Discovering the role of the adrenal gland in the control of body function

This essay looks at the historical significance of three APS classic papers that are freely available online: Cannon WB and de la Paz D. Emotional stimulation of adrenal secretion. Am J Physiol 28: 64-70, 1911 (http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/28/1/64). Cannon WB. The emergency function of the adrenal medulla in pain and the major emotions. Am J Physiol 33: 356-372, 1914 (http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/33/2/356). Cannon WB. Studies on the conditions of activity in endocrine glands. V. The isolated heart as an indicator of adrenal secretion induced by pain, asphyxia and excitement. Am J Physiol 50: 399-432, 1919 (http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/50/3/399).     

Validation of the polyethylene glycol precipitation technique for the characterization of rat ventricular beta-adrenoceptors.

The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to separate [125I]cyanopindolol bound to rat ventricular membranes from free ligand in the characterization of beta-adrenoceptors was compared with the more frequently utilized filtration technique through GF/F glass-fiber filters. The results obtained in tissue from 14 rats demonstrated the following: (i) no significant difference between the two methods for the density of beta-adrenoceptors in ventricular tissue (PEG: 30.9 +/- 1.5 vs GF/F: 28.6 +/- 2.0 fmol/mg of protein); (ii) no significant difference for the dissociation constant (PEG: 70.7 +/- 5.3 vs GF/F: 57.7 +/- 7.7 pM); (iii) similar values for the Hill coefficient (PEG: 0.996 +/- 0.004 vs GF/F: 0.988 +/- .016); (iv) a significant difference for the relationship of bound/free vs bound, expressed as r2 (PEG: 0.82 +/- 0.03 vs GF/F: 0.74 +/- 0.03 P less than 0.05). The apparently greater accuracy of the PEG method over the filtration technique is probably explained by a lower degree of nonspecific binding observed with this method than with the filtration technique. In conclusion, the PEG precipitation method is an interesting and accurate alternative to the more standard filtration technique in ventricular beta-adrenoceptor characterization.     

Application of the\mathop m\limits^* - m method to the analysis of spatial patterns by changing the quadrat sizemethod to the analysis of spatial patterns by changing the quadrat size

A method for the analysis of spatial pattern using quadrats of different sizes is developed on the basis of the relationship of mean crowding () to mean density (m). The -on-m regression obtained by successive changes in quadrat size in a single population (unit-size relation) shows a characteristic pattern according to the type of distribution. By aid of the ρ-index proposed here, we can distinguish the random, aggregated and uniform distributions of the basic components (individual or group of individuals). The ρ serves as an index of spatial correlation between neighbouring quadrats, and it also provides information on the approximate area occupied by clump (colony), distribution pattern of individuals within clumps, and possibly the distribution pattern of clumps themselves. Even in a specified type of distribution, the unit-size relation is not necessarily identical with the relation for a series of populations at a particular quadrat size (series relation). The changes in the series relationship with successive changes of quadrat sizes are also considered for some basic patterns of distributions. The combined use of the unit-size and the series relations for a set of populations of the species under study may provide a satisfactory picture of the spatial pattern characteristic of the species. Application of the method is illustrated by using distribution data of several species of animals and plants. The advantage of the present method over other methods are discussed, and the formulae for determining the optimum quadrat unit in sampling surveys are given.     

Measurement of the blood flow velocity in the pericallosal artery of children with hydrocephalus by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography--preliminary results

AIM: The goal of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of the Doppler curve of the pericallosal artery at children with hydrocephalus. METHODS: 12 patients with hydrocephalus were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised children needing cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and group 2 comprised children without any indication for drainage or with an already inserted well-functioning drainage system. Dilatation of the cerebral ventricles was determined by transcranial ultrasonography. Following parameters of a blood flow of the pericallosal branch of the anterior cerebral artery: peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSFV), end-diastolic blood flow velocity (EDFV) and resistive index (RI) were observed by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Parameters of The Doppler curve were measured without pressure (baseline parameters) and during compression of the anterior fontanelle (pressure provocation test). RESULTS: Group 1: baseline parameters: PSFV 68.9 +/- 13.52 cm/s, EDFV 18.26 +/- 10.39 cm/s, RI 0.76 +/- 0.12; parameters during pressure provocation test: PSFV 66.92 +/- 19.75 cm/s, EDFV 10.88 +/- 11.18 cm/s, RI 0.86 +/- 0.14. Group 2: baseline parameters: PSFV 59.95 +/- 19.38 cm/s, EDFV 20.65 +/- 8 cm/s, RI 0.65 +/- 0.04; parameters during the pressure provocation test: PSFV 57.14 +/- 18.91 cm/s, EDFV 17.7 +/- 8.3 cm/s, RI 0.68 +/- 0.05. CONCLUSION: The results show increased baseline and postcompressive values of RI of pericallosal artery in infants with hydrocephalus before drainage procedure and normal values of RI at children without the need for cerebrospinal fluid drainage or with a well-functioning drainage system.     

Influence of the human blood serum on contractility and beta-adrenoreactyvity of the isolated human myocardium

On strips of the isolated myocardium of right hearts auriculum of the 43 patients with ischemic illness of heart and 9 patients with heart diseases of various ethyology at statement venous canule during aorto-coronary shunting, estimated influence of adrenaline (10(-9)-10(-4) g/ml) on amplitude caused by electrostimulus (1H, 5ms, 25-30 V) contractions, and also inotropic and adrenomodulation activity of serum blood (in dilution 1 : 10000, 1: 1000, 1 : 500, 1: 100, 1 : 50, 1: 10 and 1 : 5) nonpregnant women. Direct dependence of amplitude of contraction on size of fraction of of blood emission on Teyholts is revealed. It means, that strips of right auriculum myocardium reflect contractility of a left ventriculum myocardium. Adrenaline in concentration 10(-7)-10(-6) g/ml dependent of dose raised amplitude of the caused contraction not influencing it in concentration of 10(-9) and 10(-8) g/ml (the constant of dissotiation has 2 x 10(-7) g/ml), that as a whole, speaks about decrease in efficiency of activation beta-AP. Blood Serum in dissolutions 1 : 10000-1 : 50 did not influence on amplitude of contraction, and in dissolutions 1 : 10 and 1 : 5 strengthened it, that speaks presence in blood the endogenous activator of myocyte contractility (EAMC). Serum showed beta-adrenomodulation activity that speaks presence in it endogenous sensitizer of beta-adrenoreceptors (ESBAR) and endogenous blocker of beta-adrenoreceptors (EBBAR). In particular, in experiences with adrenaline in subthreshold concentration (10(-8) g/ml) serum showed ESBAR-activity (in dissolutions 1 : 1000, 1 : 500, 1 : 100 and 1 : 50), and in experiences with adrenaline in as much as possible effective concentration (10(-6) g/ml) serum showed ESBAR-activity (in dissolutions 1 : 50 and 1 : 10) and EBBAR-activity (in dissolutions 1:500) Hence, containing in blood serum endogenous modulators of beta-adrenoreactivity - ESBAR and EBBAR can modulate efficiency of beta-adrenoreceptors activation of human cardiomyocytes. It speaks about perspectivity of application of ES BAR analogues in cardiology.     

Abdominal vagotomy decreased the number of ova shed and serum progesterone levels on estrus in the cyclic hamster.

The effects of abdominal vagotomy (AVGT) on ovarian function were studied in cyclic hamsters. AVGT significantly decreased the number of ova shed (AVGT: 10.5 +/- 1.5 ova/hamster, sham: 15.8 +/- 0.7 ova/hamster; P less than 0.05) and serum progesterone levels (AVGT: 2.1 +/- 0.3 ng/ml, sham: 3.9 +/- 0.7 ng/ml; P less than 0.05) on the morning of estrus. However, progesterone concentrations in the corpora lutea and non-luteal ovary on estrus in the AVGT and sham groups were similar. The serum estradiol levels in both groups on proestrus increased from 0900 h (AVGT: 75 +/- 10 pg/ml, sham: 72 +/- 6 pg/ml) to 1500 h (AVGT: 204 +/- 27 pg/ml, sham: 196 +/- 35 pg/ml) but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Partial degranulation of ovarian mast cells was not increased in the AVGT group. Also, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) content in the ovary was not increased by AVGT at 0900 h on proestrus (AVGT: 60.1 +/- 16.8 pg/ovary, sham: 37.2 +/- 14.3 pg/ovary). These results indicated that AVGT interferes with normal ovulation and results in an increase in the number of atretic follicles, but that these effects by AVGT seemed not to be mediated through ovarian mast cells and VIP.     

The Year of the Wisent

Delving into European prehistory, two recent studies analyze ancient DNA from bison species depicted by our ancestors on the walls of their caves. The DNA tells a story of migrations driven by climate change but leaves some mystery clouding the genetic descent and climate preference of the still-extant wisent, otherwise known as the European bison.See research articles: https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-016-0317-7 http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms13158     

Two new species of the genus Zercon C. L. Koch from the Inner Aegean Region of Turkey (Acari: Mesostigmata: Zerconidae)

Two new species of the mite genus Zercon C. L. Koch, 1836 have been found: Zercon ekizi sp. n. and Zercon emirdagicus sp. n. are described and illustrated from female specimens collected in Afyonkarahisar and Kütahya provinces, Turkey. The similarities and differences between the related species are discussed.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7388D199-2D1D-49F7-9747-4F49E8810067     

Effects of chronic elevated nitrate concentrations on the structure and function of river biofilms

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Effect of chronic salt loading on renal Na-K-ATPase activity in the rat

The effect of chronic salt loading in rats fed regular chow diet on renal Na-K-ATPase was studied. The high salt intake was associated with increased filtered load of sodium (control: 126 +/- 3.9 mueq/min, salt loaded: 146 +/- 2.5, mueq/min, P less than 0.001), increased net reabsorption of sodium (control: 125.3 +/- 3.9 mueq/min, salt load: 134.8 +/- 2.4 mueq/min, P less than 0.05), increased urinary excretion of potassium (control: 2.4 +/- 0.09 mueq/min/min; salt loaded: 3.0 +/- 0.1 mueq/min, P less than 0.001) and increase in single kidney weight (control: 0.798 +/- 0.010 g, salt loaded: 0.937 +/- 0.015 g, P less than 0.001). The above mentioned changes were associated with significant increase in renal microsomal and whole homogenate medullary Na-K-ATPase activity in the salt loaded group (microsomes: control 74.1 +/- 4.9 mumole Pi/mg prot/hr, salt loaded 112.7 +/- 6.0 mumole Pi/mg prot/hr, P less than 0.001; whole homogenate: control 22.7 +/- 1.0 mumole Pi/mg prot/hr, salt load 29.4 +/- 1.6 mumole Pi/mg prot/hr, P less than 0.005), while cortical and papillary Na-K-ATPase activity remained unchanged. Taken together, these results show that increased filtered and reabsorbed load of sodium, which follows high salt intake, is associated with an increased renal Na-K-ATPase activity. The preferential rise in medullary enzymatic activity may be interpreted as suggesting that these changes may stem from increased delivery and reabsorption of sodium in the ascending limb of Henle's loop.     

Androgen concentration and partial characterization of 5alpha reductase in the epididymis of the rhesus monkey.

The 5alpha reductase activity ofthe monkey epididymis was studied. The enzyme was found in particulate subcellular fractions, its distribution closely resembling that of the microsomal marker enzyme NADPH: cytochrome c reductase, suggesting an association of 5alpha reductase with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. Maximal enzyme activity was found at pH 5.4 and at 32--37 C. The crude nuclear preparation had a Km: 0.315 x 10(-6)M and Vmax: 168 pmoles/mg protein/h. The microsomal enzyme had a Km: 0.243 x 10(-6)M and Vmax: 828 pmoles/mg protein/h. Neither enzyme preparation was affected by addition to the incubation media of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol. The endogenous androgen concentration in the epididymides of 2 different monkeys, in ng/g wet weight was: DHT 20.81 +/- 1.98; T: 9.0L +/- 2.83; diol: 3.03 +/- 0.41.     

Biophysical analysis of the dynamics of calmodulin interactions with neurogranin and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II

Calmodulin (CaM) functions depend on interactions with CaM‐binding proteins, regulated by . Induced structural changes influence the affinity, kinetics, and specificities of the interactions. The dynamics of CaM interactions with neurogranin (Ng) and the CaM‐binding region of /calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII_290−309) have been studied using biophysical methods. These proteins have opposite dependencies for CaM binding. Surface plasmon resonance biosensor analysis confirmed that and CaM interact very rapidly, and with moderate affinity ( ). Calmodulin‐CaMKII_290−309 interactions were only detected in the presence of , exhibiting fast kinetics and nanomolar affinity ( ). The CaM–Ng interaction had higher affinity under ‐depleted ( and k ₋₁ = 1.6 × 10⁻¹s⁻¹) than ‐saturated conditions ( ). The IQ motif of Ng (Ng₂₇₋₅₀) had similar affinity for CaM as Ng under ‐saturated conditions ( ), but no interaction was seen under ‐depleted conditions. Microscale thermophoresis using fluorescently labeled CaM confirmed the surface plasmon resonance results qualitatively, but estimated lower affinities for the Ng ( ) and CaMKII_290−309( ) interactions. Although CaMKII_290−309 showed expected interaction characteristics, they may be different for full‐length CaMKII. The data for full‐length Ng, but not Ng₂₇₋₅₀, agree with the current model on Ng regulation of /CaM signaling.     

Broadening the concept of glycoconjugates: glycoRNA and ubiquitinylated lipopolysaccharide

Glycoconjugate Journal - Two recent papers ( https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.04.023 and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03566-4 ) extend the definition of glycoconjugates to new classes of...     

Fish-otoliths from the early Miocene of the Castillo Formation,Venezuela: a view into the proto-Caribbean teleostean assemblages

We describe the otolith assemblage from the early Miocene (Burdigalian) exposures of the Castillo Formation at the Cerro La Cruz locality (Falcón Basin, Lara State, northwestern Venezuela). The samples were obtained through surface and bulk sampling at distinct stratigraphic levels of the study area. The otolith assemblage from Cerro La Cruz includes 14 families, 25 genera and 30 taxa, of which 20 are reported for first time from the Castillo Formation. These include two new sciaenid taxa, Ctenosciaena angusticaudata nov. sp. and Pareques laraensis nov. sp. The Castillo Formation otolith assemblage represent fishes typical of shallow and near-shore and coral reef associated environments as characterized primarily by a high taxonomic diversity and abundance of Sciaenidae, and the lack of mesopelagic families (Myctophidae). The faunal composition of Cerro La Cruz is similar to other chronological equivalent sedimentary units along the proto-Caribbean area (Pirabas and Cantaure formations; Brazil and Venezuela respectively), though the Castillo Formation fish fauna shows lower taxonomic diversity, suggesting some heterogeneity of the coastal and near shore marine environments along the southern portion of the proto-Caribbean.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B79F51B8-BC35-4119-8957-84544286868D     

A Note on the Characterization of the Normal Distribution

Suppose X₁, X₂,…, X_n are independent and identically distributed random variables with absolutely continuous distribution function F. It is known that if F is standard normal distribution then (i)∑X²_i is a chi-square with n degrees of freedom and (ii)nX¯² is a chi-square with 1 degrees of freedom where X¯=1/n ∑X_i. Here the above two properties are utilized to characterize the normal distribution.     

A new species of the genus Haba Semenov, 1954 (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) from Iran,with a key to species

Haba persica Strumia & Fallahzadeh sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae: Elampini), from mountains in southwestern Iran, is described and illustrated.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9D537878-6215-4874-8970-7F7DE8F57422