Lack of association and linkage between β-thalassemia and some serum protein systems (Gm,Inv, Hp,Gc, and Ag)

Summary No evidence of association or linkage between -thalassemia and the Gm, Inv, Hp, Gc, and Ag serum protein systems was found in the study of 90 Italian thalassemic families.     

Metabolic rates of Calathus melanocephalus (L.) (coleoptera,carabidae) from alpine and lowland habitats (jeløy and finse,norway and drenthe,the netherlands)

• 1.1. Metabolic rates (ml O₂/mg/hr) of three geographically separated populations of the carabid beetle Calathus melanocephalus L. (Finse and Je 10y, Norway and Drenthe, The Netherlands) were measured and compared by ANCOVA.
• 2.2. No significant relationship (P > 0.05) between metabolic rates and body weight or sex of the animals were found.
• 3.3. Individuals mostly acclimated to low temperatures by increased metabolic rates and in the opposite direction to higher temperatures. Individuals collected in early summer also showed higher metabolic rates than those caught later in the autumn.
• 4.4. Contradicting the theory of metabolic cold adaptation, beetles from The Netherlands had the highest metabolic rates, beetles from Finse intermediate rates and beetles from Jeløy the lowest rates.
• 5.5. No significant relation were found between geographical origin of the beetles and their respective chill-coma temperature.

     

Distribution of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in Biological Samples (Scalp Hair, Serum, Blood, and Urine) of Pakistani Viral Hepatitis (A–E) Patients and Controls

The aim of the present study was to compare the level of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in biological samples (serum, blood, urine, and scalp hair) of patients suffering from different viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E; n?=?521) of both gender age ranged 31–45 years. For comparative study, 255 age-matched control subjects, of both genders residing in the same city were selected as referents. The elements in the biological samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and with those values obtained by conventional wet acid digestion method on same CRMs. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cu and Fe were higher in blood, sera, and scalp hair samples of hepatitis patients, while Zn level was found to be lower than age-matched control subjects. The urinary levels of these elements were found to be higher in the hepatitis patients than in the age-matched healthy controls (p?<?0.05). These results are consistent with literature-reported data, confirming that the deficiency of zinc and hepatic iron and copper overload can directly cause lipid peroxidation and eventually hepatic damage.     

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)—Biology,Ecology, and Management

Cogongrass is considered to be one of the ten most troublesome and problematic weedy species in the world. This species is found throughout tropical and subtropical regions, generally in areas disturbed by human activities. Over 100 common names have been associated with cogongrass, including japgrass, speargrass, alang-alang, and bladygrass. Although this species has several commercial uses, the problems associated with its weediness far outweigh most positive benefits. Cogongrass is a major impediment to reforestation efforts in southeast Asia, the number one weed in agronomic and vegetable production in many parts of Africa, and is responsible for thousands of hectares of lost native habitat in the southeastern U.S. Biologically, cogongrass possesses several features that foster its spread and persistence. Management efforts for cogongrass consist of an integrated approach with several control strategies. In agronomic production, the use of cover crops is widely successful, but incorporation into the overall production scheme is challenging. Success has been achieved with continuous deep tillage or chemical applications, but long-term eradication/suppression must employ sustainable revegetation strategies.     

Synthesis, structure, spectroscopic properties, and electrochemical behavior of mixed ligand bis(β-ketoesterato)zirconium (IV) and -hafnium (IV) phthalocyaninates

The synthesis of new zirconium and hafnium mixed ligand phthalocyanine complexes PcM(β-ketoester)₂, where M-Zr (IV), Hf (IV); Pc - the dianion of phthalocyanine, and β-ketoester - the out planed ligand, is reported. The obtained complexes are characterized by ¹H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. ¹H NMR and elemental analysis confirm the substitution of two Cl atoms for two β-ketoester fragments to the central atom of the macrocycle. The data of ¹H NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy have allowed us to conclude that two β-ketoester ligands are in the cis geometry to the phthalocyanine plane. X-ray crystallography for bis(isopropyl 3-oxobutanoato)hafnium(IV)phthalocyanine confirms this conclusion. The central macrocycle of the phthalocyanine ligand is not exactly planar (deviations from the least-square plane exceed 0.15 Å) and has the conformation of an essentially flattened crown. The Hf(1) atom is 1.349(3) above this least-square plane. Cyclic voltammetry investigation shows that the introduction of two β-ketoester ligands to the central atom of phthalocyanine complex leads to both chemical and electrochemical stabilization of the whole Pc system.     

Theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine in 42 samples and products of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana, Sapindaceae)

Guaranás, the carbonated beverages (sodas) of choice throughout much of Brazil, are mandated by Brazilian law to contain at least 300 mg guara’a (Paullinia cupana, Sapindaceae) seed per 100 ml soda. Were all the soda manufacturers adhering to the law, they would be consuming almost three times the annual production of seed. Guaraná seeds contain unusually high levels of caffeine, along with smaller amounts of the related purine alkaloids theobromine and theophylline. We investigated the purine alkaloid content of three ethnobotanical guaraná collections and 39 commercial products using HPLC/UV. Many of the products did contain caffeine as the major alkaloid, with traces of theobromine and theophylline. Numerous sodas and syrups contained up to ten times more theobromine than caffeine, and we suspect that these products were adulterated with cacao (Theobroma cacao, Sterculiaceae), the major source of theobromine.     

Synthesis and structures of three,four, and six-coordinate monomeric tin(II) and tin(IV) compounds containing η2-ketiminate ligands

A series of Sn(II) and Sn(IV) compounds containing ketiminate ligands were synthesized. Reactions of SnCl₂ with 1 or 2 equiv. Li[OCMeCHCMeNAr] (where Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) generate [OCMeCHCMeNAr]SnCl (1) and [OCMeCHCMeNAr]₂Sn (2) in moderate yield, respectively. Similarly, reacting SnCl₄ with 2 equiv. Li[OCMeCHCMeNAr] yields a six-coordinated [OCMeCHCMeNAr]₂SnCl₂ (3). Divalent tin compound 2 can be oxidized with I₂ in diethyl ether to generate tetravalent tin compound [OCMeCHCMeNAr]₂SnI₂ (4) in moderate yield. Compounds 1–4 have been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and have been analyzed by X-ray crystallography. Theoretical calculation found that the bonding of ketiminate ligands and tin atom in compound 2 has a strong ionic character.     

Sex,size, competition and escape—strategies of reproduction and dispersal in Lasallia pustulata (Umbilicariaceae,Ascomycetes)

The lichen Lasallia pustulata has a mixed strategy of asexual and sexual reproduction. Close-dispersed, asexual, symbiotic isidia are produced early, when the thalli are small. The asexual propagules are subsequently supplemented by far-dispersed, sexually generated ascospores when the thalli grow larger. This observation is consistent with evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) models of dispersal allocations in heterocarpic plants accordin to which the production of far-dispersed propagules should increase as clutch size and sibcompetition in the local habitat increases. The observation is also consistent with the tangled bank or elbow room hypothesis for the maintenance of sexuality, according to which sex, by generating genetic variation, represents an escape from competition in biologically saturated environments. Thus the advantage of sex is density dependent. L. pustulata grows in densely packed populations where intraspecific competition results in self-thining and the development of distinct sizehierarchies.     

Inbreeding,eugenics, and Helen Dean King (1869–1955)

Helen Dean King’s scientific work focused on inbreeding using experimental data collected from standardized laboratory rats to elucidate problems in human heredity. The meticulous care with which she carried on her inbreeding experiments assured that her results were dependable and her theoretical explanations credible. By using her nearly homozygous rats as desired commodities, she also was granted access to venues and people otherwise unavailable to her as a woman. King’s scientific career was made possible through her life experiences. She earned a doctorate from Bryn Mawr College under Thomas Hunt Morgan and spent a productive career at the Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology in Philadelphia where she had access to the experimental subjects which made her career possible. In this paper I examine King’s work on inbreeding, her participation in the debates over eugenics, her position at the Wistar Institute, her status as a woman working with mostly male scientists, and her involvement with popular science.     

Total synthesis of (±)-elegansidiol, (±)-farnesiferol B,and (±)-farnesiferol D

The racemic total synthesis of elegansidiol, farnesiferol B, and farnesiferol D has been obtained following a Diels–Alder approach. Gillman addition, cross metathesis reaction are the other key steps involved in the target synthesis.     

Merremiadissecta (Convolvulaceae): Condiment, medicine, ornamental, and weed—a review

Merremia dissecta was first discovered in the Caribbean, then Florida, Mexico, and later in the Old World, where it had been introduced. Historically and currently, the species has been used as a condiment, medicine, and ornamental by an array of cultures. Although the plant has escaped in several areas to become a weed, it continues being sold as an ornament in even those regions. In Argentina, roots ofM. dissecta var. edentata are still used as food by a few indigenous groups. History, uses, and chemistry are discussed regarding these utilizations.

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Merremia dissecta (Convolvulaceas): Un condimento, medicina, ornamental, y maleza— Una revista

Resumen  Merremia dissecta fue primeramente descubierta en el Caribe, luego en la Florida, México y más tarde fue introducida en el Viejo Mundo. Históricamente y aún actualmente se ha usado como condimento, medicina, y ornamentatión por varias culturas. A pesar de que en varias áreas se ha transformado en una mala hierba, se continua vendiendo como un ornamento aún en esas areas. En Argentina, as raices deM. dissecta var. edentata aún son usadas como alimento por unos cuantos grupos indígenas. La historia, los usos y la química de estas utilizaciónes son aquí discutidas.

     

Photosynthesis,Respiration and Exopolymer Calcium-Binding in Biofilm Calcification (Westerhöfer and Deinschwanger Creek,Germany)

The impact of microbial activity on biofilm calcification in aquatic environments is still a matter of debate, especially in settings where ambient water has high CaCO₃ mineral supersaturation. In this study, biofilms of two CO₂-degassing karst-water creeks in Germany, which attain high calcite supersaturation during their course downstream, were investigated with regard to water chemistry of the biofilm microenvironment. The biofilms mainly consisted of filamentous cyanobacteria (Phormidium morphotype) and heterotrophic bacteria (including sulfate-reducing bacteria), which affect the microenvironment and produce acidic exopolymers. In situ and ex situ microelectrode measurements showed that a strong pH increase, coupled with Ca^{2 +} consumption, occurred in light conditions at the biofilm surface, while the opposite occurred in the dark. Calcite supersaturation at the biofilm surface, calculated from ex situ Ca^{2 +} and CO₃ ^2? microelectrode measurements, showed that photosynthesis resulted in high omega values during illumination, while respiration slightly lowered supersaturation values in the dark, compared to values in the water column. Dissociation calculation demonstrated that the potential amount of Ca^{2 +} binding by exopolymers would be insufficient to explain the Ca^{2 +} loss observed, although Ca^{2 +} complexation to exopolymers might be crucial for calcite nucleation. No spontaneous precipitation occurred on biofilm-free limestone substrates under the same condition, regardless of high supersaturation. These facts indicate that photosynthesis is a crucial mechanism to overcome the kinetic barrier for CaCO₃ precipitation, even in highly supersaturated settings.     

Dioxo-, oxothio- and dithio-tungsten(VI) and tungsten(V) complexes of the ligand N,N′-Dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2-mercaptophenyl)ethylenediamine

Synthesis of complexes cis,cis-W^VOXL (X=Cl, NCS), cis,trans-W^VOXL (X=Cl, OPh, SPh) and cis,trans-W^VIE₂L (E₂=O₂, OS, S₂) of the title ligand LH₂ are reported. cis,cis-W^VOCIL crystallises in space group P2₁/c with a=13.6541(9) Å, b=7.1555(11) Å, c=18.198(2) Å, β=95.294(6)°, V=1770.4(3) ų and Z=4 while the cis,trans isomer crystallises in space group P2₁/n with a=10.361(3) Å, b=14.141(4) Å, c=12.213(5) Å, β=102.56(3)°, V=1747(2) ų and Z=4. cis,trans-W^VIS₂L crystallises in space group P2₁/n with a=10.645(2) Å, b=13.929(2) Å, c=12.189(2) Å, β=103.14(2)°, V=1760(1) ų and Z=4. A short CH₃···Cl distance of 3.067(7) Å and an acute OWCl angle of 94.1(2)° are seen in cis,cis-W^VOClL, which converts to the cis,trans form on heating in MeCN. The latter isomer features a CH₃···Cl distance of 3.38(2) Å and an OWCl angle of 105.1(8)°. Electrochemical and EPR data are reported. In particular, cis,trans-W^VIE₂L may be reduced to [W^VE₂L]^–. EPR properties of these anions and those of complexes W^VOXL are discussed in the context of W^V centres in tungsten enzymes.     

Aluminum, copper, iron and zinc differentially alter amyloid-Aβ(1-42) aggregation and toxicity

Amyloid-β(1-42) (Aβ) is believed to play a crucial role in the ethiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In particular, its interactions with biologically relevant metal ions may lead to the formation of highly neurotoxic complexes. Here we describe the species that are formed upon reacting Aβ with several biometals, namely copper, zinc, iron, and with non-physiological aluminum to assess whether different metal ions are able to differently drive Aβ aggregation. The nature of the resulting Aβ-metal complexes and of the respective aggregates was ascertained through a number of biophysical techniques, including electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy and by the use of conformation-sensitive antibodies (OC, αAPF). Metal binding to Aβ is shown to confer highly different chemical properties to the resulting complexes; accordingly, their overall aggregation behaviour was deeply modified. Both aluminum(III) and iron(III) ions were found to induce peculiar aggregation properties, ultimately leading to the formation of annular protofibrils and of fibrillar oligomers. Notably, only Aβ-aluminum was characterized by the presence of a relevant percentage of aggregates with a mean radius slightly smaller than 30 nm. In contrast, both zinc(II) and copper(II) ions completely prevented the formation of soluble fibrillary aggregates. The biological effects of the various Aβ-metal complexes were studied in neuroblastoma cell cultures: Aβ-aluminum turned out to be the only species capable of triggering amyloid precursor and tau181 protein overproduction. Our results point out that Al can effectively interact with Aβ, forming "structured" aggregates with peculiar biophysical properties which are associated with a high neurotoxicity.     

Diversity,systematics, and evolution of Cynodonteae inflorescences (Chloridoideae – Poaceae)

The species of the Cynodonteae tribe show great morphological diversity in their reproductive structures. Previous studies where inflorescences were comparatively analysed in the context of phylogeny have shown that although grass inflorescences seem to be excessively variable, there are certain aspects of inflorescences that store relevant information on the evolution and systematics in Poaceae. We have analysed and compared the inflorescence structures of species belonging to the Hilariinae, Monanthochloinae, Scleropogoninae, and Muhlenbergiinae subtribes. Considering the most relevant morphological characters, the most recurrent types of inflorescences in the lineage were determined by means of a principal coordinates analysis. To understand the evolution of inflorescence morphology, ancestral reconstructions of inflorescence characters were performed using the Bayesian inference method. The results obtained demonstrate that the processes of homogenization and truncation might account for the diversity observed in adult inflorescences. Five different types of inflorescences were identified out of 36 theoretical possibilities. Amongst these, inflorescence type 1 (panicle of spikelets, with a terminal spikelet, non-homogenized, and bearing third- or higher-order branches) was found to be the most frequent in the studied group. Ancestral reconstructions of morphological characters allowed us to suggest that the ancestor of the group might have had an inflorescence with the form of a raceme of spikelets, non-truncated and bearing first-order branches. More complex inflorescences bearing no terminal spikelets and having branches of higher order might have diverged this lineage.     

Are Cristaria herculea (Middendorff, 1847) and Cristaria plicata (Leach, 1815) (Bivalvia,Unionidae) separate species?

The number of species in the freshwater mussel genus Cristaria Schumacher, 1817 recognized from Far East Russia has varied over the last several decades. While some authors consider the occurrence of only one species, Cristaria plicata (Leach, 1815), widespread in East Asia, others, recognize two separate species Cristaria herculea (Middendorff, 1847) and Cristaria tuberculata Schumacher, 1817 from Far East Russia, distinct from C. plicata. For the present study, freshwater mussels, identified as C. herculea, were collected in the Upper Amur basin (Transbaikalia, Russia). The shell morphology and the whole soft body anatomy were analysed in detail and compared with previously published information on other Cristaria spp.. Additionally, a cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene fragment was sequenced from foot tissue samples of selected animals, collected from the same region, and compared with published data. Based upon morphological similarities of glochidia and adult morphology and anatomy as well as the mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis, we consider C. herculea as a synonym of C. plicata. Further analysis of Far East Russia C. herculea and C. tuberculata specimens using both molecular and morphological characters should be carried in the future to enhance our knowledge about the taxonomy within the Cristaria genus. Moreover, a comprehensive revision of the genus Cristaria is needed, restricting the type locality and comparing topotypic specimens for both C. plicata and C. tuberculata, and including all recognized Cristaria species.     

Microfilariae in Galápagos penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus) and flightless cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi): genetics, morphology, and prevalence

Galapagos penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus) and flightless cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi) live in small, isolated populations on the westernmost islands of Isabela and Fernandina in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Between August 2003 and February 2005, 4 field trips, 2 in the cool, dry season (August 2003 and August 2004) and 2 in the hot, rainy season (March 2004 and February 2005), were undertaken; 298 Galápagos penguins and 380 cormorants were sampled for prevalence and intensity of hemoparasites. Microfilariae were found in both the penguins and the cormorants. Blood smears were negative for the presence of other species of hemoparasites. Overall prevalence of microfilariae across seasons was 42.0% in cormorants and 13.8% in the penguins. Intensity of infection was generally low (mean = 3.2-31.7 in 25 fields across seasons and species) with the exception of a few individuals with markedly high intensities of parasites (>300 in 25 fields in 1 cormorant). Prevalence of microfilariae increased significantly over the 4 sampling periods for cormorants, but not for penguins. Prevalences were significantly higher in cormorants than in penguins for 3 of the 4 collecting trips. Male penguins had higher prevalences than females; however, there were no gender differences in cormorants. No relation was detected between body mass and either presence or intensity of parasitism. Morphological characteristics of the microfilariae are also described and specimens from each host species were similar in all characters measured. DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene were consistent with the morphological evidence and together demonstrate that the penguins and cormorants are likely to be infected with the same species of microfilariae.     

Characterization of Parthenogenetic Artemia Populations from Çamaltı (Izmir, Turkey) and Kalloni (Lesbos, Greece): Survival, Growth, Maturation, Biometrics, Fatty Acid Profiles and Hatching Characteristics

Two parthenogenetic populations from Çamalt(Izmir, Turkey) and Kalloni (Lesbos, Greece) were evaluated for their tolerance and fitness at different salinities and temperatures under laboratory conditions aiming to compare salinity and temperature effects upon special characteristics of the two Artemia strains, such as survival, growth rate, age of maturity and morphometry. Furthermore, biometry, hatching characteristics and fatty acid profile of Çamalt cysts were evaluated for potential use in aquaculture. This evaluation revealed that both populations showed significant differences in their response to different temperatures and salinity. Although significant differences occurred between Kalloni and Çamalt in survival at 25 and 30°C, neither of the strains exhibited good performance at high temperature. The optimum salinity for the Çamalt population was 80 g l^–1, while the Kalloni population appeared to perform well at 120 g l^–1. The fatty acid composition of Çamalt cysts was found to be of good quality for use in aquaculture, especially in feeding larvae of marine species.