Sex, age and ovarian activity affect cuticular hydrocarbons in Diacamma ceylonense, a queenless ant

In the queenless ant, Diacamma ceylonense, the cuticular hydrocarbons (C25-C35) of nestmate workers vary in their proportions according to age and fertility. Newly eclosed adults ('callows') initially have the same cuticular profile, but with time this changes to that typical of foragers. In contrast, workers that begin to produce eggs develop a different cuticular profile. Several substances (n-C29 and some methyl C25 and C27) discriminate these different social categories (callows, foragers and egg-layers). In Diacamma ceylonense, inter-colony variation of the cuticular hydrocarbons was much lower than intra-colony variation. We also found qualitative differences between the sexes, with males having a clearly different profile with much more alkanes. We discuss these results in the context of physiological models of the relation between ovarian activity and the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons. Variations in cuticular profile are a reliable reflection of ovarian activity, and could be used by ants as a fertility signal.     

pH,inhibitor, and substrate specificity studies on Escherichia coli penicillin-binding protein 5

The recent structural determination of Escherichia coli penicillin-binding protein 5 (PBP 5) provides the opportunity for detailed structure-function studies of this enzyme. PBP 5 was investigated in terms of its stability, linear reaction kinetics, acyl-donor substrate specificity, inhibition by a number of active site-directed reagents, and pH profile. PBP 5 demonstrated linear reaction kinetics for up to several hours. Dilution of PBP 5 generally resulted in substantial loss of activity, unless BSA or a BSA derivative was added to the diluting buffer. PBP 5 did not demonstrate a significant preference against a simple set of five alpha- and epsilon-substituted L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala derivatives, suggesting that PBP 5 lacks specificity for the cross-linked state of cell wall substrates. Among a number of active site-directed reagents, only some thiol-directed reagents gave substantial inhibition. Notably, serine-directed reagents, organic phosphates, and simple boronic acids were ineffective as inhibitors. PBP 5 was stable over the pH range 4.6-12.3, and the k(cat)/K(m) vs. pH profile for activity against Ac(2)-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala was bell-shaped, with pK(a)s at 8.2 and 11.1. This is the first complete pH profile, including both acidic and basic limbs, for a PBP-catalyzed DD-carboxypeptidase (CPase) reaction. Based on its structure, similarity to Class A beta-lactamases, and results from mutagenesis studies, the acidic and basic limbs of the pH profile of PBP 5 are assigned to Lys-47 and Lys-213, respectively. This assignment supports a role for Lys-47 as the general base for acylation and deacylation reactions.     

Occurrence and frequency of transmission of naturally occurring simian retroviral infections (SIV,STLV, and SRV) at the CIRMF Primate Center,Gabon

Abstract: Among the primates held at the CIRMF Primate Center, Gabon, no serological sign of SIV infection could be demonstrated in 68 cynomolgus monkeys, 60 chimpanzees, nine gorillas, and 12 sun-tailed monkeys, while seven of 102 mandrills and six of 24 vervets were infected with SIV. Six mandrills, seven vervets and ten cynomolgus monkeys exhibited a full HTLV type 1 Western blot profile. The sera of two gorillas and one chimpanzee presented with a positive but not typical HTLV Western blot profile. The sera of the gorillas lacked p24 antibodies, and the chimpanzee had a Western blot profile evocative of HTLV-II. All attempts to amplify viruses from these animals by PCR were unsuccessful. Two other chimpanzees and seven gorillas presented with indeterminate HTLV Western blot profiles. In the mandrill colony, only male animals were STLV seropositive and no sexual transmission to females was observed. SIV infection was also more frequent in male than female mandrills and sexual transmission appeared to be a rare event. No SRV infection was observed in macaques.     

The effects of KaiXinSan on depression and its association with lipid profiles: A randomized,double-blinded,placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) KaiXinSan (KXS) has been used to treat depressed patients for a long time, but its potential underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood.HypothesisKXS could mitigate symptoms of patients with atypical depression at least partly via regulating lipid equilibrium.MethodsPatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for mild or moderate depression were assigned into placebo (N = 68) or KXS 3.2 g/day (N = 66) groups in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial to investigate the anti-depressive efficacy of KXS and its association with serum lipid profile.ResultsThe HAMD score and SDS score at 8 weeks were significantly improved in KXS-treated patients the N-BACK accuracy rate was also increased after 8 weeks of KXS treatment compared with baseline. These results indicated that KXS not only improved the specific symptoms of depression, but also had a beneficial effect on cognitive function related working memory. More importantly, KXS treatment improved patients’ lipid profile by reducing the ratios of LDL/HDL and ApoB/ApoA1 (p < 0.05), as well as ApoC3 level. Moreover, subgroup analysis found that HAMD score was significantly higher in patients with high lipid profile than in those with normal lipid profile, and lipid improvement after 8 weeks of KXS treatment was more obvious in depressed patients with high lipid profile than with normal lipid profile.ConclusionKXS could mitigate symptoms of patients with minor and modest depression at least partly via regulating lipid equilibrium. Its might shed light that KXS may likely contributes to depressed patients with other cardio-metabolic diseases.     

Antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity studies on Indigofera gerardiana

The antibacterial, antifungal, acute cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity and insecticidal profile of the crude extract and various fractions of Indigofera gerardiana have been studied. Six bacterial and fungal strains were used, of which Samonella typhi and Microsporum canis were the most susceptible strains with MICs 0.37 mg/mL and 0.09 mg/mL, respectively. The crude extract and the fractions showed low insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae, Rhyzopertha dominica and Callosbruchus analis but no activity against Tribolium castaneum. The brine shrimp lethality assay showed absence of any measurable cytotoxicity of the crude extract and fractions, showing a good safety profile at a preliminary level. All the fractions except crude extract revealed profound and highly significant herbicidal activity against Lemna minor at the concentration of 1000 microg/mL. Indigofera gerardiana was shown by in-vitro assays to be a potential source for natural antifungal, antibacterial and herbicidal agents.     

Whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities, serum trace elements (Se, Cu, Zn) and cardiovascular risk factors in subjects from the city of Ponta Delgada, Island of San Miguel, The Azores Archipelago, Portugal

Activities of whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum levels of selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were measured in 118 apparently healthy subjects aged 20-60 years from the city of Ponta Delgada, Island of San Miguel, The Azores Archipelago, Portugal. Data were analysed by age/gender, lipid profile and blood pressure as cardiovascular risk factors searching for their relevance when assessing reference values for antioxidant biomarkers. GSH-Px was in the same range, but SOD was significantly lower than in other Portuguese populations. Neither activity differed with gender. GSH-Px activity increased with age, namely in normolipidemic men versus the hyperlipidemic group in which a decrease was observed. This suggests a progressive impairment of GSH-Px with age caused by an enhanced production of oxidant species in hyperlipidemia. GSH-Px was 30% lower in male hypertensives versus normotensives. SOD activity did not relate to age or blood pressure but was 17% higher in the hyperlipidemic men versus the normolipidemic group, suggesting a better antioxidant protection by SOD than by GSH-Px in hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Se was higher in men versus women, particularly in the older subjects, and partly related to hyperlipidemia. Zn levels showed a similar dependency on gender, not related to age or lipid profile. Cu levels were much higher in women than in men in all age or lipid profile classes and decreased in hyperlipidemia. They were lowered with age in both genders, particularly in normolipidemic women. The present research therefore suggests that hyperlipidemia and hypertension do affect antioxidant status and should be considered when assessing antioxidant biomarkers in blood.     

Whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities,serum trace elements (Se,Cu, Zn) and cardiovascular risk factors in subjects from the city of Ponta Delgada,Island of San Miguel,The Azores Archipelago,Portugal

Activities of whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum levels of selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were measured in 118 apparently healthy subjects aged 20–60 years from the city of Ponta Delgada, Island of San Miguel, The Azores Archipelago, Portugal. Data were analysed by age/gender, lipid profile and blood pressure as cardiovascular risk factors searching for their relevance when assessing reference values for antioxidant biomarkers. GSH-Px was in the same range, but SOD was significantly lower than in other Portuguese populations. Neither activity differed with gender. GSH-Px activity increased with age, namely in normolipidemic men versus the hyperlipidemic group in which a decrease was observed. This suggests a progressive impairment of GSH-Px with age caused by an enhanced production of oxidant species in hyperlipidemia. GSH-Px was 30% lower in male hypertensives versus normotensives. SOD activity did not relate to age or blood pressure but was 17% higher in the hyperlipidemic men versus the normolipidemic group, suggesting a better antioxidant protection by SOD than by GSH-Px in hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Se was higher in men versus women, particularly in the older subjects, and partly related to hyperlipidemia. Zn levels showed a similar dependency on gender, not related to age or lipid profile. Cu levels were much higher in women than in men in all age or lipid profile classes and decreased in hyperlipidemia. They were lowered with age in both genders, particularly in normolipidemic women. The present research therefore suggests that hyperlipidemia and hypertension do affect antioxidant status and should be considered when assessing antioxidant biomarkers in blood.     

Reconstruction of paleohydrological regime,vegetation change,and peat accumulation in a bog in the Kas-Sym interfluve

Comprehensive stratigraphic analyses of a standard peat profile laid on a large oligotrophic bog in the interfluve of Kas and Sym rivers, left tributaries of the Yenisei River, allowed reconstruction of local vegetation change and hydrological regime over a period of seven thousand years. The established three stages in vegetation succession in a local bog correspond to different degree of humidification. The development of bog ecosystem is found to be scarcely affected by regional climate. The process and rate of peat accumulation varied in different periods of the Holocene. The average rate of peat accumulation in the profile was 0.88 mm/year.     

Genetics, phosphorus availability, and herbivore-derived induction as sources of phenotypic variation of leaf volatile terpenes in a pine species

Oleoresin produced and stored in pine tree leaves provides direct resistance to herbivores, while leaf volatile terpenes (LVT) in the resin are also powerful airborne infochemicals. Resin concentration and profile show considerable spatial and temporal phenotypic variation within and among pine populations. LVT biochemistry is known to be under genetic control, and although LVT should be plastic to diverse abiotic and biotic environmental factors such as nutrient availability and herbivore attack, little is known about their relative contributions and interactive effects. The aim of this paper was to clarify whether reduced phosphorus availability could increase the LVT concentration and affect the expression of herbivore-derived induced defences, and how plasticity would contribute to the phenotypic variation of LVT. The constitutive and methyl-jasmonate (MeJa) induced LVT concentration and profile were analysed in 17 half-sib Pinus pinaster families growing under two levels of P-availability (complete and P-limited fertilization). Individual terpene concentrations showed large additive genetic variation, which was more pronounced in the control than in MeJa-induced pines. MeJa application did not affect the LVT concentration, but significantly modified the LVT profile by depleting the α-pinene content and reducing the sesquiterpene fraction. Low P-availability strongly reduced plant growth and foliar nutrient concentrations, but did not affect LVT concentration and profile, and did not interact with MeJa-induction. Results indicate a strong homeostasis of LVT concentration to P-availability, and minor changes in the LVT profile due to MeJa-induction. Genetic variation appears to be the main source of phenotypic variation affecting the LVT concentration in this pine species.     

Late-glacial and Holocene woodland dynamics and land-use history of the Lower Oder valley, north-eastern Germany, based on two, AMS14C-dated, pollen profiles

High-resolution Holocene pollen profiles from lakes Großer Krebssee and Felchowsee, in the Lower Oder valley, north-eastern Germany, are presented. The Großer Krebssee profile includes a Late-glacial sequence. These investigations have been carried out in the context of a programme of archaeological excavation. AMS radiocarbon dates (26 in all) based on pollen concentrates have been used to provide a chronology for the pollen records. Holocene forest history and human impact are reconstructed for contrasting landscapes, namely, the Neuenhagener Oderinsel in the Lower Oderbruch (Großer Krebssee profile) and the more fertile Uckermärker Hügelland (Felchowsee profile) that lies immediately to the north. Both landscapes were glaciated during the Pomeranian stage of the Weichselian. New information on the spread of trees, includingTilia, Fagus and Carpinus, at both regional and local level, is presented. Five major phases of intensive human activity are recognised, the most intensive activity of the prehistoric period occurring in the Neolithic (Großer Krebssee profile). Differences between the records is explained in terms of local habitat, especially edaphic conditions, settlement history and also the pollen source area, the profile from the much larger Felchowsee lake providing a record of environmental change that is more regional in character.     

Plasma triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio,insulin resistance,and cardiometabolic risk in young adults

Studies in mature adults suggest that the plasma concentration ratio of triglyceride (TG)/HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) provides a simple way to identify apparently healthy individuals who are insulin resistant (IR) and at increased cardiometabolic risk. This study extends these observations by examining the clinical utility of the TG/HDL-C ratio and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 2,244 healthy college students (17–24 years old) of Mexican Mestizo ancestry. The TG/HDL-C ratio separating the 25% with the highest value was used to identify IR and increased cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors were more adverse in men and women whose TG/HDL-C ratios exceeded 3.5 and 2.5, respectively, and approximately one third were identified as being IR. The MetS identified fewer individuals as being IR, but their risk profile was accentuated. In conclusion, both a higher TG/HDL-C ratio and a diagnosis of the MetS identify young IR individuals with an increased cardiometabolic risk profile. The TG/HDL-C ratio identified a somewhat greater number of “high risk” subjects, whereas the MetS found a group whose risk profile was somewhat magnified. These findings suggest that the TG/HDL-C ratio may serve as a simple and clinically useful approach to identify apparently healthy, young individuals who are IR and at increased cardiometabolic risk.     

Recombinant expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of chondroitinase ABC II from Proteus vulgaris

Chondroitin lyases (or chondroitinases) are a family of enzymes that depolymerize chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) galactosaminoglycans, which have gained prominence as important players in central nervous system biology. Two distinct chondroitinase ABC enzymes, cABCI and cABCII, were identified in Proteus vulgaris. Recently, cABCI was cloned, recombinantly expressed, and extensively characterized structurally and biochemically. This study focuses on recombinant expression, purification, biochemical characterization, and understanding the structure-function relationship of cABCII. The biochemical parameters for optimal activity and kinetic parameters associated with processing of various CS and DS substrates were determined. The profile of products formed by action of cABCII on different substrates was compared with product profile of cABCI. A homology-based structural model of cABCII and its complexes with CS oligosaccharides was constructed. This structural model provided molecular insights into the experimentally observed differences in the product profile of cABCII as compared with that of cABCI. The critical active site residues involved in the catalytic activity of cABCII identified based on the structural model were validated using site-directed mutagenesis and kinetic characterization of the mutants. The development of such a contaminant-free cABCII enzyme provides additional tools to decode the biologically important structure-function relationship of CS and DS galactosaminoglycans and offers novel therapeutic strategies for recovery after central nervous system injury.     

A high density lipoprotein from Piaractus mesopotamicus, pacu, (Osteichthyes, Characidae), is associated with paraoxonase activity.

We have characterized the serum lipoprotein profile and localized the serum paraoxonase activity of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, a tropical fish species. The total lipoprotein profile of pacu serum obtained after KBr density ultracentrifugation shows the predominance of HDL (1.1267 g/mL). SDS-PAGE electrophoresis revealed a negligible amount of LDL. Pacu HDL was purified by gel filtration column on HPLC, and its molecular mass was estimated to be 246 kDa. Protein composition was 35%, and comprised four protein components with molecular masses of 45, 38, 25 and 12.5 kDa. Lipids represent 58% of total HDL, comprising 40% neutral lipids and 18% phospholipids by weight. The HDL contains 7% of carbohydrates, and mannose was the only sugar detected by paper chromatography in HDL hydrolysates. HDL-containing fractions showed the major paraoxonase activity. Purification of HDL resulted in a 23-fold enrichment of this activity. This is the first experimental evidence demonstrating the association of paraoxonase activity with a HDL in fish.     

Bioinversion of R-flurbiprofen to S-flurbiprofen at various dose levels in rat, mouse, and monkey

Information about the potential and extent of bioinversion of chiral drugs in laboratory animal species and humans is critical to the interpretation of preclinical pharm-tox studies with these drugs. Unlike in the dog, guinea pig, and rabbit, in humans the 2-arylpropionic acid (APA) R-flurbiprofen (R-FB) undergoes very little bioinversion to S-flurbiprofen. The primary objective of this research was to identify laboratory animal species with an R- to S-bioinversion profile similar to humans. Detailed evaluations of the pharmacokinetics parameters of R-flurbiprofen in male and female rats and mice, and male nude rats and monkeys demonstrated R- to S-bioinversion of 30% (average) in monkeys, 15-24% in mice, and approximately 4% in rats. To date, no laboratory animal species has been identified with an R-flurbiprofen bioinversion profile identical to humans. However, the rat has a bioinversion profile sufficiently similar to humans to be useful for preclinical.     

PD117302, a selective non-peptide opioid kappa agonist, protects against NMDA and maximal electroshock convulsions in rats

The pharmacological profile of PD117302 was studied in three rat models of experimental seizures. It was determined that PD117302 is a potent and efficacious anticonvulsant against NMDA (ED50 = 0.27 mg/kg, i.v.) and MES (ED50 = 16.3 mg/kg, s.c.), but not flurothyl, convulsions. Its anticonvulsant profile was dose- and time-dependent, stereospecific and sensitive to naloxone and the selective kappa opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine. Given these findings, we suggest that PD117302 acts via the kappa receptor to modulate seizure protection. Furthermore, in view of its marked ability to block NMDA excitotoxicity (including lethality) it seems possible that this drug, or related compounds, may have potential therapeutic utility as a neuroprotective agent.     

Spatial distribution of microbial biomass,activity, community structure,and the biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and linear alcohol ethoxylate (LAE) in the subsurface

The vertical distribution of microbial biomass, activity, community structure and the mineralization of xenobiotic chemicals was examined in two soil profiles in northern Wisconsin. One profile was impacted by infiltrating wastewater from a laundromat, while the other served as a control. An unconfined aquifer was present 14 meters below the surface at both sites. Biomass and community structure were determined by acridine orange direct counts and measuring concentrations of phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA). Microbial activity was estimated by measuring fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis, thymidine incorporation into DNA, and mixed amino acid (MAA) mineralization. Mineralization kinetics of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and linear alcohol ethoxylate (LAE) were determined at each depth. Except for MAA mineralization rates, measures of microbial biomass and activity exhibited similar patterns with depth. PLFA concentration and rates of FDA hydrolysis and thymidine incorporation decreased 10–100 fold below 3 m and then exhibited little variation with depth. Fungal fatty acid markers were found at all depths and represented from 1 to 15% of the total PLFAs. The relative proportion of tuberculostearic acid (TBS), an actinomycete marker, declined with depth and was not detected in the saturated zone. The profile impacted by wastewater exhibited higher levels of PLFA but a lower proportion of TBS than the control profile. This profile also exhibited faster rates of FDA hydrolysis and amino acid mineralization at most depths. LAS was mineralized in the upper 2 m of the vadose zone and in the saturated zone of both profiles. Little or no LAS biodegradation occurred at depths between 2 and 14 m. LAE was mineralized at all depths in both profiles, and the mineralization rate exhibited a similar pattern with depth as biomass and activity measurements. In general, biomass and biodegradative activities were much lower in groundwater than in soil samples obtained from the same depth.     

Effects of Habitat-Forming Species Richness,Evenness, Identity,and Abundance on Benthic Intertidal Community Establishment and Productivity

In a context of reduced global biodiversity, the potential impacts from the loss of habitat-forming species (HFS) on ecosystem structure and functioning must be established. These species are often the main community primary producers and have a major role in the establishment of organisms through facilitation processes. This study focuses on macroalgae and mussels as HFS within an intertidal zone along the St. Lawrence estuary (Quebec, Canada). Over a 16-week period, we manipulated the in situ diversity profile (richness, evenness, identity, and abundance) of the dominant HFS (Fucus distichus edentatus, F. vesiculosus, and Mytilus spp.) in order to define their role in both the establishment of associated species and community primary production. Contrary to expectation, no general change in HFS richness, evenness, abundance, or identity on associated species community establishment was observed. However, over the study period, the HFS diversity profile modified the structure within the trophic guilds, which may potentially affect further community functions. Also, our results showed that the low abundance of HFS had a negative impact on the primary productivity of the community. Our results suggest that HFS diversity profiles have a limited short-term role in our study habitat and may indicate that biological forcing in these intertidal communities is less important than environmental conditions. As such, there was an opportunistic establishment of species that ensured rapid colonization regardless of the absence, or the diversity profile, of facilitators such as HFS.     

Transfer of a conjugative transposon, Tn5397 in a model oral biofilm

A tetracycline resistance profile was established from a microcosm dental plaque in a constant depth film fermenter. The fermenter was inoculated with a Bacillus subtilis strain which contained the conjugative transposon, Tn5397, which confers tetracycline resistance upon its host. After 6 hour and 24 hour the tetracycline resistance profile of the biofilm was redetermined and a tetracycline resistant Streptococcus species was isolated. A molecular analysis of this strain confirmed that Tn5397 was present in the genomic DNA of the isolate. These data represent the first report, to our knowledge, of intergeneric transfer of a conjugative transposon in a mixed species biofilm and demonstrates the ability of conjugative transposons to disseminate antibiotic resistance genes in a mixed species environment.