Neck region of gerbil spermatozoa

In the course of the reorganization and degeneration of the proximal centriole in the mature acentriolate spermatozoon of the Mongolian gerbil, both the proximal and distal centrioles appear in the early cap phase of spermatid development. During the acrosome phase, both distal and proximal centrioles become highly active in the formation of a segmented column. The proximal centriole becomes actively involved in the formation of the capitulum, while the distal centriole forms the axonemal complex and dense fibers. During the maturation phase of spermatid development, the “pinwheel” arrangement of the proximal centriole becomes an “S”-shaped structure, turned 90° on its vertical axis. The few “doublet” microtubules that can be detected later in that stage completely disappear during spermiation. The distal centriolar area develops a single central pair of microtubules and membranous elements. Another prominent feature in the neck region of the gerbil spermatozoa is the presence of two dense rudimentary columns in association with the mitochondria. Although their density is similar to that of the other columns, these two columns have no connection with the dense fibers; in fact, they are closely associated with the mitochondria.     

Regulation of Neuropeptide-Processing Enzymes by Nitric Oxide in Cultured Astrocytes

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO), a recently discovered neuro-transmitter, has been shown to have a cytostatic effect on cultured glia. A NO-generating agent, S -nitroso- N -acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), was used to treat C6 glioma and primary cortical astrocytes. The levels of a monobasic peptide-processing enzyme activity and carboxypeptidase E activity were examined. The cellular levels of these two enzymes are specifically reduced in response to treatment with SNAP. A decrease of ˜30–50% in these two'enzyme activities was seen in both primary astrocytes and C6 glioma cells. This decrease in cellular enzyme activities is not due to increased secretion because the secreted activity is also reduced in response to SNAP treatment in both the glioma cells and the primary astrocytes. Removal of SNAP treatment causes the carboxypeptidase enzyme activity to return to control levels within 3 days. Northern and western blot analyses indicate that the reduced cellular level of carboxypeptidase E is not due to reduced expression of the messenger RNA or protein, suggesting that the SNAP treatment is affecting factors that influence carboxypeptidase E activity. Taken together, these results imply that NO is involved in the regulation of peptide biosynthetic enzymes and this could lead to the antimitogenic action of SNAP on glia.     

Purification and characterization ofFus sI3596, a 65 kd allergen ofFusarium solani

A component ofFusarium solani (F. solani), identified as the major allergen,Fus sI₃₅₉₆ ^* was purified to homogeneity from culture filtrate (CF) by means of anion-exchange column chromatography, gel filtration and FPLC. The homogeneity ofFus sI₃₅₉₆ ^* was assessed by IEF, PAGE, SDS-PAGE (non-reducing), immunoblot and HPLC.Fus sI₃₅₉₆ ^* was isolated as a glycoprotein of MW 65 kd and pI 3.6. The IgE ELISA-inhibition assay after periodate treatment of the fraction showed a lower IgE binding capacity suggesting involvement of carbohydrate moiety in IgE binding reactions of the allergen. Peptide fragments ofFus sI₃₅₉₆ ^* obtained after CNBr and trypsin treatment were analysed by immunoblotting for their allergenicity. This study indicated that there could be at least 3 allergenic determinants in the major allergen,Fus sI₃₅₉₆ ^* ofF. solani CF.Abbreviations DEAE diethyl aminoethyl - HPLC high performance liquid chromatography - SDS sodium dodecyl sulphate - PBS-Tween phosphate buffer saline containing 0.1% tween - DTT dithiothreitol - TFA triflouroacetate - FPLC fast protein liquid chromatography     

Photorespiration in C3–C4 intermediate species of Alternanthera and Parthenium: Reduced ammonia production and increased capacity of CO2 refixation in the light

The pattern of photorespiratory ammonia (PR–NH₃) formation and its modulation by exogenous bicarbonate or glycine were investigated in C₃–C₄ intermediates of Alternanthera (A. ficoides and A. tenella) and Parthenium hysterophorus in comparison to those of C₃ or C₄ species. The average rates of PR–NH₃ accumulation in leaves of the intermediates were slightly less than (about 25% reduced) those in C₃ species, and were further low in C₄ plants (40% of that in C₃). The levels of PR–NH₃ in leaf discs decreased markedly when exogenous bicarbonate was present in the incubation medium. The inhibitory effect of bicarbonate on PR–NH₃ accumulation was pronounced in C₃ plants, very low in C₄ species and was moderate in the C₃–C₄ intermediates. Glycine, an intermediate of photorespiratory metabolism, raised the levels of PR–NH₃ in leaves of not only C₄ but also C₃–C₄ intermediates, bringing the rates close to those of C₃ species. The rate of mitochondrial glycine decarboxylation in darkness in C₃–C₄ intermediates was partially reduced (about 80% of that in C₃ species), corresponding to the activity-levels of glycine decarboxylase and serine hydroxymethyltransferase in leaves. The intermediates had a remarkable capacity of reassimilating photorespiratory CO₂ in vivo, as indicated by the apparent refixation of about 85% of the CO₂ released from exogenous glycine in the light. We suggest that the reduced photorespiration in the C₃–C₄ intermediate species of Alternanthera and Parthenium is due to both a limitation in the extent of glycine production/decarboxylation and an efficient refixation/recycling of internal CO₂.Abbreviations GDC glycine decarboxylase - GS glutamine synthetase - GOGAT glutamate-oxoglutarate aminotransferase - -HPMS -hydroxy-2-pyridinemethanesulfonic acid - INH isonicotinyl hydrazide - MSO L-methionine sulfoximine - PR–NH₃ photorespiratory-ammonia - SHMT serine hydroxymethyltransferase     

Identification of the regeneration potential of embryo derived calluses from various Indica rice varieties

The regeneration response of mature and immature rice embryos from 15 rice varieties (Oryza sativa L. var. indica) was separately measured in terms of regeneration per cent and total number of regenerated plantlets obtained for a fixed sample size per variety, when cultured on standard MS media. The response of the rice varieties was classed as high, medium or poor, based on the above criteria. The regeneration per cent of genotypes showing high, medium and poor response ranged from 67 to 97, 38 to 63 and 0 to 36 respectively. The variation in the regeneration response amongst the defined groups was found to be statistically significant in terms of regeneration per cent and total plantlets for a constant sample size when subjected to one way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test. Only small influences on regeneration frequency were found when the most and least responsive genotypes, Binnatoa and BR-23 were cultured on N6 and MS media with additional or different supplements.     

Floral anatomy ofHypseocharis (Oxalidaceae) with a discussion on its systematic position

The floral anatomy of threeHypseocharis spp. has been studied. The genus resemblesOxalidaceae as well asMonsonia andSarcocaulon of theGeraniaceae. As it is closer toGeraniaceae than toOxalidaceae, it perhaps serves as a connecting link between them.     

Larval stages of Neodiaptomus lindbergi Brehm, 1953 (Copepoda,Calanoida)

All the postembryonic developmental instars of Neodiaptomus lindbergi Brehm, 1953, reared in the laboratory from eggs, are described and illustrated. Further, the larval affinities of this species vis-a-vis certain other Indian diaptomid species are mentioned.     

Does dietary magnesium modulate blood lipids?

In a randomized, single-blind, controlled study (400 patients aged 25-63 yr; 374 males, 26 females), 206 subjects were administered a magnesium-rich diet, and 194 subjects their usual diet, for 6 wk. Age, sex, body weight, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, diuretic therapy, and diabetes were comparable between the two groups, as were laboratory data at entry to the study. Intervention-group A received a significantly higher amount of dietary magnesium and potassium compared to group B, which received its usual diet. After 6 wk, there was a significant fall in total serum cholesterol (228.5 +/- 46.2 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol 146.5 +/- 75.5 mg/dL), and triglyceride (143.8 +/- 40.5 mg/dL) in group A compared to serum cholesterol (242.5 +/- 58.2 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (157.0 +/- 78.4 mg/dL), and triglyceride (156.5 +/- 60.0 mg/dL) at entry to study, but no such changes in group-B subjects. HDL cholesterol showed a marginal mean decrease of 0.8 mg/dL in group B and a 2.5 mg/dL increase in group A. The changes in blood lipids were consistent with an increased intake of magnesium and with a rise in serum levels. Although a general blood-lipid-reducing effect of such a diet cannot be excluded, it is possible that dietary magnesium may have contributed to the reduction of total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, and the marginal rise in HDL cholesterol. More studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm this observation.     

Radiation protection of human lymphocyte chromosomes in vitro by orientin and vicenin.

Orientin (Ot) and Vicenin (Vc), two water-soluble flavonoids isolated from the leaves of Indian holy basil Ocimum sanctum have shown significant protection against radiation lethality and chromosomal aberrations in vivo. In the present study the protective effect of Ot and Vc against radiation induced chromosome damage in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes was determined by micronucleus test. In order to select the most effective drug concentration, fresh whole blood was exposed to 4Gy of cobalt-60 gamma-radiation with or without a 30 min pre-treatment with 6.25, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 or 20 microM of Ot/Vc. Micronucleus (MN) assay was done by cytochalasin induced cytokinesis block method. Radiation significantly increased the MN frequency (16 times normal). Pre-treatment with either Ot or Vc at all concentrations significantly (P<0.05-0.001) reduced the MN count in a concentration dependent manner, with the optimum effect at 17.5 microM. Therefore, fresh blood samples were incubated with/without 17.5 microM Ot/Vc for 30 min and then exposed to 0.5-4Gy of gamma-radiation. Radiation increased the MN frequency linearly (r(2)=0.99) with dose. Pre-treatment with Ot or Vc significantly (P<0.01-0.001) reduced the MN counts to 51-67% of RT alone values, giving DMFs of 2.62 (Ot) and 2.48 (Vc). Both the compounds showed significant antioxidant activity in vitro at the above concentrations, which was significantly higher than that of DMSO at equimolar concentrations. Thus, the results demonstrate that both the flavonoids give significant protection to the human lymphocytes against the clastogenic effect of radiation at low, non-toxic concentrations. The radioprotection seems to be associated with their antioxidant activity. The clinical potential of these protectors in cancer therapy needs to be investigated.     

Synthesis,Biological Evaluation and in Silico Study of N-(2- and 3-Pyridinyl)benzamide Derivatives as Quorum Sensing Inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The effectiveness of treating bacterial infections is seriously threatened by the emergence of bacterial resistance to chemical treatment. Growth of microbes in biofilm is one of the main causes of resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Quorum sensing (QS) inhibition, which targets the QS signalling system by obstructing cell-cell communication, was developed as an alternative treatment by creating innovative anti-biofilm drugs. Therefore, the goal of this study is to develop novel antimicrobial drugs that are effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by inhibiting QS and acting as anti-biofilm agents. In this study, N-(2- and 3-pyridinyl)benzamide derivatives were selected to design and syntheses. Antibiofilm activity was revealed by all the synthesized compounds and the biofilm was visibly impaired, and the OD_595nm readings of solubilized biofilm cells presented a momentous difference between the treated and untreated biofilms. The best anti-QS zone was observed for compound 5d and found to be 4.96 mm. Through in silico research, the physicochemical characteristics and binding manner of these produced compounds were examined. For the purpose of understanding the stability of the protein and ligand complex, molecular dynamic simulation was also carried out. The overall findings showed that N-(2- and 3-pyridinyl)benzamide derivatives could be the key to creating effective newer anti-quorum sensing drugs that are effective against different bacteria.