Redescription of Grania monochaeta (Michaelsen), a Marine Enchytraeid (Oligochaeta) from South Georgia (SW Atlantic)

Enchytraeus monochaetus Michaelsen is redescribed as Grania monochaeta. It is distinguished from other Grania species by two main characters: its morphology of spermathecae, and its setal distribution, the latter being unique within the genus owing to the presence of dorsal setae in preclitellar segments.     

p56(lck) Controls phosphorylation of filamin (ABP-280) and regulates focal adhesion kinase (pp125(FAK))

Transformation of cells by src -like kinases leads to altered cell morphology associated with the disassembly of focal contacts and concomitant increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125(FAK) x p56(lck) is a lymphocyte-specific member of the src family of protein tyrosine kinases that associates with cell surface glycoproteins such as CD4 and CD8. It phosphorylates and activates pp125(FAK) and increases its autokinase activity, thus pretreatment of pp125(FAK) with protein kinase C (PKC) markedly attenuates its phosphorylation and activation, suggesting a potential regulatory pathway of pp125(FAK) activation in focal contacts. p56(lck) further phosphorylates and activates actin binding protein (ABP-280; filamin) and controls its association with cell surface receptors such as beta-2 integrins, actin filament cross-linking, and possibly lipid membrane insertion.     

披针叶黄华的界定

通过对标本的比较研究及广泛的野外考察,界定了披针叶黄华,承认了一个种级名称Thermopsis lupinoides（L．）Link．并组合了9个新异名。     

The major pterin in Tetrahymena pyriformis is 6-(D-threo-1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)-pterin (D-monapterin) and not 6-(L-threo-1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-pterin (ciliapterin).

The major pterin in Tetrahymena pyriformis, strain W, earlier suggested to be L-threo-biopterin and named ciliapterin [1] is now identified as D-threo-neopterin (D-monapterin). This is the first example of a natural D-monapterin. This compound was characterized by its chromatographic behavior, its fluorescence properties and by its oxidation product with alkaline permanganate. The final identification was obtained by comparison with an authentic material using an exchange ligand chromatography method with D-phenylalanine as chiral modifier and Cu (II) as metal ion. D-monapterin is also present as the major pterin in Tetrahymena pyriformis strains GL and ST, and in Tetrahymena thermophila.     

PLP-dependent H(2)S biogenesis

The role of endogenously produced H(2)S in mediating varied physiological effects in mammals has spurred enormous recent interest in understanding its biology and in exploiting its pharmacological potential. In these early days in the field of H(2)S signaling, large gaps exist in our understanding of its biological targets, its mechanisms of action and the regulation of its biogenesis and its clearance. Two branches within the sulfur metabolic pathway contribute to H(2)S production: (i) the reverse transsulfuration pathway in which two pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent (PLP) enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase convert homocysteine successively to cystathionine and cysteine and (ii) a branch of the cysteine catabolic pathway which converts cysteine to mercaptopyruvate via a PLP-dependent cysteine aminotransferase and subsequently, to mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase-bound persulfide from which H(2)S can be liberated. In this review, we present an overview of the kinetics of the H(2)S-generating reactions, compare the structures of the PLP-enzymes involved in its biogenesis and discuss strategies for their regulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Pyridoxal Phospate Enzymology.     

Doxorubicin inhibits oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) by a lactoperoxidase/H(2)O(2) system by reacting with ABTS-derived radical

The effect of doxorubicin on oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) by lactoperoxidase and hydrogen peroxide has been investigated. It was found that: (1) oxidation of ABTS to its radical cation (ABTS*(+)) is inhibited by doxorubicin as evidenced by its induction of a lag period, duration of which depends on doxorubicin concentration; (2) the inhibition is due to doxorubicin hydroquinone reducing the ABTS*(+) radical (stoichiometry 1: 1.8); (3) concomitant with the ABTS*(+) reduction is oxidation of doxorubicin; only when the doxorubicin concentration decreases to a near zero level, net oxidation of ABTS could be detected; (4) oxidation of doxorubicin leads to its degradation to 3-methoxysalicylic acid and 3-methoxyphthalic acid; (5) the efficacy of doxorubicin to quench ABTS*(+) is similar to the efficacy of p-hydroquinone, glutathione and Trolox C. These observations support the assertion that under certain conditions doxorubicin can function as an antioxidant. They also suggest that interaction of doxorubicin with oxidants may lead to its oxidative degradation.     

Beta-L-(-)-dioxolane Cytidine (β-L-(-)-OddC) as a Potent Compound for the Treatment of Cancer

Abstract

L-(-)-OddC is the first nucleoside analog with the unnatural L-configuration and the first chain-terminator shown to have anti-cancer activity. This compound was found to be highly active against solid tumor growth in several human xenograft models. L-(-)-OddC exerts its activity be terminating DNA chain elongation after its incorporation.     

OLigonucleotide (Cyanomethyl) Phosphonates

Abstract

A dinucleoside (cyanomethyl) phosphonate has been prepared, and its properties have been studied. This compound was converted into an oligonucleotide possessing alternating (cyanomethyl) phosphonate and phosphodiester backbone groups and its hybridization to complementary DNA and RNA sequences was studied versus methylphosphonate and phosphodiester controls.     

Genome sequence of the homoacetogenic bacterium Holophaga foetida type strain (TMBS4(T))

Holophaga foetida Liesack et al. 1995 is a member of the phylum Acidobacteria and is of interest for its ability to anaerobically degrade aromatic compounds and for its production of volatile sulfur compounds through a unique pathway. The genome of H. foetida strain TMBS4(T) is the first to be sequenced for a representative of the class Holophagae. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence (improved high quality draft), and annotation. The 4,127,237 bp long chromosome with its 3,615 protein-coding and 57 RNA genes is a part of the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and Archaea project.     

Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (c-fms)

The macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CSF-1 (M-CSF), is a homodimeric glycoprotein required for the lineage-specific growth of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte series. Apart from its role in stimulating the proliferation of bone marrow-derived precursors of monocytes and macrophages, CSF-1 acts as a survival factor and primes mature macrophages to carry out differentiated functions. Each of the actions of CSF-1 are mediated through its binding to a single class of high-affinity receptors expressed on monocytes, macrophages, and their committed progenitors. The CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) is encoded by the c-fms proto-oncogene, and is one of a family of growth factor receptors that exhibits an intrinsic tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity. Transduction of c-fms sequences as a viral oncogene (v-fms) in the McDonough (SM) and HZ-5 strains of feline sarcoma virus has resulted in alterations in receptor coding sequences that affect its activity as a tyrosine kinase and provide persistent signals for cell growth in the absence of its ligand. The genetic alterations in the c-fms gene that unmask its latent transforming potential abrogate its lineage-specific activity and enable v-fms to transform a variety of cells that do not normally express CSF-1 receptors.     

菜缢管蚜、棉铃虫对杀虫混剂及其单剂的抗性遗传力分析

采用阈性状分析法,估算了菜缢管蚜Lipaphis erysimi(Kaltenbach)和棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera(Hubuer)对菊马混剂及其单剂、棉铃虫对灭铃威混剂及其单剂的抗性现实遗传力,并对抗性风险和混剂延缓抗性的作用进行了评估。结果表明,菜缢管蚜和棉铃虫对混剂的现实抗性遗传力均明显小于各单剂,依次为：拟除虫菊酯>氨基甲酸酯>有机磷>混剂。混剂的使用寿命大于组成其各个单剂的使用寿命之和,抗性风险依次为：拟除虫菊脂>氨基甲酸酯>有机磷>混剂。菊马混剂对菜缢管蚜和棉铃虫,灭铃威混剂对棉铃虫均有延缓抗性发展的作用。灭铃威对棉铃虫抗性发展的延缓作用最显著。     

Molecular Probe Data Base (MPDB).

In this paper, the current status of the Molecular Probe Data Base (http://www.biotech.ist.unige.it/interlab/ mpdb.html ) is briefly presented together with a short analysis of its activity during 1997. This has been performed by statistically evaluating the 'logs' of the Internet servers that are used for its distribution with reference to the geographical origin of the requests, the words that were utilized to carry out of the searches and the oligonucleotides that were retrieved. Planned enhancements of this database are also described. They include a revision of its data structure and, even more relevant, of its data management procedures.     

Synthesis and characterisation of copper(II), zinc(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of salicylglycine, a metabolite of aspirin

Copper(II), nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of the aspirin metabolite salicylglycine (H₂L), of stoichiometry M(HL)₂·solvate, have been prepared and characterised. In these complexes salicylglycinate is coordinated to the metal via its carboxylato group and possibly also its amide oxygen in the copper(II) complex. Under basic conditions copper(II) forms the complex Cu(LH₋₁)·2H₂O·MeOH, in which the ligand is coordinated to the metal via its carboxylate and phenolate oxygen atoms and the deprotonated peptide nitrogen atom.     

Antimicrobial properties of Allium sativum (garlic)

Although garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, investigations into its mode of action are relatively recent. Garlic has a wide spectrum of actions; not only is it antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal, but it also has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. Resurgence in the use of natural herbal alternatives has brought the use of medicinal plants to the forefront of pharmacological investigations, and many new drugs are being discovered. This review aims to address the historical use of garlic and its sulfur chemistry, and to provide a basis for further research into its antimicrobial properties.     

Barricade building in Ilyoplax pusillus (De Haan) (Crustacea : Brachyura)

Ilyoplax pusillus (De Haan, 1835) was sometimes found to build an earthen structure, termed a barricade, close to its neighbour's burrow. Most barricaders were males > 6.4 mm in carapace width. Either males or females were barricaded and almost all of them were smaller than their barricaders. Burrow to burrow distance between a barricader and its barricaded neighbour ranged from 1.6 to 7.2 cm. The home range of a barricaded crab was biased toward the areas devoid of the barricade, i.e. to other directions than the barricader's burrow, in either the presence or absence of the barricader. When a barricade was removed, the crab freed from it extended its home range towards the barricader's burrow. If the crab freed from a barricade moved towards the barricader, the former was frequently repelled by the latter. These findings suggest that barricades function as an aid to territorial defence by deterring invasion by a neighbour.     

Stereospecific syntheses of 9-(S)-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (HPMPA)

9-(S)-(3-Hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (HPMPA) was prepared from 9-(S)-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine (DHPA) via its 3-O-chloromethanephosphonate. The latter compound is obtained by treatment of DHPA with chloromethanephosphonyl dichloride and the 3'-isomer separated from its 2'-congener by ion-exchange chromatography. The 3'-isomer is prepared selectively by the same method starting from 2',6-dibenzoyl derivative of DHPA. The 3'-ester is transformed to HPMPA by treatment with aqueous alkali. Alternatively, 9-(S)-(2-hydroxy-3-triphenylmethoxypropyl)-N6-benzoyladenine can be converted to HPMPA by reaction with dialkyl p-tolylsulfonyloxymethane-phosphonates in the presence of NaH followed by successive acid and alkaline treatment.     

On the lectotype designation of Bryconamericus rubropictus (Berg) (Characiformes,Characidae, Stevardiinae)

The lectotype specimen of Bryconamericus rubropictus (Berg) and its designation have remained imprecisely documented since its publication. The lack of a photograph or an unambiguous illustration, correct size, inaccurate labelling, and proper specimen separation has led to an uncertainty about the identity and nomenclatural status of the lectotype. We recovered and provided detailed morphological data on the specimen that must be recognised as the lectotype. This contribution brings stability and clarity on the nomenclatural status of the species and its type material.     

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP): current status

Research on VIP continues at a rapid pace. Recent progress includes: insights into its biosynthesis (and that of a closely related PHI-like peptide) and its neuronal localization, discovery of novel biological actions, new data on its release and binding to specific receptors, and additional evidence for its roles in physiological regulation and in the pathogenesis of disease.     

Megalophallus deblocki n. sp. (Digenea: Microphallidae) from Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot) (Aves: Accipitridae) in Paraguay

A new species in the little-known digenean fauna of Paraguayan birds is described in detail, especially in relation to its terminal genitalia. The new form, Megalophallus deblocki n. sp., is a microphallid from the intestine of the snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot). It is differentiated in detail from its congeners, but differs mainly in having a substantially larger phallus (e.g. in relation to the ventral sucker), a smaller ventral sucker and smaller eggs. Comments are included on the functional morphology of the terminal genitalia.     

Antimicrobial, spectral, magnetic and thermal studies of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), UO(2)(VI) and Fe(III) complexes of the Schiff base derived from oxalylhydrazide

The Schiff base ligand, oxalic bis[(2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazide], H(2)L, and its Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), UO(2)(VI) and Fe(III) complexes were prepared and tested as antibacterial agents. The Schiff base acts as a dibasic tetra- or hexadentate ligand with metal cations in molar ratio 1:1 or 2:1 (M:L) to yield either mono- or binuclear complexes, respectively. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, (1)H NMR, Mass, and UV-Visible spectra and the magnetic moments and electrical conductance of the complexes were also determined. For binuclear complexes, the magnetic moments are quite low compared to the calculated value for two metal ions complexes and this shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the two adjacent metal ions. The ligand and its metal complexes were tested against a Gram + ve bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), a Gram -ve bacteria (Escherichia coli), and a fungi (Candida albicans). The tested compounds exhibited high antibacterial activities.