Nutritional interdependence betweenThermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus andClostridium thermocellum

Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus strain YM3 and Clostridium thermocellum strain YM4, obtained originally as a stable coculture, required yeast extract to grow separately. Cell-free broths of T. thermohydrosulfuricus strain YM3 and C. thermocellum strain YM4 monocultures replaced yeast extract in supporting the growth of strains YM4 and YM3, respectively. T. thermohydrosulfuricus strain YM3 produced vitamin B₆, B₁₂ analog(s), p-aminobenzoic acid and folic acid, which were required by C. thermocellum strain YM4. Likewise, strain YM4 produced niacin-active compound(s), thiamine, and methionine required by strain YM3. Received: 17 March 1995 / Accepted: 27 March 1995     

Carotenogenesis of five strains of the algae Dunaliella sp. (Chlorophyceae) isolated from Venezuelan hypersaline lagoons

We evaluated discontinuous cultures (Algal medium at 0.5 mM of NaNO3, and 27% NaCI) of five strains of Dunaliella sp. isolated from Venezuelan hypersaline lagoons (Araya, Coche, Peonia, Cumaraguas. and Boca Chica) and one strain from a reference collection (Dunaliella salina, LB1644). Cultures were maintained to 25+/-1 degrees C, with constant aeration, photoperiod 12:12, and two light intensities (195 and 390 microE.m(-2).s(-1)) during 30 days. Cell count was recorded on a daily basis using a Neubaüer camera. Totals of chlorophyll a and carotenoids were measured at the end of the experiment. The largest cellular densities were measured during the smallest light intensities. The strain with the largest cellular density was isolated from Boca Chica (8 xl0(6) and 2.5 xl0(6) cel.ml(-1) a 390 and 195microE.m(-2).s(-1), respectively). The increment of light intensity produced a significant reduction of growth rates in all strains. Totals of carotenoids by volume were as large as 390 microE.m(-2).s(-1). Strains LB 1644, from Coche and Araya were those that produced the largest amount of carotenoids (38.4; 32.8 and 21.0 microg.ml(-1), respectively). Differences total carotenoids by cell between treatments were significant. The largest concentration was 390 microE.m(-2).s(-1). The strains LB 1644 and Coche produced the highest values of carotenes (137.14 and 106.06 pg.cel(-1), respectively). Differences in the relation carotenoid:chlorophyll a between the strains at various light intensities was significant. Strains LB1644 presented the largest value of the relation carotenoids:chlorophyll a (20:1) at 195 microE.m(-2).s(-1). No significant differences were detected in the strain Coche (15:1). All the other strains showed relations lower than one. Our results suggest that the strains of Coche and Araya show potential to be used in the biotechnology of carotenoids production.     

Identification and characterization of a mycobacterial (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase

Bacterial strain B-009, capable of using racemic 1,2-propanediol (PD), was identified as a rapid-growing member of the genus Mycobacterium. The strain is phylogenetically related to M. gilvum, but has slightly different physiological characteristics. An NAD(+)-dependent enantioselective alcohol dehydrogenase, which acts on R-PD, was purified from the strain. The enzyme was a homodimer of a peptide coded by a 1047-bp gene (mbd1). A highly conserved sequence for medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductases with a preference for secondary alcohols was found in the gene. Hydroxyacetone was produced from R-PD by an enzymatic reaction, indicating that position 2 of the substrate was oxidized. The enzyme activity was highest for (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol (R,R-BD), enabling the enzyme to be identified as (2R,3R)-2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase (R,R-BD-DH). A homology search revealed M. gilvum, M. vanbaalenii, and M. semegmatis to have ORFs similar to mbd1, suggesting the widespread distribution of genes encoding R,R-BD-DH among mycobacterial strains.     

Synthesis, spectral analysis and in vitro microbiological evaluation of novel ethyl 4-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxo-6-arylcyclohex-3-enecarboxylates and 4,5-dihydro-6-(napthalen-2-yl)-4-aryl-2H-indazol-3-ols

A series of ethyl 4-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-oxo-6-arylcyclohex-3-enecarboxylates 8-14 and 4,5-dihydro-6-(naphthalen-2-yl)-4-aryl-2H-indazol-3-ols 15-21 were synthesised and characterised by their spectroscopic data. In vitro microbiological evaluations were carried out for all the newly synthesised compounds 8-21 against clinically isolated bacterial and fungal strains. Compounds 9, 12 and 20 against Staphylococcus aureus, 10, 12, 20 against β-haemolytic streptococcus, 11, 17 against Bacillus subtilis, 12, 16 and 20 against Vibreo cholerae, 13, 16 against Escherichia coli, 13, 16, 18, 19 against Salmonella typhii, 12, 18 against Shigella flexneri, 10 against Salmonella typhii, 10, 13, 17, 18 against Aspergillus flavus, 12, 17, 21 against Aspergillus niger, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20 against Mucor, Rhizopus and Microsporeum gypsuem exhibit potent antimicrobial activity.     

ERK1/2 and Akt pathway activated during (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1)-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells

(3R,6R)-bassiatin(1) was isolated from the endogenous fungus, Fusarium oxysporum J8-1-2. Previous studies showed that (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1) has anti-oestrogen properties which make it cytotoxic to ER (oestrogen receptor)-positive breast cancer cells (MCF-7) by cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1) suppresses mRNA and protein expression of the ERα and oestrogen responsive genes of cyclin D1 and PR. We have investigated the interaction between (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1) and ERα and followed the roles of ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), Akt and GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β) during (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1)-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1) competed with E2 (17β-estradiol) for ERα active sites to inhibit ERα activation. However, while ERK1/2 and Akt were activated, GSK3β was inactivated during (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1)-induced apoptosis, suggesting that this compound is indeed an anti-oestrogen agent that can also activate the survival signalling pathway. Apoptosis caused by (3R,6R)-bassiatin(1) may be related to activation of ERK.     

Sex pheromone and related compounds in the Ishigaki and Okinawa strains of the tussock moth Orgyia postica (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Two distinct electroantennographycally active (EAG-active) components, A and B, and a weakly active component C were found in a solvent extract from virgin females of the Ishigaki strain of the tussock moth, Orgyia postica (Walker). Components A, B, and C were found in the extract of the females at 4.0, 0.5, and 4.0 ng/female respectively. Components A, B, and C were identified as (6Z,9Z,11S,12S)-11,12-epoxyhenicosa-6,9-diene [(11S,12S)-1: posticlure], (6Z)-henicos-6-en-11-one (2), and (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-diene (3), respectively. Component B was absent in the extract from the Okinawa strain, in which components A and C were present at 2.0 and 1.5 ng/female respectively. (11S,12S)-1 and the racemic mixture showed attractiveness for both the Okinawa and Ishigaki strains, whereas (11R,12R)-1 did not. The addition of 2 significantly reduced the trap catches with (11S,12S)-1 on the Okinawa strain which lacked 2, while there was no significant inhibitory effect on the Ishigaki strain. The addition of 3 to (11S,12S)-1 did not significantly affect trap catches at Ishigaki or Okinawa. This confirmed that the attractant pheromone of O. postica of the Ishigaki strain is also (11S,12S)-1.     

Carotenoid composition in petals of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura)

Sixteen xanthophylls were isolated from the petals of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura). Among them, (3S,5S,6R,3'R,6'R)-5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxylutein (1) and five di-Z geometrical isomers of lutein-5,6-epoxide, i.e., 9Z,13'Z (2), 13Z,9'Z (3), 9'Z,13'Z (4), 9Z,13Z (5), and 9Z,9'Z (7), had never before been identified as natural products. All of the carotenoids isolated from chrysanthemum, except for (9Z)-violaxanthin, are beta,epsilon-carotene (alpha-carotene) derivatives. The analyses indicate that carotenoids from the petals of chrysanthemum have a very characteristic composition.     

Intercalation of the (-)-(1R,2S,3R, 4S)-N6-[1-benz[a]anthracenyl]-2'-deoxyadenosyl adduct in an oligodeoxynucleotide containing the human N-ras codon 61 sequence

The solution structure of the (-)-(1R,2S,3R,4S)-N6-[1-(1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroxy-benz[a]anthracenyl)]-2'-deoxyadenosyl adduct at X6 of 5'-d(CGGACXAGAAG)-3'.5'-d(CTTCTTGTCCG)-3', incorporating codons 60, 61(italic), and 62 of the human N-ras protooncogene, was determined. This adduct results from the trans opening of 1S,2R,3R,4S-1, 2-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-benz[a]anthracenyl-3,4-diol by the exocyclic N6 of adenine. Molecular dynamics simulations were restrained by 509 NOEs from 1H NMR. The precision of the refined structures was monitored by pairwise root-mean-square deviations which were <1.2 A; accuracy was measured by complete relaxation matrix calculations, which yielded a sixth root R factor of 9.1 x 10(-)2 at 250 ms. The refined structure was a right-handed duplex, in which the benz[a]anthracene moiety intercalated from the major groove between C5.G18 and R,S,R,SA6.T17. In this orientation, the saturated ring of BA was oriented in the major groove of the duplex, with the aromatic rings inserted into the duplex such that the terminal ring of BA threaded the duplex and faced toward the minor groove direction. The duplex suffered localized distortion at and immediately adjacent to the adduct site, evidenced by the increased rise of 8.8 A as compared to the value of 3.5 A normally observed for B-DNA between base pairs C5.G18 and R,S,R,SA6.T17. These two base pairs also buckled in opposite directions away from the intercalated BA moiety. The refined structure was similar to the (-)-(7S,8R,9S,10R)-N6-[10-(7,8,9, 10)-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrenyl)]-2'-deoxyadenosyl adduct of corresponding stereochemistry at X6 of the same oligodeoxynucleotide [Zegar, I. S., Kim, S. J., Johansen, T. N., Horton, P. J., Harris, C. M., Harris, T. M., and Stone, M. P. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 6212-6224]. Both adducts intercalated toward the 5'-direction from the site of adduction. The similarities in solution structures were reflected in similar biological responses, when repair-deficient AB2480 Escherichia coli were transformed with M13mp7L2 DNA site-specifically modified with these two adducts.     

Synthesis and polymerization of benzyl (3R,4R)-3-methylmalolactonate via enzymatic preparation of the chiral precursor

β-methylaspartate ammonia-lyase, EC 4.3.1.2, (β-methylaspartase) from Clostridium tetanomorphum was used to produce a 40/60 molar ratio of (2S,3R) and (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acids, 2a and 2b , respectively, from mesaconic acid 1 as substrate, on a large scale. To prepare (3R,4R)-3-methyl-4-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-2-oxetanone (benzyl 3-methylmalolactonate) 6, 2a and 2b were transformed, in the first step, into 2-bromo-3-methylsuccinic acids 3a and 3b and separated. After three further steps, (2S,3S)- 3a yielded the α,β-substituted β-lactone (3R,4R) 6 with a very high diastereoisomeric excess (>95% by chiral gas chromatography). The corresponding crystalline polymer, poly[benzyl β-(2R,3S)-3-methylmalate] 8 , prepared by an anionic ring opening polymerization, was highly isotactic as determined by ¹³C NMR. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of lactone 6 yielded (3R,4R)-3-methyl-4-carboxy-2-oxetanone (3-methylmalolactonic acid) 7 , to which reactive, chiral, or bioactive molecules can be attached through ester bonds leading to polymers with possible therapeutic applications. Because of the ability of β-methylaspartase to catalyse both syn- and anti-elimination of ammonia from (2S,3RS)-3-methylaspartic acid 2ab at different rates, the (2S,3R)-stereoisomer 2a was retained and isolated for further reactions. These results permit the use of the chemoenzymatic route for the preparation of both optically active and racemic polymers of 3-methylmalic acid with well-defined enantiomeric and diastereoisomeric compositions. Chirality 10:727–733, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Concise syntheses of arabinogalactans with beta-(1-->6)-linked galactopyranose backbones and alpha-(1-->3)- and alpha-(1-->2)-linked arabinofuranose side chains

4-methoxyphenyl glycosides of 2,3'-bis-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl branched beta-D-(1-->6)-linked galactopyranosyl tetraose (16), 3',2'-bis-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl branched beta-D-(1-->6)-linked galactopyranosyl hexaose (27), and a twentyose (42) consisting of beta-(1-->6)-linked D-galactopyranosyl pentadecaoligosaccharide backbone with alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl side chains alternately attached at C-2 and C-3 of the middle galactose residue of each consecutive beta-(1-->6)-linked galactotriose unit of the backbone, were synthesized with isopropyl 3-O-allyl-2,4-di-O-benzoyl-1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside (6), 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (7), 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate (12), 6-O-acetyl-2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (17), 4-methoxyphenyl 2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (19), and 2,6-di-O-acetyl-3,4-di-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (28) as the key synthons. Condensation of 6 with 7 gave the disaccharide donor 8, and subsequent condensation of 8 with 4-methoxyphenyl 2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-2-O-acetyl-3,4-di-O-benzoyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (9) followed by selective deacetylation afforded the tetrasaccharide acceptor 11. Coupling of 11 with 12 gave the pentasaccharide 13, its deallylation followed by coupling with 12, and debenzoylation gave the hexasaccharide 16 with beta-(1-->6)-linked galactopyranose backbone and 2- and 3'-linked alpha-L-arabinofuranose side chains. The octasaccharide 27 was similarly synthesized, while the twentyoside 42 was synthesized with tetrasaccharides 33 or 24 as the donors and 23, 36, 38, and 40 as the acceptors by consecutive couplings followed by deacylation.     

Janibacter corallicola sp. nov., isolated from coral in Palau

A novel Janibacter species is described on the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data. Two bacterial strains were isolated in Palau, which were both Gram-positive, catalase-positive bacteria with meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H(4)). Mycolic acids were not detected. The G+C content of the DNA was 70-71 mol%. Comparative 16S rDNA studies of the two isolated strains revealed that they both belonged to the genus Janibacter. DNA-DNA relatedness data revealed that 04PA2-Co5-61(T) and 02PA-Ca-009 belong to the same species, a new species of the genus Janibacter. From these results, Janibacter corallicola sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 04PA2-Co5-61(T) (=MBIC 08265(T), DSM 18906(T)).     

Turnover of R1 (Type I) and R2 (Type Ii) Retrotransposable Elements in the Ribosomal DNA of Drosophila Melanogaster

R1 and R2 are distantly related non-long terminal repeat retrotransposable elements each of which inserts into a specific site in the 28S rRNA genes of most insects. We have analyzed aspects of R1 and R2 abundance and sequence variation in 27 geographical isolates of Drosophila melanogaster. The fraction of 28S rRNA genes containing these elements varied greatly between strains, 17-67% for R1 elements and 2-28% for R2 elements. The total percentage of the rDNA repeats inserted ranged from 32 to 77%. The fraction of the rDNA repeats that contained both of these elements suggested that R1 and R2 exhibit neither an inhibition of nor preference for insertion into a 28S gene already containing the other type of element. Based on the conservation of restriction sites in the elements of all strains, and sequence analysis of individual elements from three strains, nucleotide divergence is very low for R1 and R2 elements within or between strains (less than 0.6%). This sequence uniformity is the expected result of the forces of concerted evolution (unequal crossovers and gene conversion) which act on the rRNA genes themselves. Evidence for the role of retrotransposition in the turnover of R1 and R2 was obtained by using naturally occurring 5' length polymorphisms of the elements as markers for independent transposition events. The pattern of these different length 5' truncations of R1 and R2 was found to be diverse and unique to most strains analyzed. Because recombination can only, with time, amplify or eliminate those length variants already present, the diversity found in each strain suggests that retrotransposition has played a critical role in maintaining these elements in the rDNA repeats of D. melanogaster.     

VARIATION OF SIPHONAXANTHIN SERIES AMONG THE GENUS NEPHROSELMIS (PRASINOPHYCEAE,CHLOROPHYTA), INCLUDING A NOVEL PRIMARY METHOXY CAROTENOID1

Carotenoid compositions were analyzed for ten strains of Nephroselmis (Prasinophyceae) containing four described and three undescribed species. Based on the distribution pattern of the siphonaxanthin series, five carotenoid types were recognized in the examined strains/species: type I (N. astigmatica Inouye et Pienaar, N. pyriformis (N. Carter) Ettl, and Nephroselmis sp1. MBIC 11158) had siphonaxanthin C12:1 and C14:1 esters as well as 6′‐OH siphonaxanthin C12:1 and C14:1 esters, type II (Nephroselmis sp2. MBIC 11149) had siphonaxanthin C8:1 ester, type III (Nephroselmis sp3. NIES 486, NIES‐PS 535, and MBIC 10871) had 19‐methoxy siphonaxanthin and siphonaxanthin C12:1 and C14:1 esters, type IV (N. spinosa Suda) had only a small amount of siphonaxanthin C12:1 ester, and type V (N. olivacea Stein) had lutein as a major carotenoid but completely lacked the siphonaxanthin series. 19‐Methoxy siphonaxanthin was a novel and very unique carotenoid, that is, it contains a methoxy group and was found for the first time in photosynthetic eukaryotes. Additionally, carotenoids containing a primary methoxy group had previously never been found in any group of organisms. Siphonaxanthin C8:1 ester, which was only known as a trace carotenoid in Chlamydomonas parkeae Ettl, was first discovered as a major carotenoid in Nephroselmis sp2. (MBIC 11149). Based on these results and comparison of the phylogenetic relationships of the Nephroselmis species used, we discuss the taxonomic significance of the carotenoid types and evolutionary process of the photosynthetic antenna systems in green plants.     

Molecular and antigenic characterization of porcine rotavirus YM, a possible new rotavirus serotype.

In 1983, we isolated a porcine rotavirus (strain YM) that was prevalent in several regions of Mexico, as judged by the frequency of its characteristic electropherotype. By a focus reduction neutralization test, rotavirus YM was clearly distinguished from prototype rotavirus strains belonging to serotypes 1 (Wa), 2 (S2), 3 (SA11), 4 (ST3), 5 (OSU), and 6 (NCDV). Minor, one-way cross-neutralization (1 to 5%) was observed when antisera to the various rotavirus strains were incubated with rotavirus YM. In addition, the YM virus was not neutralized by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies with specificity to serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 5. The subgroup of the virus was determined to be I by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To characterize the serotype-specific glycoprotein of the virus at the molecular level, we cloned and sequenced the gene coding for VP7. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with reported homologous sequences from human and animal rotavirus strains belonging to six different serotypes further supported the distinct immunological identity of the YM VP7 protein.     

Identification of (22R)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,22- and (23R)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,23-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acids in urine from a patient with Zellweger's syndrome

The nature of two novel C27 bile acids present as the taurine conjugates in urine from a patient with Zellweger's syndrome was studied. Bile acids conjugated with taurine were isolated from unconjugated and glycine-conjugated bile acids by means of ion-exchange chromatography. After alkaline hydrolysis of the taurine conjugates, the hydrolysate was acidified and extracted with ether; the extract was again subjected to ion-exchange chromatography to separate neutral from acidic compounds. The neutral fraction, which consisted mainly of two steroidal lactones, was treated with lithium aluminum hydride, and the reduction products were identified as (22R)-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,22,26-pentol and (23R)-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,23,26-pentol by direct comparison of their gas-liquid chromatographic behaviors and mass spectral data with those of chemically synthesized authentic samples. Thus, the chemical structure of two native bile acids present in urine from a patient with Zellweger's syndrome should be formulated as (22R)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,22-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acid and (23R)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,12 alpha,23-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acid, respectively.     

Side-chain effect of second monomer units on crystalline morphology, thermal properties, and enzymatic degradability for random copolyesters of (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid with (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids

Three types of random copolymers with 94 mol % (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (3HB) and 6 mol % (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids with different side-chain lengths, (R)-3-hydroxypentanoic acid (3HV), (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid (3HHx), and medium-chain-length (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids (mcl-3HA, C8-C12), were prepared by biological synthetic techniques. The solid-state structure and thermal properties of melt-crystallized films for copolymers were characterized by means of wide-angle X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and optical microscopy. The randomly distributed second monomer units, except for 3HV in copolyesters, act as defects of the P(3HB) crystal and are excluded from the P(3HB) crystalline lamellae. The lamellar thickness of copolymers decreased with an increase in the side-chain length of second monomer units. In addition, the growth rate of spherulites decreased with an increase in the carbon numbers of second monomer units at an identical crystallization temperature. These results indicate that a steric bulkiness of the second monomer unit affects the crystallization of (R)-3HB segments in random copolyesters. An enzymatic degradation test of melt-crystallized copolymer films was carried out in the presence of PHB depolymerase from Alcaligenes faecalis T1. Erosion rate of copolyesters was dependent on both the crystallinity and the lamellar thickness of samples. As the result, the rate of enzymatic degradation for copolymer films increased with an increase in the carbon numbers of second monomer units.     

Studies of the synthesis of biomarkers. VII. Synthesis of 5 alpha-(17R,20R)-14,15-secocholestane

5 alpha-(17R,20R)-14,15-Secocholestane (12) was synthesized from cholesterol (1) in 12 steps. The key intermediate, 5 alpha-cholest-14-en-3 beta-yl acetate (4), underwent ozonization, reduction, hydrolysis, and oxidation to provide 5 alpha-14,15-secocholesta-3,14,15-trione (8). One of the Clemmensen reduction products of 8 is 5 alpha(17R,20R)-14,15-secocholest-15-ol (11); treatment of the alcohol (11) with tosyl chloride and subsequent reduction with lithium aluminum hydride yielded the target molecule (12).     

Comparison of in vitro susceptibilities of Rickettsia prowazekii, R. rickettsii, R. sibirica and R. tsutsugamushi to antimicrobial agents

The in vitro activities of 16 antimicrobial agents against Rickettsia prowazekii (Breinl strain), R. rickettsii (Bitterroot strain), R. sibirica (ATCC No. VR151) and R. tsutsugamushi (Gilliam, Karp, Kato, Shimokoshi, Kawasaki and Kuroki strains) were determined by the cell culture method. Tetracycline, demethylchlortetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, chloramphenicol, kitasamycin and rifampicin were generally effective (MIC, 0.005-0.78 micrograms/ml) to all strains tested. Quinolones such as norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were moderately active, but they were less active against R. tsutsugamushi than other rickettsial species. Penicillins and cephems showed low activity against most of the strains tested, but high concentrations of benzylpenicillin (MIC, 25-50 micrograms/ml) inhibited R. prowazekii, R. rickettsii and R. sibirica. These findings may be applicable for differentiation of species of genus Rickettsia.     

缺失Df(3R)Espl3/TM6C基因片段影响黑腹果蝇的睡眠时间

【目的】果蝇的睡眠活动具有生物节律性, 可受到基因的调控。为了寻找影响果蝇睡眠时间的基因, 本研究对与果蝇睡眠时间相关的基因型进行了筛选。【方法】选择黑腹果蝇Drosophila melanogaster基因缺失系5601, 8904, 7061, 7146, 27327, 669, 8103, 691, 9697, 24416, 26525, 5411, 3096, 5877和7682的7日龄成虫和野生CS品系7日龄成虫为研究对象, 利用果蝇活动监测器系统（Drosophila Activity Monitoring System, DAMS）, 记录果蝇的睡眠时间, 累计计算24 h内果蝇睡眠时间, 将测得的各品系果蝇睡眠时间进行对比分析。【结果】与野生型CS品系7日龄成虫相比, 缺失Df(3R)Espl3/TM6C基因片段的 5601品系7日龄成虫睡眠时间明显缩短（P<0.001）。【结论】缺失Df(3R)Espl3/TM6C基因片段与果蝇睡眠有关。本研究结果为揭示影响果蝇睡眠时间的基因提供数据支持, 进而为研究人类睡眠提供线索。     

C(15) Acetogenins from the red alga Laurencia obtusa.

Four C(15) acetogenins, 13-epilaurencienyne (3Z) (1), 13-epipinnatifidenyne (3E) (2), (3E, 6S(*), 7R(*), 9S(*), 10S(*), 12R(*))-9-chloro-13-bromo-6:12-epoxy-7, 10-diacetoxypentadec-3-en-1-yne (3), (3Z, 6S(*), 7R(*), 9S(*), 10S(*), 12R(*))-9-chloro-13-bromo-6:12-epoxy-7, 10-diacetoxypentadec-3-en-1-yne (4), along with the known 13-epilaurencienyne (3E) (5), have been isolated from the organic extract of the red alga Laurencia obtusa, collected in the Aegean Sea, Greece. The structures of the new natural products, as well as their relative stereochemistry, were established by means of spectral data analysis, including 2D NMR spectroscopic experiments. Some of the new metabolites exhibited significant insecticidal activity.