Open‐access platform to synthesize knowledge of ape conservation across sites

Despite the large body of literature on ape conservation, much of the data needed for evidence‐based conservation decision‐making is still not readily accessible and standardized, rendering cross‐site comparison difficult. To support knowledge synthesis and to complement the IUCN SSC Ape Populations, Environments and Surveys database, we created the A.P.E.S. Wiki ( https://apeswiki.eva.mpg.de ), an open‐access platform providing site‐level information on ape conservation status and context. The aim of this Wiki is to provide information and data about geographical ape locations, to curate information on individuals and organizations active in ape research and conservation, and to act as a tool to support collaboration between conservation practitioners, scientists, and other stakeholders. To illustrate the process and benefits of knowledge synthesis, we used the momentum of the update of the conservation action plan for western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) and began with this critically endangered taxon. First, we gathered information on 59 sites in West Africa from scientific publications, reports, and online sources. Information was compiled in a standardized format and can thus be summarized using a web scraping approach. We then asked experts working at those sites to review and complement the information (20 sites have been reviewed to date). We demonstrate the utility of the information available through the Wiki, for example, for studying species distribution. Importantly, as an open‐access platform and based on the well‐known wiki layout, the A.P.E.S. Wiki can contribute to direct and interactive information sharing and promote the efforts invested by the ape research and conservation community. The Section on Great Apes and the Section on Small Apes of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group will guide and support the expansion of the platform to all small and great ape taxa. Similar collaborative efforts can contribute to extending knowledge synthesis to all nonhuman primate species.     

Mesosomes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The use of a combination fixative-staining procedure has allowed a detailed observation of mesosomes in thin sections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Expression of Ribonuclease T1 in Escherichia Coli and Rapid Purification of the Enzyme

Abstract

An Escherichia coli clone secreting native ribonuclease T1 into the periplasm has been constructed. In a two step purification procedure 20 mg of pure enzyme can be isolated starting from 1 litre of liquid culture.     

Rationale for using TNFα and chemotherapy in regional therapy of melanoma

Recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNFα) has potent antitumor activity in experimental studies on human tumor xenografts. However, in humans, the administration of rTNFα is hampered by severe systemic side-effects. The maximum tolerated dose range from 350 to 500 mg/m², which is at least 10-fold less than the efficient dose in animals. Isolation perfusion of the limbs (ILP) allows the delivery of high dose rTNFα in a closed system with acceptable side-effects. A protocol with a triple-drug regimen was based on the reported synergism of rTNFα with chemotherapy, with interferon-y, and with hydperthermia. In melanoma-in-transit metastases (stage IIIA or AB) we obtained a 91% complete response, compared with 52% after ILP with melphalan alone. Release of nanograms levels of TNFα in the systemic circulation was evident but control of this leakage and appropriate intensive care resulted in acceptable toxicity. Angiographic, immunohistological, and immunological studies suggest that the efficacy of this prtocol is due to a dual targeting: rTNFα activates and electively lyses the tumor endothelial cells while melphalan is mainly cytoxic to the tumor cells. ILP with rTNFα appears to be a useful model for studying the biochemotherapy of cancer in man.     

Combination of Autoantibody Signature with PSA Level Enables a Highly Accurate Blood-Based Differentiation of Prostate Cancer Patients from Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Although an increased level of the prostate-specific antigen can be an indication for prostate cancer, other reasons often lead to a high rate of false positive results. Therefore, an additional serological screening of autoantibodies in patients’ sera could improve the detection of prostate cancer. We performed protein macroarray screening with sera from 49 prostate cancer patients, 70 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 28 healthy controls and compared the autoimmune response in those groups. We were able to distinguish prostate cancer patients from normal controls with an accuracy of 83.2%, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia from normal controls with an accuracy of 86.0% and prostate cancer patients from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with an accuracy of 70.3%. Combining seroreactivity pattern with a PSA level of higher than 4.0 ng/ml this classification could be improved to an accuracy of 84.1%. For selected proteins we were able to confirm the differential expression by using luminex on 84 samples. We provide a minimally invasive serological method to reduce false positive results in detection of prostate cancer and according to PSA screening to distinguish men with prostate cancer from men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.     

Application of Microbes and Microbial Esterases to the Preparation of Optically Active N-Acetylindoline-2-Carboxylic Acid

Methylotrophic bacteria, isolated from soil samples or from sewage sludge, proved to be useful sources of esterases for catalyzing the enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic N-acetyl-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (7) to the corresponding (25) or (2R)-N- acetyl amino acid (6) with high optical yields. From the DMF-utilizer Pseudomonas DMF 5/8 and the methanol-utilizer Isolate EE 210, the corresponding esterases were isolated. Reactions with whole cells as well as with the purified enzymes are described.