An improved FORTRAN 77 recombinant DNA database management system with graphic extensions in GKS

We have improved an existing clone database management systemwritten in FORTRAN 77 and adapted it to our software environment.Improvements are that the database can be interrogated for anytype of information, not just keywords. Also, recombinant DNAconstructions can be represented in a simplified ‘shorthand’,whereafter a program assembles the full nucleotide sequencefrom the contributing fragments, which may be obtained fromnucleotide sequence databases. Another improvement is the replacementof the database manager by programs, running in batch to maintainthe databank and verify its consistency automatically. Finally,graphic extensions are written in Graphical Kernel System, todraw linear and circular restriction maps of recombinants. Besidesrestriction sites, recombinant features can be presented fromthe feature lines of recombinant database entries, or from thefeature tables of nucleotide databases. The clone database managementsystem is fully integrated into the sequence analysis softwarepackage from the Pasteur Institute, Paris, and is made accessiblethrough the same menu. As a result, recombinant DNA sequencescan directly be analysed by the sequence analysis programs. Received on March 17, 1986; accepted on June 16, 1986     

Label‐free stimulated Raman scattering imaging reveals silicone breast implant material in tissue

Millions of women worldwide have silicone breast implants. It has been reported that implant failure occurs in approximately a tenth of patients within 10 years, and the consequences of dissemination of silicone debris are poorly understood. Currently, silicone detection in histopathological slides is based on morphological features as no specific immunohistochemical technique is available. Here, we show the feasibility and sensitivity of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging to specifically detect silicone material in stained histopathological slides, without additional sample treatment. Histology slides of four periprosthetic capsules from different implant types were obtained after explantation, as well as an enlarged axillary lymph node from a patient with a ruptured implant. SRS images coregistered with bright‐field images revealed the distribution and quantity of silicone material in the tissue. Fast and high‐resolution imaging of histology slides with molecular specificity using SRS provides an opportunity to investigate the role of silicone debris in the pathophysiology of implant‐linked diseases.     

A rapid screening method for the isolation of metal-accumulating microorganisms

Summary An agar plate screening method was developed for the rapid isolation of heavy metal-accumulating microorganisms and preliminary estimation of their biosorption capacity. The test is based on the visulaization and interpretation of the metal distribution between agar and colonies by chemical preciptitation with hydrogen sulphide or ammonium sulphide. The heavy metals silver, thallium, lead, copper, nickel and cadmium have been tested successfully. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated for isolating silver-accumulating bacterian and estimating silver biosorption capacity.     

The free-living inland aquatic nematodes of Africa — a review

During the past three decades, much attention has been given to free-living nematodes and, in particular, to the species of the African continent. Despite the current absence of evidence for the existence of planktonic species, several conditions are suggested that could lead to intrusion of the planktonic habitat, e.g. turbulent shallow waters, high food densities and preadaptations such as swimming ability and negative geotaxis. A new and more practical ecological classification of the inland free-living nematodes is proposed to avoid further incoherency in this regard. All the free-living inland aquatic species described in Africa are presented here in a checklist, including notes on their ecology and distribution. Many of the cosmopolitan species, included in the checklist, are now increasingly being recognized as conglomerates of species, each species of which occupies a restricted area. Finally the distribution of free-living inland aquatic species in Africa is discussed and some preliminary notes are presented.