Diagnosis of flavobacteriosis by direct amplification of rRNA genes

A broad-range bacterial PCR method with universal 16S rDNA targeting primers and bacterial cultivation was used to identify the putative pathogen in flavobacterial outbreaks. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and sequencing of the partial 16S rDNA PCR products of 10 skin samples and 10 representative isolates derived from the same fish specimens revealed differences between direct molecular and cultivation-based analysis. Flavobacterium columnare-like sequences dominated in the direct molecular analysis in most cases, whereas most of the isolates belonged to a phylogenetically heterogeneous group of flavobacteria clustering with F. hibernum. F. columnare was isolated in only 1 outbreak. The possible explanations for the different results may be attributable to difficulties in the plate cultivation procedure of external flavobacterial samples. During plate cultivation, the dominating Flavobacterium species can be masked by saprophytic species of the same genus or other genera, or the growth of flavobacteria can be completely inhibited by antagonistic bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Direct analysis of the prevailing 16S rDNA sequences avoids the problems with cultivation and may thus be preferable for the diagnosis of flavobacterial diseases. When isolating flavobacteria from external samples, serial dilution of the sample before plating can improve the results.     

High-yield production of a bacterial xylanase in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei requires a carrier polypeptide with an intact domain structure

A bacterial xylanase gene, Nonomuraea flexuosa xyn11A, was expressed in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei from the strong cellobiohydrolase 1 promoter as fusions to a variety of carrier polypeptides. By using single-copy isogenic transformants, it was shown that production of this xylanase was clearly increased (up to 820 mg/liter) when it was produced as a fusion protein with a carrier polypeptide having an intact domain structure compared to the production (150 to 300 mg/liter) of fusions to the signal sequence alone or to carriers having incomplete domain structures. The carriers tested were the T. reesei mannanase I (Man5A, or MANI) core-hinge and a fragment thereof and the cellulose binding domain of T. reesei cellobiohydrolase II (Cel6A, or CBHII) with and without the hinge region(s) and a fragment thereof. The flexible hinge region was shown to have a positive effect on both the production of Xyn11A and the efficiency of cleavage of the fusion polypeptide. The recombinant Xyn11A produced had properties similar to those of the native xylanase. It constituted 6 to 10% of the total proteins secreted by the transformants. About three times more of the Man5A core-hinge carrier polypeptide than of the recombinant Xyn11A was observed. Even in the best Xyn11A producers, the levels of the fusion mRNAs were only approximately 10% of the level of cel7A (cbh1) mRNA in the untransformed host strain.     

Increased exopolysaccharide production in Lactococcus lactis due to increased levels of expression of the NIZO B40 eps gene cluster

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) play an important role in the rheology and texture of fermented food products. This is the first report demonstrating that homologous overexpression of a complete eps gene cluster in Lactococcus lactis leads to increased EPS production levels. A ninefold-elevated EPS plasmid copy number led to an almost threefold increase in the eps expression level, resulting in an almost fourfold increase in the NIZO B40 EPS production level. It was previously reported that increased EPS precursor levels did not influence NIZO B40 EPS production levels. However, the present results indicate that the maximal NIZO B40 EPS production level is limited by the activity level of the expression products of the eps gene cluster rather than by the level of EPS precursors.     

Mechanisms regulating adrenomedullin gene expression in the left ventricle: role of mechanical load

Xenin is a 25 amino acid peptide produced by specific endocrine cells of the duodenal mucosa. Xenin has multiple biological actions in the gastrointestinal tract. It modulates intestinal motility, affects exocrine pancreatic secretion, and gastric secretion of acid. In the present investigation, we studied plasma concentration of xenin in volunteers after modified sham feeding and after meals of different composition. Plasma xenin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay in unextracted plasmas and after acidic extraction using C-18 Sep-Pak chromatography and after neutral extraction using affinity filtration. Both extraction methods were followed by C 18 r.p. HPLC chromatography. Xenin plasma concentrations in unextracted and in extracted plasma rose significantly after modified sham feeding when the food was brought to the volunteers from another room immediately before sham feeding started. When the volunteers had the opportunity to observe the preparation of the meal, xenin plasma concentrations during fasting were high and no further rise was observed after sham feeding. Isocaloric feeding resulted in elevated xenin concentrations in unextracted plasma and after high-pressure liquid chromatography. The methods of extraction, acidic or neutral, did not affect the results. CONCLUSION: Cephalic factors, investigated by modified sham feeding, stimulate release of xenin into the circulation. Xenin may participate in the central nervous regulation of gastrointestinal function.     

Validation of the Hsp150 polypeptide carrier and HSP150 promoter in expression of rat alpha2,3-sialyltransferase in yeasts

Heterologous glycoproteins usually do not fold properly in yeast cells and fail to leave the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we show that the Hsp150Delta polypeptide carrier promoted proper folding and secretion of the catalytic ectodomain of rat alpha2,3-sialyltransferase (ST3Ne) in Pichia pastoris. The efficiency of the Hsp150Delta carrier in P. pastoris and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was at least as high as that of the MFalpha carrier. Most of Hsp150Delta-ST3Ne and MFalpha-ST3Ne remained noncovalently attached to the cell wall via the ST3Ne portion. The strength of the HSP150 promoter was found to be comparable to that of the GAL1 promoter.     

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol selectively acts on CB1 receptors in specific regions of dorsal vagal complex to inhibit emesis in ferrets

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, receptor specificity, and site of action of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as an antiemetic in the ferret. THC (0.05-1 mg/kg ip) dose-dependently inhibited the emetic actions of cisplatin. The ED50 for retching was approximately 0.1 mg/kg and for vomiting was 0.05 mg/kg. A specific cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor antagonist SR-141716A (5 mg/kg ip) reversed the effect of THC, whereas the CB2 receptor antagonist SR-144528 (5 mg/kg ip) was ineffective. THC applied to the surface of the brain stem was sufficient to inhibit emesis induced by intragastric hypertonic saline. The site of action of THC in the brain stem was further assessed using Fos immunohistochemistry. Fos expression induced by cisplatin in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNX) and the medial subnucleus of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), but not other subnuclei of the NTS, was significantly reduced by THC rostral to obex. At the level of the obex, THC reduced Fos expression in the area postrema and the dorsal subnucleus of the NTS. The highest density of CB1 receptor immunoreactivity was found in the DMNX and the medial subnucleus of the NTS. Lower densities were observed in the area postrema and dorsal subnucleus of the NTS. Caudal to obex, there was moderate density of staining in the commissural subnucleus of the NTS. These results show that THC selectively acts at CB1 receptors to reduce neuronal activation in response to emetic stimuli in specific regions of the dorsal vagal complex.     

Loss of HR6B ubiquitin-conjugating activity results in damaged synaptonemal complex structure and increased crossing-over frequency during the male meiotic prophase

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes HR6A and HR6B are the two mammalian homologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD6. In yeast, RAD6 plays an important role in postreplication DNA repair and in sporulation. HR6B knockout mice are viable, but spermatogenesis is markedly affected during postmeiotic steps, leading to male infertility. In the present study, increased apoptosis of HR6B knockout primary spermatocytes was detected during the first wave of spermatogenesis, indicating that HR6B performs a primary role during the meiotic prophase. Detailed analysis of HR6B knockout pachytene nuclei showed major changes in the synaptonemal complexes. These complexes were found to be longer. In addition, we often found depletion of synaptonemal complex proteins from near telomeric regions in the HR6B knockout pachytene nuclei. Finally, we detected an increased number of foci containing the mismatch DNA repair protein MLH1 in these nuclei, reflecting a remarkable and consistent increase (20 to 25%) in crossing-over frequency. The present findings reveal a specific requirement for the ubiquitin-conjugating activity of HR6B in relation to dynamic aspects of the synaptonemal complex and meiotic recombination in spermatocytes.     

Biodegradation of radiolabelled synthetic lignin (14C-DHP) and mechanical pulp in a compost environment

Mineralization of radioactive synthetic lignin (14C-DHP) was studied in a compost environment at 35, 50 and 58 degrees C. Compost samples were successively extracted with water, dioxane and alkali, and the molecular weight distribution of some extracts was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Biodegradation of lignin-containing spruce groundwood (SGW) and pine sawdust was concurrently determined in controlled composting tests by measuring evolved CO2. The temperatures were the same as in the 14C-DHP mineralization experiment and bleached kraft paper, with a lignin content of 0.2%, was used as a reference. The mineralization of 14C-DHP was relatively high (23-24%) at 35 degrees C and 50 degrees C, although the mixed population of compost obviously lacks the most effective lignin degraders. At 58 degrees C the mineralization of 14C-DHP, as well as the biodegradation of SGW and sawdust, was very low, indicating that the lignin-degrading organisms of compost were inactivated at this temperature. SGW was poorly biodegradable (<40%) in controlled composting tests compared with kraft paper (77-86%) at all temperatures, which means that lignin inhibits the degradation of carbohydrates. During the incubation, water-soluble degradation products, mainly monomers and dimers, and the original 14C-DHP were either mineralized or bound to humic substances. A substantial fraction of 14C-DHP was incorporated into humin or other insolubles.     

Immunodetection and immunolocalization of globulin storage proteins during zygotic and somatic embryo development in Zea mays

Globulins (GLB) are storage proteins that accumulate to high levels during zygotic embryo development of Zea mays L. We visualized the distribution of GLB during zygotic embryo development by immunolabelling of polyethylene glycol sections with a GLB-specific antiserum and a fluorescent secondary antibody. In sections of embryos at 10 days after pollimation (DAP), GLB were detected in the scutellar node only. Sections of embryos of 17 DAP showed, besides the presence of GLB in the scutellar node, the presence of a low amount of GLB in the coleoptile and the leaf primordia. In 30-DAP embryos GLB were localized in the root, the coleorhiza, the leaf primordia, the coleoptile and in all cells of the scutellum with the exception of the epidermis and the pro-vascular tissues. The subcellular location of GLB was visualized by immunolabelling of ultrathin sections with anti-GLB and a gold-conjugated secondary antibody. Scutellum cells and root cortex cells of 30-DAP embryos were packed with protein storage vacuoles (PSV), which differed in electron density. GLB were either evenly distributed throughout the PSV or were localized in electron-dense inclusions within the PSV. SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis of total protein extracts indicated the presence of a low amount of the GLB1 processing intermediate proGLB1' in globular as well as mature somatic embryos. After maturation on an ABA-containing medium, somatic embryos showed the additional presence of the next GLB1 processing intermediate GLB1'. By immuno-electron microscopy it was possible to localize GLB in globular deposits in PSV in scutellum cells of these somatic embryos.     

Increased Visceral Adipose Tissue as a Potential Risk Factor in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS)

Purpose

The etiology of an ischemic stroke remains undetermined in 20–35% of cases and many patients do not have any of the conventional risk factors. Increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a suggested new risk factor for both carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAA) and atrial fibrillation (AF), but its role in the remaining stroke population is unknown. We assessed the amount of VAT in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) after excluding major-risk cardioembolic sources, occlusive atherosclerosis, and lacunar stroke.

Methods

Altogether 58 patients (mean age 57.7±10.2 years, 44 men) with ischemic stroke of unknown etiology but without CAA, known AF or small vessel disease underwent computed tomography angiography and assessment of VAT. For comparison VAT values from three different reference populations were used. Conventional risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, increased total and LDL-cholesterol, decreased HDL-cholesterol) were also registered.

Results

Mean VAT area was significantly higher in stroke patients (205±103 cm² for men and 168±99 cm² for women) compared to all reference populations (P<0.01). 50% of male and 57% of female patients had an increased VAT area. In male patients, VAT was significantly higher despite similar body mass index (BMI). Increased VAT was more common than any of the conventional risk factors.

Conclusion

Increased VAT was found in over half of our patients with ESUS suggesting it may have a role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism in this selected group of patients.