A conditional Orco requirement in the somatic cyst cells for maintaining spermatids in a tight bundle in <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Drosophila</Emphasis> testis

Odorant receptors (OR) heterodimerizes with the OR co-receptor (Orco), forming specific odorant-gated cation channels, which are key to odor reception at the olfactory sensory neurons (OSN). Mammalian ORs are expressed in many other tissues, including testis. However, their biological implications are yet to be fully ascertained. In the mosquito, Orco is localized along the sperm tail and is indicated to maintain fidelity. Here, we show that orco expresses in Drosophila testis. The levels are higher in the somatic cyst cells. The orco-null mutants are perfectly fertile at 25°C. At 28°C, the coiled spermatid bundles are severely disrupted. The loss of Orco also disrupts the actin cap, which forms inside the head cyst cell at the rostral ends of the spermatid nuclei after coiling, and plays a key role in preventing the abnormal release of spermatids from the cyst enclosure. Both the defects are rescued by the somatic cyst cell-specific expression of the UAS-orco transgene. These results highlight a novel role of Orco in the somatic tissue during sperm release.     

Sarcocystis rommeli,n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from Cattle (Bos taurus) and its Differentiation from Sarcocystis hominis

Cattle (Bos taurus) are intermediate hosts for three named species of Sarcocystis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, and S. hominis. Recently, a fourth species was identified and named S. sinensis. However, S. sinensis originally named a species of Sarcocystis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in China. Based on unverifiable evidence, it was suggested that the same parasite infects cattle. In addition, S. sinensis was recently declared as nomen nudum because its naming violated the rules of International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Thus, the fourth species using cattle as an intermediate host does not have a valid name. Here, we propose a new name, Sarcocystis rommeli for the S. sinensis‐like parasite from cattle in Argentina, and differentiate it ultrastructurally from S. hominis sarcocysts from experimentally infected cattle. Sarcocystis rommeli sarcocysts were microscopic with a 5‐μm‐thick wall with slender villar protrusions (Vp); the Vp were up to 5 μm long, up to 0.5 μm wide, and of uneven thickness, often bent at an angle. The ground substance layer (Gs) was up to 0.8 μm thick and smooth. Vesicular structures were seen at the base of the Vp. The bradyzoites were 10–12 μm long. Sarcocystis hominis sarcocysts had Vp that were often upright, up to 7.5 μm long, and up to 1.8 μm wide; the Gs was up to 2 μm thick and without vesicles. Its sarcocyst wall was up to 5.6 μm thick, the vp were bent at an angle, up to 5.8 μm long, the Gs was up to 2 μm thick, but without vesicles seen in S. rommeli. Beef containing sarcocysts of S. rommeli was not orally infectious for two human volunteers and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The Sarcocystis described here is molecularly different from S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, and S. hominis based on 18S rRNA and cox1 gene sequences.     

Biological cyanide destruction mediated by microorganisms

Many microorganisms have an inherent capacity to degrade the toxic organic compounds that enter the environment as a result of pollution and natural activities. Significant degradation of these compounds may take many years and it is frequently necessary to consider methods that can accelerate this process. There have been several demonstrations of enhanced biological degradation of toxic wastes, both in the laboratory and under field conditions. The prospects for enhanced biological cyanide degradation are reviewed. Compared with bench-scale processes, there are very few reports of field-scale processes for cyanide bioremediation. The implementation of such field-scale degradation requires inputs from biology, hydrology, geology, chemistry and civil engineering. A conceptual framework is emerging that can be adapted to develop new processes for bioremediation of toxic organic wastes. In terms of cyanide biodegradation, this framework incorporates identification of microbes, determination of the optimal conditions for degradation, establishment of the metabolic pathways involved in cyanide degradation, identification and localization of the genes involved, identification of suitable microbial strains for practical application and development of practical engineering processes. The present review addresses the progress that has been made in each of these aspects of cyanide biodegradation. It also examines the existing field applications of biological cyanide degradation and makes recommendations for future research.Dr S.K. Dubey is and Dr D.S. Holmes was with the Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA. Dr D.S. Holmes is now affiliated with Centro de Estudios Cientifigos de Santiago, Av. Presedente Errazuriz 3132, Casilla 16443, Santiago 9, Chile.     

Effects of sulfadiazine and amprolium on Neospora caninum (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) infections in mice

An immunosuppressed mouse model was used to determine the effects of amprolium and sulfadiazine on experimental Neospora caninum infections. Both drugs were given in the drinking water. Neither drug was effective in treating infections when given 7 days after inoculation of tachyzoites, when clinical signs of disease had developed. Amprolium did not prevent deaths or development of clinical signs when given in the drinking water at 1 mg/ml or 5 mg/ml 3 days after inoculation of tachyzoites. Sulfadiazine in drinking water was not effective when given at 0.5 mg/ml but was effective in preventing deaths and clinical disease when given at 1 mg/ml 3 days after inoculation with tachyzoites. Most mice (6 of 10) treated for 3 days with 1 mg/ml sulfadiazine in drinking water developed encephalitis after drug treatment was stopped. Treatment for 14 days with 1 mg/ml sulfadiazine in drinking water was needed to protect 90% of inoculated mice.     

Continuous in vitro cultivation of Sarcocystis cruzi

Sporozoites of Sarcocystis cruzi were inoculated onto monolayer cultures of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial (CPA) cells. Sporozoites entered the cells, formed large and small multinucleate schizonts, and produced large numbers of merozoites. Continuous cultivation from the original sporozoite inoculum has been maintained for more than 1,320 days by subinoculating merozoites onto new cultures of CPA cells. During this time, the capacity to produce both types of schizonts was preserved, and schizogony was the only form of reproduction that was observed.     

Comparative neurotoxicity of cadmium in growing and adult rats after repeated administration.

The effect of cadmium administration (Cd 0.4 mg/kg, ip, intraperitoneally, daily for 30 days) on its accumulation, contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in different brain regions in growing and adult rats was investigated. Cadmium was found to significantly increase the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in all the brain regions of adult rats while the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were significantly decreased in most of the brain regions of growing rats. The accumulation of cadmium in all the brain regions was significantly more marked in growing rats compared to adults after identical exposure. In conclusion, there was an age difference in both the accumulation of cadmium and 5-HT turnover in the brain regions. However, the regional neurochemical changes were not correlated with the magnitude of cadmium accumulation in both the groups.     

Phase II Feasibility Study of a Weight Loss Intervention in Female Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors (SWOG S1008)

Objective

This study aimed to test the feasibility of a 12‐month weight loss intervention using telephone‐based counseling plus community‐situated physical activity (PA) in female breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.

Methods

This multisite cooperative group study enrolled sedentary, female, postmenopausal BC and CRC survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² to receive 12‐month fitness center memberships and telephone counseling encouraging 150 min/wk of PA and a 500‐kcal/ddecrease in energy intake. Feasibility criteria included accrual, adherence, and retention. Target weight loss was ≥ 5%.

Results

Among 25 BC survivors, median baseline BMI was 37.2 (range: 27.7‐54.6), accrual occurred in 10 months, 60% and 28% met diet and exercise goals, 80% provided 12‐month measures, and average weight loss was 7.6% (95% CI: ?3.9%, 19.2%). Among 23 CRC survivors, median BMI was 31.8 (range: 26.4‐48.7), accrual occurred in 24 months, 61% and 17% met diet and exercise goals, 87% provided measures, and average weight loss was 2.5% (95% CI: ?8.2%, 13.3%).

Conclusions

It is feasible to recruit and retain BC survivors in a cooperative group diet and PA weight loss trial. BC survivors achieved clinically meaningful weight loss but did not meet a priori adherence goals. In CRC survivors, recruitment was more difficult, and the intervention was less effective.

     

Genetic engineering of sunflower (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Helianthus annuus</Emphasis> L.) for resistance to necrosis disease through deployment of the TSV coat protein gene

Nitrogen is a major driver of plant growth and the nitrogen source can be critical to good growth in vitro. A response surface methodology mixture-component design and a data mining algorithm were applied to nitrogen (N) nutrition for improving the micropropagation of Prunus armeniaca Lam. Data taken on shoot cultures included a subjective quality rating, shoot number, shoot length, leaf characteristics and physiological disorders. Data were analyzed using the Classification and Regression Tree data mining algorithm. The best overall shoot quality as well as leaf color were on medium with NO₃^??>?25 mM and NH₄⁺/Ca⁺ >?0.8. Improving shoot length to15 mm required 25?<?NO₃^? ≤?35 mM with NH₄⁺/Ca²⁺ ≤?2.33. The most shoots (11.6) were produced with NO₃^? >?25 mM and NH₄⁺/Ca²⁺ ≤ 0.8, but there were 5–10 shoots at other NO₃^? concentrations regardless of NH₄⁺/Ca²⁺ proportion. Leaves increased in size with higher NO₃^? concentrations (>?55 mM). Physiological disorders were also influenced by the nitrogen components. Shoot tip necrosis was rarely present with NO₃^? > 45 mM. Callus production decreased somewhat with NH₄⁺/Ca²⁺ >?2.33. Suggested concentrations for an improved medium considering all of these growth characteristics would be 25?<?NO₃^? ≤?35 mM and NH₄⁺/Ca⁺ ≤ 0.8. Validation experiments comparing WPM and three trial media showed improvements in several shoot growth parameters on medium with optimized mesos and optimized nitrogen components.     

A partition of Toxoplasma gondii genotypes across spatial gradients and among host species,and decreased parasite diversity towards areas of human settlement in North America

Toxoplasma gondii counts among the most consequential food-borne parasites, and although the parasite occurs in a wide range of wild and domesticated animals, farms may constitute a specific and important locus of transmission. If so, parasites in animals that inhabit agricultural habitats might be suspected of harbouring genetically distinct parasite types. To better understand habitat effects pertinent to this parasite’s transmission, we compiled and analysed existing genotypic data of 623 samples from animals across a proximity gradient from areas of human settlement to the wilderness in North America. To facilitate such analysis, T. gondii isolates were divided into three groups: (i) from farm-bound animals (with the most limited home ranges on farms); (ii) from free-roaming animals (with wider home ranges on or near farms); and (iii) from wildlife. In addition, parasite genotype distribution in different animal species was analysed. We observed no absolute limitation of any of five major genotypes to any one habitat; however, the frequency of four genotypes decreased across the gradient from the farm-bound group, to the free-roaming group, then the wildlife, whereas a fifth genotype increased along that gradient. Genetic diversity was greater in free-roaming than in farm-bound animals. The genotypic composition of parasites in wildlife differed from those in farm-bound and free-roaming animals. Furthermore, parasite genotypes differed among host species. We conclude that T. gondii genotype distributions are influenced by the spatial habitat and host species composition, and parasite diversity decreases towards areas of human settlement, elucidating facts which may influence transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential in this ubiquitous but regionally variable parasite.