Species ofIchneumonidae [Hym.], parasites of some lepidopterous pests of lucerne in Romania

Eleven species ofIchneumonidae were identified as parasites of lepidopterous pests of lucerne. All of the parasitized Lepidoptera are new host records for theseIchneumonidae andDiadegma variegata Szépl. is a species of parasite new to Romania.     

Immune response in human subjects at high altitude

Levels of immunoglobulins were determined in persons exposed to high altitude. The individuals studied included high altitude natives, sea level residents at high altitude for 2 years, and recent arrivals at high altitude. Increased IgG and IgA levels were found in high altitude natives and sea level residents at high altitude for 2 years when compared with sea level residents. In recent arrivals marked increase of IgG and IgG levels and slight rise in IgM was seen. Recent arrivals who suffered from high altitude pulmonary oedema showed marked elevation of IgG, IgM, and IgA. Immunoglobulin responses to both primary and secondary TAB inoculation were of a higher magnitude and more sustained at high altitude than at sea level.     

On the carrying behaviour of basic South American primates

InCallithrix, Saguinus, Aotus, andCallicebus other group members than the mother participate in infant care. Differences among these species are obvious in respect to the time of being off any caregiver, and in respect to the carrying position (Aotus andCallicebus). Alloparental care, a basic behaviour pattern in these species, has evolved from the parking behaviour of the prosimians. The infants are «parked» at other group members.     

The role of homoeologous group 1 chromosomes in the control of rRNA genes in wheat

The presence of rRNA genes on homoeologous chromosomes 1A, 1B, and 1D of hexaploid wheat was investigated by rRNA/DNA hybridization, using DNA purified from aneuploid and substitution line derivatives of the variety Chinese Spring. Doubling the number of 1B chromosomes increased the number of rRNA genes by 31–49% but deleting the 1B chromosomes decreased the number by only 15–23%. This suggests that changes may occur in rRNA gene multiplicity at other nucleolar organizer sites to partially compensate for a deficiency of rRNA genes. There was no unequivocal evidence of rRNA genes on Chinese Spring chromosome 1A or 1D, but other varieties were shown to have rRNA genes on chromosome 1A. These results are consistent with the cytological observations that chromosomes 1A and 1B but not 1D possess nucleolar organizers.     

Biological control ofDiatraea saccharalis (F.) in Barbados byApanteles flavipes Cam. andLixophaga Diatraeae T. T.

Early biological control attempts ofDiatraea saccharalis in Barbados had failed. Subsequent intensive release campaigns of several parasite species from the Neotropics. Africa and India resulted in the temporary establishment ofMetagonistylum minense andTrichogramma japonicum and the permanent establishment ofLixophaga diatraeae andApanteles flavipes. The latter built up an extraordinarily high population level within a short period of time. From damage assessments it is evident that due to high parasitism crop damage was reduced considerably. The joint borer infestation which fluctuated around 15% until 1966 decreased to less than 6% in 1970.

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Résumé Des essais de lutte biologique contreDiatraea saccharalis ont été poursuivis à la Barbade pendant plus de 40 ans. Des libérations en masse deTrichogramma japonicum, faites jusqu’en 1958, se révélèrent infructueuses; la mouche de Cuba,Lixophaga diatraeae, fut introduite au début de l’année 1960, mais sa répartition demeura inégale et sa fréquence généralement faible jusqu’en 1968, date à laquelle elle se répandit soudain dans toute l’?le et augmenta en abondance (moyenne de parasitisme en 1968: 13,6%). Tout s’est passé comme si, durant les années précédentes, une race s’était développée qui est maintenant mieux adaptée aux conditions environnantes de la Barbade. En 1966 et 1967, plusieurs autres espèces de parasites furent introduites à la Barbade. Parmi elles,Metagonistylum minense etTrichogramma fasciatum s’établirent temporairement, tandis queApanteles flavipes, introduite des Indes, s’acclimata d’elle-même en permanence. A la suite d’une libération d’environ 2 000 individus en juillet et ao?t 1966, ce parasite fut retrouvé pour la première fois, plus d’un an après, en octobre 1967; à la fin de 1969, il avait colonisé toute l’?le avec un taux de parasitisme de 0,5 à 95,5% et en moyenne de 30,3%. Ces deux dernières années, la réduction des dégats a produit une augmentation de revenu estimée à 315 000 et 405 000 ￡, respectivement.

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Presented at the symposium OILB on borers of graminaceous plants. Paris, 24th sept. 1970.     

MiR-199a is overexpressed in plasma of type 2 diabetes patients which contributes to type 2 diabetes by targeting GLUT4

Decreased GLUT4 expression and impaired GLUT4 cell membrane translocation are involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathogenesis so the factors impacting GLUT4 expression may be associated with T2DM. In this study, we identified four miRNAs: miR-31, miR-93, miR-146a, and miR-199a which suppress GLUT4 expression in HEK293T cells. Subsequently, we determined expression of these four miRNAs in plasma samples of T2DM patients, T2DM susceptible individuals, and healthy controls and found miR-199a was overexpressed in patients’ plasma compared with healthy control. Because the miR-199a binding site in GLUT4 3′UTR is highly conserved among vertebrates, we detected the glucose uptake in rat L6 myoblast cells through gain- and loss-of-function of miR-199a. We found that miR-199a can repress glucose uptake in L6 cells, which was rescued by GLUT4 overexpression. These results indicate that T2DM patients may have a high level miR-199a that reduce GLUT4 expression and contribute to the insulin resistance. Hence, miR-199a may be a novel biomarker for risk estimation and classification in T2DM patients.     

Translation of pure feather keratin mRNA in a wheat embryo cell-free system

Highly purified feather keratin mRNA, prepared by dissociation of mRNP particles in Na dodecyl sulphate, was translated in a wheat embryo cell-free system with similar efficiency to rabbit globin mRNA and RNA purified from cucumber mosaic virus. The only detectable products of translation of the keratin mRNA were keratin chains, which were identical to native keratin chains as judged by several different criteria. These results support previous conclusions that the keratin mRNA can be obtained in a pure state.     

Determination of guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) and adenosine pentaphosphate (pppApp) in various microorganisms by radioimmunoassay

The intracellular levels of ppGpp and pppApp in various microorganisms were determined by radioimmunoassay, with was of more accuracy and convenience than previous ³²P-labeling method. ppGpp was detected in bacteria, actinomycetes, yeasts and fungi. pppApp was found in non-spore forming bacteria such as the genera Pseudomonas and Escherichia, fungi and actinomycetes, but not in yeasts. In conclusion, ppGpp and pppApp are present in various prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes.     

Quantitative aspects of ribosomal RNA synthesis during ovarian development in two mutants of Drosophia melanogaster

A quantitative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis procedure for the analysis of microgram quantities of RNA has been developed. The method was used to determine the rates of rRNA synthesis and the molar ratios of various RNA species in Drosophila females homozygous for either of two X chromosome inversions that result in sterility of the females and produce lethality in X/0 males. Evidence is presented that in these genotypes the rate of rRNA synthesis during oogenesis is unimpaired but the mature oocyte has a 10–12% reduction in rRNA content.