Deposition of BaSO4 in the tight junctions of amphibian epithelia causes their opening; apical Ca2+ reverses this effect

Selective deposition of BaSO₄ in the tight junctions (TJs) of frog skins led to profound and reversible functional alterations of these structures, as revealed by changes of tissue conductance (G), clamping current (I), and fluxes of extracellular markers (sulfate (J^SO ₄) and sucrose (J^SUC)). Experiments were performed with nominally Ca²⁺ -free simple salt solutions on the apical side (usually KCl) and Na₂SO₄-Ringer on the inner side of skins. The deposition of BaSO₄ in the TJs was obtained by diffusion and/or migration through the paracellular path of Ba²⁺ from the apical solution and SO ₄ ^2– from the inner solution. A brief presence (2 to 6 min) of apical Ba²⁺ (Ba²⁺ pulse) is followed (i.e., when Ba²⁺ is removed from the apical fluid) by a large increase of G, I, J^SO ₄ and J^SUC, above pre-Ba²⁺ levels. These attain a steady state within 15 to 30 min (overshoot phase), characterizing a conspicuous increase of the paracellular permeability. During the overshoot phase, a second Ba²⁺ pulse blocks the paracellular route while apical Ba²⁺ is present, leading to a new and larger overshoot when the Ba²⁺ pulse is terminated. Addition of apical Ca²⁺ triggers the resealing of the TJs, resulting in a full recovery of G, I, J^SO ₄ and J^SUC. This Ca²⁺ -induced recovery persists when apical Ca²⁺ is removed. The presence of a normal Ca²⁺ concentration in the inner bathing Ringer does not induce the recovery process. Tissues remain viable after being submitted to the Ba²⁺ treatment and the subsequent overshoot. Experiments performed in the urinary bladder of Rana catesbeiana and skins and urinary bladders of Bufo marinus indicate that Ba²⁺ effect can also be elicited in these tissues. The above results seem to report general properties of the TJs. Incidentally, they warn about the use of Ba²⁺ as an ion channel blocker in epithelial membranes in association with SO ₄ ^2– -containing solutions on the contralateral side.This project was supported by grants from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (91/0293-7 to F.L.V., and 90/1788-1 to A.S.), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (410068/90-0 and 303633-85/BF to F.L.V.). J.A.C. received a doctoral fellowship from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/Fundação Universidade do Rio Grande. We thank Dr. Alice T. Ferreira for help in the measurements of free Ca²⁺ concentration.     

Mantis Shrimp Navigate Home Using Celestial and Idiothetic Path Integration

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pathmatrix: a geographical information system tool to compute effective distances among samples

pathmatrix is a tool used to compute matrices of effective geographical distances among samples using a least‐cost path algorithm. This program is dedicated to the study of the role of the environment on the spatial genetic structure of populations. Punctual locations (e.g. individuals) or zones encompassing sample data points (e.g. demes) are used in conjunction with a species‐specific friction map representing the cost of movement through the landscape. Matrices of effective distances can then be exported to population genetic software to test, for example, for isolation by distance. pathmatrix is an extension to the geographical information system (GIS) software arcview 3.x.     

Cold-induced anesthesia impairs path integration memory in dung beetles

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Some New Aspects of 2 × 2 Table Measures and Their Applications

The paper deals with the analysis of 2 × 2 table measures and describes several new possibilities for applying them. An estimate is given for HELLMICH's asymmetric K-measure and a possible extension of the contingency concept in a special 2×2 case is presented. The concept introduced and the recommended computer application of the 2×2 table measures is supported by new results obtained for the relationship between jaw joint pains and noises examined earlier by F. SCHMID and C. ZSCHEGE. With a larger number of observations the opportunity arises for a deeper analysis of this dental problem using path analysis. The plan of evaluation and the conncetion between the variables examined is illustrated by a path-diagram. The association tables determined on the basis of the (C) values introduced during the examination of jaw joint disturbances using association analysis draw attention to the special role of the left side of mastication. The paper raises ideas for further generalisations and indicates where further research is needed.     

Activation Energies from Transition Path Sampling Simulations

We derive an new expression for the calculation of activation energies within the framework of transition path sampling. Using this expression one can determine activation energies without knowledge of the reaction mechanism, which is often unavailable for processes occurring in complex systems. Since in this method activation energies are calculated directly from path averages, no computationally expensive calculation of reaction rate constants is necessary. As an illustrative example, we determine the activation energy for the isomerization of a model diatomic immersed in a bath of repulsive soft particles.     

蛇伤药酒抗毒抗菌作用的实验研究

目的探讨蛇伤药酒抗眼镜蛇毒、内毒素及细菌的效果。方法抗眼镜蛇毒和内毒素试验采用鲎试剂法．抗菌试验采用纸片法。结果眼镜蛇毒与0．5EU／ml鲎试剂产生凝集反应的浓度在5．0ug／ml以上;蛇伤药酒浓度1ml／ml时有抗5倍量眼镜蛇毒的凝集反应;有抗2．5倍量内毒素的凝集反应;对多种细菌有抑制作用。结论蛇伤药酒有抗眼镜蛇毒、抗内毒素和多种病原菌的作用。     

呼吸道不同部位的微生物分布特点及药敏分析

目的指导临床合理选用抗生素,预防减少呼吸道感染的发生及深入.方法取痰、喉室的分泌物及喉癌术后气管内的分泌物进行细菌培养和药敏试验.结果呼吸科呼吸道感染的病原菌中以白色念球菌居首位,其次革兰阴性杆菌检出率高,对亚胺培南的耐药性最低.耳鼻喉科声带息肉患者喉室的病原菌中以草绿链球菌居首位,对阿莫西林-棒酸,头孢1、2代敏感.耳鼻喉科喉癌术后气管切开患者下呼吸道感染的病原菌中,既有革兰阳性菌（以肺炎链球菌为主）又有革兰阴性杆菌（以铜绿假单胞菌、醋酸钙不动杆菌为主）,革兰阴性杆菌较革兰阳性菌多,均对头孢他啶有较高的敏感率.结论由于细菌的分布特点不一,耐药性不一样,最好依据细菌学选择敏感抗生素,当病原菌不明时,需要经验用药时则根据其筛查出的细菌排序的流行趋势选择抗生素.