Showing papers on "B vitamins published in 1980"

Fractionation of Thylakoid Membranes with the Nonionic Detergent Octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside: RESOLUTION OF CHLOROPHYLL-PROTEIN COMPLEX II INTO TWO CHLOROPHYLL-PROTEIN COMPLEXES

Abstract: The detergent octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (30 millimolar in 2 millimolar Tris-maleate, pH 7.0) preferentially extracts complexes containing protein and chlorophylls a plus b (CP) from spinach, leaving a residue highly enriched in CP I (P700-chlorophyll a protein). Use of the detergent results in a relatively gentle extraction since little free chlorophyll is formed and since sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis (on 10% acrylamide) of the extract also reveals the presence of two minor chlorophyll a complexes (apparent molecular weight, 47,000 and 43,000) instead of the usual single complex. The major complex preserved is CP 64, a chlorophyll a/b complex (apparent molecular weight, 64,000) which is an oligomer of another chlorophyll a/b complex, CP 27, the light-harvesting complex (apparent molecular weight, 27,000). Dissociation of each complex reveals two polypeptides (molecular weight, 32,000 and 28,000) and limited proteolysis confirms that those of CP 64 have the same structure as those of CP 27. An additional chlorophyll a/b complex (apparent molecular weight, 29,000) is clearly separable from CP 27, and differs from it and CP 64 in having a higher chlorophyll a/b ratio and a single polypeptide (molecular weight, 29,000) which differs structurally from those of the other complexes.

Supramolecular structure of stacked and unstacked regions of the photosynthetic membranes of Prochloron sp., a prokaryote

Abstract: Freeze-fracture replicas of the photosynthetic prokaryote Prochloron sp., collected at Coconut Island, Hawaii, show that the thylakoids are differentiated into stacked and unstacked regions much like the thylakoids of green algae and higher plants. On the exoplasmic (E) fracture face, the particle density is greater in stacked regions (≈3100 particles/μm2) than in unstacked regions (≈925 particles/μm2). On the complementary protoplasmic (P) fracture face, the particle density is lower in stacked regions (≈2265 particles/μm2 than in unstacked regions (≈4980 particles/μm2). The histogram of the diameters of E face particles in unstacked regions shows a single broad peak centered at 80 A. In stacked regions, four distinct peaks, at 75, 105, 130, and 160 A, are observed. These size classes are virtually identical to those found on E faces of thylakoids of the green alga Chlamydomonas and of greening pea chloroplasts. In the latter systems, the different size classes of E face particles are believed to represent photosystem II units surrounded by variable amounts of chlorophyll a/b light-harvesting complex. We propose that the same interpretation applies to the thylakoids of Prochloron, which contain a similar chlorophyll a/b complex. Our results add to the evidence supporting the view of the chlorophyll a/b complex as both a light-harvesting complex and a membrane adhesion factor. The similarity of the architecture of the thylakoids of Prochloron to that of green algal and plant chloroplasts also provides additional evidence of an evolutionary relationship between Prochloron and the chloroplasts of green plants.

Micronutrient interactions, vitamins, minerals, and hazardous elements

Abstract: Symposium proceedings on the interactions of vitamins, minerals, and hazardous elements are presented for health science professionals, nutrition policy makers, and teachers, to encourage exchange of ideas, to identify further research needs, and to serve as a teaching tool. Part I deals with the interactions of vitamins with essential minerals including the role of the vitamin D endocrine system in calcium and phosphorus metabolism; the interactions of vitamin C and iron; and influences of vitamin A on calcium, iron and zinc. Part II explores vitamin-vitamin interactions, e.g., the fat-soluble or B vitamins. Some of the mineral interactions discussed are: copper and zinc in cardiovascular disease; and calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and aluminum effects on fluoride metabolism. Vitamin-toxic mineral connections are explored for vitamin E and lead, for vitamin C with lead and mercury, and for vitamins C and E with gastric cancer prevention. Analysis of essential and toxic mineral interactions include: dietary zinc and copper with lead; and copper on cadmium toxicity. (cj)

Cytochrome b reducible by succinate in an isolated succinate dehydrogenase-cytochrome b complex from Bacillus subtilis membranes.

Abstract: In previous work with membranes of Bacillus subtilis, the succinate dehydrogenase complex was isolated by immunoprecipitation of Triton X-100-solubilized membranes. The complex included a polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 19,000, probably attributable to apocytochrome. This paper reports the further characterization of this cytochrome and its relation to the respiratory chain of B. subtilis. The cytochrome was identified as cytochrome b, and its difference absorption spectra showed maxima at 426, 529, and 558 nm at room temperature. The oxidized cytochrome had an absorption maximum at 413 nm. The cytochrome was reduced by succinate in the isolated succinate dehydrogenase complex and in Triton X-100-solubilized membranes. In whole membranes cytochromes b, c, and a were reduced by succinate. In membranes from a mutant containing normal cytochromes but lacking succinate dehydrogenase no reduction of cytochrome was seen with succinate. It was concluded that the isolated succinate dehydrogenase-cytochrome b complex is a functional unit in the intact B. subtilis membrane. An accompanying paper describes cytochrome b as a structural unit involved in the membrane binding of succinate dehydrogenase.

Abnormal concentrations of B vitamins and amino acids in plasma, bile, and liver of chicks with aflatoxicosis.

Abstract: Graded levels of aflatoxin fed to broiler chickens for 3 weeks decreased the levels of most B vitamins in plasma, bile, and liver and decreased all free and hydrolyzed amino acids from peptides in plasma. The levels of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, and choline decreased by more than 60% in bile; vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, and choline decreased by more than 49% in plasma; thiamine, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, choline, folate, and niacin decreased by more than 19% in liver; and only bile and plasma levels of folate increased (78 and 12%, respectively) with a dietary level of 5 microgram of aflatoxin per g of feed. Plasma levels of cystine and cysteine, methionine, threonine, serine, and aspartic acid decreased by more than 37%, whereas valine, lysine, leucine, histidine, hydroxyproline, and alanine decreased by more than 9% with 2.5 microgram of aflatoxin per g of feed. The data suggest that aflatoxin interferes with the metabolism of B vitamins and amino acids in chicks. However, these changes may be measuring the effects of aflatoxin-induced hepatic necrosis.

Interactions of thiamin, riboflavin, and other b‐vitamins

Abstract: Interactions of the B-complex vitamins are essential in the performance of metabolic and catabolic reactions in the body. Even vitamin C and the fat-soluble vitamins may be involved in these interactions. Clinical and biochemical aberrations associated with various disease states can often be explained on the basis of these vitamin interrelationships. Health and nutritional well-being are dependent upon the maintenance and proper functioning of these vitamin-dependent metabolic pathways.

Untersuchungen zum Verhalten des Rh, Pd, Ir und Pt im Chloridmedium an Anionenaustauschern

Abstract: Es wurden vergleichende Untersuchungen zum Austauschverhalten von Rh-, Pd-, Ir- und Pt-Verbindungen im Chloridmedium an Anionenaustauschern durchgefuhrt; variiert wurden die Basizitat der Aminoankergruppen, die Aziditat und Temperatur der Aufgabelosung sowie die Wertigkeit und Komplexform der Pt-Metalle. Aus dem Ad- und Desorptionsverhalten wurde auf das Vorliegen zweier Austauschmechanismen geschlossen: a Austausch der unveranderten Pt-Metallanionen („reiner” Ionenaustausch), (dominiert in genugend sauren Losungen an allen Harzen); b komplexe Bindung der Pt-Metalle durch Eintritt Freier Aminogruppen in die innere Komplexsphare (gewinnt bei sinkender Aziditat an schwach bis mittelbasischen Harzen an Bedeutung). Es werden maximale Beladungen der Harze bei verschiedenen Bedingungen sowie Austausch-koeffizienten fur den „reinen” Ionenaustausch angegeben. Investigations on the Behaviour of Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt on Anion Exchangers in the Chloride Medium Comparative investigation on the behaviour of compounds of Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt on anion exchangers in the chloride medium have been carried out by varying the basicity of the amino groups, the acidity and temperature of the added solution, and the valance and complex type of the platinum-group metals. The existence of two exchange mechanisms was concluded from the adsorption and desorption behaviour: a exchange of unchanged anions of the platinum-group metals (the “pure” ion exchange that is predominant in sufficiently acidified solutions on all resins), b complex bonding of the platinum-group metals as a result of the entry of free amino groups into the internal complex sphere (becomes important with decreasing acidity on resins of low up to medium basicity). Maximum loads of the resins under various conditions and exchange coefficients for the “pure” ion exchange are reported.

Role of vitamin E in the aetiology of phrynoderma (follicular hyperkeratosis) and its interrelationship with B-complex vitamins.

Abstract: I. A study was undertaken to investigate the role of vitamin E in the aetiology of phrynoderma (follicular hyperkeratosis). Fifty-six children with the disease and twenty-one normal children were investigated for this purpose. 2. Plasma vitamin E levels (meanks~; mg/l) were found to be low in phrynoderma (y7+0.19) in contrast with normal children (6-6k 040) and therapy with a combination of vitamin E and B-complex brought about complete cure. 3. The. increase in plasma vitamin E levels after the administration of vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg three times daily for 4 weeks was higher than that obtained when vitamin Eat the same dose was administered together with vitamin Bcomplex for 4 weeks, suggesting an interaction between the two vitamins. Further studies are necessary to find out the exact nature of this interrelationship. Phrynoderma or follicular hyperkeratosis has long been recognized as a nutritional deficiency disorder. It is characterized by the appearance of cone-shaped, horny, hyperkeratinized, scaly eruptions over the dorsal aspects of both limbs. The aetiopathogenesis of this disorder has so far been controversial. Based on the results of studies conducted in India (Gopalan, 1947; Bagchi et al. 1959; Srikantia & Belavady, 1961; Srikantia & Pargaonkar, 1964; Bhat & Belavady, 1967) it has been suggested that this condition arises from a dietary deficiency of both essential fatty acids (EFA) and B-complex vitamins. In all the studies mentioned previously a vegetable oil rich in EFA (safflower) with or without vitamin B-complex supplements was used for the successful treatment of the disease. Vegetable oils which are rich sources of EFA are also rich sources of vitamin E. There have however, been no studies done to determine which of these two components in the vegetable oil, namely EFA and vitamin E, is actually responsible for the therapeutic effect obtained with the use of these vegetable oils. A study was therefore carried out to investigate the possible role of vitamin E in the aetiology of phrynoderma.

Composition and method for stimulation of aerobic bacteria

Abstract: Composition for stimulation of aerobic bacterial from combination of triacontanol, B vitamins or mixtures of these, with an agent derived from mulch cow excrement; and method of treating growth media such as sewage or soil to stimulate the growth of aerobic bacterial to improve the condition of sewage for disposal or availability of soil nutrients for plant growth by addition of the composition to the growth.

Roles of Vitamins as Coenzymes

Abstract: Vitamins that serve as precursors of coenzymes are principally the B vitamins. These substances occur not only in the free form but also in bound forms from which they must be liberated in the digestive tract by appropriate secreted enzymes before they can be utilized. The transport of vitamins from the digestive tract into the bloodstream and to various cells and finally into the cells may require specific transport proteins for a particular vitamin. Within the cells, most members of the group of B vitamins are converted into coenzyme forms which are required for the activity of specific enzymes. Such a coenzyme may be attached by ionic, coordinate covalent, or, in some cases, covalent bonding to an apoenzyme to provide an enzyme (holoenzyme) catalyzing a specific reaction. In some instances, the vitamin itself is bound covalently to the apoenzyme (protein) directly to form the holoenzyme. Coenzymes are usually integrally involved in the catalytic process of the enzyme, but many coenzymes also serve as cosubstrates or carriers of groups to be modified by enzymic processes.

[Bovine cerebral cortex gangliosides in the treatment of radicular lesions (author's transl)].

Abstract: Bovine cerebral cortex gangliosides were given to 71 patients following surgical intervention for radicular compression of different etiologies The extract was given for 20-25 days at daily doses of 20 mg for the first 15 days and 10 mg thereafter until completion of treatment H reflexology was shown to be a good method for evaluating the response to therapy Most information was gained by the use of the following parameters: AM/AH, AH/IE, and AH/number of stimulation pulses The results have been compared with those obtained prior to surgical therapy, those collected in a series of 68 normal individuals and, finally, with those found in another series of 71 patients that were treated postoperatively with conventional measures (B vitamins, analgesics, antiinflammatory drugs, corticoids, etc) The statistical analysis of the final data shows that the reflexologic parameters tested revert to normal quicker in the patients treated with gangliosides than in those not receiving such therapy The authors consider the use of gangliosides of great interest in the postoperative period after surgical relief of radicular compression

A new antibiotic K-82 A and minor components, produced by Streptomyces lavendulae, strain No. K-82.

Abstract: From the results of taxonomic studies, Streptomyces sp. strain No. K-82 isolated from a soil sample collected in Kumamoto city, was identified as a strain belonging to Streptomyces lavendulae WAKSMAN & HENRICI 1948. The strain produced an active new antibiotic called K-82 A and minor components named the B complex. Antibiotic K-82 A was isolated as dark reddish needles by silica gel column chromatography and found to have both antibacterial activity and high phage induction activity. The K-82 B complex was found to consist of at least five components, among which K-82 B2 and B3 were isolated as crystals. Substance K-82 B2 was identified as benzoic acid from its physicochemical properties. Substance B3 like B2 had only marginal antibiotic activity.

Studies on interrelationship between vitamins E and B-complex.

Abstract: 16 normal male adult volunteers belonging to the low socioeconomic class were investigated to study the interrelationship between vitamins E and B-complex. Vitamin E in the form of dl

Nutrition and the Budgie

Abstract: To understand how a budgie takes a particle of food and converts it into some form of energy, we must first understand the how and why of digestion, and subsequently absorption and then assimilation. Unlike humans, that have a fixed plate of bone for the upper part of their mouth called a "maxilla", the budgerigar has two movable appendages called "rnandibles". If you removed the upper mandible, and look at the under surface, you would find a small vertical ridge running from the back forward. Branching out perpendicularly, there are smaller ridges running laterally towards the outside of the mandibular undersurface. The budgie uses these surfaces to more or less grip or trap the seed, while the lower mandible crushes the husk off the seed. When the husk is discarded, the budgie then proceeds to literally grate the soft fibrous inside of the seeds into small pieces before swallowing them. This is why the inside surface of the budgies mouth is totally dry. For if it were not, the above explanation would shortly become an extremely sticky mess. Actually, the saliva is produced in the crop (or forestomach) of the budgie. It is in the crop that the foods are stored, and the initial mixing starts to take place. Bear in mind that absolutely no digestive process occurs in the crop. Whether or not birds have an enzyme in their crops called ''ptyalin'', which starts the digestive process of simple starches, I can not tell you, as I can not find any reference to its presence, or lack thereof! I would suspect that ptyalin is present due to the fact that crop milk is produced in the crop, and most authorities say it is a fat and protein mixture which is produced in the rubbery type cellular lining in this organ. Anyone having observed a cock feeding a hen, or a hen feeding chick will quickly tell you that the regurgitated mixture is quite fluid. We know from cellular study (called histology) that when birds are feeding chicks, the cellular growth rate of these cells increases to approximately 600% of their normal or nonmated status. We know that crop milk is for the most part extremely rich in fat, protein, vitamin A and the B complex vitamins. Realizing that I have digressed from passing the food down the alimentary tract, we will now procede to the budgies stomach, or proventriculus. Like most seed eating animals, this glandular stomach has very little to do with digestion, save possibly to steadily push the already moistened mixture into the grinder called a gizzard. The gizzard is really a remarkable and highly sophisticated organ. It is able to contract several times each minute and pass out a mixture ready to be absorbed and assimilated by the intestinal tract; however, it retains the grit (or teeth) inside itself provided the grit is large enough and/ or rough enough to continue to function as it's teeth. When this grit becomes inefficient, the gizzard passes it on with the rest of the mixture until it is eliminated with the rest of the waste. This is why it is necessary to constantly keep a fresh supply of clean grit before your birds. Probably one of the greatest errors a breeder can do, is it to not change the grit periodically. Give your bird the option of what size and shape grit it wants. Just because the bowl looks adequate, does not make it so; therefore, change all of it periodically, and more than likely you will immediately see your budgie start picking up from the fresh bowl of grit. When sufficient grinding and mixing has been performed the food passes out of the gizzard and into the first one third of the small intestine called the duodenum, where fat emulsifier called bile is secreted. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed for emulsifying fats. At the same time enzymes from the pancrease (lipase and amylase) are released through a common duct into the duodenum and these break down the starches, which are the primary source of energy. If you just take into account how fast a budgie breathes or what it's normal body temperature is, you can equate how much it has to take in just to sit on the perch and eat, let alone fly around. The liver by the way only has 39 other functions other than producing bile. It stores vitamins (refer to hypervitaminosis later in this article), stores quick energy sugar in the form of glycogen, converts the by products of their metabolic processes into particles for nutrition and waste such as urea (which is placed in circulation so it can be filtered out by the kidneys), acts as a bacterical and possibly viral filter, collects old parts from destroyed red blood cells and sends them on to the long bones to be made into new red blood cells, and this is only to mention a few - remarkable organ in anybody's book. The food passes out of the doudenum and into the jejunum where it is mixed further and starts being absorbed. Then into the ileum for further absorption, after which it passes into the larger intestine for final absorption. At this point most of the fluid content is totally absorbed. The waste is then deposited in the cloaca where it is mixed with the waste products from the kidney and finally expelled through the vent. The green portion of a birds exereta is from the alimentary digestive tract; and the white portion is primarily uric acid percipitate eliminated by the kidneys. And here all along you thought it was just seeds, greens, grit, cuttlefish and water! Cage birds, in contrast to wild or free flying birds that forage for their foodstuffs, are entirely dependent on what types of foodstuffs we supply them. Many are kept on sub-optimal diets because of a lack of knowledge of nutrition on the part of their keepers, or very rarely because of a lack of interest!

Feed Your Kids Right

Abstract: This book should not be recommended to patients or their parents. Although many of the statements in the book are based on nutritional evidence, these are counterbalanced by dogmatic pronouncements based on beliefs, half-truths, or untruths. The casual reader may enjoy some new definitions, eg, antinutrient as a substance that increases the body's need for more nutrients and vitamins, "which are really concentrated foods." Some may enjoy such homilies as "children usually hate vitamins because the B vitamins especially taste like moldy dirt" or "certified raw milk comes from better-fed cows." Not so amusing or petty, however, are the author's "Five Levels of Health," the apparent basis of his doctrine. These are defined by general activity, irritability, how the child does in school, how the child cuts teeth, and others. Any parents whose child is not absolutely perfect can easily read that they are to blame for feeding the child

Care of Cambodian refugees.

Abstract: To the Editor.— The article by Keith Dahlberg, MD (243:1062, 1980), on "Medical Care of Cambodian Refugees" was both interesting and timely. Having recently returned from volunteer work on the Thai-Cambodian border, I thought I might add one insight that our team, sponsored by the American Refugee Committee, gained. Dahlberg states that, with anemias "among the refugees, it is reasonable to try iron therapy and transfusions (and perhaps folic acid) at first." Our policy, also, was to provide our patients with daily multivitamins, B complex, and iron, and it was not until my return to the United States that I realized such an empirical approach may not always be advisable. In a 1977 article dealing with the relationship of nutritional status to infection, Murray and Murray' discussed their observations of the Sahel famine of 1973 and the Ogaden famine of 1975. They noted that within two to four weeks of