Genetic context determines susceptibility to intraocular pressure elevation in a mouse pigmentary glaucoma

Background  

DBA/2J (D2) mice develop an age-related form of glaucoma. Their eyes progressively develop iris pigment dispersion and iris atrophy followed by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Mutant alleles of the Gpnmb and Tyrp1 genes are necessary for the iris disease, but it is unknown whether alleles of other D2 gene(s) are necessary for the distinct later stages of disease. We initiated a study of congenic strains to further define the genetic requirements and disease mechanisms of the D2 glaucoma.     

The sensitivity of a commercial lager yeast to novel inhibitors of unsaturated fatty acid and ergosterol biosynthesis

Summary Cyclopropenoid fatty acids inhibited fatty acid desaturation in a lager strain ofSaccharomyces uvarum. N,N-dimethylazasqualene prevented ergosterol biosynthesis in the same yeast. Inhibitions took place under conditions favourable for ergosterol and unsaturated fatty acid formation, each independently of the other.     

Effects of lactobacilli on yeast-catalyzed ethanol fermentations.

Normal-gravity (22 to 24 degrees Plato) wheat mashes were inoculated with five industrially important strains of lactobacilli at approximately 10(5), approximately 10(6), approximately 10(7), approximately 10(8), and approximately 10(9) CFU/ml in order to study the effects of the lactobacilli on yeast growth and ethanol productivity. Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus #3, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus fermentum were used. Controls with yeast cells but no bacterial inoculation and additional treatments with bacteria alone inoculated at approximately 10(7) CFU/ml of mash were included. Decreased ethanol yields were due to the diversion of carbohydrates for bacterial growth and the production of lactic acid. As higher numbers of the bacteria were produced (depending on the strain), 1 to 1.5% (wt/vol) lactic acid resulted in the case of homofermentative organisms. L. fermentum, a heterofermentative organism, produced only 0.5% (wt/vol) lactic acid. When L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. fermentum were inoculated at approximately 10(6) CFU/ml, an approximately 2% decrease in the final ethanol concentration was observed. Smaller initial numbers (only 10(5) CFU/ml) of L. paracasei or Lactobacillus #3 were sufficient to cause more than 2% decreases in the final ethanol concentrations measured compared to the control. Such effects after an inoculation of only 10(5) CFU/ml may have been due to the higher tolerance to ethanol of the latter two bacteria, to the more rapid adaptation (shorter lag phase) of these two industrial organisms to fermentation conditions, and/or to their more rapid growth and metabolism. When up to 10(9) CFU of bacteria/ml was present in mash, approximately 3.8 to 7.6% reductions in ethanol concentration occurred depending on the strain. Production of lactic acid and a suspected competition with yeast cells for essential growth factors in the fermenting medium were the major reasons for reductions in yeast growth and final ethanol yield when lactic acid bacteria were present.     

Glycogen--a physiological determinant of yeast flocculation?

Evidence is provided to extend earlier observations that glycogen and flocculence levels vary concurrently in brewing yeast. The use of glycogen mutants, the alterations of growth conditions specifically to inhibit glycogen storage, and observations on glycogen decreases during endogenous metabolism have verified the above. A mechanism by which glycogen might exert its effect on flocculation is suggested.     

A potentiometric and kinetic study on the respiratory chain of ferrous-iron-grown Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The type and number of respiratory chain components present in membranes of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans have been investigated. These redox components were resolved potentiometrically and kinetically. Using optical techniques two cytochromes a₁, multiple cytochromes c and two cytochromes b were detected. By using electron paramagnetic resonance, two copper-containing centres, high and low spin ferric haems and a ferredoxin centre were detected. Based on the combination of a potentiometric resolution and a kinetic study a model for the sequence of the respiratory chain components in the Fe²⁺ to O₂ branch of the T. ferrooxidans respiratory chain is proposed.     

THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF A STUDY OF DIARRHEAL DISEASE IN FRESNO COUNTY

The procedures used in the organization and operation of a special study on diarrheal diseases involving federal, state, and local agencies are outlined. The integration of such a project into a local routine program is discussed and the possible benefits derived by the various agencies are briefly evaluated.