Contributions to topological biology: Some considerations on the primordial graph and on some possible transformations

This paper is a continuation of some discussions published previously (Bull. Math. Biophysics,16, 317–347, 1954). A different example of a primordial graph is suggested and discussed. Then six different types of geometric transformations, similar in some respects to the one discussed in the previous paper are proposed. Another set of seven different transformations which emphasize the central role of the circulatory system is described. A theorem about the “lumping” of several points of a graph into one point is proved and possible biological aspects of it are discussed.     

Age of menarche in pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina): A cross-sectional survey of perineal tumescence

A four-month survey of perineal tumescence in 131 young female pigtail monkeys ($\text{Macaca nemestrina}$) revealed that most females had begun to swell by the time they were 3 years old. Those that had not begun to swell by that time were generally of lower weight than their peers. Those that tumesced before they were 3 years old tended to be heavier than their peers, but were not necessarily heavier than older, nonswelling females.     

Instability of serum 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases of placental origin

The stabilization by glycerol of the serum estradiol 17 beta dehydrogenase has been investigated here in terms of time and temperature. The protected enzyme is stable for a month at least at --20 degrees C. Its activity reaches a maximum at 60 degrees C. In another connection, effect of reduced glutathione, of N. acetyl-cysteine and of various mineral ions on the enzymic conversion has been studied.     

Iminoglycinuria in a child in Czechoslovakia

Summary The child with iminoglycinuria is in our observation. Hyperprolinuria was seen at 5 months by screening program. The child was repeatedly examined in the hospital and was seen last time at 16 months. IQ was 67, in the urine were excessive amounts of glycine, proline a hydroxyproline. In the blood aminoacids were in normal levels. In the child was noticed the same increase of proline in the blood as in the control child of the same age following loading test with L-proline, indicating normal intestinal absoption. Both parents and father's sister's 2-year-old mentally retarded child exhibit excessive glycinuria. The father, his sister, father's father, and grandfather are partialy, congenitaly deaf.     

Synthesis of thiol-functionalized N-acetylmuramyl peptide congeners suitable for their conjugation to target molecules

N-Acetylmuramyl-dipeptide and tripeptide derivatives containing at the C-terminus a masked thiol function, i.e. the S-tert-butylthiocysteamine residue, were synthesized via direct condensation of N-acetylmuramic acid with the peptide moiety using the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide procedure. Reduction with tributylphosphine in aqueous organic media generates the free thiol function for a selective conjugation of these immunomodulants with target molecules via unsymmetrical disulfide bridging with a second thiol group by the sulfenohydrazide procedure or via thio-ether linkage by the addition to maleimido--or aziridine-derivatives.     

A comparative study of chromatin from lymphocyte nuclei upon activation of transcription by irradiation from an He-Ne-laser or phytohemagglutinin]

The influence of He-Ne laser radiation (632.8 nm, 56 J/m2, t = 10 s) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA, 2 micrograms/ml) on chromatin structure in human lymphocytes was studied by electron microscopy using ultrathin cell sections. Morphometric analysis of extranuclear condensed chromatin masses was performed 1 h after the irradiation or after the beginning of PHA treatment. In the irradiated cells the following insignificant changes were revealed: decrease in the relative area of the nucleoplasmic chromatin, increase in the relative area of decondensation zones as well as increase in the number of clumps of nucleoplasmic chromatin and relative length at their boundary with nucleoplasma. The tendency of these morphological changes may be interpreted as functional activation of extranucleolar RNA synthesis in response to irradiation by red laser light. Action of PHA results in significant changes of the surfaces of chromatin clumps, namely increase in relative length of nucleoplasmic chromatin boundary and decrease in relative length of perimembranous chromatin boundary with nucleoplasma as well as some less expressed delamination of the chromatin masses from the nuclear membrane. These essential changes may reflect chromatin activation by proliferative stimulus. Peculiarities of the ultrastructural reorganisation in the condensed chromatin after irradiation and PHA-treatment probably reflect the differences in the processes of gene activation caused by the two agents.