The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) as an alternative biomarker detection technique: a preliminary study

Biomarkers are essential part of daily medical practice. Currently, biomarkers are being used both for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. There are many approaches e.g. ELISA by which biomarker levels are detected from patient samples. However, all these approaches are laborious, time consuming and expensive. There is therefore a general need for exploring new technique which can overcome these drawbacks. Here, we present a preliminary study for detection of serum biomarkers by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) based diagnostic technique. FCS is a technique basically used for spatial and temporal analysis of molecular interactions of extremely low-concentration biomolecules in solution. FCS is able to measure diffusion time of the fluorescent molecules passing through the open detection volume and it can also measure the average number of fluorescent molecules passing through the detection volume. Because diffusion speed is correlated with shape and molecular mass of the fluorescent molecule, this property makes it possible to study the complex formation between a small fluorescently labelled and a large unlabelled molecule. In this preliminary study, we utilize this FCS property for detection of serum biomarker. Further studies on various pathological serum samples are warranted to explore further aspects of this technique.     

Comparative biology of pollination systems in the African-Malagasy genus Brownleea (Brownleeinae: Orchidaceae)

The role of pollinators in the evolution of the African-Malagasy orchid genus Brownleea (Brownleeinae) was investigated. Taxa show specialization for pollination by bees ( B. parviflora , B. recurvata ), short-proboscid flies ( B. galpinii ), and long-proboscid flies ( B. macroceras , B. coerulea ). All species in the genus produce nectar, but some ( B. coerulea , B. galpinii ) appear to mimic flowers of abundant sympatric species as an additional strategy to attract pollinators. Species investigated in terms of their breeding systems ( B. coerulea , B. parviflora , B. macroceras , B. galpinii ) are reliant on pollinator visits for seed production. Self-pollination results in strong inbreeding depression during embryo formation. A phylogeny of the genus, constructed using data from the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and morphology, indicates that fly pollination is likely to be basal in the genus, and that there has been a single shift to bee pollination.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 156 , 65–78.     

End-to-end linkage (EEL) clustering algorithm: a study on the distribution of Meissner corpuscles in the skin

A novel hierarchical clustering algorithm was applied to the distribution of Meissner corpuscles in the skin of mammals. This method, called end-to-end linkage (EEL), is useful for grouping data that consists of chain-like contingencies in the multivariable space. Unlike the traditional techniques which uncover hyperspherical clusters (e.g. single linkage), EEL considers the shortest distance between the predefined end pairs of the two clusters as an inter-group distance. This scheme allows characterizing the internal structure of data better than other hierarchical techniques. The anatomical data used in the case study is important for studying the sense of touch. The results show a substantial improvement over the traditional single-linkage method. On average, the number of correctly classified corpuscles is increased to twice the number identified by the single-linkage method. EEL can also be used for analyzing other sensory modalities where geometric relationships need to be explored. In addition, the report contains corpuscle density and epidermal-ridge width data obtained from several species.     

Detection of a new mutation (T1140C) in a patient with Hunter syndrome from Guangdong, China

This study identified mutations of the idurnate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene in a patient with Hunter syndrome, and established a basis for the diagnosis of the prenatal gene of Hunter syndrome. Urine glyeosaminoglycan (GAG) assay was used to make the preliminary diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type II. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from dried blood spots and DNA sequencing were applied to analyze hotspot mutations in exons 9,3 and 8 of the IDS gene in the proband and his parents. A new missense mutation (T1140C) in exon 8 of the IDS gene was found by using DNA sequencing. This mutation caused a substitution of codon 339 from CTA (leucine) to CCA (praline). The patient is a hemizygote, and his mother is a heterozygote. The new missense mutation results in a change in the primary and tertiary structure of the IDS protein. It is possible that this mutation severely impairs enzymatic activity and is the underlying basis for the pathology seen in this patient with Hunter syndrome. __________ Translated from Hereditas, 2006, 28(5): 521–524 [译自: 遗传]     

Detection of a new mutation (T1140C) in a patient with Hunter syndrome from Guangdong,China

This study identified mutations of the idumate-2-suffatase (IDS) gene in a patient with Hunter syndrome,and established a basis for the diagnosis of the prenatal gene of Hunter syndrome.Urine glyeosaminoglycan (GAG) assay was used to make the preliminary diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type H.Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from dried blood spots and DNA sequencing were applied to analyze hotspot mutations in exons 9,3 and 8 of the IDS gene in the proband and his parents.A new missense mutation (T1140C) in exon 8 of the IDS gene was found by using DNA sequencing.This mutation caused a substitution of codon 339 from CTA (leucine) to CCA (praline).The patient is a hemizygote,and his mother is a heterozygote.The new missense mutation results in a change in the primary and tertiary structure of the IDS protein.It is possible that this mutation severely impairs enzymatic activity and is the underlying basis for the pathology seen in this patient with Hunter syndrome.     

Phylogenetic relationships in the Niviventer-Chiromyscus complex (Rodentia,Muridae) inferred from molecular data,with description of a new species

Based on molecular data for mitochondrial (Cyt b, COI) and nuclear (IRBP, GHR) genes, and morphological examinations of museum specimens, we examined diversity, species boundaries, and relationships within and between the murine genera Chiromyscus and Niviventer. Phylogenetic patterns recovered demonstrate that Niviventer sensu lato is not monophyletic but instead includes Chiromyscus chiropus, the only previously recognized species of Chiropus. To maintain the genera Niviventer and Chiropus as monophyletic lineages, the scope and definition of the genus Chiromyscus is revised to include at least three distinct species: Chiromyscus chiropus (the type species of Chiromyscus), Chiromyscus langbianis (previously regarded as a species of Niviventer), and a new species, described in this paper under the name Chiromyscus thomasi sp. n.     

Comparative use of four different marker systems for the estimation of digestibility and low food intake in a group of captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)

In a feeding trial with four captive giraffes, nutrient digestibility was determined using four different marker systems. Although cobalt‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid proved to have no utility as a digestibility marker in this study, reasonable values could be obtained using C₃₆ n‐alkane, acid detergent lignin, and acid insoluble ash as markers. A comparison of methods and literature data suggests that the values derived from the C₃₆ n‐alkane assay are the most reliable absolute values. Apparent digestibility ranges thus determined were 63.5–74.3% for dry matter, 73.4–82.4% for crude protein, 49.9–62.2% for neutral detergent fiber, and 49.7–63.7% for acid detergent fiber. However, digestibility data gained by the ADL method provided the most stringent inter‐individual comparisons. It is concluded that both alkanes and lignin can be used for giraffe digestibility studies. These captive giraffes ingested a smaller quantity of food than has been reported for other giraffes from both the wild and other zoos. Energetic calculations showed that these animals might be on the brink of an energy deficit. A similar situation has been described at least once before in captive giraffes, and the results are of direct relevance to the peracute mortality syndrome, a condition of captive giraffes in which severe depletion of body fat stores occurs. Reasons for the seemingly low food intake could not be elucidated, but observations suggested that these giraffes were ready to ingest more if more palatable or suitable food was offered. Monitoring food intake in other giraffe groups and designing a diet that is both palatable and nutritious are important objectives of captive giraffe management. Zoo Biol 20:315–329, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

油茶新害虫南方锦天牛形态特征和生物学特性研究(英文)

南方锦天牛Acalolepta speciosa属鞘翅目天牛科沟胫天牛亚科锦天牛属昆虫,是近年在油茶Camellia oleifera上新出现的一种蛀干害虫.本文首次对该天牛的形态特征,包括雌雄生殖器结构进行了详细的描述,以期为该虫的鉴定提供可靠的依据,并首次报道了该虫生物学特性.     

The parasitoid guild of larvae of Chrysophtharta agricola Chapuis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Tasmania, with notes on biology and a description of a new genus and species of tachinid fly

Abstract  The taxonomic status of the parasitoid guild associated with the larvae of Southern Eucalypt Beetle ( Chrysophtharta agricola Chapuis) in Tasmania is discussed. The primary larval parasitoid complex comprised the tachinid flies Balde striatum gen. n., sp. n. and Paropsivora australis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tachinidae: Goniinae: Blondeliini), and Eadya paropsidis Huddleston & Short (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), while the hymenopteran hyperparasitoids included Perilampus tasmanicus (Cameron) (Perilampidae), Mesochorus sp. (Ichneumonidae) and possibly Meteorus sp. (Braconidae). Keys are provided to the three adult primary parasitoids and two adult hyperparasitoids, and to the pupae of primary parasitoids. Balde striatum gen. n., sp. n. is described, and P. australis is redescribed. Brief notes on biology are included.     

Association of three polymorphisms of scavenger receptor class BI gene (exon8, exon1, intron5) with coronary stenosis in a coronary Tunisian population

Background

The potential role of scavenger receptor class BI (gene name SCARB1) in the regulation of lipoproteins metabolism and atherosclerosis has attracted considerable interest. We tested the relationship of SCARB1 polymorphisms with significant coronary stenosis (SCS) and lipid profile in a coronary Tunisian population.

Methods

Three SCARB1 polymorphisms (exon8 (C/T), exon1 (G/A), intron5 (C/T)) were studied in 316 Tunisian patients undergoing coronary angiography. SCS was defined as a luminal narrowing of ≥ 50% in at least one major coronary artery. Lipid profile was measured. Genotyping was performed using PCR–RFLP.

Results

Individuals with TT genotypes of exon8 were associated with higher concentrations of plasma HDL-C and ApoAI in the group without SCS. Carriers of T allele of exon8 were associated with 41% lower risk of SCS. This protective effect seemed to be particularly significant in women, nondiabetics and nonsmokers. Subjects homozygous for the variant allele of intron5 were significantly associated with an increased risk of SCS, particularly in smokers. AA genotype of exon1 was associated with an increased risk of SCS in diabetics and in patients with metabolic syndrome. The (CAT) haplotype was associated with increase in the risk of SCS compared to the wild haplotype and had a 4-fold greater risk of SCS than patients with haplotype (TGC) which seems to be the most protective against SCS.

Conclusion

Carriers of T allele of exon8 in SCARB1 seemed to increase HDL-C and ApoAI concentrations and reduce the risk of SCS. The intron5, exon1 and (CAT) haplotype seemed to have an atherogenic effect.