The effect of ammonia exposure on gill structure of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Gill structure has been studied in fish exposed to various ammonia concentrations. Gill damage resulting from exposure to acutely lethal concentrations was relatively minor and unlikely to have been a primary cause of death. Alternative toxic mechanisms have been discussed. Following long-term exposure to ammonia there were severe histopathological changes in gill structure and oxygen uptake may have been seriously impaired. A high incidence of disease was also observed.     

Cyclodextrins micrometric powders obtained by supercritical fluid processing

Supercritical fluid technology offers the possibility to produce dry powder formulations of biocompatible materials, overcoming the drawbacks of classical micronization processes. In this work, Supercritical Assisted Atomization (SAA) has been used to micronize alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD). Some process parameters, such as precipitation temperature and solute concentration in the liquid solution, have been studied to evaluate their influence on morphology and size of precipitated particles. Cyclodextrins (CDs) micronization has been successful: well-defined spherical microparticles of alpha-CD and HP-beta-CD have been produced. Particle size analysis revealed that sharp distributions have been obtained: 95% of particles have diameters ranging between 0.1 and 5 microm for both CDs. X-ray and DSC analyses have been also performed to investigate CDs modifications induced by SAA processing: amorphous particles have been obtained in both cases, whereas raw alpha-CD was crystalline and raw HP-beta-CD was amorphous.     

The Replication of DNA: II. The Number of Polynucleotide Strands in the Conserved Unit of DNA

The kinetics of degradation of DNA by deoxyribonuclease II have been studied, using the techniques of light scattering, viscosity, and titration. Theoretical equations have been derived for both random and non-random attacks, and all assumptions have been evaluated. It has been shown that these equations permit a valid calculation of the number of polynucleotide strands per molecule. The results have been verified by two independent experimental methods. DNA from proliferating sources was found to be four-stranded; DNA from non-proliferating sources was found to be two-stranded. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

The kinetic model of the shikimate pathway as a tool to optimize enzyme assays for high-throughput screening

Four-enzyme section of the shikimate pathway (Aro B, D, E, and K) of Streptococcus pneumoniae has been studied. Kinetic properties of the individual enzymes and three- and four-enzyme linked reactions have been characterized in vitro. On the basis of the data measured in spectrophotometric and LC-MS experiments, kinetic mechanisms of the enzymes have been suggested and all kinetic parameters have been identified. Kinetic models for these three- and four-enzyme sections of the shikimate pathway have been constructed and validated. The model of the four-enzyme section of shikimate pathway has been employed to design an inhibition-sensitive reconstituted pathway for a high-throughput screening effort on the shikimate pathway. It was demonstrated that using the model it was possible to optimize this reconstituted pathway in such a way to provide equal sensitivity of the enzymes to inhibition.     

Class II major histocompatibility complex genes of the sheep

The class II genes of the sheep major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been cloned from two unrelated heterozygous sheep into cosmid vectors. By restriction mapping and hybridization with a number of class II probes of human and mouse origin, the cloned genetic material has been assigned to seven distinct alpha genes, 10 distinct beta genes and 14 beta-related sequences. It was difficult to identify homologues of specific HLA class II genes because of a tendency for the ovine genes to cross-hybridize between HLA probes representing different loci. Such cross-hybridization was especially marked among the beta genes. While DQ and DR homologues have been tentatively identified by several criteria, no genes corresponding to DP have been identified. Cosmids containing class II alpha and beta genes have been transfected into mouse LTK- cells, and surface expression of a sheep class II molecule has been obtained.     

How ancient DNA may help in understanding the origin and spread of agriculture

The origin and spread of agriculture have been central questions in archaeology for the last 75 years and are increasingly being addressed by a multidisciplinary approach involving biologists, ecologists, geographers and anthropologists as well as archaeologists. Molecular genetics has the potential to make an important contribution, especially by enabling the number of times that a crop or animal was domesticated to be determined. Molecular genetics can also assign approximate dates to domestication events, identify the wild progenitor of a domesticate, and provide new forms of evidence relevant to agricultural spread. With wheat, molecular genetical studies of modern plants have suggested that einkorn was domesticated just once but that emmer might have been domesticated more than once. Ancient DNA studies of animal remains have benefited from progress made with equivalent analyses of human bones, and with plant material there have been clear demonstrations of DNA preservation in desiccated seeds. Charred remains have also been shown to contain ancient DNA but this finding is unexpected in view of the high temperatures to which these seeds have supposedly been exposed. Ancient DNA studies of wheat remains have been used in taxonomic identification and in assessment of the possible bread-making quality of the wheat grown at an Early Bronze Age site in Greece.     

Results of cytogenetic examinations in 255 married couples with a history of infertility]

The results of cytogenetic examination carried out in 255 couples with a history of infertility have been analysed. Chromosomal aberrations have been detected in 15 examinations (6.7%) with predominance of translocations (mutual - 3.6%; Robertson' - 1.3%). Identified aberrations have been noted in 9 women and 6 men. The obtained results have been analysed in relation to the number of abortions, dead and live newborn babies with inherited abnormalities. It was found that the incidence of chromosomal aberrations increases with the number of the spontaneous abortions in anamnesis. Such aberrations have also been more frequent in the families in which spontaneous abortions have been accompanied by other fertility disorders.     

Value of ambroxol in treatment of bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis]

Ambroxol (Bronchopront-Mack) was administered to 73 patients with the bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis with expectoration disorders. The drug was given in the dosage forms of slow release capsules, syrup, drops, intramuscular injections and inhalations for about 14 days. All patients have been carefully examined clinically, PEF has been measured, and sputum physico-chemical properties have been tested prior to and 10 days after treatment. Complete disappearance of cough, liquefaction of sputum and clearance of airways have been achieved in 47% of patients. A significant improvement has been noted in 38.4% of cases. The treatment failed in 2.7% of patients. Ambroxol has been well tolerated. No adverse effects on laboratory findings have been noted. Results suggest, that ambroxol is valuable drug in the combined treatment of patients with the bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis.     

Ecological characteristics of scale-bearing Chrysophyceae from The Netherlands

In 1979 50 sampling localities in the south-eastern part of The Netherlands have been sampled once, twice or thrice. The scale-bearing Chrysophyceae have been identified and their abundancies have been estimated. Determinations of pH, alkalinity and water temperature have been done, and the relation between the occurrence of the taxa and these environmental factors was studied. Cluster analysis (TWINSPAN) was used to detect groups of co-occurring taxa. The ordination of these taxa (DECORANA) showed that the first principal component was the pH and the second principal component was the water temperature. Although very few environmental data could be used, these results indicate the importance of the pH (and alkalinity) of fresh waters in the occurrence of the scale-bearing Chrysophyceae, whereas their quantitative development is greatly dependent on the water temperature. Experimental data are needed to test this hypothesis.     

Dihydroquinolines as novel n-NOS inhibitors

Dihydroquinolines have been synthesized and have been shown to be potent n-NOS inhibitors. Selectivity versus e-NOS was increased to approximately 100-fold through appropriate substitution at the benzene ring.     

Synthesis and partial characterization of hydrogels obtained via glutaraldehyde crosslinking of acetylated chitosan and of hyaluronan derivatives

Hydrophilic networks based on functionalized hyaluronic acid and on partially acetylated chitosan, respectively, have been obtained. In the case of hyaluronic acid (HA), primary amino functionalities have been introduced along the polysaccharide chains. The ensuing derivatives, i.e., HA-lysine (HA-K), HA-diamino pentane (HA-DAP), and HA-glycine-lysine (HA-GK), have been characterized by high field NMR spectroscopy. NMR 2D-DOSY experiments have allowed us to optimize the purification procedure. Chitosan was made soluble in water by partial acetylation. Cross-linking reactions have been performed using glutaraldehyde. The obtained networks have been qualitatively characterized by means of (13)C CP-MAS NMR technique. The hydrogels have been characterized also in terms of water uptake.     

Carbon doped boron phosphide nanotubes: A computational study

A computational study based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations has been performed to investigate the properties of the electronic structure of carbon doped boron phosphide nanotube (C-doped BPNT). Pristine and the C-doped structures of two representative (6,0) zigzag and (4,4) armchair BPNTs have been investigated. At first, the geometries of the structures have been allowed to relax by optimization. Subsequently, NMR parameters have been calculated in the optimized structures. The results indicated that the influence of C-doping was more significant on the geometries of the zigzag model than the armchair one. The difference of band gap energies between the pristine and C-doped armchair BPNT was larger than the zigzag model. Significant differences of NMR parameters of those nuclei directly contributed to the C-doping atoms have been observed.     

ON THE BIOLOGY OF TWO LATRODECTUS SPIDERS IN PALESTINE

Summary— Some biological facts have been given concerning L. tredecim-guttatus and L. pallidus in Palestine. Their distribution and development have been dealt with. Special attention was paid to the structure of the web and the role the egg-sacs play in young spiders. The factors regulating the leaving of the sac were stated. Observations have been made on the process of copulation. The nature of the food has been investigated.
The question of the amount of venom of both species was given special emphasis, and along with some subsidiary questions an experiment was made to compare the strength of the venom of both Palestinian spiders. It has been shown that in the years in which observations were made the strength of the venom of Latrodectus tredecim-guttatus was greater than that of L. pallidus.     

The significance of the radial nerve cords in asteroids and echinoids

Summary The radial nerve cords of a number of different species of echinoids and asteroids have been examined with the electron microscope. They have been shown to consist of tracts of small naked axons with discrete regions of neuropile. Synapses within these areas of neuropile have been described and their significance discussed. A careful examination has failed to reveal any connections between the ectoneural nerve and the mesodermal nerves and muscles. Synapses across the connective tissue sheet separating these regions have been proposed to account for known functional connection. A hypothetical model of the nervous system has been proposed to account for known structure and function.The author wishes to acknowledge the help of Prof. M. S. Laverack during this study. Part of this work was carried out while the author was in receipt of a Queen Elizabeth Fellowship from the Commonwealth Government of Australia.     

STUDIES OF THE INTER-RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND PLASMA AMINO ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN NORMAL INDIVIDUALS

Abstract— —The concentration of free amino acids has been determined in lumbar CSF in 37 fasting normal subjects. The values obtained have been compared with the concentration of the same amino acids measured in venous plasma collected simultaneously and with ventricular CSF amino acid concentrations. Twenty-three amino acids have been identified and quantitated in CSF and plasma. Trace quantities of eight other amino acids have been also detected.
The concentration of 13 amino acids in CSF has been shown to be directly related to the plasma concentration. No such relationship was noted for the other 7 amino acids. Significant variations in the concentration of individual amino acids relating to both age and sex have been noted. A large number of unidentified ninhydrin positive compounds have been found in CSF. Preliminary studies have identified one of these as ɛ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).     

Microbial metabolism of quinoline and related compounds. III. Degradation of 3-chloroquinoline-8-carboxylic acid by Pseudomonas spec. EK III

Bacteria have been isolated with the ability to use 3-chloroquinoline-8-carboxylic acid as sole source of carbon and energy. According to their physiological properties, these bacteria have been classified as Pseudomonas spec. Two metabolites of the degradation pathway have been isolated and identified. The first metabolite was 3-(3-carboxy-3-oxopropenyl)-2-hydroxy-5-chloropyridine, the meta-cleavage product of 3-chloro-7,8-dihydroxyquinoline. The second metabolite, 5-chloro-2-hydroxynicotinic acid, was not further metabolized by this organisms.     

On the phylogeny of t-RNA's

t-RNA sequences have been aligned to maximize matches in corresponding positions. The sequences have subsequently been divided into two parts, the “squelette” (skeleton) and “muscle” positions. A test of homology based on the binomial approach has been developed and was applied to the “muscle” positions of t-RNA. The phylogenetic relationship and parts of ancestral sequences have been obtained from Val and Ser t-RNA families. The known Leu t-RNA sequences have been shown to be a part of two different homologous families, indicating the possibility that degenerate codons give rise to non-homologous isoaccepting t-RNA's.     

Identifying vaccine antigens and assessing delivery systems for the prevention of bacterial infections

Bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and middle ear continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite the availability of antibiotic therapies. To assist development of vaccines for preventing these infections, animal models have been established in rodents. These models have been used effectively to evaluate different vaccination strategies. Our studies have found that for respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) and Moraxella catarrhalis, a primary immunisation targeted to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue was extremely effective in enhancing bacterial clearance. For the gram-negative pathogens, NTHI and M. catarrhalis, this mucosal immunisation was significantly more effective than systemic immunisation, however, for S. pneumoniae systemic immunisation was as effective. A strategy using these models has effectively been used to determine the potential of antigens from each of the pathogens to protect against infection. Antigens that demonstrate significant vaccine potential have been used to investigate delivery systems. One of the major challenges that still exists is to find mechanisms that will effectively deliver protein antigens to mucosal surfaces. Several strategies have been investigated and resulted in varying degrees of success.     

Post-embedding methods for immunolocalization of elastin and related components in tissues

Elastic tissue is composed of amorphous-appearing elastin and 12-nm diameter microfibrils, one component of which has recently been isolated and characterized as the 31 KD microfibril-associated glycoprotein MAGP. Monospecific antibodies to each of these components have been developed in this laboratory. The parameters that determine optimal localization of colloidal gold probes for post-embedding immunolabeling of elastic tissue components have been systematically studied in a variety of normal and developing tissues in mammals and birds. Protein A-gold probes stabilized with dextran have been shown to provide complexes that remain stable after more than 2 years. Conditions have been defined that permit precise localization within the extracellular matrix of antibodies to MAGP and to elastin, singly and together. Best results were obtained with acrylic resins (Lowicryl K4M or LR White). Fixation in glutaraldehyde or other aldehydic fixatives, with or without osmium, did not affect the immunostaining of elastic tissue with affinity-purified antibodies to tropoelastin, or to anti-[alpha-elastin] or anti-[alkali-insoluble elastin]. Immunostaining with the anti-MAGP antibody was less robust and was possible in tissues which had been fixed only lightly before embedding in Lowicryl K4M or LR White. This staining was enhanced by metaperiodate oxidation of the sections as well as by reduction of the tissues with sodium borohydride en bloc, followed by hyaluronidase digestion of the sections. The effects on immunostaining of a range of enzyme digestions have also been examined. Conditions have thus been defined that make possible detailed study of the relationship between elastic tissue, elastin-associated microfibrils, and other microfibrillar structures in normal and abnormal tissues during development and aging.     

Transplantation tolerance: from phenomenon to mechanism

The term "transplantation tolerance" is used for a state when a histoincompatible graft, i.e. one from a genetically different donor, survives in a recipient in which it would have been rejected under normal circumstances. Transplantation tolerance was first experimentally induced in 1953 and since that time the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have been analysed. Originally, attention was paid to passive mechanisms of transplantation tolerance more recently, active mechanisms of tolerance, have been discovered. The recognition of these regulatory mechanisms and the development of ability to manipulate them has already had and will continue to have increasing impact on aimed the immunoregulation in therapeutic transplantation.