Radiolabeling of the hydrophobic components of lung surfactant with 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)diazirine

Studies of the metabolism and distribution of lung surfactant are aided by use of radiolabeled surfactant or surfactant components. These studies have often made use of [3H]- or [14C]phosphatidylcholine. Analysis of the lung content of surfactant containing these beta-emitting labels usually requires tissue digestion, use of scintillation fluids, and significant correction for quenching of photon production. Because use of a gamma-emitting isotope would obviate these requirements, we have investigated the use of 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)diazirine ([125I]TID), a lipophilic photoactivatable compound, to radiolabel pulmonary surfactant. Our results indicate that, during photoactivation, products of [125I]TID are produced that result in radiolabeling of both the lipid and protein components of extracted porcine surfactant. Separation of radiolabeled surfactant from hydrophobic nonlabelling photolysis products was accomplished by gel chromatography. Exposure of surfactant (34 mumol/ml) to [125I]TID under labeling conditions resulted in incorporation of 45.3 +/- 5.1% of the radiolabel. Incorporation of radiolabel in the various phospholipids of lung surfactant was approximately equivalent. Lipophilic surfactant apoproteins were also radiolabeled. Finally, both in vitro and in vivo testing of radiolabeled surfactant (0.1 microCi/mg) revealed full retention of surface tension lowering ability.     

Über die postlarvale Entwicklung von Flöhen (Insecta,Siphonaptera), unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der sogenannten “Flügelanlagen”

Lateral appendages on the mesothorax of flea pupae, regarded to be wing buds by Sharif, have been found in species of the Ceratophylloidea investigated by other authors and me, but not in the Pulicidae. The appendages become basal parts of the mesepimeron which speaks against their wing character. Ecological data are given.

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Über die postlarvale Entwicklung von Flöhen (Insecta, Siphonaptera), unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der sogenannten Flügelanlagen

Die Abkürzungen in der Beserchriftung der Abbildungen Anh Anhang - Bo Borste - Cut Kutikula - D Darm - F Falte - And E blindgeschlossenes Endedes Anhanges - Ga Ganglion - H kutikulare Hülle der Ausstülpung - Hy Hypodermis - Im Imago, imaginal - L Larvae, larval - Lob Lobus - M Muskel - Mes Mesepimeron - N Bauchmark - OGa Oberschundganglion - P Puppe, pupal - p Beinanlage - Per Peripodialhöhle, hier immer ihr oberer Rand - Sti Stigma - Tr Tracheen     

Photo-catalytic preparation of silver-coated TiO2 particles for antibacterial applications

Colloidal silver has been known to have unique antimicrobial activity that may be useful in the construction of antibacterial materials (self-cleaning materials) to aid in the fight against bacteria-related infections. In this study, silver-coated TiO₂ (Ag/TiO₂) particles prepared through the photo-reduction of Ag⁺ were investigated as an antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The deposition of Ag onto the surface was confirmed with SEM and EDS analysis of the post-reaction particles. It was also determined that the initial concentration of Ag⁺ in solution played a significant role in the effective size of the post-irradiation particles. The antibacterial effectiveness of the Ag/TiO₂ was evaluated through the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgTiO₂ for each species of bacteria. The MIC values for the Ag/TiO₂, on both E. coli and S. aureus, were much lower than the MIC values for Ag metal, and quite comparable to the MIC values for AgNO₃. A disc diffusion/antibiotic sensitivity test was also performed using the Ag/TiO₂ particles and the results compared with the results obtained for Ag metal, AgNO₃ and common antibacterial agents; tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and neomycin. The zone of inhibition diameters for the Ag/TiO₂ particles were found to be comparable with those of the other antimicrobial agents.