Conservation status of parrot populations in an Atlantic rainforest area of southeastern Brazil

A census of four species of syntopic parrots was carried out using distance sampling methods on São Sebastião island, SE Brazil. Most of the 33593 ha island is covered by mature and secondary Atlantic rainforest. Almost 80% of these forests are within the Ilhabela Park. Although the species counted have marked differences in size and weight, density (individuals/km²) and estimated population size in 23500 ha of well-preserved forests were similar: Amazona farinosa (13.82±5.94; 3247±1395), Pionus maximiliani (15.79±7.04; 3712±1654), Brotogeris tirica (15.05±4.87; 3537±1143) and Pyrrhura frontalis (13.06±5.53; 3068±1298). Encounter rates of Forpus crassirostris and Pionopsitta pileata were very low, which suggests that there is only a small population of these species on the island. The São Sebastião forests still support healthy populations of parrots. Although woodpecker population estimates on the island are large enough to provide nesting sites for parrots, competition for holes with other secondary cavity nesters such as toucans, flycatchers and tytiras, and the selective cutting of dead trees for canoe construction, which is a common practice on the island, may limit hole availability for parrots.     

Characterization of glycoconjugates of guinea pig seminal vesicle by lectin histochemistry

In the present study, the expression of glycoconjugates in the guinea pig seminal vesicle was localized and partially characterized by lectin histochemistry using a battery of 30 different lectins specific for different carbohydrate residues. The results indicate that the glandular epithelium of the guinea pig seminal vesicle exhibits complex glycoconjugates rich in Man, -GlcNAc, -Gal, /-GalNAc, Fuc and complex NeuAc(2,6)Gal/GalNAc residues, as shown by its positive reactions to most lectins used. The Golgi region of the luminal secretory epithelial cells expresses a complex glycoconjugate pattern, as shown by its strong reactions to Man-(PSA, GNA), -GlcNAc-(S-WGA, PWA, DSA, UDA), -Gal- (RCA-I and -II), /-GalNAc-(SBA, Jac, VVA, BPA) and complex NeuAc-(SNA) specific lectins, indicating that the secretory epithelial cells are active in glycosylation and secretion process. It was also shown in the present study that the basal and luminal epithelial cells are different in their glycoconjugates. The basal epithelial cells are rich in NeuAc(2,3)Gal residues as they are stained specifically by MAA. The fibroblasts in the epithelial-smooth muscle interface and the smooth muscle cells close to the glandular epithelium are shown to express more glycoconjugates as they are stained intensely by GS-I-B4, GS-II and SBA. However, their role in the epithelial-stromal interaction in the seminal vesicle remains to be elucidated. In summary, the present study reports for the first time on the lectin binding patterns of the guinea pig seminal vesicle, and the results show that the seminal vesicle epithelium elaborates and secretes glycoconjugates in a complex pattern. Some of the lectins might be useful as histochemical markers for the secretory activity and specific structural components in the guinea pig seminal vesicle. © 1998 Chapman & Hall     

Wirkung von hemmstoffen der DNS-, RNS- und proteinsynthese auf wachstum und antheridienbildung in prothallien von Anemia phyllitidis L.

Summary A number of inhibitors of DNA-, RNA-, and protein synthesis were applied to prothallia of Anemia phyllitidis, and their effects were investigated with regard to cell division and inhibition of antheridium formation (after induction by gibberellin A₃). All compounds tested cause a significant inhibition of growth accompanied by teratologies typical for each inhibitor. Only 5-bromouracil proved to be inactive, even at a concentration of 8×10^-4m.None of the inhibitors blocked the induction of the biplanar growth form in continuous light.With the exception of 5-bromodeoxyuridine and 5-iododeoxyuridine all the antimetabolites investigated cause a significant lag in antheridium formation. The result of an analysis of this inhibition on the basis of the critical cell number (Schraudolf, 1966a) demonstrates that this time lag is clearly a direct consequence of the retardation of cell division caused by the inhibitors. There is no inhibition of the induction process proper. So therefore it appears highly improbable that antheridium induction in Anemia by gibberellins is based on a specific gene activation in the sense of Jacob and Monod.The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the production of a time lag in the realisation of a process of differentiation or morphogenesis is not sufficient evidence to permit definite conclusions to be drawn about the basic mechanism of induction; the effect of inhibition of cell division caused by the inhibitors must be excluded or at least taken in to account.The possible function of gibberellins as realisators of already present but inactive m-RNA is discussed.5-Bromo- and 5-iododeoxyuridine do not cause a time lag in antheridium formation; both inhibitors, however, cause a deformation of the cell pattern of the antheridia. The degree of this deformation depends on inhibitor concentration as well as on exposure time. Probably a competition exists between these halogensubstituted pyrimidines and thymidine for incorporation into DNA.     

β2-Adrenoceptor activation by zinterol causes protein phosphorylation,contractile effects and relaxant effects through a cAMP pathway in human atrium

Evidence from ventricular preparations of cat, sheep, rat and dog suggests that both ₁-adrenoceptors (₁AR) and ₂-adrenoceptors (₂AR) mediate positive inotropic effects but that only ₁AR do it through activation of a cAMP pathway. On the other hand, our evidence has shown that both ₁ AR and ₂ AR hasten relaxation of isolated human myocardium consistent with a common cAMP pathway. We have now investigated in the isolated human right atrial appendage, a tissue whose -AR comprise around 2/3 of ₁AR and 1/3 of ₂AR, whether or not ₂AR-mediated effects occur via activation of a cAMP pathway. We carried out experiments on atria obtained from patients without advanced heart failure undergoing open heart surgery. To activate ₂AR, we used the ₂AR-selective ligand zinterol. Experiments were carried out on paced atrial strips (1 Hz) and tissue homogenates and membrane particles. Zinterol caused positive inotropic and lusitropic (i.e. reduction of t_1:2 of relaxation) effects with EC₅₀ values of 3 and 2 nM, respectively. The zinterol-evoked effects were unaffected by the AR-selective antagonist CGP 20712A (300 nM) but blocked surmountably by the ₂AR-selective antagonist ICI 118551 (50 nM) which reduced both EC₅₀ values to 1 M. Zinterol stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity with an EC₅₀ of 30 nM and intrinsic activity of 0.75 with respect to (–)-isoprenaline (600 M); the effects were resistant to blockade by CGP 20712A (300 nM) but antagonised surmountably by ICI 118551 (50 nM). Zinterol bound to membrane PAR labelled with (–)-[¹²⁵I] cyanopindolol with higher affinity for ₂AR than for - 1 AR; the binding to ₂AR but not to - BAR was reduced by GTPyS (10 M). In the presence of CGP 20712A (300 nM) (–)-isoprenaline (400 M); (to activate both ₁AR and ₂AR maximally) and zinterol (10 M); increased contractile force 3.4-fold and 2.5-fold respectively and reduced relaxation tut by 32% and 18% respectively. These effects of (–)-isoprenaline and zinterol were associated (5 min incubation) with phosphorylation (pmol P/mg supernatant protein) of troponin I and C-protein to values of 8.4 ± 2.0 vs 12.4 ± 2.3 and 10.1 ± 2.5 vs 8.6 ± 1.6 respectively. (–)-Isoprenaline and zinterol also caused phosphorylation of phospholamban (1.8 ± 0.3 vs 0.4 ± 0.1 pmol P/mg respectively) specifically at serine residues. We conclude that in human atrial myocardium activation of both ₁AR and ₂AR leads to cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of proteins involved in augmenting both contractility and relaxation.     

Plasmids in Methylomonas clara,a methylotrophic producer of single cell protein

Summary Three single cell clones of the obligate methylotrophic bacterium Methylomonas clara originating from one fermentor culture were assayed for their DNA content. Apart from chromosomal DNA which showed no difference in the three strains, only two strains were found to carry plasmids with identical buoyant density and GC content but differing in contour length (12.4 m and 4.9 m respectively). According to their restriction pattern they are derived from each other. Both plasmids are not involved in methanol metabolism, since the third strain was found to be devoid of plasmids. The possibility of using these plasmids to establish vectors for gene cloning is evident, since during prolonged vegetative growth the specific plasmid content remains constant.     

Depressive effect of LHRH on the numbers of “synaptic” ribbons and spherules in the pineal gland of diestrous rats

Summary Previous studies have shown that LHRH or LHRH-like substances are present in the pineal gland. In order to investigate whether exogenous LHRH may affect the pineal gland, in the present study the effects of a single dose of LHRH (1 g, i.p.) on pineal synaptic ribbons and spherules as well as serum melatonin levels were examined in diestrous Wistar rats. One hour after the injection both ribbons and spherules exhibited a statistically significant decrease in number. Serum melatonin levels were not affected. It is concluded that humoral feedback mechanisms may exist between the hypothalamus and the pineal gland.Supported by grant Vo 135/7 within the Schwerpunktprogramm Neuroendokrinolgoie of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Zentrale versus periphere Kontrolle des Gesanges von Grillen (Gryllus campestris)

Zusammenfassung Bei Gryllus campestris werden Singbewegung und Aktivität einiger mesothorakaler Singmuskeln untersucht. Aus operativen Eingriffen in das Bewegungssystem, die Muskeln und ihre Nerven sowie in die Konnektive des thorakalen Bauchmarks wird gefolgert: Die Gesänge der Grillen sind überwiegend zentral programmiert; eine periphere Kontrolle verändert sie nur in engen Grenzen. Lautmuster und zugeordnete Muskelaktivität werden kaum geändert, nachdem die Tegmina oder die Mittelbeine einseitig oder beidseitig amputiert sind, ebenso wenig nach Belasten der Vorderflügel mit Gewichten bis zu 120 mg. Grillen mit kurzen Vorderflügeln forme néoténique und mit langen Hinterflügeln forme makroptère zeigen ebenfalls ein normales Aktivitätsmuster der Muskeln. Tegmina, die in der Ruhelage festgelegt sind, beeinflussen lediglich die Entladungshäufigkeit der fast-Einheiten im Subalar- und 2. Basalarmuskel, und zwar links mehr als rechts. Es wird nach solchen Eingriffen eine Asymmetrie im motorischen System der Grillen aufgedeckt. Auch eine Belastung der Tegmina, nicht aber die Amputation, erhöht die Muskelaktivität, allerdings nur in Pleuralmuskeln der linken Seite.Muskeln, deren ventrale Ansatzstellen am Sekelet durchtrennt sind, degenerieren nicht, solange Sauerstoffversorgung und Innervation gewährleistet sind. Im Gesang, der auch noch nach solchen Eingriffen auftritt, arbeiten sie wie beim normalen Tier. Grillen können noch zirpen, wenn die Pro- und Remotoren und die Subalar- und Basalarmuskeln an einer Ansatzstelle abgelöst sind; ja selbst nach Denervierung dieser Muskeln kann man von den Einheiten der intakt gebliebenen dorsalen Längsmuskeln die gesangsspezifische Aktivität ableiten.Nur nach der Durchtrennung des linken Konnektivs zwischen dem 1. und 2. Brustganglion findet man eine Assymmetrie in der Muskelaktivität, wobei nur die linke Seite betroffen ist. Dabei können Subalar- und 2. Basalarmuskel ihre Entladung erhöhen, ggf. tonisch feuern.

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Central versus peripheral control in cricket stridulation

Summary Behavioural studies and recordings from single fast motor units of several mesothoracic muscles of Gryllus campestris before and after operations at the stridulatory apparatus, the corresponding muscles, the motor nerves, and the thoracic connectives gave strong evidence that song patterns in crickets mainly depend upon centrally programmed phasing mechanisms with very limited modulation by peripheral control.Muscular activity during sound production is not significantly changed after the removal of tegmina or middle legs from one or both sides or after loading the tegmina with weights up to 120 mg. No differences occur in the modifications forme néoténique and forme makroptère. Tegmina fixed at resting position do not cause a change in discharge patterns of pro- and remotor-muscles. However, the activity of the fast motor units of the 2nd basalar and the subalar muscle shows a slight increase due to repetitive firing. This increase is more pronounced on the left than on the right side and demonstrates an asymmetry within the cricket's neuronal system not known before. Tegmina loaded give rise to a slight increase in activity but only in units of the left subalar muscle, whereas amputation does not affect the motor activity at all. Muscles cut close to one point of their insertion at the skeleton do not degenerate, as long as oxygen supply and innervation remain intact. They act during sound production as do those in intact males and several crickets have been observed singing normally after the pro- and remotor as well as the subalar and 2nd basalar muscles have been cut. Even males which have the motor nerves to these muscles severed do stridulate, as is shown by recordings from units of the dorsal longitudinal muscles; however the tegmina are only slightly moved.After severing only the left connective between the pro- and mesothoracic ganglion, an asymmetry in the muscular activity can be demonstrated. This leads to an increase in firing activity of only the left pleural muscles (M 98,99); cutting the right connective does not give a similar effect.

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Mit dankenswerter Unterstützung durch die Stiftung Volkswagenwerk.     

Disease and illness Distinctions between professional and popular ideas of sickness

The dysfunctional consequences of the Cartesian dichotomy have been enhanced by the power of biomedical technology. Technical virtuosity reifies the mechanical model and widens the gap between what patients seek and doctors provide.Patients suffer illnesses; doctors diagnose and treat diseases. Illnesses are experiences of discontinuities in states of being and perceived role performances. Diseases, in the scientific paradigm of modern medicine, are abnormalities in the function and/or structure of body organs and systems. Traditional healers also redefine illness as disease: because they share symbols and metaphors consonant with lay beliefs, their healing rituals are more responsive to the psychosocial context of illness.Psychiatric disorders offer an illuminating perspective on the basic medical dilemma. The paradigms for psychiatric practice include multiple and ostensibly contradictory models: organic, psychodynamic, behavioural and social. This melange of concepts stems from the fact that the fundamental manifestations of psychosis are disordered behaviours. The psychotic patient remains a person; his self-concept and relationships with others are central to the therapeutic encounter, whatever pharmacological adjuncts are employed.The same truths hold for all patients. The social matrix determines when and how the patient seeks what kind of help, his compliance with the recommended regimen and, to a significant extent, the functional outcome. When physicians dismiss illness because ascertainable disease is absent, they fail to meet their socially assigned responsibility. It is essential to reintegrate scientific and social concepts of disease and illness as a basis for a functional system of medical research and care.Harvard Medical School     

Observations on Savanna vegetation-types in the Guianas

Summary The vegetation was studied of a number of savannas in northern and southern Surinam, and in French Guiana. The results are compared in particular with the vegetation classification proposed earlier for northern Surinam, and with some records from the northern Rupununi Savanna, Guyana (Van Donselaar 1965).The savannas studied near Brownsweg (northern Surinam) have vegetation types that correspond completely with those of some other savannas of the same geological-pedological type more to the North, as described before. New is the finding of a type of scrub bordering the savanna, being the scrub equivalent of a type of bushes described earlier as theMarlierea type.On the top and the slopes of the Blauwe Berg near Berg en Dal (northern Surinam) an anthropogenic savanna has developed. Two new vegetation types are recorded here that belong to the alliance Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion. At the foot of the hill a flat savanna supports a vegetation that gives the impression of being of recent origin and unbalanced.It appears possible to apply the existing classification to the communities found on savannas near Cayenne (French Guiana). In this area the conspicuousByrsonima verbascifolia (var.villosa fo.spathulata) occurs in several undescribed vegetation types that belong to various entities. A xerophilous and a hygrophilous community ofByrsonima verbascifolia are distinguished, belonging to the Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion and the Bulbostylidion lanatae, respectively.On the Sipaliwini Savanna in southern Surinam most vegetation types do not fit into one of the existing alliances. However, if new alliances would be described, it should be possible to include them into the existing orders. There probably is an alliance, called here communities ofTrachypogon plumosus andBulbostylis spadicea, that might be regarded as the southern counterpart of the Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion in the order Trachypogonetalia plumosi, and a supposed alliance with muchRhynchospora graminea andR. globosa might have the same position with regard to the Imperato-Mesosetion in the order Paspaletalia pulchelli. Among the communities that might be included in the alliance Axonopodion chrysitidis there is one occurring on sandy soil without a hog-wallow structure at the surface. Floristically it has connections with the Paspaletalia pulchelli but it also has many characteristic species of its own. Whether this community has to be placed in a distinct alliance will have to depend on the results of further investigations in this area. Anyhow, more data are needed for the drafting of a complete picture of the rich and interesting Sipaliwini Savanna.On a savanna south-west of the airstrip Sipaliwini (southern Surinam) the vegetation consists mainly of communities belonging to the Bulbostylidion lanatae.Summarizing the above-mentioned results, one may say that a number of communities not studied before are added to the picture of the savanna vegetation of the Guianas. It proved possible to integrate these communities without much difficulty in the classification presented earlier that so far has functioned as a practical framework.

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Beobachtungen an Savannen vegetationstypen in den Guayanas

Zusammenfassung Die Vegetation einiger Savannen in Nordsurinam, Südsurinam und Französisch-Guayana wurde untersucht. Die Ergebnisse werden besonders verglichen mit einer schon früher vorgeschlagenen Vegetationsklassifikation und mit einigen Aufnahmen der nördlichen Rupununisavanne in Guayana, dem ehemahligen Britisch-Guayana (Van Donselaar 1965).Die bei Brownsweg (Nordsurinam) untersuchten Savannen haben Vegetationstypen, die denjenigen anderer, schon früher bearbeiteter, mehr nördlich gelegener Savannen desselben geologisch-pädologischen Typs ganz ähnlich sind. Es wurde ein neuer, die offenen Savannen begrenzender Typ von Gestrüpp gefunden. Er ist als Gestrüppäquivalent eines Buschtyps, der früher alsMarlierea-typ beschrieben worden ist, zu betrachten.Auf dem Gipfel und den Hängen des Blauen Berges bei Berg en Dal (Nordsurinam) hat sich eine anthropogene Savanne entwickelt. Zwei neue Vegetationstypen wurden hier angetroffen, beide dem Verband Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion angehörend. Eine flache Savanne am Fuß des Berges trägt eine Vegetation, die rezent entstanden und noch nicht ausgeglichen zu sein scheint.Es ergibt sich, daß die vorhandene Klassifikation auch auf die Pflanzengesellschaften einiger Savannen bei Cayenne (Französisch-Guayana) zutrifft. In dieser Gegend findet sich die auffälligeByrsonima verbascifolia (var.villosa fo.spathulata) in mehreren unbeschriebenen Vegetationstypen, die verschiedenen Einheiten angehören. Es wurde eine xerophile und eine hygrophile Gesellschaft vonByrsonima verbascifolia unterschieden, die den Verbänden Rhynchospora-Trachypogonion bezw. Bulbostylidion lanatae zugeteilt werden können.Die meisten Vegetationstypen der Sipaliwinisavanne (Südsurinam) passen nicht in einen der beschriebenen Verbände. Wenn aber neue Verbände dafür beschrieben würden, so könnten diese in den bestehenden Ordnungen untergebracht werden. Es ist wohl ein Verband zu unterscheiden, hier Gesellschaften vonTrachypogon plumosus undBulbostylis spadicea genannt, der als ein südliches Gegenstück des nördlichen Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion-Verbandes in der Ordnung Trachypogonetalia plumosi zu betrachten wäre, und vermutlich steht ein Verband mit vielRhynchospora graminea undR. globosa in demselben Verhältnis zum Imperato-Mesosetion-Verband in der Ordnung Paspaletalia pulchelli. Unter den Gesellschaften, die dem Verband Axonopodion chrysitidis zuzurechnen sind, gibt es eine auf sandigem Boden ohne Hügel-und-Schlenken-Struktur. Sie hat floristische Beziehungen zu den Paspaletalia pulchelli, aber hat auch manche eigene Kennarten. Die Entscheidung, ob diese Gesellschaft in einem neuen Verband unterzubringen ist, muß von weiteren Untersuchungsergebnissen abhängig gemacht werden. Überhaupt ist noch viel weitere Arbeit erforderlich, bevor das Bild der Vegetation der reichen und interessanten Sipaliwinisavanne vollständig ist.Die Vegetation einer Savanne südwestlich des Flugplatzes Sipaliwini (Südsurinam) besteht hauptsächlich aus Gesellschaften des Verbandes Bulbostylidion lanatae.Als Zusammenfassung der obenerwähnten Ergebnisse kann man sagen, daß eine Anzahl von bisher nicht bekannten Gesellschaften dem Gesammtbild der Savannenvegetation der Guayanas hinzugefügt worden ist. Es hat sich gezeigt, daß diese Gesellschaften ohne viel Mühe in die früher veröffentlichte Klassifikation eingefügt werden können, so daß diese als ein praktisches Ramenwerk brauchbar bleibt.

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Observaçoes sôbre vegetaçoes de savana nas Guianas

Resumo A vegetação foi estudada em várias savanas ao norte e sul de Suriname, e na Guiana Francêsa. Os resultados foram comparados, em particular, com a classificação de tipos de vegetação obtida antes no norte de Suriname e com alguns dados da parte norte da Savana Rupununi, Guiana Inglesa, agora Guyana (Van Donselaar 1965).As savanas estudadas perto de Brownsweg (norte do Suriname) possuem tipos de vegetação que correspondem completamente com aqueles de outras savanas do mesmo tipo geológico-pedológico mais ao norte, já descritos antes. Foi encontrada aí uma faixa arbustiva bordejando a savana que é nova e, equivalente ao tipo de capões descrito anteriormente como o tipo deMalierea.No topo e nas vertentes do Blauwe Berg perto de Berg en Dal (norte do Suriname) uma savana antropogênica encontra-se desenvolvida aí. Dois tipos novos de vegetação são aí apontados que pertencem a aliança Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion. No sopé de colina encontra-se uma savana plana que apresenta uma vegetação dando a impressão se sêr de origem recente e em desequilíbrio.Parece sêr possível aplicar a classificação existente das comunidades encontradas nas savanas próximas à Cayenne (Guiana Francêsa). Nessa área a conspícuaByrsonima verbascifolia (var.villosa fo.spathulata) ocorre em vários tipos vegetais não descritos que pertencem a entidades diversas. Uma comunidade xerófila e uma higrófila deByrsonima verbascifolia são definidas, pertencendo a primeira ao Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonione, a segunda ao Bulbostylidon lanatae.Na Savana Sipaliwini ao sul de Suriname a maioria dos tipos de vegetação não se acomodam a nenhuma das alianças existentes. Entretanto, se novas alianças fossem criadas, seria possível incluilas nas ordens existentes. É provàvelmente uma aliança chamada aquí comunidades deTrachypogon plumosus eBulbostylis spadicea que pudesse sêr considerada como correspondente sulino do Rhynchosporo-Trachypogonion na ordem Trachypogonetalia plumosi, e uma aliança com muitaRhynchospora graminea eR. globosa que pudesse estar na mesma situação em relação ao Imperato-Mesosetion da ordem Paspaletalia pulchelli. Entre as comunidades possíveis de sêr incluidas na aliança Axonopodion chrysitidis, é uma que se encontra em solo arenoso, mas sem a superfície com caneluras reticuladas que é chamada hogwallowed em inglês e kaw-foetoe no Suriname. Além das conecções florísticas com a Paspaletalia pulchelli tem muitas espécies características próprias. Se esta comunidade tem que sêr localizada numa aliança separada, dependerá dos resultados de investigações futuras nesta área. Em tôdo caso mais dados são necessários para a delineação dum desenho completo da rica e interessante Savana Sipaliwini.Na savana SW do compo d'aterrisagem Sipaliwini (sul do Suriname) a vegetação consiste, a maioria, de comunidades de Bulbostylidion lanatae.Reunindo os resultados acima mencionados, podemos dizer que um número de comunidades não estudados antes são acrescentados à pintura da vegetação das savanas das Guianas. Também evidenciou-se sêr possível integrar estas comunidades sem muitas dificuldades não classificação apresentada antes, que até agora funciona como moldura prática.

     

Gene expression changes induced by bismuth in a macrophage cell line

We have investigated the effect of bismuth by autometallography, cell viability, TUNEL assay and microarray analysis of a macrophage cell line. The cells accumulate bismuth in their lysosomes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell viability assays show a significant decrease in the number of viable cells related to both bismuth concentrations and exposure time. TUNEL assays after 12 h and 24 h at a bismuth-citrate concentration of 50 M revealed the presence of 30% and 70% TUNEL-positive cells, respectively, compared with 8% in the controls. We have analysed gene expression profiles for cells exposed to 50 M bismuth-citrate and for untreated controls at 12 h and 24 h by microarray analysis, which confirmed that bismuth is a powerful metallothionein inducer. A number of glycolytic enzymes are induced by bismuth, suggesting that bismuth is able to induce hypoxia-like stress. BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) has been suggested as a regulator of hypoxia-induced cell death independent of caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release. Bnip3 is up-regulated indicating the involvement of Bnip3 as a possible mechanism for bismuth-induced cell death. Differences have been noticed in cell viability and in the modification of the mRNA expression levels at 12 and 24 h. Only 13 genes are modified at both these times, suggesting a time-dependent molecular cascade in which bismuth-exposed cells enter a dormant stage with mRNA down-regulation being followed by cell death of susceptible cells. This study was supported by the Aarhus University Research Foundation, Aase og Ejnar Danielsens Fond and Direktør Jacob Madsen og Hustrus Fond.     

Polymorphism of the HLA DR1 haplotype in the Israeli population investigated at the serological,cellular, and genomic levels

In the present report, we used serological, cellular, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to investigate the DR1 haplotype in the Israeli population. We describe an Israeli homozygous typing cell (HTC), HLA-DwLVA, which defines a new lymphocyte-activating determinant associated with Bw65, DR1 and distinct from Dwl. The parents of this donor, non-Ashkenazi Algerian Jews, are first cousins and share HLA-Cw8, Bw65, BfS, DR1, DQw1, DPw4. No specificity could be assigned to HLA-DwLVA using the 91 Ninth Workshop HTCs. Two families and forty unrelated DR1 individuals were studied with DwLVA and a panel of DR1/Dw1 HTCs. HLA-DwLVA showed segregation as a single determinant within families. This new specificity was present in 24 out of 40 (60%) unrelated DR1 individuals, indicating that in the Israeli population DwLVA is the main lymphocyte-defined determinant associated with the serologically defined DRI specificity, in contrast to non-Jewish Caucasoids where DR1 is significantly associated with Dw1. The vast majority of DwLVA-positive carriers were also Bw65 carriers, indicating that Bw65, DR1, DwLVA may represent a typical allele combination in the Israeli population. The RFLP analysis established the correlation of certain RFLPs with Dw1 and DwLVA. In addition, we describe a cluster of RFLPs that may correspond to a new Dw subtype associated with DR1, for which no serological and cellular reagents have been described so far.     

Physical and Epitope Analysis of a Recombinant Human T-Cell Receptor Vα/Vβ Construct Support the Similarity to Immunoglobulin

The genetic organization and protein structure of T-cell receptors (TCR) and immunoglobulins (Ig) are remarkably similar. Through recombinant, physical, and peptide-based immunological studies we demonstrated that rabbit antisera generated against a recombinant single-chain TCR (scTCR) react with defined peptide epitopes of their constituent TCR and chains. These antisera cross-react with the light-chain Mcg as well as with peptides duplicating its covalent structure. Conversely, rabbit antisera generated to human light chains cross-reacted with the recombinant scTCR. Rabbit anti- antibodies purified on an scTCR affinity column bound to T-cell lines and to T and B lymphocytes from peripheral blood. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrated plots characteristic of -sheets for both Mcg and recombinant scTCR. Antisera directed against TCR -chain synthetic peptides reacted with scTCR, Mcg light-chain protein, synthetic peptides from regions of sequence homology in -chains, and Mcg. Based upon this homology and the serological cross-reactions which reflect conformational determinants, we suggest that the V/V antigen-binding domain of this particular monoclonal scTCR construct is substantially similar to the conformational structure of light chains.     

“Hidden” popular illnesses in primary care: Residents' recognition and clinical implications

This study documents that ethnomedical beliefs and practices play an important role in primary care in a southern community. Thirty-three of 73 patients from a rural Appalachian area coming to a university primary care internal medicine practice presented 54 ethnomedical complaints such as high blood (24.1%), Weak 'n dizzy (22.2%), nerves (16.7%), sugar (5.6%) and fallin' out (3.7%). Thirty-three patients had both biomedical and ethnomedical complaints, 40 patients had biomedical complaints without ethnomedical complaints and no patients presented with ethnomedical complaints alone. Over two-thirds of all patients consulted non-medical personnel for their complaints, mostly family and friends, and 70 percent self-treated prior to clinic consultation. Patients presenting with ethnomedical complaints when compared with those presenting with biomedical complaints sought advice of non-physicians significantly more often (p < 0.02); no statistical difference, however, was found in their self-treatment practices. Ninety-two of 130 biomedical complaints were recorded by the patient's physician but none of the 54 ethnomedical complaints were formally recorded (p < 0.001). The high incidence of ethnomedical complaints in this population and the failure of physicians to recognize these complaints demand that primary care medicine residents be taught improved history-taking skills and the essentials of ethnomedical illnesses if they are to provide culturally-sensitive patient care. [ethnomedicine; physician education; Southern black and white Appalachian folk medicine; culturally-appropriate primary care.]     

Kinetic properties of hexose-monophosphate dehydrogenases. II. Isolation and partial purification of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from rat liver and kidney cortex

6-Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) from rat-liver and kidney-cortex cytosol has been partially purified and almost completely isolated (more than 95%) from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. The purification and isolation procedures included high-speed centrifugation, 60–75% ammonium-sulphate fractionation, by which both hexose-monophosphate dehydrogenases activities were separated, and finally the protein fraction was applied to a chromatographic column of Sephadex G-25 equilibrated with 10 mM Tris-EDTA-NADP buffer, pH 7.6, to eliminate any contaminating metabolites. The kinetic properties of the isolated partially purified liver and renal 6PGDH were examined. The saturation curves of this enzyme in both rat tissues showed a typical Michaelis-Menten kinetic, with no evidence of co-operativity. The optimum pH for both liver and kidney-cortex 6PGDH was 8.0. The Km values of liver 6PGDH for 6-phosphogluconate (6PG) and for NADP were 157 M and 258 M respectively, while the specific activity measured at optimum conditions (pH 8.0 and 37°C) was 424.2 mU/mg of protein. NADPH caused a competitive inhibition against NADP with an inhibition constant (K_i) of 21 M. The Km values for 6PG and NADP from kidney-cortex 6PGDH were 49 M and 56 M respectively. The specific activity at pH 8.0 and 37°C was 120.7 mU/mg of protein. NADPH also competitively inhibited 6PGDH activity, with a K_i of 41 M. This paper describes a quick, easy and reliable method for the separation of the two dehydrogenases present in the oxidative segment of the pentose-phosphate pathway in animal tissues, eliminating interference in the measurements of their activities.Publication No 170 from Drugs, Environmental Toxics and Cell Metabolism research group. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain     

Assay of tetramisole in immune-depressed mice

Summary Mice injected with a Radiation Leukemia Virus, vaccinated against the Rauscher leukemia, or irradiated under various conditions, were subjected to Tetramisole treatment in order to demonstrate an eventual increase of their immunological potential. Doses between 0.4–250 g per injection, and various routes and timing of administration were tested. In order to assess various parameters of the immune system, the following factors were taken into consideration: survival, spleen weight, immunoglobulin level, humoral immune response, antibodies against viral glycoprotein, leukocyte migration test and phagocytosis. The results obtained with these tests did not demonstrate a definite adjuvant effect of Tetramisole.This work was supported by Fonds Cancérologique de la Caisse Générale d'Epargne et de Retraite and by EULEP (European Late Effects Project Group) grants     

Identification of hybrids betweenQuercus petraea andQ. robur (Fagaceae): Results obtained with RAPD markers confirm allozyme studies based on theGot-2 locus

RAPDs were employed as genetic markers to detect interspecific hybridization between the closely related oak speciesQuercus robur andQ. petraea. Fourteen primers were used in order to check the genetic status (pure or hybrid) of individuals classified morphologically. Among the 147 PCR fragments obtained 11 appear to be species-specific. In the phenotypically intermediate individuals different combinations of these species-specific bands were obtained. The patterns in these putative hybrids were not additive, which may be either the result of repeated backcrossing and introgression between the two species or of heterozygosity within the parental species. The results of the RAPD study are consistent with morphological analyses and allozyme data obtained for theGot-2 locus. Thus the RAPD markers used in this study may provide a powerful genetic tool for the identification of hybrids and the discrimination between the two pure species.     

Cytokinesis in the green alga Eremosphaera viridis: Plasmalemma formation from “open membranes”

Summary Cytokinesis in the unicellular chlorococcalean alga Eremosphaera viridis de Bary has been investigated by electron microscopy of thin sections. The new plasmalemmata of the daughter cells in this organism form centrifugally within a phycoplast. Unlike other cell division systems each new plasmalemma is formed, not by the fusion of vesicles, but rather by the fusion of open membranes which are characteristically heavily stained. Measurements of these open membranes reveal that they are 11 nm thick with a central 4,5 nm unstained portion. The possible origin of these open membranes as burst-open vesicles has been suggested from the presence of intensely straining vesicles in the vicinity of the cell equator. Calculations of vesicle and open membrane surface areas support this contention.     

Cystic kidneys

Summary According to the classification of Osathanondh and Potter of cystic kidneys we give an overview of the different types of cystic changes taking genetic aspects into account. Usually pathoanatomic types do not represent genetic entities: All type I kidneys are transmitted in an autosomal recessive way with varying clinical symptoms; in rare cases they even present in adults. The relationship to congenital hepatic fibrosis, cystic liver, and to the Caroli syndrome is discussed. Type II kidneys are usually not genetic in origin; but they may occur as part of several syndromes. Rarely genetic factors might contribute to type II kidneys that may present as familial cases of Potter syndrome (renal non-function syndrome). Type IV kidneys, although different in their pathoanatomic picture can be regarded according to a common pathogenetic theory as part of the spectrum of malformations as in type II. Therefore the genetic interpretation of type II kidneys also applies to type IV lesions. Type III kidneys include autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. This type may already present in childhood; the first prenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography is described in detail. Furthermore type III changes are part of syndromes or non-hereditary malformation complexes, and often present only as mild manifestations. Diseases with isolated involvement of the medulla (juvenile nephronophthisis/medullary cystic disease) or cortex are described as part of the differential diagnosis, they are heterogeneous and genetically only partly understood. Syndromes with cystic kidneys are reviewed as well as the possibilities of prenatal diagnosis of cystic diseases. Reliable prenatal diagnosis is only possible in type II, and possible in some of the other types. The nosology is improved if genetic information is taken into account.     

DNA homology and adsorption specificity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulent bacteriophages

Summary The DNA homology and adsorption specificity of newly isolated virulent bacteriophages of P. aeruginosa have been studied. On the basis of this analysis all phages were divided into four groups: k, m, mnP78-like and mnF82-like bacteriophages. DNA's of k as well as m phages were shown to possess different restriction patterns although they have an extensive homology. Unlike other groups, k phages were characterized by the presence of T4 DNA ligase-repaired, single-chain breaks.Abbreviations kbp kilobase pairs - EM electron microscopy