‘Vrikshopama’, a new genus of Stilbaceae

Summary In this paperVrikshopama a new genus of Stilbaceae withV. swetasakha as type is described, which is characterised by the production of ramosely branched conidiophores, the ultimate branches of which are fertile, cutting off one-celled, subhyaline, cylindrical conidia acropleurogenously.     

Therapeutic effect of CHF5074, a new γ-secretase modulator,in a mouse model of scrapie

In transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and Alzheimer disease (AD) both misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins represent key features. Recently, it was observed that PrP^C is a mediator of a synaptic dysfunction induced by Aβ oligomers. We tested a novel γ-secretase modulator (CHF5074) in a murine model of prion disease. Groups of female mice were intracerebrally or intraperitoneally infected with the mouse-adapted Rocky Mountain Laboratory prions. Two weeks prior infection, the animals were provided with a CHF5074-medicated diet (375 ppm) or a standard diet (vehicle) until they showed neurological signs and eventually died. In intracerebrally infected mice, oral administration of CHF5074 did not prolong survival of the animals. In intraperitoneally-infected mice, CHF5074-treated animals showed a median survival time of 21 d longer than vehicle-treated mice (p < 0.001). In these animals, immunohistochemistry analyses showed that deposition of PrP^Sc in the cerebellum, hippocampus and parietal cortex in CHF5074-treated mice was significantly lower than in vehicle-treated animals. Immunostaining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in parietal cortex revealed a significantly higher reactive gliosis in CHF5074-treated mice compared with the control group of infected animals. Although the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of CHF5074 in this murine model of human prion disease is unclear, it could be hypothesized that the drug counteracts PrP^Sc toxicity through astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection. CHF5074 shows a pharmacological potential in murine models of both AD and TSEs thus suggesting a link between these degenerative pathologies.Key words: TSE, prion, murine model, γ-secretase modulator, therapy     

Zapaliinae,a new subfamily of Tithonian–Berriasian ataxioceratid ammonites

The recent recognition of the earliest Andean Tithonian ammonite fauna (Picunleufuense Zone) has allowed a balanced classification of the ataxioceratid ammonites, reflecting their phylogenetic relationships. The Picunleufuense Zone fauna, first recognized in the Neuquén Basin at the base of the Vaca Muerta Formation, is represented by numerous records of sparse ammonite faunas from Antarctica, the Austral Basin and the Tarapacá Basin (N. Chile and S. Peru). These Southeastern Pacific faunas include the Tithonian genera Indansites, Choicensisphinctes, Zapalia, Krantziceras (Tithonian–lower Berriasian) and Platydiscus. These five genera are grouped in a new subfamily established in this paper: Zapaliinae subfam. nov. (type genus: Zapalia). The origin of Indansites and Choicensisphinctes (possibly via Indanistes) from Lithacoceras is discussed. Zapalia must have been originated from Indanistes in the upper Proximus Zone. Platydiscus could have been originated from Krantziceras. The Tithonian Southeastern Pacific ataxioceratids (Zapaliinae subfam. nov.) form a group well separated from the Tithonian Indo-Madagascan Virgatosphinctinae.     

β-d-N-Acetylglucosaminidase,a new cytochemical marker of human lymphocyte subpopulations

Summary -d-N-acetylglucosaminidase staining characteristics of rosetted or non-rosetted normal and malignant lymphoid cells were compared with those observed after nonspecific esterase and acid phosphatase staining. With the three cytochemical techniques a similar staining pattern was observed in T cells (E-rosettes), their subpopulations T and T, B cells and the non-T, non-B cells, as well as in the T cell populations defined with the monoclonal antibodies OKT3,4 and 8. T cells mostly diplayed a dot-like reaction, T and the non-T, non-B cells a fine to heavy granular reaction, while most B cells were negative. OKT4 and OKT8 positive lymphocytes showed for the larger part a dot-like staining pattern, however, the frequency of cells with a granular pattern was distinctly higher in the OKT8, than in the OKT4 positive cells.E(+)mIg(–) and E(–)mIg(–) A.L.L. blasts stained either with a dot-like or granular pattern or failed to react when stained cytochemically for -d-N-acetylglucosaminidase, nonspecific esterase and acid phosphatase activity. Only in a few instances a discrepancy was observed between the types of staining for esterase and acid phosphatase on one hand and those for -d-N-acetylglucosaminidase on the other.     

Hsüa robusta,a new land plant from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan,China

A new psilophytic plant, Hsüa robusta, is found in the Xujiachong Formation (Emsian) of the Lower Devonian from the Qüjing (= Kütsing) district of Yunnan, China. This plant is tentatively referred to the Cooksoniaceae of Rhyniales. Hsüa gen. nov. Type species: Hsüa robusta (Li et Cai) C. S. Li. Diagnosis: Plants erect and then creeping. Main axes dividing pseudomonopodially and bearing dichotomous lateral branches which somewhat differentiate into vegeta, tire and fertile ones, with dichotomous root-like and rhizophore-like appendages. Sporangia terminal, round to reniform or wide reniform, dehiscing along distal margin into two equal halves. Spores homosporous, trilete. Stomata anomocytic. Protostele centrarch. Hsüia robusta (Li et Cai) C. S. Li, comb. nov. Cooksonia zhanyiensis Li et Cai, Acta Geologica Sinica, 52 (1) 1978, p. 10, pl. II, fig. 6.——Taeniocrada robusta Li et Cai,ib. p. 10, pl. II, fig. 7—14. Diagnosis: Characters same as in generic diagnosis. Main axes 6—10 mm wide and at least 24 cm long, with vascular strands 1.2—2.4 mm acr oss. Fertile branches 3—4 times equally or unequally dichotomous, 10—1.5 mm in width and up to 11 cm in length, possessing a vascular bundle of 0.5 mm in its greatest diameter. Branches circinately coiled in apical regions. Axial tubercles, root-like and rhizophore— like appendages arising from the main axes usually anterior to the lateral branches. Axial tubercle round with a diameter of 2.2—2.4 mm, having a vascular bundle about l mm across. Rootlike branches 3 times bifurcate, 1—0.3 mm wide and up to 1.5 cm long, with a vascular bundle about 0.1 mm across. Rhizophore-like appendages forked, 3—1.7 mm in width, possessing a vascular bundle of 0.7 mm in its greatest diameter. Root-like protuberances sometimes arising from rhilzophore-like branches. Epidermal cells of axes generally elongate, measuring 60—290μby 25—60 μ. Stomata mainly fusiform, 90—110 μ long and 50—60μ wide, consisting of a pair of guard cells enclosing a pore 6—15μ in length and 1—3μ in width. Cuticle of guard cells quite thick. Stomatal density about 5 per mm². Sporangia 0.8—4.2 mm high, 1.0—8.2 mm across, usually having a dehiscent distal border which measures 50—100μ broad. Demarcation between sporangium and its stalk quite clear. Epidermal cells of basal part of sporangial walls elongate, about 100 μ long and 30μ wide, but those of distal part isodiametrally polygonal, about 50μ in diameter. Stomata, radially arranged scattering over sporangial walls, generally round about 50μ in diameter and 50 per sporangium. Spores round, 18—36μ (average 27μ) indiameter, and smooth. Tracheids of protoxylem about 10μ across; those of metaxylem about 30μ across, with scalariform thickening. This plant is similar to Renalia hueberi Gensel in general morphology, but differs from the latter in possessing root-like and rhizophore-like branches. The generic name is derived from Prof. Hsü Jen. This paper is a thesis for M. Sc.     

Towards a new politics of migration?

This paper reconsiders Stephen Castle’s classic paper Why Migration Policies Fail. Beginning with the so-called migration crisis of 2015 it considers the role of numbers is assessing success or failure. It argues that in the UK public debates about immigration changed with European Union (EU) Enlargement in 2004, when the emphasis shifted from concerns about asylum to concerns about EU mobility. Concerns were exacerbated by the government’s failure to meet its promise to reduce net migration. This policy is hampered by the general problem of definition of “migrant” and the gap between statistical measures and popular usage in which “migration” signifies problematic mobility. In fact, concern about migration has become a placeholder for concerns about globalization and democratic accountability. A new politics of migration must make connections between migrants and citizens, but also between migration and other global processes, particularly outsourcing and the exploitation of labour and resources in the global south.     

Subtyping of haptoglobin — Presentation of a new method

Summary A method is described for large scale routine phenotyping of haptoglobin (Hp) which allows complete subtyping without prior purification of the Hp molecule. The procedure includes polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing of reduced, neuraminidase treated serum or plasma samples, and nitrocellulose blots developed with the immunoperoxidase technique. Different variables including sample treatment, electrofocusing, blotting procedures, and immunoperoxidase visualization are discussed.Characteristic -chain patterns allow identification of the common allotypes 2FS, 2SS, 2FF, IS, IF, and Johnson. Isoelectric variations in the -chain may also be recognized. For comparison, two-dimensional Hp-patterns are presented. The results from concurrent typing of 600 samples by ordinary starch gel electrophoresis and by the described isofocusing technique, are evaluated.     

The nuclear protein HMGB1, a new kind of chemokine?

The chromosomal protein HMGB1 is now regarded as a proinflammatory cytokine. Importantly, HMGB1 has chemotactic activity suggesting its involvement in the early and late events of the inflammatory reaction. Therefore, HMGB1 has all the hallmarks of a chemokine (chemotactic cytokine). We propose to classify HMGB1 into a new group of proteins unrelated structurally to chemokines but having chemokine-like functions, and to name this class CLF (chemokine-like functions). The CLF class should include other unrelated molecules such as urokinase and its receptor, cytokines macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interleukin (IL)-6, anaphylatoxin C5a, ribosomal protein S19, and thioredoxin that have similar chemokine-like activities. This innovative concept may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets.     

Mena, a new available marker in tumors of salivary glands?

Mena (mammalian Ena) is an actin regulatory protein involved in cell motility and adhesion. Based on its potential role in malignant transformation revealed in other organs, we analyzed the Mena expression in normal salivary glands (SG) and salivary tumors. Mena expression was determined in normal SG (n=10) and also benign (n=20) and malignant (n=35) lesions of SG. For the immunohistochemical staining we used the anti-Mena antibody. All normal SG and the benign lesions (10 pleomorphic adenomas, 10 Warthin's tumors) were Mena negative. Salivary duct carcinomas (n=5), carcinomas in pleomorphic adenoma (n=5), acinic cell carcinomas (n=5), squamous cell carcinomas (n=10) and high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=2) were positive. The lymphomas (n=5) and low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=1) were Mena negative. In one case the lymphoblastic cells stained positive for Mena. Some of the endothelial cells, in the peritumoral vessels, were Mena positive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature about Mena expression in salivary tumors. Our study suggests that Mena protein seems to play a role in malignant transformation and its intensity is correlated with the type and grade of tumor and also with vascular invasion. Its positivity in endothelial cells may suggest its potential role in tumor angiogenesis.     

Phenylphenalenone phytoalexins, will they be a new type of fungicide?

Phenylphenalenones represent a kind of phytoalexins produced in leaves and rhyzomes of banana and plantains (Musaceae), as well as in species of other families. These compounds are synthesized in plants by induction with aminoglycosides, or in the first stages of attack by the pathogenic fungus Mycosphaerella fijensis, a causal agent of the disease known as Black Sigatoka, which reduces banana production. In this paper we report the biosynthesis, synthesis and antifungal activities of these kinds of compounds and discus the possibility to use phytoalexins inductors as plant protectants.     

Characterization of Streptomyces padanus JAU4234, a producer of actinomycin X₂, fungichromin, and a new polyene macrolide antibiotic

Strain JAU4234, identified as Streptomyces padanus, was isolated from soil collected in Jiangxi Province, China. It produced actinomycin X2, fungichromin, and a new polyene macrolide compound with antifungal activity, antifungalmycin 702. Antifungalmycin 702 had good general antifungal activity and may have potential future agricultural and/or clinical applications.     

Functional and structural features of γ-zeathionins, a new class of sodium channel blockers

γ1- and γ2-zeathionins (γ1-Z and γ2-Z) are members of a family of small and basic peptides involved in plant protection. These plant defensins exhibit remarkable structural similarity to scorpion neurotoxins and insect defensins. In the present report, we used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to investigate the inhibition of the sodium current (I_Na) by γ1-Z and γ2-Z in the GH3 cell line. Both γ1-Z and γ2-Z rapidly and reversibly inhibited I_Na without changing the kinetics or voltage dependence of activation or inactivation. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a plant protein that inhibits the sodium channel. From structural comparisons with the μ-conotoxins, a family of peptides that block the sodium channel, we detected some similar features that could provide the basis of inhibition of sodium channels by γ-zeathionins.     

Structure optimization of a new class of PPARγ antagonists

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) modulators have found wide application for the treatment of cancers, metabolic disorders and inflammatory diseases. Contrary to PPARγ agonists, PPARγ antagonists have been much less studied and although they have shown immunomodulatory effects, there is still no therapeutically useful PPARγ antagonist on the market. In contrast to non-competitive, irreversible inhibition caused by 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzanilide (GW9662), the recently described (E)-2-(5-((4-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-6-yl)methoxy)-2-((4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)-benzylidene)-hexanoic acid (MTTB, T-10017) is a promising prototype for a new class of PPARγ antagonists. It exhibits competitive antagonism against rosiglitazone mediated activation of PPARγ ligand binding domain (PPARγLBD) in a transactivation assay in HEK293T cells with an IC₅₀ of 4.3 µM against 1 µM rosiglitazone. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of the MTTB scaffold focusing on improving its physicochemical properties. Through this optimization, 34 new derivatives were prepared and characterized. Two new potent compounds (T-10075 and T-10106) with much improved drug-like properties and promising pharmacokinetic profile were identified.     

‘Kumanasamuha’ a new genus of dematiaceae

Summary Kumanasamuha a new genus of Dematiaceae is described, collected growing as saprophyte on unidentified wood, from Pakhal forest, withK. sundara as type.     

Malaxis chica,a new species of Orchidaceae from Nuevo León,Mexico

A new species from northern Mexico,Malaxis chica, is described and illustrated. It is distinguished by its small, unifoliate habit, subumbellate inflorescences, and sagittate lip with long basal lobes.Malaxis chica is compared to three species—M. corymbosa, M. salazarii, andM. rosei—with which it shows some morphological similarity.