HLA genetic profile of Mapuche (Araucanian) Amerindians from Chile

Amerindian Mapuche (Araucanians) are now living in Chile and Argentina at both sides of Andean Mountains. They are anthropologically and genetically different from southernmost South America Patagonian Amerindians. Most of the HLA alleles found in our Mapuche sample are frequent or very frequent in North and South America Amerindians: (1) Class I: A*02:01, A*03:01, A*68:01, B*39:09, B*51:01, (2) Class II: DRB1*03:01, DRB1*04:03, DRB1*07:01, DRB1*08:02, DRB1*14:02, DRB1*16:02. One of the nine most frequent extended haplotypes seems to be from European origin, suggesting the existence of a degree of admixture with Europeans in our Mapuche sample. It has been calculated of about 11 % admixture. Three of the extended haplotypes are also found in other Amerindians and five of them are newly found in Mapuche Amerindians: A*68:01-B*39:09-DRB1*08:02-DQB1*04:02; A*68:01-B*51:01-DRB1*04:03-DQB1*03:02; A*29:01-B*08:01-DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:01; A*02:01-B*15:01-DRB1*04:03-DQB1*03:02; A*33:01-B*14:02-DRB1*07:01-DQB1*03:03. The medical importance of calculating HLA profile is discussed on the diagnostic (HLA and disease) and therapeutical bases of HLA pharmacogenomics and on the construction of a virtual transplantation HLA list profile. Also, anthropological conclusions are drawn.     

庐山蛾类区系研究

庐山,地处中亚热带北沿,北纬29.35°,东经115.59°,属亚热带东部季风区域。庐山襟江带湖,雨量充沛,植物种类繁多,种子植物有1800余种,隶属158科642属。因此,庐山蛾类也较丰富。笔者于1975年5月开始,对庐山蛾类进行了调查,共鉴定出蛾类455种。现将庐山蛾类区系报告如下。 区系分析 庐山蛾类已鉴定出32科340届455种。区系情况如表。 从表可以看出:     

Phospholipids and phospholipid-bound fatty acids and aldehydes of spermatozoa and seminal plasma of rhesus monkeys.

The major components of the phospholipids of rhesus monkey spermatozoa are phosphatidyl choline (33%), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (25%), ethanolamine plasmalogen (16-1%), sphingomyelin (8-1%), choline plasmalogen (6-9%) and cardiolipin (4-5%). The major phospholipid-bound fatty acids are 16:0, 18:0, 18:1 and 22:6; the major fatty aldehydes are 15:0, 16:0 and 18:2. The same phospholipids are also present in the seminal plasma.     

Characteristics of phospholipids in microvillar membranes of octopus photoreceptor cells.

Characteristics of lipids in the microvillar membranes of octopus photoreceptor cells were studied in order to obtain some information on the membrane environment with rhodopsin in the invertebrate. (1) The membranes contain lipid and protein in almost equal proportion. The majority of lipids are phospholipids. Neutral lipids make up 16% of the total lipids, the major constituent of which is cholesterol. (2) Phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine are the major phospholipids. Phosphatidylserine, ceramide 2-aminoethylphosphonate and sphingomyelin occur as minor components. An unidentified alkaline and acid stable phospholipid was found. (3) The predominant fatty acids of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine are highly unsaturated such as 22 : 6, 20 : 5 and 20 : 4. The 22 : 6 and 20 : 5 are exclusively linked at the 2-position, but the 20 : 4 is linked significantly at the 1-position of the phospholipids. (4) Major molecular species are 16 : 0/22 : 6 (48.4%) and 16 : 0/20 : 4 (19.6%) in phosphatidylcholine, and 20 : 4/22 : 6 (50.7%) and 16 : 0/22 : 6 (25.6%) in phosphatidylethanolamine.     

Some Eugregarines (Sporozoa, Apicomplexa) from the Stored Fruit Beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator Fauv. (Coleoptera) from India

Morphology and life history of 3 cephaline gregarines found in the gut of the pest of stored fruit, Oryzaephilus mercator. are described. Of these 3, 2 are new species. The 3 species are (1) Hirmocystis minuta (Ishii, 1914) (LP TL = 1:7 – 1:22, WP/WD = 1:1, 6–1:7); (2) Amsotobus indicus n. sp. (LP/TL = 1:3–1:6, WP/WD = 1:1 – 1:1.3); (3) Leidyana oryzaephili n. sp. (LP/TL = 1:2 – 1:12; WP/WD = 1:1–1:1.6).     

dsg, a gene required for Myxococcus development, is necessary for cell viability.

Previous work identified the dsg gene as necessary for cell-cell interaction in Myxococcus xanthus. Point mutations of this gene, such as dsg-439, are viable, but insertions of Tn5 within the dsg gene (dsg::Tn5) are lethal. Partial diploids, dsg::Tn5/dsg+ or dsg::Tn5/dsg-429 or dsg::Tn5/dsg-439, are also viable, showing that the lethal effect of the haploid insertions is due to loss of function. Thus the evidence implies that the dsg gene is essential for viability as well as development, but its essential quality differs between growth and development because dsg-429 and dsg-439 mutants grow normally, but are unable to develop.     

Composition en lipides et acides gras de deux esèces de Taphrina parasites de Prunus domestica

Four strains of both Taphrina pruni and T. institiae were cultivated under identical conditions and and lipids and fatty acids were quantitatively analysed at two stages of their development. Tri- and diglycerides are the major neutral lipids in both species. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are the most abundant polar lipids. Qualitatively, the two species show identical fatty acid contents, except for margaric acid (17:0) which was only found in Taphrine pruni. Quantitatively there are several differences: palmitoleic acid (16:1) occurs in reasonable amounts regularly and only in Taphrina pruni. The ratios 16:0/18:0 and 18:1/18:2 are generally higher for T. insititiae whereas the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids is higher in the former. The results are discussed with regard to data on other fungal species.     

Synthesis of N-unsubstituted, mono- and disubstituted carbohydrate-1-O-carbamates and their behaviour in glycoside syntheses

The syntheses of 44 1-carbamates from six different 1-O-unprotected carbohydrate derivatives (compounds 1-6), representing typical protecting pattern in glycoside synthesis, are described. The carbamate function is N-unsubstituted (compounds 1b-6b), mono- (compounds a: N-trichloroacetyl, c: N-monochloroacetyl, d: N-acetyl, e: N-ethyl, f: N-allyl, g: N-phenyl) or disubstituted (compounds h: imidazolyl, i: N-diethyl, j: N-diphenyl). Additionally, three N-chlorosulfonyl carbamates are synthesized and used as intermediates for the synthesis of N-unsubstituted compounds b. The accessibility of these compounds is described and compared. Some of the carbamates (1, 4, 5a-j) are used as model compounds for systematic investigations in glycoside syntheses. Selected experimental data (reaction conditions, anomeric ratios, rotation values, selected NMR data) are tabulated.     

Non-O157 verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli: a problem,paradox, and paradigm

The problems associated with identification and characterization of non-O157 verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) are discussed. The paradox of VTEC is that most reports of human illnesses are associated with serotypes such as O157:H7, O111:H- (nonmotile), O26:H11, and O113:H21, which are rarely found in domestic animals. However, those VTEC serotypes commonly found in domestic animals, especially ruminants, rarely cause human illnesses. When they cause human illnesses, the symptoms are similar to those caused by the serotypes E. coli O157:H7, O111:H-, O26:H11, and O113:H21. The impact of VTEC on human and animal health is also addressed. The VTEC and their toxicity are considered as a paradigm for emerging pathogens. The question on how such pathogens could arise from a basic commensal population is also addressed.     

Seven newArizona serotypes isolated from reptiles

Summary Seven newArizona serotypes from snakes are described. The biochemical characteristics of the organisms were those of typical members of theArizona group. The antigenic formulae of the types are 1,4: 1,6,7; 1,4: 1,6,7,9; 5: 29: 25; 5: 33: 25; 24: 23: 31; 26: 32: 30; and 26: 33: 31. Attention is called to the antigenic relationships of the cultures to theSalmonella group.     

Hormone interactions and regulation of PsPK2::GUS compared with DR5::GUS and PID::GUS in Arabidopsis thaliana

The putative pea PINOID homolog, PsPK2, is expressed in all growing plant parts and is positively regulated by auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin. Here, we studied hormonal regulation of PsPK2::GUS expression compared with DR5::GUS and PID::GUS in Arabidopsis. PsPK2::GUS, DR5::GUS, and PID::GUS expression in Arabidopsis shoots is mainly localized in the stipules, hydathodes, veins, developing leaves, and cotyledons. Unlike DR5::GUS, PsPK2::GUS, and PID::GUS are weakly expressed in root tips. Both DR5::GUS and PsPK2::GUS are induced by different auxins and are more sensitive to methyl indole acetic acid, 4-chloro-indole acetic acid, and α-naphthalene acetic acid than others. GA(3) has no significant effect on GUS activity in DR5::GUS-transformed seedlings compared to the control, but induction by auxin and gibberellin in combination is synergistic. Cytokinin increases auxin transport in Arabidopsis seedlings. Auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin all increase GUS activity in shoots of PsPK2::GUS transformed plants compared to the control. However, only auxin and gibberellin increase GUS activity in PID::GUS shoots. In conclusion, auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin positively regulate PsPK2 expression in shoots, but not in roots. Auxin and gibberellin also upregulate AtPIN1 and LEAFY expression, which is similar to PsPIN1 and Uni in pea. With minor exceptions, the orthologous genes from both species are regulated similarly.     

Thin-layer separation and quantification of bile acids

A method has been developed for quantification of total free and conjugated bile acids separated on silica gel HR coated thin-layer chromatography plates. Aliquots of bile acid solutions are applied to channeled plates which are developed with either ethyl acetate: isooctane: glacial acetic acid 10:10:2 v/v for free bile acid separation, or chloroform:methanol:glacial acetic acid:water 130:50:4:8 v/v for conjugated bile acid separation. Bile acids are determined directly in serial areas of silica gel by treating gel areas suspended in tris buffer with resazurin reagent. The method is quantitative and as little as 0.1 μg of bile acid is readily determined. Application of the method to determinations of bile acids in crude fecal extracts is described.     

Patterns of expression and normalized levels of the five Arabidopsis phytochromes

Using monoclonal antibodies specific for each apoprotein and full-length purified apoprotein standards, the levels of the five Arabidopsis phytochromes and their patterns of expression in seedlings and mature plants and under different light conditions have been characterized. Phytochrome levels are normalized to the DNA content of the various tissue extracts to approximate normalization to the number of cells in the tissue. One phytochrome, phytochrome A, is highly light labile. The other four phytochromes are much more light stable, although among these, phytochromes B and C are reduced 4- to 5-fold in red- or white-light-grown seedlings compared with dark-grown seedlings. The total amount of extractable phytochrome is 23-fold lower in light-grown than dark-grown tissues, and the percent ratios of the five phytochromes, A:B:C:D:E, are measured as 85:10:2:1.5:1.5 in etiolated seedlings and 5:40:15:15:25 in seedlings grown in continuous white light. The four light-stable phytochromes are present at nearly unchanging levels throughout the course of development of mature rosette and reproductive-stage plants and are present in leaves, stems, roots, and flowers. Phytochrome protein expression patterns over the course of seed germination and under diurnal and circadian light cycles are also characterized. Little cycling in response to photoperiod is observed, and this very low amplitude cycling of some phytochrome proteins is out of phase with previously reported cycling of PHY mRNA levels. These studies indicate that, with the exception of phytochrome A, the family of phytochrome photoreceptors in Arabidopsis constitutes a quite stable and very broadly distributed array of sensory molecules.     

Systématique du Gobiidae Lophogobius cyprinoides (Pallas, 1770)

Diagnosis: number of fins rays D1: VI; D2: I+ 9; C: 21-22; A: I+ 8; P: 17-18; Pv: 10; number of scales on the lateral line Ec: 27-28; number of vertebras V: 26. Evidence of sexual dimorphism is shown by two different shapes of urogenital papilla. The lateral system was observed using scanning electron microscopy after 2% glutaraldehyde fixation in sea water. The oculoscapular, preopercular canals, mucous pores are inventoried and the distribution and number of neuromasts are presented. The coding sequences for 18S ribosomic RNA are identified.     

Double bond localization in minor homoallylic fatty acid methyl esters using acetonitrile chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Double bond position in natural fatty acids is critical to biochemical properties, however, common instrument-based methods cannot locate double bonds in fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), the predominant analysis form of fatty acids. A recently described mass spectrometry (MS) method for locating double bonds in FAME is reported here for the analysis of minor (<1%) components of real FAME mixtures derived from three natural sources; golden algae (Schizochytrium sp.), primate brain white matter, and transgenic mouse liver. Acetonitrile chemical ionization tandem MS was used to determine double bond positions in 39 FAME, most at concentrations well below 1% of all fatty acid methyl esters. FAME identified in golden algae are 14:1n-6, 14:3n-3, 16:1n-7, 16:2n-6, 16:3n-6, 16:3n-3, 16:4n-3, 18:2n-7, 18:3n-7, 18:3n-8, 18:4n-3, 18:4n-5, 20:3n-7, 20:4n-3, 20:4n-5, 20:4n-7, 20:5n-3, and 22:4n-9. Additional FAME identified in primate brain white matter are 20:1n-7, 20:1n-9, 20:2n-7, 20:2n-9, 22:1n-7, 22:1n-9, 22:1n-13, 22:2n-6, 22:2n-7, 22:2n-9, 22:3n-6, 22:3n-7, 22:3n-9, 22:4n-6, 24:1n-7, 24:1n-9, and 24:4n-6. Additional FAME identified in mouse liver are 26:5n-6, 26:6n-3, 28:5n-6, and 28:6n-3. The primate brain 22:3n-7 and algae 18:4n-5 are novel fatty acids. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the technique for analysis of real samples. Tables are presented to aid in interpretation of acetonitrile CIMS/MS spectra.     

高效液相色谱检测聚乙二醇化天花粉蛋白方法比较

目的：建立聚乙二醇化天花粉蛋白纯度的检测方法。方法：使用分子筛色谱法和反相高效液相色谱法测定了聚乙二醇天花粉蛋白。结果：聚乙二醇天花粉蛋白纯度分别为100％和98．14％。结论：高效液相色谱法简单易行、准确、灵敏度高,适用于聚乙二醇化天花粉蛋白纯度检测。     

Hydraenidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of Mindoro,Philippines. I: Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 of the Baroc River basin,Roxas, Oriental Mindoro with description of three new species

The species of the genus Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 of the Baroc River basin in the Philippine Island of Mindoro are studied taxonomically. Five species of Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) are recorded of which three new species, namely H. hinundungan sp. n., H. quirao sp. n., and H. sanvicentensis sp. n., are described. Their genital characters are illustrated by line drawings. Photographs of their habitus and type localities, and a map of the collection sites are provided. Their habitat requirements are briefly discussed and their potential usefulness as bioindicators is deduced. The paper is based on a student thesis and intended as a first step towards the review of the entire hydraenid beetle fauna of Mindoro.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BDB0EABE-5A9A-46D0-83A2-81A3DA895BFD     

Quantitative determination of lysophosphatidic acid by LC/ESI/MS/MS employing a reversed phase HPLC column

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a class of lipids that play multiple biological functions. Several reports show that they are potential biomarkers for diagnosing ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately quantify their levels in biological samples. Here we report a high throughput LC/ESI/MS/MS (liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry) method employing a reversed phase C18 column to quantify LPA. In this method, a [(13)C(16)] labeled 16:0 LPA is used as the internal standard and the lipids are extracted out from biological samples using Bligh-Dyer method under highly acidic condition. The total run time is 8min. The detection limits of the assay reach fmol level and the CV% of the assay are within 10%. Using this method, we quantify the levels of six LPA species (16:0, 18:2, 18:1, 18:0, 20:4, and 22:6 LPA) in plasma samples. We find that some unknown compounds present in plasma can interfere with the quantification of LPA if they are not well separated from LPA. These unknown compounds are more hydrophobic than LPA and can be removed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). We also find that the levels of LPA species in human plasma generally follow the order: 18:2 LPA>16:0 LPA, 20:4 LPA>18:1 LPA, 22:6 LPA, and 18:0 LPA.     

Incorporation of newly synthesized fatty acids into cytosolic glycerolipids in pea leaves occurs via acyl editing

In expanding pea leaves, over 95% of fatty acids (FA) synthesized in the plastid are exported for assembly of eukaryotic glycerolipids. It is often assumed that the major products of plastid FA synthesis (18:1 and 16:0) are first incorporated into 16:0/18:1 and 18:1/18:1 molecular species of phosphatidic acid (PA), which are then converted to phosphatidylcholine (PC), the major eukaryotic phospholipid and site of acyl desaturation. However, by labeling lipids of pea leaves with [(14)C]acetate, [(14)C]glycerol, and [(14)C]carbon dioxide, we demonstrate that acyl editing is an integral component of eukaryotic glycerolipid synthesis. First, no precursor-product relationship between PA and PC [(14)C]acyl chains was observed at very early time points. Second, analysis of PC molecular species at these early time points showed that >90% of newly synthesized [(14)C]18:1 and [(14)C]16:0 acyl groups were incorporated into PC alongside a previously synthesized unlabeled acyl group (18:2, 18:3, or 16:0). And third, [(14)C]glycerol labeling produced PC molecular species highly enriched with 18:2, 18:3, and 16:0 FA, and not 18:1, the major product of plastid fatty acid synthesis. In conclusion, we propose that most newly synthesized acyl groups are not immediately utilized for PA synthesis, but instead are incorporated directly into PC through an acyl editing mechanism that operates at both sn-1 and sn-2 positions. Additionally, the acyl groups removed by acyl editing are largely used for the net synthesis of PC through glycerol 3-phosphate acylation.     

Rates of formation and thermal stabilities of RNA:DNA and DNA:DNA duplexes at high concentrations of formamide.

The thermal stabilities of RNA:DNA hybrids are substantially greater than those of DNA:DNA duplexes in aqueous electrolyte solutions containing high concentrations of formamide. Association rates to form DNA:DNA duplexes and DNA:RNA hybrids have been measured in these solvents. There is a temperature range in which DNA:DNA rates are negligible and RNA:DNA rates close to optimal.