Experimentelle Untersuchungen über die Entfernungslokalisation der Libellen (Aeschna Cyanea)

Ohne ZusammenfassungEine vorläufige Mitteilung hiervon erschien in den Naturwissenschaften Jahrg. 12, Heft 36, 1924.     

Abnormality in Translational Regulation of Catalase Expression in Disorders of Peroxisomal Biogenesis

Abstract: Peroxisomal disorders are a newly described group of inherited neurological diseases. In disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis, e.g., Zellweger syndrome, owing to the lack of peroxisomes, catalase, a peroxisomal enzyme, is found to be present in the cytoplasm instead. We observed higher catalase activity (7.59 ± 0.41 mU/mg of protein) in cultured skin fibroblasts from Zellweger patients than in control fibroblasts (4.45 ± 0.29 mU/mg of protein). Moreover, we also found that the majority of the catalase in Zellweger cells was present in the inactive form. The specific activities following reactivation in Zellweger and control cells were 12.1 and 4.9 mU/mg of protein, respectively. To understand the molecular basis of higher levels of catalase in Zellweger than control cells, we examined the rate of synthesis and turnover of catalase and levels of catalase mRNA and protein levels in Zellweger cells as compared with control cells. The initial rates of synthesis of catalase in Zellweger (1.68 ± 0.15 mU/mg of protein) and control (1.51 ± 0.14 mU/mg of protein) cells were similar. The rates of turnover of catalase in Zellweger (t_1/2 = 47 ± 8 h) and control (t_1/2 = 49 ± 7 h) were also similar. Consistent with the enzyme activity, the levels of catalase protein were higher in Zellweger cells as compared with control cells. On the other hand, there was no difference in the level of catalase mRNA between control and Zellweger cells. Although the rate of synthesis in Zellweger and control cells were initially similar, it was down-regulated to a lower level at ～72 h of culture in control fibroblasts as compared with Zellweger cells, which continued to synthesize catalase at the same rate up to 5 days in culture. The presence of similar levels of mRNA in control and Zellweger cells and continued synthesis of catalase in Zellweger cells at a higher level as compared with control cells suggest a loss of regulation at the translational level.     

Comparison of the human,canine and swine E apoproteins

A comparative study of the E apoprotein isolated from the d<1.02 lipoproteins of human, canine and swine plasma revealed that the various apo-E preparations had similar molecular weights (37,000–39,000) and had similar amino acid compositions in that glutamic acid, alanine, leucine and arginine were present in high concentrations. The various preparations showed partial immunochemical cross-reactivity, demonstrating significant sequence homology between the species. However, determination of the amino-terminal amino acid sequence by automated Edman degradation showed each apo-E was different, demonstrating that the amino-terminal portion of the E apoprotein was a variable region of this protein.     

Effects of cannabinoids (marijuana) on taste intensity and hedonic ratings and salivary flow of adults

Cannabinoids purportedly improve taste responsiveness and enhancethe sensory appeal of foods. These properties and a commonlycited oral drying effect were evaluated in a series of studieswith ‘light’ marijuana users. The first was a double-blind,placebo-controlled, acute oral dosing trial, involving an ageand gender stratified sample of 57 adults. An influence of routeof drug delivery was explored in another 11 individuals whowere administered a single dose orally, sublingually and viacigarette. To explore effects following chronic administration,six additional individuals were dosed twice per day for 3 daysorally and by rectal suppository. Taste intensity and hedonicresponses for sweet, sour, salty and bitter food stimuli weremonitored at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 hours post-dosing in the acutestudies, and daily in the chronic study. Stimulated saliva sampleswere collected at these same times. Salivary flow rate was significantlynegatively correlated with plasma drug levels, and reported‘high’ 2 and 4 h post-dosing. No effects of thedrug were observed on taste responses. Self-reported shiftsin taste responsiveness and hedonics may be related to alterationsof memory and cognition, rather than gustatory function.     

Introduced non-hominid primates impact biodiversity and livelihoods: management priorities

Non-hominid primates (NHPs) are some of the most understudied invasive mammals in terms of their impacts to biodiversity and the ability to successfully manage them, despite their having been implicated in numerous extinctions. We found 99 NHP populations of 37 species have been introduced on at least 67 islands and various mainland locations. NHPs have been implicated in at least 69 extinctions or extirpations. NHPs reduce human food security, display aggressive behavior sometimes resulting in human fatalities, and transmit diseases. We identified thirty islands where management is likely feasible and rank them by the potential biodiversity benefits of NHP management. At least eight attempts to eradicate NHP populations have been made with only one so far having been successful. Social considerations along with technological advancements in management methods are both needed to curb the impacts of NHPs and protect people and biodiversity on islands invaded by NHPs.