-substituted derivatives of thiouracil, many of which occur in tRNA. The applicability of these results to the drying lagoon model of prebiotic synthesis was tested by dry-down experiments where dilute solutions of cyanoacetaldehyde, guanidine hydrochloride, and 0.5 M NaCl were evaporated over varying periods of time. The yields of diaminopyrimidine varied from 1 to 7%. These results show that drying lagoons and beaches may have been major sites of prebiotic syntheses.

Eutectic salt catalyzed environmentally benign and highly efficient Biginelli reaction.

PubMed

Azizi, Najmadin; Dezfuli, Sahar; Hahsemi, Mohmmad Mahmoodi

2012-01-01

A simple deep eutectic solvent based on tin (II) chloride was used as a dual catalyst and environmentally benign reaction medium for an efficient synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives, from aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and urea in good-to-excellent yields and short reaction time. This simple ammonium deep eutectic solvent, easily synthesized from choline chloride and tin chloride, is relatively inexpensive and recyclable, making it applicable for industrial applications.

Eutectic Salt Catalyzed Environmentally Benign and Highly Efficient Biginelli Reaction

PubMed Central

Azizi, Najmadin; Dezfuli, Sahar; Hahsemi, Mohmmad Mahmoodi

2012-01-01

A simple deep eutectic solvent based on tin (II) chloride was used as a dual catalyst and environmentally benign reaction medium for an efficient synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives, from aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and urea in good-to-excellent yields and short reaction time. This simple ammonium deep eutectic solvent, easily synthesized from choline chloride and tin chloride, is relatively inexpensive and recyclable, making it applicable for industrial applications. PMID:22649326

Copper(II) carboxylate promoted intramolecular diamination of terminal alkenes: improved reaction conditions and expanded substrate scope.

PubMed

Zabawa, Thomas P; Chemler, Sherry R

2007-05-10

The copper(II) carboxylate promoted diamination reaction has been improved by the use of the organic soluble copper(II) neodecanoate [Cu(ND)2]. Cu(ND)2 allowed the less-polar solvent dichloroethane (DCE) to be used, and as a consequence, decomposition of less-reactive substrates could be avoided. High diastereoselectivity was observed in the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines. Ureas, bis(anilines), and alpha-amido pyrroles derived from 2-allylaniline could also participate in the diamination reaction.

Formation of nucleoside 5'-polyphosphates under potentially prebiological conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lohrmann, R.

1976-01-01

The characteristics and efficiencies of biochemical reactions involving nucleoside 5'-diphosphates and -triphosphates (important substrates of RNA and DNA synthesis) under conditions corresponding to the primitive prebiotic earth are investigated. Urea catalysis of the formation of linear inorganic polyphosphates and metal ions promoting the reactions are discussed. Linear polyphosphate was incubated with Mg(++) in the presence of a nucleoside 5'-phosphate, to yield nucleoside 5'-polyphosphates when products are dried, while Mg(++) prompts depolymerization to trimetaphosphate in aqueous solutions. Plausible biogenetic pathways are examined.

Severe Burn and Disuse in the Rat Independently Adversely Impact Body Composition and Adipokines

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-07

sam- ples were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total protein (TP). Urine assay Urine was collected daily, aliquoted and stored at -80°C...were placed in a tail traction system and their hindlimbs unloaded. Animals were followed for 14 days. Plasma, urine , fecal and tissue samples were...protein synthesis and breakdown is sustained from the time of hospital admission to discharge, when wounds are 95% or more healed. In some cases

Molecular Design of Novel Poly(urethane-urea) Hybrids as Helmet Pads for Ballistic and Blast Trauma Mitigation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

triptycene-1,4 hydroquinone resulted in a 9 °C increase in the soft segment glass transition temperature compared to hydroquinone -containing PU. The 1,4...Acknowledgments v 1. Objective 1 2. Background and Approach 1 3. Experimental 2 4. Results 4 4.1 Influence of Triptycene-1,4 Hydroquinone in PUs...Figures Figure 1. Chemical structures of triptycene-1,4 hydroquinone and 1,4-diaminotriptycene. ..........2 Figure 2. Synthesis reaction of PTMO and

Synthesis and anion binding studies of tris(3-aminopropyl)amine-based tripodal urea and thiourea receptors: Proton transfer-induced selectivity for hydrogen sulfate over sulfate.

PubMed

Khansari, Maryam Emami; Johnson, Corey R; Basaran, Ismet; Nafis, Aemal; Wang, Jing; Leszczynski, Jerzy; Hossain, Md Alamgir

2015-01-01

Tris(3-aminopropyl)amine-based tripodal urea and thiourea receptors, tris([(4-cyanophenyl)amino]propyl)urea ( L1 ) and tris([(4-cyanophenyl)amino]propyl)thiourea ( L2 ), have been synthesized and their anion binding properties have been investigated for halides and oxoanions. As investigated by 1 H NMR titrations, each receptor binds an anion with a 1:1 stoichiometry via hydrogen-bonding interactions (NH⋯anion), showing the binding trend in the order of F - > H 2 PO 4 - > HCO 3 - > HSO 4 - > CH 3 COO - > SO 4 2- > Cl - > Br - > I in DMSO- d 6 . The interactions of the receptors were further studied by 2D NOESY, showing the loss of NOESY contacts of two NH resonances for the complexes of F - , H 2 PO 4 - , HCO 3 - , HSO 4 - or CH 3 COO - due to the strong NH⋯anion interactions. The observed higher binding affinity for HSO 4 - than SO 4 2- is attributed to the proton transfer from HSO 4 - to the central nitrogen of L1 or L2 which was also supported by the DFT calculations, leading to the secondary acid-base interactions. The thiourea receptor L2 has a general trend to show a higher affinity for an anion as compared to the urea receptor L1 for the corresponding anion in DMSO- d 6 . In addition, the compound L2 has been exploited for its extraction properties for fluoride in water using a liquid-liquid extraction technique, and the results indicate that the receptor effectively extracts fluoride from water showing ca. 99% efficiency (based on L2 ).

Synthesis and anion binding studies of tris(3-aminopropyl)amine-based tripodal urea and thiourea receptors: Proton transfer-induced selectivity for hydrogen sulfate over sulfate

PubMed Central

Khansari, Maryam Emami; Johnson, Corey R.; Basaran, Ismet; Nafis, Aemal; Wang, Jing

2015-01-01

Tris(3-aminopropyl)amine-based tripodal urea and thiourea receptors, tris([(4-cyanophenyl)amino]propyl)urea (L1) and tris([(4-cyanophenyl)amino]propyl)thiourea (L2), have been synthesized and their anion binding properties have been investigated for halides and oxoanions. As investigated by 1H NMR titrations, each receptor binds an anion with a 1:1 stoichiometry via hydrogen-bonding interactions (NH⋯anion), showing the binding trend in the order of F− > H2PO4− > HCO3− > HSO4− > CH3COO− > SO42− > Cl− > Br− > I in DMSO-d6. The interactions of the receptors were further studied by 2D NOESY, showing the loss of NOESY contacts of two NH resonances for the complexes of F−, H2PO4−, HCO3−, HSO4− or CH3COO− due to the strong NH⋯anion interactions. The observed higher binding affinity for HSO4− than SO42− is attributed to the proton transfer from HSO4− to the central nitrogen of L1 or L2 which was also supported by the DFT calculations, leading to the secondary acid-base interactions. The thiourea receptor L2 has a general trend to show a higher affinity for an anion as compared to the urea receptor L1 for the corresponding anion in DMSO-d6. In addition, the compound L2 has been exploited for its extraction properties for fluoride in water using a liquid-liquid extraction technique, and the results indicate that the receptor effectively extracts fluoride from water showing ca. 99% efficiency (based on L2). PMID:28184300

N-Alkyl Urea Hydroxamic Acids as a New Class of Peptide Deformylase Inhibitors with Antibacterial Activity

PubMed Central

Hackbarth, Corinne J.; Chen, Dawn Z.; Lewis, Jason G.; Clark, Kirk; Mangold, James B.; Cramer, Jeffrey A.; Margolis, Peter S.; Wang, Wen; Koehn, Jim; Wu, Charlotte; Lopez, S.; Withers III, George; Gu, Helen; Dunn, Elina; Kulathila, R.; Pan, Shi-Hao; Porter, Wilma L.; Jacobs, Jeff; Trias, Joaquim; Patel, Dinesh V.; Weidmann, Beat; White, Richard J.; Yuan, Zhengyu

2002-01-01

Peptide deformylase (PDF) is a prokaryotic metalloenzyme that is essential for bacterial growth and is a new target for the development of antibacterial agents. All previously reported PDF inhibitors with sufficient antibacterial activity share the structural feature of a 2-substituted alkanoyl at the P1′ site. Using a combination of iterative parallel synthesis and traditional medicinal chemistry, we have identified a new class of PDF inhibitors with N-alkyl urea at the P1′ site. Compounds with MICs of ≤4 μg/ml against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, have been identified. The concentrations needed to inhibit 50% of enzyme activity (IC50s) for Escherichia coli Ni-PDF were ≤0.1 μM, demonstrating the specificity of the inhibitors. In addition, these compounds were very selective for PDF, with IC50s of consistently >200 μM for matrilysin and other mammalian metalloproteases. Structure-activity relationship analysis identified preferred substitutions resulting in improved potency and decreased cytotoxity. One of the compounds (VRC4307) was cocrystallized with PDF, and the enzyme-inhibitor structure was determined at a resolution of 1.7 Å. This structural information indicated that the urea compounds adopt a binding position similar to that previously determined for succinate hydroxamates. Two compounds, VRC4232 and VRC4307, displayed in vivo efficacy in a mouse protection assay, with 50% protective doses of 30.8 and 17.9 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. These N-alkyl urea hydroxamic acids provide a starting point for identifying new PDF inhibitors that can serve as antimicrobial agents. PMID:12183225

Alkaline tide and nitrogen conservation after feeding in an elasmobranch (Squalus acanthias).

PubMed

Wood, Chris M; Kajimura, Makiko; Mommsen, Thomas P; Walsh, Patrick J

2005-07-01

We investigated the consequences of feeding for acid-base balance, nitrogen excretion, blood metabolites and osmoregulation in the Pacific spiny dogfish. Sharks that had been starved for 7 days were surgically fitted with indwelling stomach tubes for gastric feeding and blood catheters for repetitive blood sampling and were confined in chambers, allowing measurement of ammonia-N and urea-N fluxes. The experimental meal infused via the stomach tube consisted of flatfish muscle (2% of body mass) suspended in saline (4% of body mass total volume). Control animals received only saline (4% of body mass). Feeding resulted in a marked rise in both arterial and venous pH and HCO3- concentrations at 3-9 h after the meal, with attenuation by 17 h. Venous P(O2) also fell. As there were negligible changes in P(CO2), the response was interpreted as an alkaline tide without respiratory compensation, associated with elevated gastric acid secretion. Urea-N excretion, which comprised >90% of the total, was unaffected, while ammonia-N excretion was very slightly elevated, amounting to <3% of the total-N in the meal over 45 h. Plasma ammonia-N rose slightly. Plasma urea-N, TMAO-N and glucose concentrations remained unchanged, while free amino acid and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels exhibited modest declines. Plasma osmolality was persistently elevated after the meal relative to controls, partially explained by a significant rise in plasma Cl-. This marked post-prandial conservation of nitrogen is interpreted as reflecting the needs for urea synthesis for osmoregulation and protein growth in animals that are severely N-limited due to their sporadic and opportunistic feeding lifestyle in nature.

Determination of glomerular function in advanced renal failure.

PubMed Central

Manz, F; Alatas, H; Kochen, W; Lutz, P; Rebien, W; Schärer, K

1977-01-01

In 15 children with advanced chronic renal failure, glomerular filtration rate was determined by different methods. Inulin clearance correlated well with the mean of creatinine and urea clearance, and also with 51-chromium edetic acid (EDTA) clearance measured over 24 hours. The absolute values of creatinine clearance and of 51Cr-EDTA clearance measured up to 8 hours were higher than inulin clearance. In advanced renal failure both the 51Cr-EDTA clearance measured over 24 hours, and the mean of creatinine and urea clearance, provide acceptable estimates of true glomerular filtration rate. PMID:411426

Transcriptome Analysis of Scrippsiella trochoidea CCMP 3099 Reveals Physiological Changes Related to Nitrate Depletion

PubMed Central

Cooper, Joshua T.; Sinclair, Geoffrey A.; Wawrik, Boris

2016-01-01

Dinoflagellates are a major component of marine phytoplankton and many species are recognized for their ability to produce harmful algal blooms (HABs). Scrippsiella trochoidea is a non-toxic, marine dinoflagellate that can be found in both cold and tropic waters where it is known to produce “red tide” events. Little is known about the genomic makeup of S. trochoidea and a transcriptome study was conducted to shed light on the biochemical and physiological adaptations related to nutrient depletion. Cultures were grown under N and P limiting conditions and transcriptomes were generated via RNAseq technology. De novo assembly reconstructed 107,415 putative transcripts of which only 41% could be annotated. No significant transcriptomic response was observed in response to initial P depletion, however, a strong transcriptional response to N depletion was detected. Among the down-regulated pathways were those for glutamine/glutamate metabolism as well as urea and nitrate/nitrite transporters. Transcripts for ammonia transporters displayed both up- and down-regulation, perhaps related to a shift to higher affinity transporters. Genes for the utilization of DON compounds were up-regulated. These included transcripts for amino acids transporters, polyamine oxidase, and extracellular proteinase and peptidases. N depletion also triggered down regulation of transcripts related to the production of Photosystems I & II and related proteins. These data are consistent with a metabolic strategy that conserves N while maximizing sustained metabolism by emphasizing the relative contribution of organic N sources. Surprisingly, the transcriptome also contained transcripts potentially related to secondary metabolite production, including a homolog to the Short Isoform Saxitoxin gene (sxtA) from Alexandrium fundyense, which was significantly up-regulated under N-depletion. A total of 113 unique hits to Sxt genes, covering 17 of the 34 genes found in C. raciborskii were detected, indicating that S. trochoidea has previously unrecognized potential for the production of secondary metabolites with potential toxicity. PMID:27242681

Commercialization of waste gob gas and methane produced in conjunction with coal mining operations. Final report, August 1992--December 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1993-12-01

The primary objectives of the project were to identify and evaluate existing processes for (1) using gas as a feedstock for production of marketable, value-added commodities, and (2) enriching contaminated gas to pipeline quality. The following gas conversion technologies were evaluated: (1) transformation to liquid fuels, (2) manufacture of methanol, (3) synthesis of mixed alcohols, and (4) conversion to ammonia and urea. All of these involved synthesis gas production prior to conversion to the desired end products. Most of the conversion technologies evaluated were found to be mature processes operating at a large scale. A drawback in all of themore » processes was the need to have a relatively pure feedstock, thereby requiring gas clean-up prior to conversion. Despite this requirement, the conversion technologies were preliminarily found to be marginally economic. However, the prohibitively high investment for a combined gas clean-up/conversion facility required that REI refocus the project to investigation of gas enrichment alternatives. Enrichment of a gas stream with only one contaminant is a relatively straightforward process (depending on the contaminant) using available technology. However, gob gas has a unique nature, being typically composed of from constituents. These components are: methane, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Each of the four contaminants may be separated from the methane using existing technologies that have varying degrees of complexity and compatibility. However, the operating and cost effectiveness of the combined system is dependent on careful integration of the clean-up processes. REI is pursuing Phase 2 of this project for demonstration of a waste gas enrichment facility using the approach described above. This is expected to result in the validation of the commercial and technical viability of the facility, and the refinement of design parameters.« less

Comparative evaluation of alternative forages to grass silage in the diet of early lactation dairy cows.

PubMed

Burke, F; Murphy, J J; O'Donovan, M A; O'Mara, F P; Kavanagh, S; Mulligan, F J

2007-02-01

Fifty-six autumn-calving Holstein-Friesian cows, blocked on the basis of days in milk (27.6 +/- 10.65 d), lactation number (3.1 +/- 2.21), and preexperimental milk yield (28.4 +/- 6.69 kg) were used to examine the effects of replacing 330 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of first-cut perennial ryegrass silage with either fermented whole-crop wheat (WCW), urea-treated processed WCW, or corn silage on subsequent feed intake, milk production, and efficiency of nitrogen utilization. The DM (g/kg), crude protein (CP, g/kg of DM) and in vitro DM digestibility (g/kg) of the forages were 204, 179, and 762 for grass silage; 389, 90, and 711 for fermented WCW; 795, 141, and 768 for urea-treated processed WCW; and 346, 93, and 783 for corn silage, respectively. Four forage treatments were evaluated as follows: 1) grass silage as the sole forage (GS); 2) a mixture of grass silage and fermented WCW silage, (F-WCW); 3) a mixture of grass silage and urea-treated processed WCW, (UP-WCW); and 4) a mixture of grass silage and corn silage (CS). In all cases, the alternative forages comprised 67% of the forage mix on a DM basis. Isonitrogenous diets were formulated by offering all cows 8 kg of concentrate as fed, formulated to different CP concentrations. Cows were offered these diets from 28 to 104 d in milk. Total DM intake and milk yield were greater on UP-WCW (20.0 and 30.2 kg/d) and CS (18.3 and 33.2 kg/d) than on GS (13.5 and 26.5 kg/d). Although DM intake was greater on F-WCW (17.1 kg/d) than on GS, milk yield was not significantly greater (+2.7 kg/d). Milk protein concentration was greater on F-WCW (30.5 g/kg), UP-WCW (31.3 g/kg), and CS (30.7 g/kg) than on GS (28.5 g/kg). However, there was no difference between treatments in milk fat or lactose concentrations. Body weight change was greater for cows offered GS (-0.27 kg/d) than for those offered UP-WCW (-0.01 kg/d) and CS (+0.05 kg/d) but not compared with those offered F-WCW (-0.06 kg/d). There was no effect of treatment on plasma glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urea, or total protein at d 64 +/- 17.4 and d 92 +/- 17.4 postpartum. Efficiency of N utilization was greatest for CS with 0.36 of N intake being recovered in milk compared with 0.28, 0.32, and 0.26 for GS, F-WCW, and UP-WCW, respectively. There was no effect of treatment on milk urea N concentration or the urinary allantoin N to creatinine N ratio. The results of this experiment indicate that corn silage is a more suitable supplementary forage to grass silage than fermented or urea-treated processed WCW, with advantages realized in milk production and more efficient N utilization.

Influence of virgin coconut oil-enriched diet on the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation in rats - a comparative study.

PubMed

Arunima, Sakunthala; Rajamohan, Thankappan

2014-05-28

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) compared with copra oil, olive oil and sunflower-seed oil on the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the molecular regulation of fatty acid metabolism in normal rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the test oils at 8 % for 45 d along with a synthetic diet. Dietary supplementation of VCO decreased tissue lipid levels and reduced the activity of the enzymes involved in lipogenesis, namely acyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P< 0·05). Moreover, VCO significantly (P< 0·05) reduced the de novo synthesis of fatty acids by down-regulating the mRNA expression of FAS and its transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, compared with the other oils. VCO significantly (P< 0·05) increased the mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids, which was evident from the increased activities of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I, acyl CoA oxidase and the enzymes involved in mitochondrial β-oxidation; this was accomplished by up-regulating the mRNA expression of PPARα and its target genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. In conclusion, the present results confirmed that supplementation of VCO has beneficial effects on lipid parameters by reducing lipogenesis and enhancing the rate of fatty acid catabolism; this effect was mediated at least in part via PPARα-dependent pathways. Thus, dietary VCO reduces the risk for CHD by beneficially modulating the synthesis and degradation of fatty acids.

JBP485 improves gentamicin-induced acute renal failure by regulating the expression and function of Oat1 and Oat3 in rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Xinjin; Meng, Qiang; Liu, Qi

2013-09-01

We investigated the effects of JBP485 (an anti-inflammatory dipeptide and a substrate of OAT) on regulation of the expression and function of renal Oat1 and Oat3, which can accelerate the excretion of accumulated uremic toxins (e.g. indoxyl sulfate) in the kidney to improve gentamicin-induced ARF in rats. JBP485 caused a significant decrease in the accumulation of endogenous substances (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and indoxyl sulfate) in vivo, an increase in the excretion of exogenous compounds (lisinopril and inulin) into urine, and up-regulation of the expressions of renal Oat1 and Oat3 in the kidney tissues and slices via substrate induction. Tomore » determine the effect of JBP485 on the accelerated excretion of uremic toxins mediated by Oat1 and Oat3, the mRNA and protein expression levels of renal basolateral Oats were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, immunohistochemical analysis and an immunofluorescence method. Gentamicin down-regulated the expression of Oats mRNA and protein in rat kidney, and these effects were reversed after administration of JBP485. In addition, JBP485 caused a significant decrease in MPO and MDA levels in the kidney, and improved the pathological condition of rat kidney. These results indicated that JBP485 improved acute renal failure by increasing the expression and function of Oat1 and Oat3, and by decreasing overoxidation of the kidney in gentamicin-induced ARF rats. - Highlights: • JBP485 could up-regulate function and expression of Oat1 and Oat3 in kidney. • Effects of JBP485 on ARF are mediated by stimulating excretion of uremic toxins. • JBP485 protected against gentamicin-induced ARF by decreasing MPO and MDA.« less

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 4-Phenoxyquinoline Derivatives Containing Benzo[d]thiazole-2-yl Urea as c-Met Kinase Inhibitors.

PubMed

Lei, Hongrui; Hu, Gang; Wang, Yu; Han, Pei; Liu, Zijian; Zhao, Yanfang; Gong, Ping

2016-08-01

A series of novel 4-phenoxyquinoline derivatives containing the benzo[d]thiazole-2-yl urea moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the HT-29, MKN-45, and H460 cell lines. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by (1) H NMR and MS spectra. Most of them showed moderate to excellent potency against the three tested cell lines. Especially, compound 23 was identified a promising agent (c-Met IC50  = 17.6 nM), showing the most potent anticancer activities with IC50 values of 0.18, 0.06, and 0.01 µM against the HT-29, MKN-45, and H460 cell lines, respectively. The docking results of 23 with the c-Met kinase model 3LQ8 showed a specific binding mode between the ligand and the target protein. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Using Urea as Reduction Agent: Excellent X-band Electromagnetic Absorption Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agusu, L.; Ahmad, L. O.; Alimin; Nurdin, M.; Herdianto; Mitsudo, S.; Kikuchi, H.

2018-05-01

We report a strong absorption of microwave energy at X-band (8 GHz to 12 GHz) by N-doped graphene. Attachment of nitrogen on the layered structure of GO improves the reflection loss of GO slab (2.0 mm, thickness) from –10 dB to –25.0 dB with a sharp bandwidth ∼0.3 GHz. As for the broader bandwidth of about 1.4 GHz, reflection loss is –10.5 dB. This significant absorption may take place by improvement of magnetic property of NG through high magnetic coupling of localized spins induced by a defect on the surface of graphene. N atoms play as the electron trapper, easily influenced by self-magnetic moments and incoming electromagnetic fields to produce electric and/or magnetic losses. Here, urea acts as the reducing agent and N atoms donor for graphene oxide in hydrothermal process at a temperature of 190 °C.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: an ammoniagenic and catabolic event due to the total absence of isoleucine in the haemoglobin molecule.

PubMed

Olde Damink, S W; Dejong, C H; Deutz, N E; van Berlo, C L; Soeters, P B

1999-06-01

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding causes increased urea concentrations in patients with normal liver function and high ammonia concentrations in patients with impaired liver function. This ammoniagenesis may precipitate encephalopathy. The haemoglobin molecule is unique because it lacks the essential amino acid isoleucine and has high amounts of leucine and valine. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding therefore presents the gut with protein of very low biologic value, which may be the stimulus to induce a cascade of events culminating in net catabolism. This may influence the function of rapidly dividing cells and short half-life proteins. We hypothesize that, following a variceal bleed in a cirrhotic patient, the lack of isoleucine in blood protein is the cause of the exaggerated ammoniagenesis and catabolism. We propose that intravenous administration of isoleucine may serve as a simple therapeutic that transforms blood protein in a balanced protein, resulting in only a short-lived rise in ammonia and urea production, and preventing interference with protein synthesis.

The CYP2E1 inhibitor DDC up-regulates MMP-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells via an ERK1/2- and Akt-dependent mechanism.

PubMed

Liu, Tianhui; Wang, Ping; Cong, Min; Xu, Youqing; Jia, Jidong; You, Hong

2013-06-05

DDC (diethyldithiocarbamate) could block collagen synthesis in HSC (hepatic stellate cells) through the inhibition of ROS (reactive oxygen species) derived from hepatocyte CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1). However, the effect of DDC on MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), which is the main collagen degrading matrix metalloproteinase, has not been reported. In co-culture experiments, we found that DDC significantly enhanced MMP-1 expression in human HSC (LX-2) that were cultured with hepatocyte C3A cells either expressing or not expressing CYP2E1. The levels of both proenzyme and active MMP-1 enzyme were up-regulated in LX-2 cells, accompanied by elevated enzyme activity of MMP-1 and decreased collagen I, in both LX-2 cells and the culture medium. H2O2 treatment abrogated DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation and collagen I decrease, while catalase treatment slightly up-regulated MMP-1 expression. These data suggested that the decrease in ROS by DDC was partially responsible for the MMP-1 up-regulation. ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), Akt (protein kinase B) and p38 were significantly activated by DDC. The ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and Akt inhibitor (T3830) abrogated the DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation. In addition, a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) improved MMP-1 up-regulation through the stimulation of ERK1/2. Our data indicate that DDC significantly up-regulates the expression of MMP-1 in LX-2 cells which results in greater MMP-1 enzyme activity and decreased collagen I. The enhancement of MMP-1 expression by DDC was associated with H2O2 inhibition and coordinated regulation by the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways. These data provide some new insights into treatment strategies for hepatic fibrosis.

The CYP2E1 inhibitor DDC up-regulates MMP-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells via an ERK1/2- and Akt-dependent mechanism

PubMed Central

Liu, Tianhui; Wang, Ping; Cong, Min; Xu, Youqing; Jia, Jidong; You, Hong

2013-01-01

DDC (diethyldithiocarbamate) could block collagen synthesis in HSC (hepatic stellate cells) through the inhibition of ROS (reactive oxygen species) derived from hepatocyte CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1). However, the effect of DDC on MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), which is the main collagen degrading matrix metalloproteinase, has not been reported. In co-culture experiments, we found that DDC significantly enhanced MMP-1 expression in human HSC (LX-2) that were cultured with hepatocyte C3A cells either expressing or not expressing CYP2E1. The levels of both proenzyme and active MMP-1 enzyme were up-regulated in LX-2 cells, accompanied by elevated enzyme activity of MMP-1 and decreased collagen I, in both LX-2 cells and the culture medium. H2O2 treatment abrogated DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation and collagen I decrease, while catalase treatment slightly up-regulated MMP-1 expression. These data suggested that the decrease in ROS by DDC was partially responsible for the MMP-1 up-regulation. ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), Akt (protein kinase B) and p38 were significantly activated by DDC. The ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and Akt inhibitor (T3830) abrogated the DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation. In addition, a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) improved MMP-1 up-regulation through the stimulation of ERK1/2. Our data indicate that DDC significantly up-regulates the expression of MMP-1 in LX-2 cells which results in greater MMP-1 enzyme activity and decreased collagen I. The enhancement of MMP-1 expression by DDC was associated with H2O2 inhibition and coordinated regulation by the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways. These data provide some new insights into treatment strategies for hepatic fibrosis. PMID:23577625

Calcium Binding and Disulfide Bonds Regulate the Stability of Secretagogin towards Thermal and Urea Denaturation

PubMed Central

Weiffert, Tanja; Ní Mhurchú, Niamh; O’Connell, David; Linse, Sara

2016-01-01

Secretagogin is a calcium-sensor protein with six EF-hands. It is widely expressed in neurons and neuro-endocrine cells of a broad range of vertebrates including mammals, fishes and amphibia. The protein plays a role in secretion and interacts with several vesicle-associated proteins. In this work, we have studied the contribution of calcium binding and disulfide-bond formation to the stability of the secretagogin structure towards thermal and urea denaturation. SDS-PAGE analysis of secretagogin in reducing and non-reducing conditions identified a tendency of the protein to form dimers in a redox-dependent manner. The denaturation of apo and Calcium-loaded secretagogin was studied by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy under conditions favoring monomer or dimer or a 1:1 monomer: dimer ratio. This analysis reveals significantly higher stability towards urea denaturation of Calcium-loaded secretagogin compared to the apo protein. The secondary and tertiary structure of the Calcium-loaded form is not completely denatured in the presence of 10 M urea. Reduced and Calcium-loaded secretagogin is found to refold reversibly after heating to 95°C, while both oxidized and reduced apo secretagogin is irreversibly denatured at this temperature. Thus, calcium binding greatly stabilizes the structure of secretagogin towards chemical and heat denaturation. PMID:27812162

Enhancing Nitrogen Availability, Ammonium Adsorption-Desorption, and Soil pH Buffering Capacity using Composted Paddy Husk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latifah, O.; Ahmed, O. H.; Abdul Majid, N. M.

2017-12-01

Form of nitrogen present in soils is one of the factors that affect nitrogen loss. Nitrate is mobile in soils because it does not absorb on soil colloids, thus, causing it to be leached by rainfall to deeper soil layers or into the ground water. On the other hand, temporary retention and timely release of ammonium in soils regulate nitrogen availability for crops. In this study, composted paddy husk was used in studies of soil leaching, buffering capacity, and ammonium adsorption and desorption to determine the: (i) availability of exchangeable ammonium, available nitrate, and total nitrogen in an acid soil after leaching the soil for 30 days, (ii) soil buffering capacity, and (iii) ability of the composted paddy husk to adsorb and desorb ammonium from urea. Leaching of ammonium and nitrate were lower in all treatments with urea and composted paddy husk compared with urea alone. Higher retention of soil exchangeable ammonium, available nitrate, and total nitrogen of the soils with composted paddy husk were due to the high buffering capacity and cation exchange capacity of the amendment to adsorb ammonium thus, improving nitrogen availability through temporary retention on the exchange sites of the humic acids of the composted paddy husk. Nitrogen availability can be enhanced if urea is amended with composted paddy husk.

Preparation and properties of a double-coated slow-release and water-retention urea fertilizer.

PubMed

Liang, Rui; Liu, Mingzhu

2006-02-22

A double-coated, slow-release, and water-retention urea fertilizer (DSWU) was prepared by cross-linked poly(acrylic acid)-containing urea (PAAU) (the outer coating), polystyrene (PS) (the inner coating), and urea granule (the core). Elemental analysis results showed that the nitrogen content of the product was 33.6 wt %. The outer coating (PAAU) regulated the nitrogen release rate and protected the inner coating from damage. The slow-release property of the product was investigated in water and in soil. The possible mechanism of nitrogen release was proposed. The influences of PS coating percentage, temperature, water absorbency, and pH on the release of nitrogen were also investigated. It was found that PS coating percentage, temperature, and water absorbency had a significant influence on the release of nitrogen. However, the pH had no effect. The water-retention property of the product was also investigated. The results showed that the product not only had a good slow-release property but also excellent water-retention capacity, which could effectively improve the utilization of fertilizer and water resources. The results of the present work indicated that the DSWU would find good application in agriculture and horticulture, especially in drought-prone areas where the availability of water is insufficient.

LARGE STRAIN STIMULATION PROMOTES EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX PRODUCTION AND STIFFNESS IN AN ELASTOMERIC SCAFFOLD MODEL

PubMed Central

D’more, Antonio; Soares, Joao; Stella, John A.; Zhang, Will; Amoroso, Nicholas J.; Mayer, John E.; Wagner, William R.; Sacks, Michael S.

2016-01-01

Mechanical conditioning of engineered tissue constructs is widely recognized as one of the most relevant methods to enhance tissue accretion and microstructure, leading to improved mechanical behaviors. The understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains rather limited, restricting the development of in silico models of these phenomena, and the translation of engineered tissues into clinical application. In the present study, we examined the role of large strip-biaxial strains (up to 50%) on ECM synthesis by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) micro-integrated into electrospun polyester urethane urea (PEUU) constructs over the course of 3 weeks. Experimental results indicated that VSMC biosynthetic behavior was quite sensitive to tissue strain maximum level, and that collagen was the primary ECM component synthesized. Moreover, we found that while a 30% peak strain level achieved maximum ECM synthesis rate, further increases in strain level lead to a reduction in ECM biosynthesis. Subsequent mechanical analysis of the formed collagen fiber network was performed by removing the scaffold mechanical responses using a strain-energy based approach, showing that the de-novo collagen also demonstrated mechanical behaviors substantially better than previously obtained with small strain training and comparable to mature collagenous tissues. We conclude that the application of large deformations can play a critical role not only in the quantity of ECM synthesis (i.e. the rate of mass production), but also on the modulation of the stiffness of the newly formed ECM constituents. The improved understanding of the process of growth and development of ECM in these mechano-sensitive cell-scaffold systems will lead to more rational design and manufacturing of engineered tissues operating under highly demanding mechanical environments. PMID:27344402

[Transition of Psychotropic Drugs in Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) (Part 16). Transitions in the Standards and Test Methods of Bromovalerylurea in JP V (1932) and JP X VI (2011), and Comparison with Deutsches Arzneibuch].

PubMed

Yanagisawa, Kiyohisa

2015-01-01

Soam discovered the drug Bromovalerylurea (or less BV) in 1907. After that, BV was imported in Japan in the latter part of the Meiji period as Western medicine. Under the influence of the First World War, in Japan, BV was domestic production. And BV are listed in JP V (1932), it is continued listing until the current JP X VI (2011). As a foreign pharmacopoeia which listed the BV, only in addition to the JP, there was a German Pharmacopoeia (DAB). During this time, the JP and DAB, the standards and test methods of BV, it was amended as shown in Table 1 and Table 2. The discrimination test and analysis test was defined based on the chemical properties of urea and isovaleric acid and bromine. Therefore, consistency was seen in the chemical criteria for test. From this it is understood that BV is Bromoisovalerateureido synthesized based on urea and isovaleric acid and bromine. This isovaleric acid is the active ingredient of Japanese Valerian and Valerian roots. BV is an organic synthetic urea derivative that was effectively improved organic synthesis isovaleric acid with respect to quality and efficacy surface. For this reason at the time that BV have been developed, it is an ideal new drug, it was described as a good medicine have no side effects. But to BV, there is a nature that it has tolerance, addictive, a dependency. In Japan after the Second World War, there was a lack of awareness about the nature of such BV. That it had become a system that masses can easily purchase the BV. Revision of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law of 1960 against in this, selling regulation of BV is provided. However, for analgesic formulated with BV of dose observed in the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, as generic drugs, selling is permitted, it is continuing until today. For this reason in recent years, long-term use of BV by self-judgment of the masses is frequent. And chronic bromine poisoning BV by this it have been a problem. Therefore regard to BV, always for their safety, including the overseas situation, I think it is important to seize the new knowledge and information.

Momordica charantia polysaccharides mitigate the progression of STZ induced diabetic nephropathy in rats.

PubMed

Raish, Mohammad; Ahmad, Ajaz; Jan, Basit L; Alkharfy, Khalid M; Ansari, Mushtaq Ahmad; Mohsin, Kazi; Jenoobi, Fahad Al; Al-Mohizea, Abdullah

2016-10-01

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become a primary cause of end-stage kidney disease. Several complex dynamics converge together to accelerate the advancement of DN. The present investigation was postulated to explore the mechanism of reno-protective nature of Momordica Charantia polysaccharides (MCP) by evaluating the anti-hyperglycemic, anti-lipidemic as well as markers for oxidative stress and antioxidant proficiency in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of MCP showed a significant normalization in the levels of kidney function test in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea protein and creatinine increased by 316.58%, 195.14% and 800.97% respectively, in STZ-induced diabetic rats when compared with normal rats. MCP treatment also illustrated a significant improvement in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, with a significant decline in MDA in diabetic kidneys. Immunoblots of heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and Nrf2 of MCP treated diabetic rats showed a significant up-regulation of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein. Histological and ultra-structural observations also reveal that MCP efficiently protects the kidneys from hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative damage. These findings illustrate that the reno-protective nature of MCP mitigates the progression of STZ induced DN in rats by suppression of oxidative stress and amelioration of the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.