The biodegradation of fullerene C by myeloperoxidase.

It is shown for the first time that the mammalian enzymes can cause the degradation of the C60 fullerene molecules. This biodegradation is caused by the action of а hypochlorite generated neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase of fullerene molecule and leads to the loss of the topology of the fullerene core.

[INTERACTION OF THE DYE CONGO RED WITH FIBRILS OF LYSOZYME, BETA2-MICROGLOBULIN AND TRANSTHYRETIN].

By means of spectrophotometric assay we investigated interaction of the dye Congo red (CR) with fibrils of model proteins--hen egg white lysozyme, recombinant human beta2-microglobulin (b2M) and recombinant human transthyretin (TTR). The commercial dye sample was found to contain a significant amount of impurities. Methods for the dye purification are disclosed and CR molar extinction coefficient at 490 nm (ε490) was determined to be 3.

Laparoscopic surgery for pediatric varicoceles: Randomized controlled trial.

Background/purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the advantages and the shortcomings of laparoscopic varicocelectomy compared with open traditional treatment of varicoceles.

Methods: A total of 654 patients were operated on for left-sided varicoceles over 5 years from 1995 to 2000. To evaluate the clinical efficiency of the treatment, the patients were divided randomly into 2 groups.

Modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by intracellular calcium and cyclic AMP in Lymnaea stagnalis neurones.

Acetylcholine (ACh)-receptor ion channels were investigated under the modulatory action of calcium and cyclic AMP in completely isolated Lymnaea stagnalis neurones using the noise analysis technique. Elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in dialyzed neurones produced a reduction in the amplitude of ACh induced current accompanied by slight decrease in the mean channel open time and a simultaneous 1.5-fold increase in mean channel conductance.

Modulation of calcium current in snail neurones by dopamine: the role of intracellular free calcium.

The inhibition of voltage-gated Ca-current in Limnaea stagnalis (L.) neurones by dopamine cannot be prevented by intracellular administration of the Ca-chelating agent, EGTA. At the same time, substitution of external Ba2+ for Ca2+ substantially weakens the dopamine-induced inhibition.