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Introduction: An anatomical study of the sural nerve in 20 fresh cadavers was carried out, with the main aim of knowing the anatomy of the sural nerve and the relationships with the anatomical points to facilitate its identification in different clinical and surgical procedures. Materials and methods: From fresh cadavers with ages between 20 and 40 years and less than 48 hours of death, 20 legs were studied. Through a posterior incision the sural nerve was dissected from the popliteal region until the lateral malleolus, identifying the medial sural cutaneous nerve and the communicating branch of the common peroneal nerve. Measures were made in centimeters. Results: In 70% of the cases, the sural nerve was composed by the connection of the medial sural cutaneous nerve and the communicating branch of the common peroneal nerve and in 30% only by the medial sural cutaneous nerve. This branch was present in 100% of the cases. The communicating branch was present without connection with the medial sural cutaneous nerve in 15%, and in the other 15% this branch was absent. In 57% the nervous connection was proximal to the miotendinous union of the gastrocnemius. The width of the miotendinous union of the gastrocnemius were between 5 to 8 cm (average 6.5 cm). The sural nerve was found 2.6 cm on average medial to the lateral border of the union. In the 6 cases of connection distal to the miotendinous union, the sural medial nerve passed 2 cm in average medial to the lateral border of the union, and the sural lateral to 0.8 cm medial of the same reference mentioned. Regarding the insertion of the Achilles' tendon, the sural nerve passed 2.25 cm previous to the same and in relation to the most prominent and posterior part of the lateral malleolus it passed 2 cm in average. Discussion: This study showed that is possible to find the sural nerve with security if the anatomical points are identified well to preserve it in different surgeries or to harvest the flaps in neurological studies and harvesting it for grafting or nerve biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gerontological interventions should address the various geriatric syndromes suffered by the elderly, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Therapeutic lying is an effective and humanizing strategy to deal with dementia, used by various disciplines in the social and healthcare fields. This intervention strategy is made up of all the different responses to reality that are given to a person with cognitive impairment. This study analyzes the validity of the Spanish adaptation of the Attitudes toward Lying to People with Dementia (ALPD) questionnaire, given to 253 social workers who directly and indirectly intervened with older people suffering from cognitive impairment in public and private centers in Spain during the year 2022. The results of the validity and reliability analyses support the psychometric quality of ALPD for use in Spanish social workers. The statistical results indicate a good fit of the bifactor model (person-focused and lie-focused) and show the questionnaire to be reliable, with adequate psychometric properties. The article concludes with a discussion of practical, formative, and ethical challenges for social work in the field of geriatric services., (© 2024 National Association of Social Workers.)

Intercultural effectiveness is a relevant construct for improving the training of future teachers and promoting culturally diverse educational environments. This study aimed to adapt and validate the intercultural effectiveness scale (IES) in a sample of pre-service teachers in Chile. A cross-sectional design study was conducted, in which 584 Chilean university students participated (male = 37.8%; female = 61.6%; other = 0.5%), with a mean age of 20.56 years (SD = 3.37) and 21.9% identifying themselves as belonging to an ethnic group. The results obtained from structural equation modelling confirmed the structure of six correlated factors. The scores of the six factors of the IES presented positive and statistically significant correlations with the intercultural sensitivity scale (ISS). In addition, the factors presented adequate levels of reliability. The results of this research are discussed based on current theoretical and empirical evidence.

Teachers' actions go beyond instruction, as their personal traits influence their teaching methods, problem-solving skills, and the quality of their relationships with students. Among these attributes, their prosocial competencies stand out for contributing to school, community, and social coexistence. Furthermore, the connection they have to resilience and self-efficacy promotes increased effectiveness in meeting the demands of an ever-more challenging work environment. This research aimed to analyze the effect of the relationship between self-efficacy and resilience on the prosocial behavior of Chilean elementary school teachers. The sample consisted of 1426 teachers (77.2% women) working in public and subsidized Chilean schools. Structural equation modeling (SEM) explored the relationships between self-efficacy, resilience, and prosocial behavior. The findings indicate that self-efficacy and resilience directly and positively affect the prosocial behavior of elementary school teachers. It is suggested that resilience, self-efficacy, and prosociality among teachers are promoted due to their synergistic effects and, consequently, the benefits for school children, especially those from vulnerable social contexts.

Parenting styles have been related to a series of variables that contribute positively to adulthood. The maternal and paternal parenting styles scale is a measure that presents a multidimensional structure of six correlated factors. However, the version available for Chile is extensive, with 82 items measuring this latent trait. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the reliability and validity of the abbreviated version of the maternal and paternal parenting styles scale using a sample of Chilean adolescents. The sample consisted of 2131 students of both the male and female sexes (51% males and 49% females) with a mean age of 15.85 years (SD = 1.37). The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the six-factor correlated model, showing robust psychometric indices for both modelling approaches. In relation to the factorial invariance models, the results show factorial equivalence at the scalar invariance level for the variables of sex, age, academic achievement, and type of school. The scale showed adequate levels of reliability. This study concludes that the abbreviated version of the maternal and paternal parenting styles scale is a reliable and valid instrument for its application in Chilean adolescents.

School climate is a relevant construct for understanding social relations at school. The SCASIM-St has been widely defined as a multidimensional construct; however, new factor structures have not been explored through evidence that allows for interpreting school climate scores from an approach that respects the multidimensionality of the scale and, at the same time, allows for identifying the degree of essential unidimensionality in the data. Consequently, the objective was to analyze the psychometric properties of the SCASIM-St from a bifactor model approach, evaluating the influence of a general school climate factor versus five specific factors. The study involved 1860 students of both sexes (42% males and 58% females), with an average age of 16.63 years (SD = 0.664), from 17 secondary schools in Chile. The results obtained by a confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence that the best model was the bifactor model for the 38 items, with one general factor and five specific factors. The Explained Common Variance (ECV) values and reliability levels by hierarchical omega accounted for a strong general school climate factor with high levels of reliability. Evidence of external criterion validity, assessed through the attitude toward authority scale (AIA-A), showed a theoretically expected and significant relationship between the factors of both instruments. This study confirmed the psychometric robustness of the SCASIM-St scale by means of a bifactor model, allowing for a new, essentially unidimensional interpretation of the scale scores and providing an instrument to measure school climate in Chile.

The Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) has demonstrated suitable levels of reliability and validity for its use on the teacher population in several countries, and it is the most used scale to assess teachers' beliefs in their efficacy. However, few psychometric studies exist on its applicability to elementary teachers in public schools. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the TSES in teachers who work in elementary education. The sample comprised 1,406 Chilean teachers, mainly women (77.2%), from various Chilean public and subsidized schools. The results obtained from three confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the model that best fit the data was bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (B-ESEM) for 24 items, one general factor, and three residual factors. The results of the factorial invariance analysis indicate that the TSES remains stable up to the strict level of invariance for the variable sex. These results imply that the TSES can be used on Chilean teachers. The results are discussed based on the theoretical and empirical evidence available., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Gálvez-Nieto, Salvo-Garrido, Domínguez-Lara, Polanco-Levicán and Mieres-Chacaltana.)

The concept of resilience, identified as a crucial variable due to its association with several beneficial outcomes in adulthood, is of particular interest in the teaching field. Specifically, teachers work in a demanding, challenging, and stressful context that requires a remarkable ability to adapt; therefore, resilience is important in the field of teaching and training, as it plays a fundamental role in children's cognitive, social, and emotional development. This study sought to analyze the psychometric properties of the SV-RES60 Resilience Scale in a sample of Chilean elementary school teachers from first to eighth grade (N = 1406; mean age = 41.4; SD = 10.8). ESEM and bifactor ESEM analyses were performed to evaluate its factor structure, internal consistency, and reliability. The results supported a bifactor structure in which resilience was represented by one general latent factor and twelve specific factors (RMSEA = 0.032; 90%CI [0.030, 0.033]; SRMR = 0.012; CFI = 0.986; TLI = 0.977). A predominance of the unidimensional components of the SV-RES60 (general factor, ECV = 0.812; ωh = 0.975) and a high reliability (α = 0.981; ω of the general factor = 0.991) were observed. In conclusion, the SV-RES60 Resilience Scale is a suitable instrument for measuring the general factor of resilience in the investigated teaching environment. Future studies could contribute towards evidence of a reduced scale and transcultural validation to conduct comparative studies.

For the teaching profession, prosociality is a relevant skill. From this perspective, the present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Adult Prosocialness Behavior Scale (APBS) in a professional setting of primary school Chilean teachers ( n = 1404; mean age = 41.4; SD = 10.8; 77.4% women). ESEM and CFA were applied to evaluate its factor structure, internal consistency, factorial reliability, and invariance. The results supported a bifactor ESEM model in which prosociality was represented by a general latent factor and four specific factors (helping, sharing, caring, and empathy). A predominance of the unidimensional component of the APBS was observed (general factor, ECV = 0.938; ωh = 0.945), with adequate reliability (α = 0.932; ω of the factor general = 0.968) and invariance of the measurement in terms of gender. Its adequacy was confirmed by a good level of fit (RMSEA = 0.042 90%CI [0.036-0.049]; SRMR = 0.012; CFI = 0.995; TLI = 0.988). It is concluded that the APBS is a suitable instrument to measure prosociality in the professional setting studied. Its general and specific dimensions are relevant to the prosocial behaviors currently required of teachers. Future studies could contribute evidence of the transcultural validation of the APBS in other educational contexts in order to undertake comparative studies.

One of the main activities of the nuclear industry is the characterisation of radioactive waste based on the detection of gamma radiation. Large volumes of radioactive waste are classified according to their average activity, but often the radioactivity exceeds the maximum allowed by regulators in specific parts of the bulk. In addition, the detection of the radiation is currently based on static detection systems where the geometry of the bulk is fixed and well known. Furthermore, these systems are not portable and depend on the transport of waste to the places where the detection systems are located. However, there are situations where the geometry varies and where moving waste is complex. This is especially true in compromised situations.We present a new model for nuclear waste management based on a portable and geometry-independent tomographic system for three-dimensional image reconstruction for gamma radiation detection. The system relies on a combination of a gamma radiation camera and a visible camera that allows to visualise radioactivity using augmented reality and artificial computer vision techniques. This novel tomographic system has the potential to be a disruptive innovation in the nuclear industry for nuclear waste management., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Academic performance in primary students is fundamental to future school success; however, simultaneous analysis of different key individual, family, and teaching factors must be considered to improve understanding and benefit the development of students' potential. This article presents a latent regression analysis model that examines the relationship between the latent variables (self-efficacy, interest in reading, bullying, parental expectations, and discrimination/exclusion, and teacher violence/aggression) and the academic performance of first-cycle primary students. The model investigates the impact of the latent variables on the standardized endogenous variables of SIMCE Mathematics and Language test scores using a quantitative, non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional design. The study involved 70,778 students (53.4% female), with an average age of 9.5 years (SD = 0.6), from Chilean public (33.6%) and subsidized (66.4%) schools. The results indicate that the model accounted for 49.8% and 47.7% of the mean variability in SIMCE Mathematics and Language test scores, respectively. The goodness-of-fit indices demonstrated satisfactory fits for both models. In both tests, student self-efficacy emerged as the most significant factor explaining test score variability, followed by parental expectations. Bullying was identified as a relevant factor in reducing mean performance on both tests. The findings suggest that education decision makers should address these issues to improve student outcomes.

Chile is facing an environmental crisis and the territory of the Mapuche people is no exception. This is largely due to extractivism, which refers to the massive extraction and exploitation of natural resources in an indiscriminate manner. The objective of this study was to reveal the implications of extractivism and environmental pollution in Mapuche territories in the Araucanía region. The methodology used was qualitative, based on constructivist grounded theory. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to collect data. The participants were 46 kimeltuchefes. The main results revealed extensive monocultures of non-native trees: pine and eucalyptus, which consume large amounts of water. They also revealed environmental pollution and indiscriminate forestry extractivism related to these trees, which generate soil degradation and water pollution. These consequences reduce biodiversity and disturb the ngenh (spiritual beings and protectors of nature). They also affect the Mapuche's agricultural activities and, in turn, their health and subsistence. In addition, non-native tree monocultures, environmental pollution and forestry extractivism transgress the az mapu (Mapuche code of ethics and behaviour), which disturbs the ethical, moral and spiritual relationship between the Mapuche and nature. They also have negative implications for the küme mogen (good living of the Mapuche), since they violate the balance and harmony between the Mapuche and all living beings, elements and spiritual beings that are part of nature. This also violates the reciprocity between the Mapuche and nature. It was concluded that there have been violations of the human rights of the Mapuche people, given that they are exposed to harmful environmental conditions that put their health and subsistence at considerable risk. In this sense, the Mapuche are experiencing a spiritual, physical, cognitive, attitudinal, affective and material imbalance. Ultimately, the state of Chile must generate intercultural environmental public and educational policies aimed at generating environmental awareness and creating actions to solve environmental problems in order to protect Mapuche and non-Mapuche territories.

The social participation of older adults occupies a central position in international discourse regarding ageing, the ecological model makes it possible to examine and assess the different factors that influence the understanding of what encourages social participation by older adults. This study used the ecological model to analyse how personal, community and environmental factors are related to satisfaction with social participation among Chilean older adults, a majority of whom are indigenous, living in rural areas ( n = 800). The results confirmed that satisfaction with social participation was related to personal factors (feelings of depression, functioning into basic activities of daily living (ADL) and autonomy), community factors (perceived social support from social group) and environmental factors (accessibility of physical setting within the village). Our findings confirmed a high level of social participation among indigenous adults, with rural and indigenous surroundings appearing to be a factor that protects and promotes social integration.

(1) Background: loneliness is a problem that becomes increasingly acute in old age, with greater repercussions among socially disadvantaged groups such as indigenous and Afro-descendant older adults. The aim of this research is to analyze the psychosocial variables related to loneliness in old age. (2) Methods: a multi-ethnic sample was involved, with the participation of eight indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant tribal people (n = 1.348). Various gerontological scales previously validated among the Chilean population (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, Health Problems Questionnaire, and Family APGAR questionnaire) and a model are contrasted, establishing the relationship between psychosocial variables and loneliness. (3) Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed the existence of indirect relationships between health problems, via family functioning and resilience, and loneliness. Resilience and family functioning were directly related to loneliness (WLSMV-χ 2 ( df = 345) = 875.106, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.992; TLI = 0.991; RMSEA = 0.034 [C.I. 90% = 0.031-0.037]). (4) Conclusions: loneliness has cross-culturally affected older Chilean people living in rural areas and it appears that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on well-being. This study proves that loneliness is related to several psychosocial variables that can be intervened.

School climate is related to a wide variety of positive results at the school level; however, its relationship with the construct of values has received little attention, despite being a key variable in the development of personality. This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect relationships between school climate, attitudes towards authority, and values. The participants in this study were 2683 students (51.2% men and 48.8% women) from 32 schools aged between 12 and 20 years (M = 15.78 years, SD = 1.35). Two models of structural equations were estimated, and the model that best fit the data confirmed that school climate was indirectly related to values through attitudes towards authority. The reciprocal and interactive relationships between school climate, attitudes towards authority, and values are also discussed.

In the context of multidimensional structures, with the presence of a common factor and multiple specific or group factors, estimates of reliability require specific estimators. The use of classical procedures such as the alpha coefficient or omega total that ignore structural complexity are not appropriate, since they can lead to strongly biased estimates. Through a simulation study, the bias of six estimators of reliability in multidimensional measures was evaluated and compared. The study is complemented by an empirical illustration that exemplifies the procedure. Results showed that the estimators with the lowest bias in the estimation of the total reliability parameter are omega total, the two versions of greatest lower bound (GLB) and the alpha coefficient, which in turn are also those that produce the highest overestimation of the reliability of the general factor. Nevertheless, the most appropriate estimators, in that they produce less biased estimates of the reliability parameter of the general factor, are omega limit and omega hierarchical., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Trizano-Hermosilla, Gálvez-Nieto, Alvarado, Saiz and Salvo-Garrido.)

Parenting style has been related to a series of positive outcomes that extend into adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the maternal and paternal parenting styles scale (PSS-MP) in a sample of adolescents. A cross-sectional design was used, with a probability sample of 2683 adolescents (48.8% women) from 32 public, private, and subsidized schools in Chile. In total, four confirmatory factor models were contrasted, which was the best fit to support the originally proposed six-correlated factor structure. The factor invariance analysis reflected that the metric equivalence according to sex is present at the level of scale invariance. It is concluded that the abbreviated version of the PSS-MP provides sufficient evidence for use in the Chilean adolescent population.

Authoritative school climate is a relevant and novel construct that improves the academic performance and social-emotional development of students. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of reliability and validity of the Authoritative School Climate Survey (ASCS) in a sample of Chilean adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which 808 students from 12 schools in Chile participated (55.1% men and 44.9% women), with a mean age of 15.94 ( SD = 1.32). The results obtained through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes ratified the hypothesized structure of two correlated factors. As expected, evidence of criterion validity showed significant relationships between the measures of authoritative school climate and attitude toward institutional authority. This study provides evidence regarding the psychometric quality of the scale to assess authoritative school climate, allowing its use in the Chilean context., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Gálvez-Nieto, Paredes, Trizano-Hermosilla, Polanco-Levican and Tereucán-Angulo.)

School climate is a multidimensional construct that has been related to a series of psychological, social, and school variables. The dual school climate and school identification measure-student (SCASIM-St) is a measure that has a multidimensional factor structure, with four first-order factors and a second-order factor, plus an independent factor that evaluates school identification. However, the SCASIM-St is long, with 38 items measuring school climate. The first objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of reliability and validity of the abbreviated version of the dual school climate and school identification measure-student (SCASIM-St-15), for use in contexts with time limitations or for explanatory studies that need to apply multiple instruments simultaneously. The second objective was to analyze the degree of invariance for the groups: sex, type of education, and age. The sample was made up of 2,044 students of both sexes (49.1% women and 50.9% men), with a mean age of 14.64 (SD = 0.718), representing 27 secondary schools in Chile. The results indicated that the SCASIM-St15 presents adequate indicators of reliability and construct validity. Evidence of external criterion validity confirmed significant associations with the Attitudes to Institutional Authority in Adolescence Scale measure. The results of the factorial invariance analysis indicate that the SCASIM-St15 remains stable up to the level of metric invariance for the variable sex and the level of scalar invariance for the variables type of education and age. The study concluded that despite the significant decrease in the number of items, the SCASIM-St15 measures school climate in a reliable and valid way, without losing its theoretical and conceptual robustness., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Gálvez-Nieto, Polanco-Levican and Beltrán-Véliz.)

The school climate construct has been linked to a series of positive outcomes in adolescence; however, the few validated instruments in Spanish have a fragile theoretical base. Consequently, the aim of this study was to adapt and validate the dual School Climate and School Identification Measure-Student (SCASIM-St) scale in a sample of Chilean adolescents. First, a linguistic adaptation of the instrument was completed, followed by a cross-sectional study; 1,456 students of both sexes participated in the study (41.1% boys and 58.9% girls), with an average age of 15.76 years (SD = 1.42), representing 17 secondary schools in Chile. Three confirmatory factor models were contrasted, the one with the best fit supported the originally proposed structure. The evidence of external criterion validity, confirmed through the Authoritative School Climate Survey (ASCS), showed a significant positive relationship between the two measures. This study verified the psychometric quality for the SCASIM-St scale, allowing for its use in the Chilean context. This instrument provides a measurement tool with a solid theoretical base that can be used in the Chilean context., (Copyright © 2020 Gálvez-Nieto, Vera-Bachmann, Trizano-Hermosilla, Polanco-Levican and Briceño-Olivera.)

The Scale for the Assessment of Developmental Assets in the Neighborhood (SADAN) has shown acceptable psychometric properties for use in Spain and Chile. However, the original factor structure of five correlated factors and a second-order factor is not yet entirely clear. This study aimed to evaluate the scale's psychometric properties of reliability and validity in a sample of Chilean adolescents. A cross-sectional design was used, with a sample of 2638 students (female = 49.1%) with an average age of 15.79 years ( SD = 1.35). The results obtained when evaluating different confirmatory factor models show that the best structure is that of five correlated factors. We carry out a multigroup factor analysis up to the level of scalar invariance. We applied this analysis to the following groups: sex, type of school, and age. We conclude that the original version of the scale can be used in the Chilean context with slight modifications as it is necessary to deepen the validity evidence with external criteria., (Copyright © 2020 Vera-Bachmann, Gálvez-Nieto, Trizano-Hermosilla, Salvo-Garrido and Polanco.)

Background: The APGAR-family scale is used for the assessment of family functioning in primary health care., Aim: To examine the psychometric properties of the family functioning scale APGAR-family, in a multi-ethnic sample of older Chilean adults., Material and Methods: The scale was applied to 800 participants aged more than 60 years, residing in rural areas of the regions of Arica and Parinacota and La Araucanía., Results: The Cronbach's alpha obtained was 0,992 for the scale composed of five items. The confirmatory factor analysis determined a unifactorial model, whose goodness of fit indices were satisfactory. Namely, weighted least square mean and variance adjusted-χ2 was 20.097 (p < 0.01), comparative fit index was 0.997, Tucker-Lewis index was 0.995 and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation was 0.079 (90% confidence intervals 0.049-0.091)., Conclusions: The APGAR-family is a reliable and appropriate instrument to be applied in older people in Chile, specifically in elderly people residing in rural areas who belong to the Aymara and Mapuche indigenous communities.

The development of technologies that combine the advantages of nanomedicine with natural medicine represents a versatile approach to improve the safety and efficacy of drugs. Glycyrrhizinic acid (GA) is a natural compound that has a wide range of biological activities for the treatment of diseases. To establish a safe nanotransport system for this drug, two different nanoparticles with glycyrrhizinic acid, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-GA) and polymeric nanoparticles (PNP S -GA) were elaborated to obtain nanostructure sizes between 200 and 300 nm. The nanoparticles were evaluated at concentrations of 1.25-100 μl/ml using the MARC-145 cell line to determine the effects on cell morphology, cellular structure (actin filaments) and cell viability (mitochondrial and lysosomal) at 24 and 72 h post-exposure. The safety range of the nanoparticles was 50 µl/ml, to determine that PNPs-GA had an optimal safety profile and no cytotoxic effects, as there was no evidence of changes in morphology, internal cellular structures (stress fibers and the cell cortex formed by actin filaments) or viability under the experimental concentrations and conditions employed., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors of this manuscript do not have any conflicts of interest related to the information cited herein., (© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2018.)

Recurrence of idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) following kidney transplantation occurs in a large percentage of patients. Accurate prediction of recurrence and elucidation of its pathogenesis are major therapeutic goals. To detect differential proteins related to FSGS recurrence, proteomic analysis was performed on plasma and urine samples from 35 transplanted idiopathic FSGS patients, divided into relapsing and nonrelapsing. Several proteins were detected increased in urine of relapsing FSGS patients, including a high molecular weight form of apolipoprotein A-I, named ApoA-Ib, found exclusively in relapsing patients. This finding was verified by Western blot individually in the 35 patients and validated in an independent group of 40 patients with relapsing or nonrelapsing FSGS, plus two additional groups: FSGS-unrelated patients showing different proteinuria levels (n = 30), and familial FSGS transplanted patients (n = 14). In the total of 119 patients studied, the ApoA-Ib form was detected in 13 of the 14 relapsing FSGS patients, and in one of the 61 nonrelapsing patients. Only one of the 30 patients with FSGS-unrelated proteinuria tested positive for ApoA-Ib, and was not detected in familial patients. Urinary ApoA-Ib is associated with relapses in idiopathic FSGS and warrants additional investigation to determine its usefulness as biomarker of relapse following transplantation., (© Copyright 2012 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of oral iron supplementation on hematological and iron metabolism in elite soccer players. Thirty-five members of the Real Zaragoza SAD soccer team took part in this study: group A (GA, n = 24; Spanish Premier League) took an oral iron supplement of 80 mg day(-1) for 3 weeks, and group B (GB, n = 11; Spanish Third Division League) did not receive any supplementation. In GA, the parameters were measured before and after giving the iron supplements, while in GB, measurements were only made at the time of collecting the second set of data from GA. After supplementation, GA showed an increase in serum iron (SI) (P < 0.05), serum ferritin (Ftn) (P < 0.01), and transferrin saturation (Sat) (P < 0.01) with respect to the basal values. In addition, GA showed higher values of hematocrit (P < 0.01), mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.01), Ftn (P < 0.01), and Sat (P < 0.01) than GB. No significant differences were found in any other parameters. More specifically, a higher percentage of players had Ftn levels above upper limits in GA vs. GB (P < 0.05), and GB had a higher incidence of Ftn below lower limits with respect to subjects in GA (P < 0.01). Further, after treatment, 58.3% of GA had >800 mg of SI, while all players in GB presented levels below the lower limits. In conclusion, iron supplementation with 80 mg·day(-1) for 3 weeks, before the start of the soccer season, can be recommended for elite soccer players.

Background: Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a glomerular disease that frequently does not respond to treatment and progresses to kidney failure. FSGS can be of either genetic origin, caused by mutations in slit diaphragm proteins, such as podocin, or idiopathic origin of unknown cause., Study Design: Case series., Setting & Participants: Children with FSGS (aged 3-18 years); 15 with idiopathic and 11 with genetic forms of FSGS., Predictor: Genetic versus idiopathic forms., Outcomes & Measurements: Differentially expressed proteins in the plasma proteome, detected using 2-dimensional electrophoresis and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Western blot, and liquid chromatography electron spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for fragmentation and identification of the peptides., Results: We found 3 very low-molecular-mass (9.2, 6.9, and 4.7 kDa; isoelectric point, 5.7) spots that were present in pooled samples from patients with genetic FSGS, but missing in patients with idiopathic FSGS and healthy individuals. Spots were identified using mass spectrometry as fragments of albumin, 2 of them apparently containing peptides from both C- and N-terminal parts of the whole protein. Proteomic analyses were carried out on all genetic patients individually; of these, 10 of 11 patients had > or =1 albumin fragment detected in the pool. We did not find an evident relationship between type of mutation or clinical status of patients and albumin fragments observed., Limitations: Very low-molecular-weight albumin fragments also can be produced by other diseases., Conclusions: We describe for the first time the presence of very low-molecular-mass albumin fragments in plasma of patients with FSGS with podocyte protein mutations that are absent in patients with idiopathic FSGS or healthy individuals. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether these fragments could be potential biomarkers to distinguish between genetic and idiopathic forms of FSGS.

The photocatalytic destruction of methanol, formaline (mixture of formaldehyde, methanol and water) and formaline wastes from the preservation of vertinarian physiologic samples has been attempted by two different processes, at high concentrations of reagents and by dossification of reagents, varying pH in both. Experiment evolution has been monitored by measuring the organic matter such as TOC and formaldehyde concentrations [H2CO]. Also, methanol and methanol-formaldehyde interactions with the TiO2 surface have been analysed by FTIR spectroscopy. Results indicate that at high concentrations the catalyst surfacial alterations given by methoxy, formates or carbonates, according to the pH of the sample can profoundly affect catalyst behaviour. It has been established that reagent dossification is advantageous for enhancing photonic efficiency as it minimizes the adsorbate presence that hampers the photocatalytic process.

Context: Hereditary peripheral neuropathies (hereditary motor-sensory neuropathies or hereditary demyelinating neuropathies) are abnormalities of Schwann cells and their myelin sheaths, with peripheral nerve dysfunction. They include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Dejerine-Sottas disease, congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy., Objective: The objective of the present work was to describe a case of Dejerine-Sottas disease., Case Report: A 9-year-old boy presented progressive slight motor deficit in the lower limbs, particularly in the feet, and generalized hyporeflexia. Electromyography disclosed significant reduction in motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities. Sural nerve biopsy showed axons surrounded by a thin myelin sheath and concentrically arranged cytoplasmic processes of Schwann cells forming onion-bulbs. No axon damage was observed.

Background/aim: Alport syndrome is a hereditary glomerulonephritis, X-linked in 85% of the cases. This form is associated with mutations in the COL4A5 gene which encodes the alpha5 chain of type IV collagen. We have performed the mutational analysis of the COL4A5 gene in a Spanish family with X-linked Alport syndrome., Methods: We have analyzed three polymorphic markers close to the gene to confirm the X chromosome linkage. By means of the PCR technique, we have screened the 51 exons of the gene., Results: The segregation of the alleles from the analyzed markers was in agreement with the X linkage. Direct sequencing of PCR-amplified products has shown a CCT-to-CTT change in exon 25, resulting in substitution of a proline for a leucine at position 619 of the polypeptide chain (nucleotide 2058)., Conclusions: Although proline is considered a nonconserved amino acid, it is essential, upon hydroxylation, in the maintenance of a stable alpha chain triple-helix collagen. Furthermore, the change cosegregates with the disease in all affected members of the family, not being present in 80 control chromosomes. This represents a new mutation in the COL4A5 gene found in the Spanish population., (Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)

The idiopathic facial paralysis or Bell's palsy installs abruptly or within a few hours, without any apparent cause. It corresponds to approximately 75% of all peripheral facial palsies. Three theories try to explain its pathogenecity: vascular-ischemic, viral and auto-immune. We reviewed the records of the EMG Sector, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual (São Paulo, Brazil), from 1985 to 1995 and found 239 cases of Bell's palsy. Data were analysed according to age, gender, seasonal distribution of cases. There was a predominance of cases in the 31-60 age bracket (40.59%). The female gender was responsible to 70.71% of cases. There was a predominance of cases in winter (31.38%) and autumn (30.13%), which was statistically significant. These findings let us to suppose that Bell's palsy predominates in females, in 41-60 years age bracket, and occurs predominantly in cold months. There are groups of clusters throughout temporal distribution of cases and cases are dependent on one each other or on factors affecting them all, which reinforces the infectious hypothesis (there is a rise in the incidence of viral upper respiratory tract infection during cold months).

beta-Adrenergic mechanisms may be important in the adaptation of skeletal muscle to endurance training. beta-Adrenergic signal transduction was examined in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats submitted to a progressive, 12-week treadmill running program and compared with sedentary controls. beta-Adrenoceptor density was significantly lower in exercised rats than in controls. The affinity constant for [125I]-(-) iodocyanopindolol binding was not different among the various groups. Adenosine cyclic monophosphate formation was significantly decreased in trained animals when isoproterenol plus guanosine triphosphate or forskolin plus Mn2+ were used to stimulate adenylyl cyclase. Immunoblot analyses revealed that the amount of the alpha-subunit of stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs,alpha), both the small and the large isoforms, also decreased with physical exercise. Thus, the present report shows that endurance training results in alterations in beta-adrenergic receptor density, adenylyl cyclase activity and Gs protein level in rat gastrocnemius muscle.

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF; FGFs) are paradigms of a group of nine closely related proteins known as the fibroblast growth factor family. FGFs induce mitosis in most mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived cells, and appear to be involved in diseases caused by anomalous cell proliferation. In vitro assays show that binding to heparin-like glycosaminoglycans is required to elicit the mitogenic activity of these proteins. It has been shown that myo-inositol hexasulfate (MIHS) emulates heparin in the mitogenesis assays of aFGF, and a low-resolution three-dimensional structure in solution of this protein bound to MIHS has been reported. Here we describe the 1H-NMR three-dimensional structure in solution of the free aFGF. Comparison of this structure with that of the protein bound to MIHS, upgraded to a level of refinement equivalent to that of the free protein, shows that MIHS binding causes some slight conformational changes with an increase in the definition of the structure. In addition, amide exchange H/2H rates of the most protected protons, and exchange data of the intermediate and fast-exchanging ones show that the free protein is less stable (< or = 2 kcal/mol) and more flexible in terms of local unfolding equilibria, respectively, than the MIHS-bound one. Thus, MIHS binding to aFGF causes a decrease of its flexibility, which translates into an enhancement of the definition of its three-dimensional structure. The increase of aFGF rigidity affects regions that include those involved in recognizing the cell membrane receptor. Thus, our data suggest that enhancement of structural definition may play a key role in the modulation of the affinity of aFGF by its receptor, and, consequently, of its specific mitogenic activity.

The adaptive response to endurance exercise of the catecholamine- and glucagon-sensitive adenylyl cyclase system was studied in rat liver plasma membranes. Endurance exercise enhanced adenylyl cyclase system activation by cellular agonists (glucagon, isoproterenol), by stimulators of the enzyme catalytic subunit (forskolin, Mn2+), and by Gs-protein activators (GppNHp, fluoride). In addition, endurance exercise increased the levels of G50, Gi alpha, and G beta subunits. These results show that the adenylyl cyclase system becomes sensitized in response to physical training.

Adaptive changes in the beta-adrenergic adenylyl cyclase (AC) system in response to endurance training were studied in heart and adipose tissue. Training was performed by making male Wistar rats run on a motor-driven treadmill. The changes following exercise training were opposite in the two tissue studied. The density of beta-adrenergic receptors in left ventricular membranes of trained rats showed a marked decrease. Comparison of AC activities in cardiac membranes prepared from trained and sedentary rats revealed a depressing effect of endurance training on: 1. the beta-adrenergic stimulatory pathway and the inhibition of AC via receptor; 2. the Gs component and the Gs-adenylyl cyclase coupling, as shown by the response of adenylyl cyclase to GppNHp and NaF; and 3. the enzyme catalytic activity in the presence of Mn2+ or forskolin. The levels of Gsalpha subunits in the left ventricle, as measured in terms of ADP-ribosylated and immunologically reactive proteins, were decreased by endurance exercise, whereas immunodetectable levels of Gialpha2 increased in the membranes of trained myocardium. In contrast to the diminished sensitivity that characterizes the behavior of the cardiac beta-adrenergic-AC system, endurance physical training increased sensitivity of this signal transduction system in adipose tissue. Thus, the density of beta-ARs as well as AC activity and the beta-adrenergic stimulatory pathway were increased in adipose membranes of trained rats compared with the corresponding sedentary controls. In addition, the levels of Gsalpha subunits were higher in the adipose plasma membranes of trained rats. However, immunodetectable levels of Gi1alpha and Gi3alpha increased with training, whereas the amount of Gi2alpha decreased in membranes of trained rats. In conclusion, the present study shows that chronic exercise is associated with a tissue-specific adaptation of the beta-adrenergic AC system.

Background: Formation of secondary structure plays an important role in the early stages of protein folding. The conformational analysis of designed peptides has proved to be very useful for identifying the interactions responsible for the formation and stability of alpha-helices. However, very little is known about the factors leading to the formation of beta-hairpins. In order to get a good beta-hairpin-forming model peptide, two peptides were designed on the basis of beta-sheet propensities and individual statistical probabilities in the turn sites, together with solubility criteria. The conformational properties of the two peptides were analyzed by two-dimensional NMR methods., Results: Long-range cross-correlations observed in NOE and ROE spectra, together with other NMR evidence, show that peptide IYSNPDGTWT forms a highly populated beta-hairpin in aqueous solution with a type I beta-turn plus a G1 beta-bulge conformation in the chain-bend region. The analogous peptide with a Pro5 substituted by Ser forms, in addition to the previous conformation, a second beta-hairpin with a standard type I beta-turn conformation, and the two forms are in fast dynamic equilibrium with one another. The effect of pH demonstrates the existence of a stabilizing interaction between the Asn and Asp sidechains. The populations of beta-hairpin conformations increase in the presence of trifluoroethanol (a structure-enhancing solvent). On the other hand, some residual structure persists at a high denaturant concentration (8 M urea)., Conclusions: This work highlights the importance of the beta-turn residue composition in determining the particular type of beta-hairpin adopted by a peptide, though a role of interstrand sidechain interactions in the stabilization of the formed beta-hairpin is not discarded. The fact that trifluoroethanol can stabilize alpha-helices or beta-hairpins depending on the intrinsic properties of the peptide sequence is again shown. An additional example of the presence of residual structure under denaturing conditions is also presented.

In a previous work [Blanco, F.J., Jiménez, M.A., Herranz, J., Rico, M., Santoro, J. & Nieto, J. L. (1993) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115, 5887-5888] we showed that a short, designed linear peptide, YQNPDGSQA (peptide 1), can form a monomeric beta hairpin in aqueous solution. The pH dependence of the beta-hairpin conformation formed by the designed peptide and a series of related peptides has been examined in this work using 1H-NMR methods. Three pH-dependent interactions have been identified: a local interaction, unimportant structurally, between the C-terminal carboxylate group and the side-chain amide group of Q8; an electrostatic interaction between the main-chain N-terminus and C-terminus; and a hydrogen bond involving the side-chain amide protons of N3 and the side-chain carboxylate group of D5. The latter two interactions are particularly relevant as they increase the population of the beta-hairpin conformation. We also observe in the mutant peptide A9H that the interaction between Y1 and H9 (of the type proposed to exist in proteins) does not contribute to beta-hairpin stabilisation in our peptide system. Peptide 1 is, therefore, a very suitable model to examine the different interactions that contribute to beta-hairpin stability.

A major fragment of human acidic fibroblast growth factor of 132 amino acid residues is shown to be as active and stable as the 139 residue molecule initially described, and commonly used in physiological studies. It is shown that inositol hexasulfate is a good substitute for heparin in both activating and protecting acidic fibroblast growth factor. The complex between the shortened form of the protein and inositol hexasulfate was used to determine the structure of activated acidic fibroblast growth factor in solution. The 1H-NMR spectrum of the complex was totally assigned, and a low-resolution, three-dimensional structure of the protein computed. The global fold of the activated acidic fibroblast growth factor is similar to that proposed for a crystallized variant of the protein obtained by genetic engineering whose activity is not dependent on heparin. The inositol hexasulfate binds to the protein through the positively charged groups of Lys126, Lys127, Arg133 and Lys142 side-chains. The computed three-dimensional structure suggests that inositol hexasulfate may stabilize and activate the protein by conferring rigidity to the hairpin involving beta-strands 10 and 11.

The solution structure of the isolated N-terminal fragment of streptococcal protein-G B1 domain has been investigated in H2O and TFE/H2O solution by CD and NMR to gain insight into the possible role that native beta-hairpin secondary structure elements may have in early protein folding steps. The fragment also has been studied under denaturing conditions (6 M urea), and the resulting NMR chemical shifts were used as a reference for the disordered state. On the basis of CD and NMR data, it is concluded that in aqueous solution the fragment is basically flexible, with two local low populated chain bends involving residues 8-9 and 14-15, respectively, in close agreement with secondary structure predictions, a structure that is different from the final folded state of that segment of the protein. The changes in the CD spectrum, the presence of several medium-range NOEs plus two long-range NOEs, and the sign of the H alpha conformational shifts reveal that the addition of TFE facilitates the formation of a set of transient beta-hairpins involving essentially the same residues that form the native beta-hairpin found in the final three-dimensional structure of the B1 domain. The stabilization of native-like structures by TFE is known to occur for helices, but, to our knowledge, this is the first time the stabilization of a native-like beta-hairpin structure by TFE is reported. Since long-range tertiary interactions are absent in the isolated fragment, our results support the idea that, in addition to helices, beta-hairpins may play an active role in directing the protein folding process.

The solution structure of a peptide fragment corresponding to the 38-59 region of porcine phospholipase A2 has been investigated using CD, nmr chemical shifts, and nuclear overhauser effects (NOEs). This isolated fragment of phospholipase forms an alpha-helix spanning residues 38-55, very similar to the one found in the native protein, except for residues 56-58, which were helical in the crystal but found random in solution. Addition of triflouroethanol (TFE) merely increased helix population but it did not redefine helix limits. To investigate how the folding information, in particular that concerning eventual helix start and stop signals, was coded in this particular amino acid sequence, the helices formed by synthetic peptides reproducing sections of this phospholipase 38-59 fragment, namely 40-59, 42-59, 38-50, and 45-57, were characterized using NOEs and helix populations quantitatively evaluated on different peptide chain segments using nmr chemical shifts in two solvents (H2O and 30% TFE/H2O). A set of nmr spectra was also recorded and assigned under denaturing conditions (6M urea) to obtain reliable values for the chemical shifts of each peptide in the random state. Based on chemical shift data, it was concluded that the helix formed by the phospholipase 38-59 fragment was not abruptly, but progressively, destabilized all along its length by successive elimination of residues at the N end, while the removal of residues at the C end affected helix stability more locally and to a lesser extent. These results are consistent with the idea that there are not single residues responsible for helix initiation or helix stability, and they also evidence an asymmetry for contributions to helix stability by residues located at the two chain ends. The restriction of molecular mobility caused by linking with a disulphide bridge at Cys 51 two identical 38-59 peptide chains did not increase helix stability. The helix formed by the covalently formed homodimer was very similar in length and population to that formed by the monomer.

The role of the beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase system in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy was studied. We have used a minipig model of pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy secondary to aortic banding. Four groups of five animals were used: minipigs made hypertrophic were evaluated 2 months (CH2 group) and 9 months (CH9 group) later and compared to controls (C2 and C9 groups, respectively). A decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor density and an increase in antagonist affinity were shown in left ventricular membranes of hypertrophied animals compared with controls. In both groups, CH2 and CH9, an increase in EC50 for isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, an increase in forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and a diminished inhibition by carbachol of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase were observed. In contrast, fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was markedly increased only in the end stage of hypertrophy. alpha s-cholera toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation is increased in early hypertrophy and then decreases with late hypertrophy and a similar pattern is observed with alpha o pertussis toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation, whereas alpha i-ADP-ribosylation remains unchanged. Tissue content of Gs-, Gi- and Go-proteins, as assessed by specific antibodies, was found unchanged in CH9 and CH2 groups when compared with that in C9 and C2 control groups, respectively. Modifications in Gs functional activity in later hypertrophic stages, expressed as alterations in cholera toxin ADP-ribosylation and adenylate cyclase fluoride responsiveness, may be important in the pathogenesis of decompensation from compensated hypertrophy to cardiac failure.

High-resolution three-dimensional structures of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A in aqueous solution have been determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with restrained molecular dynamics calculations. The structures are based on: (1) 464 interproton distance constraints with accurate upper and lower limits, determined from build-up rates of nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) by using the complete relaxation matrix; (2) 999 more approximate upper limits for interproton distances; and (3) 42 dihedral angle constraints (37 for phi and 5 for chi 1). A total of 16 structures were calculated, which show a root-mean-square (r.m.s.) deviation of 0.66 A for the backbone atoms and 1.68 A for all heavy-atoms. The converged structures are highly similar to those found in the crystal state. r.m.s. deviation of backbone atom positions in the crystal as compared to those in the average solution structure is 0.92 A. Observed differences are concentrated in loop regions and in the neighborhood of His119 and His48 side-chains. Dynamic aspects, such as H/D amide proton exchange and side-chain mobility have been examined.

The propensity of the peptide fragments 233-248, 245-260, 258-276, 279-298 and 299-316 from the thermolysin C-terminal domain to form non-random structures has been examined by CD and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The conformational properties of these fragments have been studied in aqueous solution and in the mixed solvent trifluoroethanol/H2O (3:7 by vol.). Small but detectable populations of helical structures (up to 10-20%) in aqueous solution have been found for the fragments 233-248, 279-298 and 299-316. These populations are remarkably enhanced (50-70%) in the more hydrophobic mixed solvent, where the fragment 258-276 also forms a comparable helical population. These four fragments are helical in the native crystal structure and the spanning of the corresponding helices in the isolated peptides in solution matches very closely the ones in the native structure. In contrast, the fragment 245-260, an omega-loop in the crystal, remains unstructured in both solvents. Medium-range NOE between protons in sidechains indicate the adoption of preferred sidechain conformations accompanying helix formation. Results are in agreement with the framework model of folding, in which native elements of secondary structure are formed first and folding follows from the collapse of these structural elements.

A 34-amino acid peptide corresponding to residues 532-565 of Bacillus anthracis adenylate cyclase (P532-565), a calmodulin (CaM)-activated enzyme, was synthesized by solid phase method. Although not homologous to any known CaM binding sequence, P532-565 exhibits molecular features characteristic of this class of peptides: a higher proportion of basic and hydrophobic residues, segregated onto the two faces of the alpha-helical structure. Fluorescence measurements and gel retardation analysis showed that P532-565 binds CaM in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, with a binding energy that represents 80% of the binding energy of the adenylate cyclase-CaM complex. Circular dichroism analysis showed that P532-565 exists in solution as a mixture of random-coil and alpha-helical structures and that trifluoroethanol increases the relative proportion of alpha-helical population. Analysis of proton NMR spectrum in H2O allowed identification of the different amino acid spin systems and complete spectral assignment. The pattern of nuclear Overhauser effect connectivities, intense NN(i,i + 1) and medium range alpha N(i,i + 3) and alpha beta (i,i + 3) indicate the presence of an alpha-helix in the carboxylterminal end (between residues 551 and 563) in fast exchange with extended structures. These data, together with CaM-binding properties of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase, show that despite rather divergent primary structures, the two bacterial enzymes possess similar structural organization of their binding sites for activator protein.

In this work, the helix-forming residues in fragments of several proteins (ribonuclease, thermolysin, tendamistat and angiogenin) were identified by NOE and the helix proton shifts were measured as delta changes associated with helix-population increments driven by trifluoroethanol addition. When estimated in this way, a regular pattern of helix conformational shifts was clearly seen in the delta delta versus sequence profiles of all the peptides studied. The helix periodicity of the H alpha and H beta resonances was especially clear, an observation that earlier statistical studies of protein delta values failed to predict. Amide protons showed the largest helix shifts, but with a less-sharply defined periodic character. Aromatic residues considerably distorted the periodicity of the helix amide shifts in some peptides, as evidenced by the delta shifts of a RNase A fragment 1-15 analog in which the two aromatic residues were replaced by Ala. The relationship between helix periodicity and peptide amphiphatic character is discussed.

The solution structure of the N-terminal hexadecapeptide of human angiogenin, a protein of unknown tertiary structure, has been precisely delineated by the combined use of CD, NOE and secondary shift data. A helix that starts just after Ser 3 and ends at Asp 14 was stabilized in 30% trifluoroethanol. This helix is strikingly similar in origin and length to the one formed by its homologous, the S-peptide of Ribonuclease (conformationally reexamined here), despite their quite different sequences (only four conserved residues). These results support the idea that individual start and stop signals indeed govern the location and size of natural isolated helices.

A method is proposed to generate initial structures in cases where the distance geometry method may fail, such as when the set of 1H NMR NOE-based distance constraints is small in relation to the size of the protein. The method introduces an initial correlation between the phi and psi backbone angles (based on empirical observations) which is relaxed in later stages of the calculation. The obtained initial structures are refined by well-established methods of energy minimization and restrained molecular dynamics. The method is applied to determine the solution structure of Ribonuclease A (124 residues) from a NOE basis consisting of 467 NOE cross-correlations (97 intra-residue, 206 sequential, 23 medium-range and 141 long-range) obtained at 360 MHz. The global shape and backbone overall fold of the eight final refined structures are close to those shown by the crystal structure. A meaningful difference in the positioning of the catalytically important His119 side chain in the solution and crystal structures has been detected.