Multimeric bivalent immunogens from recombinant tetanus toxin H<Subscript>C</Subscript> fragment,synthetic hexasaccharides,and a glycopeptide adjuvant

Using recombinant tetanus toxin H_C fragment (rTT-H_C) as carrier, we prepared multimeric bivalent immunogens featuring the synthetic hexasaccharide fragment of O-PS of Vibrio cholerae O:1, serotype Ogawa, in combination with either the synthetic hexasaccharide fragment of O-PS of Vibrio cholerae O:1, serotype Inaba, or a synthetic disaccharide tetrapeptide peptidoglycan fragment as adjuvant. The conjugation reaction was effected by squaric acid chemistry and monitored in virtually real time by SELDI-TOF MS. In this way, we could prepare well-defined immunogens with predictable carbohydrate–carrier ratio, whose molecular mass and the amount of each saccharide attached could be independently determined. The ability to prepare such neoglycoconjugates opens unprecedented possibilities for preparation of conjugate vaccines for bacterial diseases from synthetic carbohydrates.     

Superoxide dismutase is upregulated in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> following protoporphyrin-mediated photodynamic inactivation and does not directly influence the response to photodynamic treatment

Background  

Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen causes a wide range of disease syndromes. The most dangerous are methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, resistant not only to all β-lactam antibiotics but also to other antimicrobials. An alarming increase in antibiotic resistance spreading among pathogenic bacteria inclines to search for alternative therapeutic options, for which resistance can not be developed easily. Among others, photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of S. aureus is a promising option. Photodynamic inactivation is based on a concept that a non toxic chemical, called a photosensitizer upon excitation with light of an appropriate wavelength is activated. As a consequence singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species (e.g. superoxide anion) are produced, which are responsible for the cytotoxic effect towards bacterial cells. As strain-dependence in photodynamic inactivation of S. aureus was observed, determination of the molecular marker(s) underlying the mechanism of the bacterial response to PDI treatment would be of great clinical importance. We examined the role of superoxide dismutases (Sod) in photodynamic inactivation of S. aureus as enzymes responsible for oxidative stress resistance.     

SuperSAGE analysis of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nicotiana attenuata</Emphasis> transcriptome after fatty acid-amino acid elicitation (FAC): identification of early mediators of insect responses

Background  

Plants trigger and tailor defense responses after perception of the oral secretions (OS) of attacking specialist lepidopteran larvae. Fatty acid-amino acid conjugates (FACs) in the OS of the Manduca sexta larvae are necessary and sufficient to elicit the herbivory-specific responses in Nicotiana attenuata, an annual wild tobacco species. How FACs are perceived and activate signal transduction mechanisms is unknown.     

Study of Poaceae phenology in a Mediterranean climate. Which species contribute most to airborne pollen counts?

The present study sought to determine which of the common Poaceae species in the study area contribute most to the Poaceae pollen season curve, and to determine the phenological behaviour of the species studied. The different floral phenophases in thirty-three Poaceae species common in and around the city of Córdoba (SW Iberian Peninsula) were checked periodically over the period 2004–2006. Results showed that longer phenological ranges were recorded in the coolest and wettest year, and shorter ranges in the warmest and driest year. Moreover, ranges varied as a function of altitude: populations in lower-lying areas flowered earlier than those at higher altitudes. The results, taken in conjunction with the findings of preliminary research into potential pollen production, showed that probably only four of the Poaceae species studied—Dactylis glomerata, Lolium rigidum, Trisetaria panicea and Vulpia geniculata—were major contributors to the Poaceae airborne pollen curve.     

Co-existence of immunoreactivity to anti-dopamine,anti-serotonin and anti-vasotocin in the cerebral giant neuron of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis

Summary Consecutive sections of certain neurons in the central ganglia of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis appear to be immunoreactive to anti-dopamine and anti-serotonin. The Cerebral Giant Neurons stain in addition with antivasotocin. The observations indicate the presence of two biogenic amines within the same neuron and in addition their co-existence with a biologically active peptide.     

Taxonomic distribution and origins of the extended LHC (light-harvesting complex) antenna protein superfamily

Background  

The extended light-harvesting complex (LHC) protein superfamily is a centerpiece of eukaryotic photosynthesis, comprising the LHC family and several families involved in photoprotection, like the LHC-like and the photosystem II subunit S (PSBS). The evolution of this complex superfamily has long remained elusive, partially due to previously missing families.     

Reduced hepatic alpha-tocopherol content after long-term administration of ethanol to rats

We have studied the effects of long-term administration of ethanol on the distribution and pharmacokinetics of alpha-tocopherol. In rats fed ethanol (35% of total energy) for 5-6 weeks concentration of alpha-tocopherol in whole liver was reduced by 25% as compared to the pair-fed controls (P less than 0.003). This reduction was significant in the parenchymal cells (28%, P less than 0.004), whereas no significant difference was observed for the nonparenchymal cells. Mitochondrial alpha-tocopherol content was reduced by 55% in the ethanol-treated rats as compared to the controls (P less than 0.002), whereas no significant difference was observed in microsomes, light mitochondria or cytosol. The serum levels of alpha-tocopherol showed no significant difference between the groups. When in vivo labeled chylomicron alpha-[3H]tocopherol was injected intravenously to anesthetized rats, we found a significant increase in serum half-life of alpha-tocopherol in the ethanol-treated group as compared to the controls (P less than 0.025). Hepatic alpha-[3H]tocopherol content was similar in the two groups 24 h after injection.     

Cytological and mapping analysis of a novel male sterile type resulting from spontaneous floral organ homeotic conversion in marigold (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tagetes erecta</Emphasis> L.)

A male sterile line was isolated in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) and cytological analysis determined this to be a novel genic male sterility trait (Tems). Through the use of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and bulked segregant analysis (BSA), tightly linked markers of Tems were identified with a view towards a map-based cloning strategy. It was found that spontaneous homeotic conversion of floral organs was the underlying cause of the male sterility in this marigold line. Thus, petals of male sterile plants resembled sepal-like structures and the stamens were partially converted to styles, although without the full characteristics or function of the true style organs. We have constructed a fine marker-based map for the Tems gene. This is intended to provide a tool for marker assisted selection (MAS) strategies in hybrid breeding and map-based cloning strategies for the male sterility locus. We discuss the significance of this spontaneously derived genic male sterility trait relating to the homeotic conversion of floral organs in marigold.