An inexpensive photosynthetic irradiance sensor for ecological field studies

The design and characteristics of inexpensive and simply constructed equal-energy response photosynthetic irradiance sensors is described for use particularly where several cells are required in comparative ecological studies either above or below water. The dimensions of the sensors can be changed proportionally to suit different applications or components. The response of the sensor to irradiance at varying angles corresponds very closely to that required by the cosine law. The sensor is comparatively insensitive to other environmental variables in field use and gave a stable output; the long term drift was proportional to electrical output but in continuous use, drift is regular and could reach -0.08 year^-1 of the total. The spectral range and cosine response is discussed in comparison to other more expensive (x 5–10) commercially available, sensors and to local standards.     

Genes for the biosynthesis of spinosyns: applications for yield improvement in Saccharopolyspora spinosa

Spinosyns A and D are the active ingredients in an insect control agent produced by fermentation of Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Spinosyns are macrolides with a 21-carbon, tetracyclic lactone backbone to which the deoxysugars forosamine and tri-O-methylrhamnose are attached. The spinosyn biosynthesis genes, except for the rhamnose genes, are located in a cluster that spans 74 kb of the S. spinosa genome. DNA sequence analysis, targeted gene disruptions and bioconversion studies identified five large genes encoding type I polyketide synthase subunits, and 14 genes involved in sugar biosynthesis, sugar attachment to the polyketide or cross-bridging of the polyketide. Four rhamnose biosynthetic genes, two of which are also necessary for forosamine biosynthesis, are located outside the spinosyn gene cluster. Duplication of the spinosyn genes linked to the polyketide synthase genes stimulated the final step in the biosynthesis — the conversion of the forosamine-less pseudoaglycones to endproducts. Duplication of genes involved in the early steps of deoxysugar biosynthesis increased spinosyn yield significantly. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 27, 399–402. Received 31 May 2001/ Accepted in revised form 09 July 2001     

Mitochondrial glutathione modulates TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell dysfunction.

The effect of glutathione (GSH) depletion by L-buthionine-[S,R]-sulphoximine (BSO) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced adhesion molecule expression and mononuclear leukocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated. Cells with marked depletion of cytoplasmic GSH, but with an intact pool of mitochondrial GSH, only slightly enhanced TNF-alpha-induced E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression, compared with the control. However, TNF-a-induced expression of both molecules was markedly enhanced when the mitochondrial GSH pool was diminished to <15% of the control. In contrast, TNF-alpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression was not affected by the depletion of either cytoplasmic or mitochondrial GSH. Marked enhancement of TNF-alpha-induced adhesion molecule expression by the depletion of mitochondrial GSH resulted in increased in mononuclear leukocyte adhesion to treated HUVECs, compared with the control. These effects parallel reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by the depletion of mitochondrial but not cytoplasmic GSH. Our findings demonstrate that depletion of mitochondrial GSH renders more ROS generation in HUVECs, and mitochondrial GSH modulates TNF-alpha-induced adhesion molecule expression and mononuclear leukocyte adhesion in HUVECs.     

Mechanisms of changes in human hemodynamics under the conditions of microgravity and prognosis of postflight orthostatic stability

The mechanisms of hemodynamic responses to orthostatic stresses and orthostatic stability (OS) of cosmonauts were studied before and after short-and long-term spaceflights (SFs) using orthostatic tests, as well as before, during, and after SFs using ultrasonic methods in tests with exposure to lower body negative pressure (LBNP). The capacitance and distensibility of the veins of the lower extremities were studied using occlusive air plethysmography before, during, and after SFs of different durations. A stay in microgravity has been proved to result in detraining of, mainly, the vascular mechanisms of compensating orthostatic perturbations. It has been established that the decrease in OS under the influence of microgravity is determined by a reduction of the vasoconstrictive ability of large blood vessels of the lower extremities; an increase in venous distensibility and capacitance of the legs; and an impairment of blood flow regulation, which leads to a cerebral blood flow deficit in orthostatic stresses, and of the initial individual OS before the flight. The results of preflight studies of hemodynamics by ultrasonic methods at LBNP and the data of orthostatic tests before SFs make it possible to predict the degree of decrease of OS after an SF proceeding in the normal mode. At the same time, the data of ultrasonic blood flow examination provide more a accurate estimation of OS and make it possible to assess the physiological reserves of hemodynamic regulation and to reveal the loss of regulation capacity even in cases where integrated indices (heart rate and blood pressure) are within the normal ranges.     

Alpine SteinadlerAquila chrysaetos durch Bleivergiftung gef?hrdet?

In 1990 and 1994, two males of Golden Eagles were found with small lead particles in their stomachs. Both individuals died soon after they had been taken sitting on the soil in bad condition. There are some findings of dead eagles in the same area which showed no sign of having been injured. The two cases of presumed lead poisoning coincide with intense efforts to reduce the number of ChamoixRupicapra rupicapra by hunting. The bullets used contain a nucleus of lead and eagles were seen taking the entrails of the shot chamoix.     

Synaptonemal complexes and meiosis in myxomycetes

Synaptonemal complexes (SC) have been observed in spores 18–24 hr past cleavage in natural fruitings of Physarum cinereum, P. bogoriense, Hemitrichia stipitata, Tubifera ferruginosa, and Arcyria incarnata. Laboratory fruitings of Arcyria cinerea, Stemonitis herbatica, and a homothallic isolate of Physarum pusillum also have SC's present in spores during the same postcleavage period. The presence of these paired chromosomes of meiotic prophase in spores of species collected in nature and in a diversity of taxa suggests that the usual position of meiosis in Myxomycetes is inside the postcleavage spore. Criteria are proposed for evaluating the validity of the SC as an indicator of meiosis.     

A Novel Flow Cytometric Hemozoin Detection Assay for Real-Time Sensitivity Testing of Plasmodium falciparum

Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to almost all antimalarial drugs, including the first-line treatment with artemisinins, has been described, representing an obvious threat to malaria control. In vitro antimalarial sensitivity testing is crucial to detect and monitor drug resistance. Current assays have been successfully used to detect drug effects on parasites. However, they have some limitations, such as the use of radioactive or expensive reagents or long incubation times. Here we describe a novel assay to detect antimalarial drug effects, based on flow cytometric detection of hemozoin (Hz), which is rapid and does not require any additional reagents. Hz is an optimal parasite maturation indicator since its amount increases as the parasite matures. Due to its physical property of birefringence, Hz depolarizes light, hence it can be detected using optical methods such as flow cytometry. A common flow cytometer was adapted to detect light depolarization caused by Hz. Synchronized in vitro cultures of P. falciparum were incubated for 48 hours with several antimalarial drugs. Analysis of depolarizing events, corresponding to parasitized red blood cells containing Hz, allowed the detection of parasite maturation. Moreover, chloroquine resistance and the inhibitory effect of all antimalarial drugs tested, except for pyrimethamine, could be determined as early as 18 to 24 hours of incubation. At 24 hours incubation, 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were comparable to previously reported values. These results indicate that the reagent-free, real-time Hz detection assay could become a novel assay for the detection of drug effects on Plasmodium falciparum.