Haemagglutination and surface structures in strains of Clostridium spiroforme

The low heat resistance (D100 = 0.554 min, z = 13.4 degrees C) of dormant lysozyme-sensitized spores of Bacillus sphaericus 9602 was correlated with a low protoplast wet density (1.305 g/ml) equivalent to a high protoplast water content (61.0%, wet weight basis). These values for these unusual spores were consistent with those correlated previously in 28 spore types of seven other species.     

Studies on cytochrome c. Part II. Synthesis of the protected heptapeptide (sequence 17–23) of Baker's yeast iso-1-cytochrome c

Synthesis is described for the N-o-nitrophenylsulfenylheptapeptide tert-butoxycarbonylhydrazide corresponding to positions 17–23 of the amino acid sequence of baker's yeast iso-1-cytochrome c. Moreover a new method of selective removal of the S-acetamidomethyl group for analytical and preparative purpose is reported.     

Aerobiological monitoring of the 'Sistine Chapel': airborne bacteria and microfungi trends

The present paper reports the results of a bacteriological and mycological monitoring carried out on the airborne microflora of the Sistine Chapel. The general aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the flow of visitors, as well seasonal effects, on the qualitative and quantitative variations of microorganisms. Two sampling campaigns were carried out in May and November 1997. A Surface Air System (SAS) sampler (active system) and a sedimentation based sampler (passive system), supported by an original plinth, were used. Temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were detected. VITEK SYSTEMS jr. for Staphylococcus spp. and microscopic observation for microfungi were the identification methods. In spite of the conditioning and filtration air system, initial results with both samplers, show a positive correlation between the airborne microorganisms and presence and number of visitors. The SAS samples showed higher microbial load, for both bacteria and fungi, than the passive ones, but the epidemiological meaning of the differently collected data varies. The increase during visiting hours of human Staphylococcus spp. is stronger than the airborne bacterial load increase. The microfungi most frequently isolated were Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. These preliminary data underline the significance of the survey for the protection of such a precious environment, and encourage the Authors to continue the ongoing monitoring. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Studies on cytochrome c. Part I. Synthesis of the protected hexadecapeptide (sequence 1–16) of Baker's Yeast iso-1-cytochrome c

The general strategy for the synthesis by conventional procedure of N- and C-terminal fragments and of the entire sequence of baker's yeast iso-1-cytochrome c is discussed. The synthesis of the N-benzyloxycarbonylhexadecapeptide tert-butoxycarbonylhydrazide corresponding to the sequence 1–16 of the apoprotein is described in detail.     

Further evidence of a duplication in 17p11.2 in families with recurrence of HMSN Ia (Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type Ia)

Five Italian families with recurrence of cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (type Ia) were analysed using three closely linked DNA probes that detect polymorphisms in the region 17p11.2. The probe pVAW409R3 detected the presence of a duplication in all the affected subjects, but not in the subjects with normal electromyographic (EMG) findings. This observation confirms previous data indicating the association of the duplication with the disease, suggesting that, at least in populations of European origin, the duplication might be the molecular feature diagnostic of the pathological trait.     

Partial trisomy 4q: Two cases with a familial translocation t(4;18)(q27;q23)

Clinical and cytogenetic data of two related patients, both trisomic for the segment 4q27 to qter, are reported. Familial studies determined that the mothers of the two probands were carriers of the same balanced translocation between chromosomes 4 and 18. Altogether, two partial trisomies 4q, five balanced karyotypes, and one 45,X0 karyotype were found in the family. The 18 cases reported to date are reviewed with respect to the karyotype-phenotype correlation.     

Response of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana to somatosensory‐active volatiles emitted by the non‐host plant Perilla frutescens

The European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a major pest on grapes worldwide. Attempts to develop control methods for this pest based on grape kairomones demonstrate limited success and studies indicate that a major limiting factor is overlap between synthetic kairomones and background odours in the vineyard. Behaviourally active compounds from non‐host plants may thus represent an effective alternative for monitoring and control methods. Extracts from food plants (i.e. from capsicum, garlic and peppermint, which elicit the so‐called somatosensory sensation) are traditionally used in agriculture for the control of pest insects. Among those plants, Perilla frutescens L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), native of Asia, contains compounds activating sensory ion channels in mammals, which are known to be involved in the perception of somatosensory compounds and are expressed in tortricid moth antennae. In the present study, in search of non‐host volatiles with potential application in pest control, essential oil metabolites isolated from P. frutescens are screened for biological activity on the olfactory system of L. botrana. The compounds (S)‐(?)‐perillaldehyde and isoegomaketone, which are released from different P. frutescens varieties, are identified by gas chromatography‐coupled electroantennographic detection. In a dual‐choice oviposition test, females show a preference for a combination of host odours and perillaldehyde, preferring this over a host‐plant odour bouquet alone. In Y‐tube olfactometer assays, virgin males show a higher level of activity in the presence of isoegomaketone, even if not significantly responsive to the compound.