Regulation of haem oxygenase-1 nitrosative stress in cardiac cells.

The reactive nitrogen species (RNS) nitric oxide (NO), nitroxyl anion (NO") and nitrosonium cation (NO+), modulate a myriad of biological processes. The microsomal haem oxygenases (HO-1, HO-2 and HO-3) oxidatively catabolise haem to bilirubin, carbon monoxide (CO) and ferrous iron (Fe2+). Sensitivity of the inducible isoform (HO-1) to a variety of inducers has identified HO-1 as an effective endogenous cytoprotectant against oxidative stress. Although nitrosative stimuli can enhance HO-1 expression, little is known about the biochemistry and mechanisms of this response. This Thesis examines a number of aspects related to HO-1 and nitrosative stimuli in cardiac cells, including: 1. induction by NO" 2. the biochemistry of NOVNO-mediated induction of HO-1 3. identification of a possible mechanism for the activation of HO-1 by NO congeners 4. the antinitrosative potential of bilirubin and 5. the potential of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a clinically used NO donor, to activate the haem oxygenase pathway. These different aspects of HO-1 were addressed using biochemical, molecular biology and cell culture techniques. The results indicate that NO", in analogy with other RNS, is a potent inducer of haem oxygenase activity and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression. A proposed mechanism for this response is modulation of thiol groups within redox-sensitive transcription factors. An antinitrosative and HO-1 inducing capacity was identified for bilirubin and GTN, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that the haem oxygenase pathway can act both as a sensor to, and target of, redox based mechanisms involving RNS, and extend our knowledge on the biological function of HO-1 in response to nitrosative stress

Determination of metal ion content of beverages and estimation of target hazard quotients : a comparative study

Background: Considerable research has been directed towards the roles of metal ions in nutrition with metal ion toxicity attracting particular attention. The aim of this study is to measure the levels of metal ions found in selected beverages (red wine, stout and apple juice) and to determine their potential detrimental effects via calculation of the Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for 250 mL daily consumption. Results: The levels (mean ± SEM) and diversity of metals determined by ICP-MS were highest for red wine samples (30 metals totalling 5620.54 ± 123.86 ppb) followed by apple juice (15 metals totalling 1339.87 ± 10.84 ppb) and stout (14 metals totalling 464.85 ± 46.74 ppb). The combined THQ values were determined based upon levels of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb which gave red wine samples the highest value (5100.96 ± 118.93 ppb) followed by apple juice (666.44 ± 7.67 ppb) and stout (328.41 ± 42.36 ppb). The THQ values were as follows: apple juice (male 3.11, female 3.87), stout (male 1.84, female 2.19), red wine (male 126.52, female 157.22) and ultra-filtered red wine (male 110.48, female 137.29). Conclusion: This study reports relatively high levels of metal ions in red wine, which give a very high THQ value suggesting potential hazardous exposure over a lifetime for those who consume at least 250 mL daily. In addition to the known hazardous metals (e.g. Pb), many metals (e.g. Rb) have not had their biological effects systematically investigated and hence the impact of sustained ingestion is not known

The expression of espoused humanizing values in organizational practice: A conceptual framework and case study

We provide a conceptual framework and a case study of how an organization links its mission and espoused values with its operating practices. Conceptually, we locate this mission integration theme within Simons’ (1995, Levers of control. Harvard Business Review Press, Boston) management accounting and control framework, and then adapt Schatzki’s (2002, The site of the social. Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park) site ontology of social practice to develop general research expectations for case studies of espoused values/practice linkages. Empirically, we apply the conceptual framework to a case study of linkages among an actual company’s espoused values, human resource practices, and financial management during its 40-plus year history. The concluding section summarizes the study and discusses its implications, limitations, and opportunities for future research

Potentially harmful advantage to athletes: a putative connection between UGT2B17 gene deletion polymorphism and renal disorders with prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), occasional incidents of renal disorders have been observed. Independently, it has also been established that there are considerable inter-individual and inter-ethnic differences, in particular with reference to the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 (UGT2B17) gene, in metabolising these compounds. This report postulates the association of deletion polymorphism in the UGT2B17 gene with the occurrence of renal disorders on chronic exposure to AAS. PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS: The major deactivation and elimination pathway of AASs is through glucuronide conjugation, chiefly catalyzed by the UGT2B17 enzyme, followed by excretion in urine. Excretion of steroids is affected in individuals with a deletion mutation in the UGT2B17 gene. We hypothesize that UGT2B17 deficient individuals are more vulnerable to developing renal disorders with prolonged use of AAS owing to increases in body mass index and possible direct toxic effects of steroids on the kidneys. Elevated serum levels of biologically active steroids due to inadequate elimination can lead to prolonged muscle build up. An increase in body mass index may cause renal injuries due to sustained elevated glomerular pressure and flow rate. TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS: In the absence of controlled clinical trials in humans, observational studies can be carried out. Real time PCR with allelic discrimination should be employed to examine the prevalence of different UGT2B17 genotypes in patients with impaired renal function and AAS abuse. In individuals with the UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism, blood tests, biofluid analyses, urinalysis, and hair analyses following the administration of an anabolic steroid can be used to determine the fate of the substance once in the body. IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS: If the hypothesis is upheld, anabolic steroid users with a deletion mutation in the UGT2B17 gene may be exposed to an increased risk of developing renal disorders. In the current detecting - sanctioning anti-doping system, athletes motivated by the potential to evade detection owing to their unique genetic make-up could subject themselves to a serious health consequence. More research on AAS metabolism in the presence of UGT2B17 gene deletion is required. Benefit - harm evaluations in therapeutic use of anabolic steroids should also consider this potential link between UGT2B17 gene deletion polymorphism and renal disorders

Fishes of the Nearshore Zone of St. Andrew Bay, Florida and Adjacent Coast

The catch of fish by beach seine at 17 stations in the nearshore zone of St. Andrew Bay and adjacent coast during 1974 and 1975 was studied. A total of 99,579 individuals representing 88 species and 41 families was collected. The bay system and adjacent coast were divided into four areas based upon salinity, turbidity, amount of attached vegetation, and bottom type. The central bay (Area I) had the largest catches by weight (211.3 kg), number of individuals (52,322), standing crop (37.5 kg/ha) and species (61). This area was dominated by four species (Menidia beryllina, Lagodon rhomboides, Eucinostomus argenteus and Leiostomus xanthurus), which made up 94.5% of the total catch. The upper bays (Area II) had the second highest catches (34,665), second highest standing crop (23.4 kg/ha), second highest catches by weight (115.5 kg), and second highest number of species (52). Five species (M. beryllina, Fundulus similis, L. xanthurus, Lucania parva, and Cyprinodon variegatus) comprised 75.7% of the collections from this area. Upper North Bay (Area III) had lower catches (3,002), lower catches by weight (17.4 kg), and lower standing crop (17.6 kg/ha) than Area II. Area III had the least number of species (25) and the area was dominated by three species (E. argenteus, M. beryllina, and F. similis), which accounted for 76.2% of the total catch for this area. The gulf beach stations (Area IV) had the lowest catches (1,918), second lowest catches by weight (37 kg), and lowest standing crop (7.5 kg/ha). A total of 44 species was reported from this area. Area IV was dominated by one species (Harengula jaguana), which made up 66.1% of the total from these stations

Toward an Integrated Vision of Undergraduate Liberal and Accounting Education in the Public Interest: the Holistic Development of Persons and Institutions

This paper puts forward a vision that integrates liberal and accounting education to engage students with the idea of vocation and pursuit of the common good through their chosen field of accounting. We adopt a common good definition of the public interest that seeks to advance not only the good of institutions and communities (mutual interests) but also the good of individuals (private interests). This approach engages students to critically reflect on how their life experiences, personal commitments, and future professional work can relate to one another. We first discuss disciplinary fragmentation in higher education and its implications for integrating liberal and accounting education. Next, we describe general learning objectives and concepts that support the integration of liberal learning and accounting education with a public interest orientation. We then apply the approach to critique accounting practices that arguably harm the public interest. The concluding section provides a summary and describes how accounting educators may adapt and scale an approach that fits their institutional setting

Public pension accounting rules and economic outcomes

We find a negative association between a state׳s fiscal condition and the use of discretion in applying Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules to understate pension funding gaps. We also find that the use of discretion is negatively associated with states’ decisions to increase taxes and cut spending. In addition, we find that the funding gap understatement is positively associated with higher future labor costs. Importantly, this association is primarily attributable to the GASB methodology, which systematically understates the funding gap. This suggests that the GASB approach is associated with policy choices that have the potential to exacerbate fiscal stress. Keywords: Public pension; Economic consequences of accounting rules; Real decision