Evolution of the suctorial proboscis in pollen wasps (Masarinae, Vespidae)

The morphology and functional anatomy of the mouthparts of pollen wasps (Masarinae, Hymenoptera) are examined by dissection, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, supplemented by field observations of flower visiting behavior. This paper focuses on the evolution of the long suctorial proboscis in pollen wasps, which is formed by the glossa, in context with nectar feeding from narrow and deep corolla of flowers. Morphological innovations are described for flower visiting insects, in particular for Masarinae, that are crucial for the production of a long proboscis such as the formation of a closed, air-tight food tube, specializations in the apical intake region, modification of the basal articulation of the glossa, and novel means of retraction, extension and storage of the elongated parts. A cladistic analysis provides a framework to reconstruct the general pathways of proboscis evolution in pollen wasps. The elongation of the proboscis in context with nectar and pollen feeding is discussed for aculeate Hymenoptera.     

A Sunken Ship of the Desert at the River Danube in Tulln,Austria

Rescue excavations recovered a skeleton that resurrect the contemporary dramatic history of Austria in the 17^th century as troops besieged Vienna in the second Osmanic-Habsburg war. Unique for Central Europe is the evidence of a completely preserved camel skeleton uncovered in a large refuse pit. The male individual of slender stature indicates a few but characteristic pathological changes revealing not a beast of burden but probably a valuable riding animal. Anatomical and morphometrical analyses suggest a hybrid confirmed by the ancient DNA analyses resulting in the presence of a dromedary in the maternal and a Bactrian camel in the paternal line.     

IgVH genes from different anatomical regions, with different histopathological patterns, of a rheumatoid arthritis patient suggest cyclic re-entry of mature synovial B-cells in the hypermutation process

In the present study 55 IgVH genes amplified from three different anatomical regions of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient were analyzed, adding further information on synovial B-cell maturation and recirculation in RA. This analysis demonstrated somatically mutated IgVh genes in all regions studied, with amino acid deletions and mixed IgVh molecules, suggesting the existence of a novel pathway to generate (auto) antibody specificities. Comparison of amino acid sequences of amplified genes that belong to the VH1 family (with predominantly the same germline counterpart) exhibited strong homology, indicating an apparently conserved mutational pattern. This suggests that the number of antigens that activate B cells in different locations is restricted. The most striking result was the finding of clonally related sequences in different anatomical regions, indicating a recirculation of activated B cells between the different affected joints.     

Cardenolides from Adonis aestivalis.

Four cardenolides were isolated for the first time from the aerial parts of Adonis aestivalis. The compounds were identified by spectrometry and for 3-epi-periplogenin, helveticoside also by comparison with authentic substances. Two new cardenolides were structurally elucidated: strophanthidin-3-O-beta-D-digitoxosido-alpha-L-cymarosido-be ta-D-glucoside and strophanthidin-3-O-beta-D-digitoxosido-beta-D-digoxoside-bet a-D-diginosido-beta-D-glucoside.     

Decrease in expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 4 and 5 in synovial tissue of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been identified as important morphogens with pleiotropic functions in regulating the development, homeostasis and repair of various tissues. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of BMPs in synovial tissues under normal and arthritic conditions. Synovial tissue from normal donors (ND) and from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were analyzed for BMP expression by using microarray hybridization. Differential expression of BMP-4 and BMP-5 was validated by semiquantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Activity of arthritis was determined by routine parameters for systemic inflammation, by histological scoring of synovitis and by semiquantitative RT-PCR of IL-1β, TNF-α, stromelysin and collagenase I in synovial tissue. Expression of BMP-4 and BMP-5 mRNA was found to be significantly decreased in synovial tissue of patients with RA in comparison with ND by microarray analysis (p < 0.0083 and p < 0.0091). Validation by PCR confirmed these data in RA (p < 0.002) and also revealed a significant decrease in BMP-4 and BMP-5 expression in OA compared with ND (p < 0.015). Furthermore, histomorphological distribution of both morphogens as determined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed a dominance in the lining layer of normal tissues, whereas chronically inflamed tissue from patients with RA revealed BMP expression mainly scattered across deeper layers. In OA, these changes were less pronounced with variable distribution of BMPs in the lining and sublining layer. BMP-4 and BMP-5 are expressed in normal synovial tissue and were found decreased in OA and RA. This may suggest a role of distinct BMPs in joint homeostasis that is disturbed in inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases. In comparison with previous reports, these data underline the complex impact of these factors on homeostasis and remodeling in joint physiology and pathology.     

First description of mechanoreceptors in the corpus adiposum infrapatellare of man

The sensory innervation of the corpus adiposum infrapatellare of the human knee joint was studied by light microscopy. Small lamellated corpuscles (pacinian corpuscles) were found in the adipose tissue of the corpus adiposum infrapatellare. The lamellated corpuscles measured about 20 microns and consisted of 3-4 lamellae. It is discussed whether the corpus adiposum infrapatellare might perform a sensory function, influencing the muscle tone via polysynaptic reflexes.     

Purification and some characteristics of a non-haem bromoperoxidase from Streptomyces aureofaciens

A bromoperoxidase was isolated from the chlortetracycline-producing actinomycete, Streptomyces aureofaciens. This enzyme catalysed bromination and iodination, but surprisingly did not catalyse chlorination. The enzyme had an acidic pH optimum (pH 4.3) and the isoelectric point was 3.5. The Km for bromide was 20 mM and the Km for H2O2 was as high as 8 mM. The bromoperoxidase did not contain haem, since it was not inhibited by azide or cyanide. Excess bromide or chloride had no effect on its brominating activity; however, fluoride strongly inhibited the bromoperoxidase (Ki = 20 microM). On the basis of gel electrophoresis in the absence and presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate, the molecular mass of the enzyme was 65 kDa and it consisted of two subunits of 32 kDa each. The bromoperoxidase was remarkably thermostable.     

Antimycotic-antibiotic amphotericin B promotes influenza virus replication in cell culture

In general, antibiotics are not rated as substances that inhibit or support influenza virus replication. We describe here the enhancing effect of the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B (AmB) on influenza virus growth in Vero cells. We show that isolation rates of influenza A and B viruses from clinical samples can be dramatically enhanced by adding AmB to the culture medium. We demonstrate that AmB promotes the viral uptake and endocytic processing of the virus particles. This effect is specific for Vero and human nasal epithelial cells and was not observed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The effect of AmB was subtype specific and more prominent for human seasonal influenza strains but absent for H5N1 human viruses. The AmB-enhancing effect seemed to be solely due to the viral hemagglutinin function. Our results indicate that the use of AmB may facilitate influenza virus isolation and production in Vero cells.