Lifestyle modification interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities: systematic review and meta-analysis at intervention and component levels.

BACKGROUND: Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are susceptible to multiple health risk behaviours such as alcohol consumption, smoking, low physical activity, sedentary behaviour and poor diet. Lifestyle modification interventions can prevent or reduce negative health consequences caused by these behaviours. We aim to determine the effectiveness of lifestyle modification interventions and their components in targeting health risk behaviours in adults with IDs. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Electronic databases, clinical trial registries, grey literature and citations of systematic reviews and included studies were searched in January 2021 (updated February 2022). Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled trials targeting alcohol consumption, smoking, low physical activity, sedentary behaviours and poor diet in adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with ID were included. Meta-analysis was conducted at the intervention level (pairwise and network meta-analysis) and the component-level (component network meta-analysis). Studies were coded using Michie's 19-item theory coding scheme and 94-item behaviour change taxonomies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) Version 2 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). The study involved a patient and public involvement (PPI) group, including people with lived experience, who contributed extensively by shaping the methodology, providing valuable insights in interpreting results and organising of dissemination events. RESULTS: Our literature search identified 12 180 articles, of which 80 studies with 4805 participants were included in the review. The complexity of lifestyle modification intervention was dismantled by identifying six core components that influenced outcomes. Interventions targeting single or multiple health risk behaviours could have a single or combination of multiple core-components. Interventions (2 RCTS; 4 non-RCTs; 228 participants) targeting alcohol consumption and smoking behaviour were effective but based on limited evidence. Similarly, interventions targeting low physical activity only (16 RCTs; 17 non-RCTs; 1413 participants) or multiple behaviours (low physical activity only, sedentary behaviours and poor diet) (17 RCTs; 24 non-RCTs; 3164 participants) yielded mixed effectiveness in outcomes. Most interventions targeting low physical activity only or multiple behaviours generated positive effects on various outcomes while some interventions led to no change or worsened outcomes, which could be attributed to the presence of a single core-component or a combination of similar core components in interventions. The intervention-level meta-analysis for weight management outcomes showed that none of the interventions were associated with a statistically significant change in outcomes when compared with treatment-as-usual and each other. Interventions with core-components combination of energy deficit diet, aerobic exercise and behaviour change techniques showed the highest weight loss [mean difference (MD) = -3.61, 95% credible interval (CrI) -9.68 to 1.95] and those with core-components combination dietary advice and aerobic exercise showed a weight gain (MD 0.94, 95% CrI -3.93 to 4.91). Similar findings were found with the component network meta-analysis for which additional components were identified. Most studies had a high and moderate risk of bias. Various theories and behaviour change techniques were used in intervention development and adaptation. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review is the first to comprehensively explore lifestyle modification interventions targeting a range of single and multiple health risk behaviours in adults with ID, co-produced with people with lived experience. It has practical implications for future research as it highlights the importance of mixed-methods research in understanding lifestyle modification interventions and the need for population-specific improvements in the field (e.g., tailored interventions, development of evaluation instruments or tools, use of rigorous research methodologies and comprehensive reporting frameworks). Wide dissemination of related knowledge and the involvement of PPI groups, including people with lived experience, will help future researchers design interventions that consider the unique needs, desires and abilities of people with ID.

Supporting active engagement of adults with intellectual disabilities in lifestyle modification interventions: a realist evidence synthesis of what works, for whom, in what context and why.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle modification interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities have had, to date, mixed effectiveness. This study aimed to understand how lifestyle modification interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities work, for whom they work and in what circumstances. METHODS: A realist evidence synthesis was conducted that incorporated input from adults with intellectual disabilities and expert researchers. Following the development of an initial programme theory based on key literature and input from people with lived experience and academics working in this field, five major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ASSIA) and clinical trial repositories were systematically searched. Data from 79 studies were synthesised to develop context, mechanism and outcome configurations (CMOCs). RESULTS: The contexts and mechanisms identified related to the ability of adults with intellectual disabilities to actively take part in the intervention, which in turn contributes to what works, for whom and in what circumstances. The included CMOCs related to support involvement, negotiating the balance between autonomy and behaviour change, fostering social connectedness and fun, accessibility and suitability of intervention strategies and delivery and broader behavioural pathways to lifestyle change. It is also essential to work with people with lived experiences when developing and evaluating interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Future lifestyle interventions research should be participatory in nature, and accessible data collection methods should also be explored as a way of including people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities in research. More emphasis should be given to the broader benefits of lifestyle change, such as opportunities for social interaction and connectedness.

Efficiency of insect-proof net tunnels in reducing virus-related seed degeneration in sweet potato.

Virus-related degeneration constrains production of quality sweet potato seed, especially under open field conditions. Once in the open, virus-indexed seed is prone to virus infection leading to decline in performance. Insect-proof net tunnels have been proven to reduce virus infection under researcher management. However, their effectiveness under farmer-multiplier management is not known. This study investigated the ability of net tunnels to reduce degeneration in sweet potato under farmer-multiplier management. Infection and degeneration were assessed for two cultivars, Kabode and Polista, grown in net tunnels and open fields at two sites with varying virus pressures. There was zero virus incidence at both sites during the first five generations. Sweet potato feathery mottle virus and sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus were present in the last three generations, occurring singly or in combination to form sweet potato virus disease. Virus infection increased successively, with higher incidences recorded at the high virus pressure site. Seed degeneration modelling illustrated that for both varieties, degeneration was reduced by the maintenance of vines under net tunnel conditions. The time series of likely degeneration based on a generic model of yield loss suggested that, under the conditions experienced during the experimental period, infection and losses within the net tunnels would be limited. By comparison, in the open field most of the yield could be lost after a small number of generations without the input of seed with lower disease incidence. Adopting the technology at the farmer-multiplier level can increase availability of clean seed, particularly in high virus pressure areas.

Urinalysis requests on the elderly residing in the Auckland community: tick box requesting?

AIMS: Urinalysis for microscopy and culture is one of the most frequently requested tests for microbiology laboratories, particularly from elderly patients. This study sought to describe the clinical appropriateness of urinalysis from community-dwelling elderly patients and subsequent antibiotic prescription. METHODS: Demographic, laboratory, and antibiotic prescription data were collected on all samples submitted from patients ≥ 70 years during August 2014 to Labtests Auckland. In addition, clinical data were collected by questionnaire from a subgroup of 200 patients. RESULTS: During August 2014, approximately 7% of the Auckland population aged ≥ 70 years had urinalysis submitted. Urine dipstick was not routinely performed before specimen submission, particularly from patients living at home rather than a long-term care facility, and nearly 50% of samples were not cultured due to absence of pyuria. Escherichia coli was isolated from 23% of female and 7% of male specimens. E. coli isolates from our cohort were less susceptible to all antibiotics tested against compared with all E. coli isolated from all urines in 2014. Clinical indications were absent in 40% of the subgroup of patients. Antibiotic prescription within 7 days of urinalysis was common (36%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the frequency of urinalysis testing among the elderly residing in the community. Clinical indications are often absent, and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is likely to be contributing to excessive antibiotic prescription in this group of patients.

Combined inhibition of FLIP and XIAP induces Bax-independent apoptosis in type II colorectal cancer cells.

Death receptors can directly (type I cells) or indirectly induce apoptosis by activating mitochondrial-regulated apoptosis (type II cells). The level of caspase 8 activation is thought to determine whether a cell is type I or II, with type II cells less efficient at activating this caspase following death receptor activation. FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP) blocks death receptor-mediated apoptosis by inhibiting caspase 8 activation; therefore, we assessed whether silencing FLIP could convert type II cells into type I. FLIP silencing-induced caspase 8 activation in Bax wild-type and null HCT116 colorectal cancer cells; however, complete caspase 3 processing and apoptosis were only observed in Bax wild-type cells. Bax-null cells were also more resistant to chemotherapy and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand and, unlike the Bax wild-type cells, were not sensitized to these agents by FLIP silencing. Further analyses indicated that release of second mitochondrial activator of caspases from mitochondria and subsequent inhibition of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was required to induce full caspase 3 processing and apoptosis following FLIP silencing. These results indicate that silencing FLIP does not necessarily bypass the requirement for mitochondrial involvement in type II cells. Furthermore, targeting FLIP and XIAP may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal tumors with defects in mitochondrial-regulated apoptosis.

An approach to the validation of biomarkers of harm for use in a tobacco context.

There is both a call and a need for biomarkers of harm that are validated for use in a tobacco context. Currently, there are no validated biomarkers and there is no consensus about which ones may be suitable for this purpose. To advance the science in this area a working definition of biomarkers of harm and a shortlist of candidate biomarkers are proposed. A framework for the validation of biomarkers of harm using of a series of epidemiological studies culminating in a targeted prospective study is outlined. The candidate biomarkers have advanced to preliminary testing although this does not imply that any on the shortlist will become validated. This framework could also be used for the evaluation of proteomic, genomic, transcriptosomic or metabonomic profiles, which may turn out to be the preferred biomarkers for use in harm prediction. Biomarker studies would complement data that are generated from specific in vitro tests and from animal studies to evaluate tobacco products.

c-FLIP inhibits chemotherapy-induced colorectal cancer cell death.

c-FLIP inhibits caspase 8 activation and apoptosis mediated by death receptors such as Fas and DR5. We studied the effect of c-FLIP on the apoptotic response to chemotherapies used in colorectal cancer (CRC) (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan). Simultaneous downregulation of both c-FLIP splice forms c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) with siRNA synergistically enhanced chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in p53 wild-type (HCT116p53(+/+), RKO), null (HCT116p53(-/-)) and mutant (H630) CRC cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of c-FLIP(L), but not c-FLIP(S), potently inhibited apoptosis induced by chemotherapy in HCT116p53(+/+) cells, suggesting that c-FLIP(L) was the more important splice form in mediating chemoresistance. In support of this, siRNA specifically targeted against c-FLIP(L) synergistically enhanced chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in a manner similar to the siRNA targeted against both splice forms. Inhibition of caspase 8 blocked the enhanced apoptosis induced by c-FLIP-targeted (FT) siRNA and chemotherapy. Furthermore, we found that downregulating cell surface DR5, but not Fas, also inhibited apoptosis induced by FT siRNA and chemotherapy. Interestingly, these effects were not dependent on activation of DR5 by its ligand TRAIL. These results indicate that c-FLIP inhibits TRAIL-independent, DR5- and caspase 8-dependent apoptosis in response to chemotherapy in CRC cells. Moreover, targeting c-FLIP in combination with existing chemotherapies may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of CRC.

Prospective evaluation of the value of direct referral hearing aid clinic in management of young patients with bilateral hearing loss.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value and effectiveness of a direct referral hearing aid clinic (DRHAC) in providing appropriate hearing aids to young patients aged 18-60 years while at the same time identifying patients with significant ear disease who need an otologist's opinion. The patients were referred to a tertiary referral hearing assessment clinic. A total of 137 patients (18-60 years) met the criteria to be included in the study to be assessed in the clinic by both an audiometrician and an otologist. The main outcome measures were hearing evaluation and audiometrician's management. Of them, 114 patients attended the research clinic (83%), 23 patients (17%) did not attend the clinic and 57 patients (51%) did not need any treatment or further investigation as their hearing was normal or near normal. Thirty patients (27%) were given hearing aids. Twenty-five patients (22%) failed the audiometrician assessment and were referred to the otologist. Only 13 (18%) of the 25 patients referred for an otological opinion actually required further investigations, medical or surgical treatment. DRHAC is as viable a system in the younger as in the elderly population.

A systematic review of the contribution of qualitative research to the study of quality of life in children and adolescents with epilepsy.

A sizeable literature focusing on QOL in children and adolescents with epilepsy has been produced over the last few years. However, relatively little emphasis has been placed on defining these issues from direct exploration of children's and adolescents' views. Qualitative methodologies are proposed in this review as an appropriate means of eliciting such information. This review systematically investigated the extent to which studies of QOL in children and adolescents with epilepsy have used recognised qualitative methodology. Articles for inclusion were identified by searching the term 'epilepsy', combined with 'adolescent(s) and/or child(ren)' and 'psychosocial and/or quality of life'. Selected articles were reviewed and rated using CASP Guidelines for qualitative research by two independent raters. Seventeen studies were retrieved through literature search. Of these six used some form of qualitative methodology either individually or combined with quantitative methods. However, only one study met quality criteria for selection in this systematic review. A summary of both selected and excluded studies is presented and methodological limitations discussed. Recommendations for appropriate methodology for investigation of QOL issues in children and adolescents are given.

Quality of life and psychosocial development in adolescents with epilepsy: a qualitative investigation using focus group methods.

The majority of previous studies investigating the impact of epilepsy on the QOL of adolescents have used proxy opinions from clinicians and/or parents. This study highlights the need for research to investigate QOL from the direct perspective of adolescents and consider issues in the context of a developmental perspective. A focus group technique was used. Twenty-two adolescents aged between 12 years 4 months and 18 years 0 months (6 males and 16 females) were stratified by age (12-13, 14-15 and 16+ years) into six focus groups. Data were transcribed and QSR NUD*IST 4.0 was used to help generate central themes. Several procedures were undertaken to increase validity and reliability of findings. Analysis identified two main themes comprising (a) issues related to adolescent development (identity formation) and (b) epilepsy related variables, with five and four main sub-themes, respectively ('peer acceptance', 'development of autonomy', 'school related issues', 'epilepsy as part of me' and 'future', and 'medication issues', 'seizures', 'knowledge of epilepsy' and 'sense of uncertainty'). The main issues related to peer acceptance and development of autonomy. In contrast to previous studies, academic difficulties were not highlighted as an issue. No significant age-related differences in issues were identified. A conceptual model representing these findings is presented and clinical implications and suggestions for future research are reported.

Real-time, high-resolution quantitative measurement of multiple soil gas emissions: selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

A new technique is presented for the rapid, high-resolution identification and quantification of multiple trace gases above soils, at concentrations down to 0.01 microL L(-1) (10 ppb). The technique, selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS), utilizes chemical ionization reagent ions that react with trace gases but not with the major air components (N2, O2, Ar, CO2). This allows the real-time measurement of multiple trace gases without the need for preconcentration, trapping, or chromatographic separation. The technique is demonstrated by monitoring the emission of ammonia and nitric oxide, and the search for volatile organics, above containerized soil samples treated with synthetic cattle urine. In this model system, NH3 emissions peaked after 24 h at 2000 nmol m(-2) s(-1) and integrated to approximately 7% of the urea N applied, while NO emissions peaked about 25 d after urine addition at approximately 140 nmol m(-2) s(-1) and integrated to approximately 10% of the applied urea N. The monitoring of organics along with NH3 and NO was demonstrated in soils treated with synthetic urine, pyridine, and dimethylamine. No emission of volatile nitrogen organics from the urine treatments was observed at levels >0.01% of the applied nitrogen. The SIFT method allows the simultaneous in situ measurement of multiple gas components with a high spatial resolution of < 10 cm and time resolution <20 s. These capabilities allow, for example, identification of emission hotspots, and measurement of localized and rapid variations above agricultural and contaminated soils, as well as integrated emissions over longer periods.

Real time analysis of breath volatiles using SIFT-MS in cigarette smoking.

The selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) technique enables real time analysis of trace volatiles at ppb levels without preconcentration steps or chemical derivatization. Most previous studies of trace compounds on the breath were analyzed using gas chromatography where enhanced detection sensitivity was achieved by concentrating the breath using cryogenic or adsorption trapping techniques. In this paper, we have examined volatile organic substances, isoprene, acetone, ammonia and ethanol in breath before and after smoking a cigarette. It is interesting that isoprene levels increased in all the subjects after smoking one cigarette with a mean increase of 70%. The mean increase for acetone was found to be 22%. In contrast to isoprene, a decreasing ethanol level was observed in all the subjects except one with the negative mean decrease of 28%. Further SIFT-MS studies also have high-lighted some organic substances produced even by unburned cigarettes, US and New Zealand products. Certain US brands have shown much higher levels of volatile species than cigarettes produced in New Zealand.

Termolecular ion-molecule reactions in Titan's atmosphere. II: the structure of the association adducts of HCNH+ with C2H2 and C2H4.

The ion-molecule reactivity of the products formed in the association reactions of HCNH+ with C2H2 (C3H4N+) and C2H4 (C3H6N+) has been investigated to provide information on the structures of the adducts thus formed. The C3H4N+ and C3H6N+ adducts were formed in the reaction flow tube of a flowing afterglow sourced-selected ion flow tube (FA-SIFT) and their reactivity with a neutral molecular "probe" examined. The reactivity of possible known structural isomers for the C3H4N+ and C3H6N+ ions was investigated in both the FA-SIFT and an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer (ICR). Ab initio investigations of the potential energy surfaces for both structures at the G2(MP2) level have also been performed and structures corresponding to local minima on both surfaces have been identified and evaluated. The results of these experimental and theoretical studies show that at room temperature, the C3H4N+ adduct ion contains two isomers; a less reactive one that is likely to be a four-membered cyclic covalent isomer (approximately 70%) and a faster reacting component that is probably an electrostatic complex (approximately 30%). The C3H6N+ adduct ion formed from HCNH+ + C2H4 at room temperature is a single isomer that is likely to be the four-membered covalently bound cyclic CH2CH2CHNH+ species.

Alcohol in breath and blood: a selected ion flow tube mass spectrometric study.

In this paper we compare the amounts of ethanol in breath and in blood after ingestion of whisky using analysis by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Blood ethanol concentrations were also obtained using standard hospital forensic procedures for blood alcohol analyses. We demonstrate the quantitative nature of SIFT-MS analysis by correlating the observed alcohol content of the headspace above 5-mL amounts of venous blood and aqueous solution to which known trace amounts of alcohol have been added. This procedure provides a Henry's Law coefficient for ethanol in aqueous solution at 298 +/- 3 K of 209 +/- 7 mol/kg*bar. We also demonstrate that measurement of the ethanol concentration in the alveolar portion of a single breath using the SIFT-MS technique gives an accurate measure of blood alcohol and could obviate the need for blood samples in forensic processing. The storage performance of breath samples in Mylar bags with a volume greater than 1 L has been shown to maintain the mixture integrity for ethanol but not for some other species.

Quantitative analysis of trace gases of breath during exercise using the new SIFT-MS technique.

We show how the concentration of the breath gases ammonia, acetone, and isoprene vary with time during exercise using the new selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) technique. The expired breath concentrations of ammonia, acetone and isoprene were observed within the range of 50-500, 100-1400 and 5-400 ppb, respectively. Increasing acetone levels were observed for most subjects during the exercise period. However, isoprene levels decreased with time during exercise. Older subjects showed higher levels of isoprene compared with younger subjects. The ammonia time profile with exercise showed both decreasing and increasing patterns for different subjects.

Identification of volatile organic compounds emitted in the field by oilseed rape (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera) over the growing season.

BACKGROUND: Oilseed rape has been associated by rural dwellers with seasonal symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, headache and eye irritation, during its flowering season, for a number of years. This study was performed to identify the volatile chemicals emitted from oilseed rape in the field. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to establish which volatile chemicals may be causative factors of oilseed rape allergy/toxicity. METHODS: The volatile organic compounds were sampled over the flowering period using a modified entrainment technique for headspace analysis under field conditions. These volatiles were then identified using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The major constituents identified were the monoterpenes limonene, sabinene, beta-myrcene, and cis-3-hexen-l-ol acetate, a 'green leaf' volatile. The minor constituents included monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, short chain aldehydes and ketones, other 'green leaf' volatiles and organic sulphides including the respiratory irritant, dimethyl disulphide. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the diversity of volatile chemicals emitted by oilseed rape and confirms field emissions to be broadly similar to those found previously in laboratory studies. A review is carried out on the scientific literature already published on oilseed rape flower headspace analysis.

Efficacy of part- and full-time early intervention.

The effectiveness of an early intervention program to remediate developmental delays in children age birth to 3 years was examined in part- and full-time groups (Study 1). Significant improvements on age-appropriate measures of developmental standing were observed for both groups, with the greatest gains observed for the full-time group. In Study 2, the stress of parents with developmentally delayed children was measured on the Parental Stress Inventory. Reductions in stress related to children's characteristics and dysfunctional parenting skills were observed on some subscales, supporting prior research which indicated extension of the outcomes of early intervention beyond the child was desirable.

Comparison of lipid-lowering effects of low-dose fluvastatin and conventional-dose gemfibrozil in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

A total of 123 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia were randomized on a 2:1 ratio to receive either fluvastatin at 20 mg once daily at night (n = 82) or gemfibrozil at 600 mg twice daily (n = 41) in a double-blind, double-dummy comparison of the effects on plasma lipid parameters and tolerability over 8 weeks. All patients had either low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations > or = 160 mg/dL (4.1 mmol/L) in association with definite coronary artery disease (CAD) or > or = 2 risk factors, or LDL-C > or = 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) with no CAD and < 2 risk factors. All had triglyceride (TG) levels < or = 350 mg/dL (4.0 mmol/L). After 8 weeks of treatment, fluvastatin produced significant reductions from baseline of 17.4% (p < 0.001) in LDL-C, 13.2% (p < 0.001) in total cholesterol (TC), 13.8% (p < 0.001) in very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and 6.4% (NS) in TG. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased by 5.6% (p < 0.001), and the ratio of LDL-C:HDL-C (Friedewald) was decreased by 21.2% (p < 0.001). Gemfibrozil reduced LDL-C by 15.8%, TC by 13.4%, VLDL-C by 32.2%, LDL-C:HDL-C by 24.8%, and TG by 34.2%, and increased HDL-C by 13.9% (all changes were statistically significant, p < 0.001) compared with baseline. Gemfibrozil produced significantly greater changes in VLDL-C (p < 0.01), HDL-C (p < 0.001), and TG (p < 0.001), but not in LDL-C: HDL-C, compared with fluvastatin. Both drugs significantly reduced apolipoprotein (apo) B and lipoparticles (Lp) E:B, and increased apo A-I but had divergent effects on LpA-I (increased with fluvastatin and reduced with gemfibrozil; p < 0.05). At the end of the study, 43.8% of fluvastatin patients and 45% of gemfibrozil patients achieved a reduction of > 20% in LDL-C levels. Normalization of LDL-C levels was achieved (according to European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines) by 13.4% of fluvastatin- and 14.6% of gemfibrozil-treated patients. Both drugs were well tolerated; adverse events occurred in 36.6% of fluvastatin recipients compared with 58.5% of patients taking gemfibrozil. No clinically notable elevations of aspartate or alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, or creatine phosphokinase occurred. No patient developed new or worsening lens opacities associated with a reduction in optically corrected visual acuity. The most commonly reported adverse events were headache and gastrointestinal upset. There were no serious drug-related adverse events.

Purification and properties of a catechol oxidase from blood cells of the ascidian Pyura stolonifera.

A catechol oxidase (EC 1.10.3.1) was purified to homogeneity from blood cells of the ascidian Pyura stolonifera using gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 and hydrophobic interaction chromatography on PhenylSuperose. Two peaks of activity were eluted from PhenylSuperose, one with a decreasing salt gradient and the other with nonionic detergent. The latter represents an aggregated form of the enzyme. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 56 kd and shows a preference for catechols with uncharged hydrophobic side chains (e.g., 4-t-butylcatechol) but does not hydroxylate free tyrosine. Inhibition of the enzyme by diethyldithiocarbamic acid and thiol reagents implicate copper at the active site. Sequence analysis of a peptide generated by incubation with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease demonstrated considerable homology to one of the conserved copper binding regions of tyrosinases. This enzyme is found in the same cells as the dopa-containing protein ferreascidin. When ferreascidin is incubated with the enzyme, its spectrum changes rapidly, indicating that the catechol oxidase uses it as a substrate. The P. stolonifera enzyme differs from an enzyme involved in adhesion, isolated from the mussels, M. edulis and G. demissa: it is isolated as a soluble enzyme that does not appear to exist as a latent precursor.