1H, 13C, 15N backbone NMR assignments of the Staphylococcus aureus small multidrug-resistance pump (Smr) in a functionally active conformation

The plasmid-encoded small multidrug resistance pump from S. aureus transports a variety of quaternary ammonium and other hydrophobic compounds, enhancing the bacterial host’s resistance to common hospital disinfectants. The protein folds as a homo-dimer of four transmembrane helices each, and appears to be fully functional only in lipid bilayers. Here we report the backbone resonance assignments and implied secondary structure for ²H¹³C¹⁵N Smr reconstituted into lipid bicelles. Significant changes were observed between the chemical shifts of the protein in lipid bicelles compared to those in detergent micelles.     

Host plant evaluation behaviour of Bemisia tabaci and its modification by external or internal uptake of imidacloprid

The behaviour of adult Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) was observed on leaves of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., to study the process of host plant evaluation. Seven distinct behavioural elements were identified and recorded for a period of 20 min after initial contact with leaves. The behaviour of the whiteflies was observed on untreated leaves or on leaves treated with either foliar or systemically applied imidacloprid. Thus, contact with imidacloprid by whiteflies was either via the external cuticle or by ingestion, allowing determination of the effect of uptake route on host evaluation behaviour. Analysis of behavioural sequences and comparison of latencies, frequencies and durations of elements of behaviour between treatments revealed that host evaluation behaviour was similar on untreated and foliar treated leaves, but markedly different on those treated systemically. After their first probe, whiteflies on systemically treated leaves were much more active, spending significantly greater time walking and dabbing the labium tip onto the leaf surface. There was also a 50% reduction in the total time spent probing into systemically treated leaves, compared to the other treatments. This effect was the result of a shorter mean probe duration, and no effect of treatment was found on the frequency of probing. Pre-oviposition behaviour was significantly more common on the systemically treated leaves, although the number of eggs laid was similar on all treatments. These results also show that the host evaluation phase of adult female B. tabaci was dominated by probing. The behavioural sequence that leads to probing was affected significantly by imidacloprid when ingested, but not by direct contact with this compound on the leaf surface. The wider implications for the mechanisms of whitefly–host plant interactions are discussed.     

Induction of ovulation in chronically hypophysectomized Booroola ewes

Booroola Merino ewes, with (F+; N = 17) and without (++; N = 13) a copy of the fecundity gene were hypophysectomized and 6 weeks later were given an i.m. injection of PMSG (high, medium or low dose) followed by hCG. The induced ovulation rates were observed laparoscopically. Ovulation rates were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in Booroola F+ ewes than in ++ ewes (8.00 +/- 1.66 s.e.m. vs 3.62 +/- 1.10 respectively). This suggests that the high fecundity of the Booroola ewe may be due primarily to ovarian rather than pituitary factors.     

Accuracy of mini peak flow meters in indicating changes in lung function in children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE--To assess whether mini flow meters used to measure peak expiratory flow can track changes in lung function and indicate clinically important changes. DESIGN--Comparison of measurements with a spirometer and different brands of mini flow meter; the meters were allocated to subjects haphazardly. SUBJECTS--12 boys with asthma aged 11 to 17 attending boarding school. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Peak expiratory flow measured twice daily for three months with a spirometer and at least one of four brands of mini flow meter. RESULTS--The relation between changes in lung function measured with the spirometer and those measured with the mini flow meters was generally poor. In all, 26 episodes (range 1-3 in an individual child) of clinically important deterioration in lung function were detected from the records obtained with the spirometer. One mini flow meter detected six of 19 episodes, one detected six of 15, one detected six of 18, and one detected three of 21. CONCLUSIONS--Not only are the absolute values of peak expiratory flow obtained with mini flow meters inaccurate but the clinical message may also be incorrect. These findings do not imply that home monitoring of peak expiratory flow has no place in the management of childhood asthma but that the values obtained should be interpreted cautiously.