Homologous recombination between different genotypes of hepatitis B virus

Phylogenetic analysis was used to examine the evolutionary relationships among 99 complete HBV sequences. Analysis revealed nine viral genomes clustered with different genotypes depending on genome region analyzed. This discordance indicated that recombination events occurred during HBV history. The putative breakpoints between genomes of different genotypes have been mapped. Six mosaic genomes representing B/C hybrids were isolated in East Asia and three A/D hybrids in Italy. At least some recombinant strains appear to be fully viable and possess high evolutionary potential. As a result, B/C recombinants overspread through the East Asia region. They were found among the isolates from Japan, China and Indonesia. Our results suggest that recombination is a significant and relatively frequent event in the evolution of HBV genome. A possible mechanism and the implications of recombination for the natural history of HBV, clinically important properties, and phylogenetic reconstruction are discussed.     

Osmotic modification of thermal damage in Escherichia coli bacteria at various pH values of the media

A study was made of the influence of media with different osmotic pressure on cell survival and on optic density of supernatants from Escherichia coli B/r and E. coli Bs-1 cell suspensions heated under different pH values of media. Hyperthermia induced cell death accompanied with the loss of optically active (lambda = 260 nm) material. Both cell damage effects were increased in acid and alkaline conditions, compared to neutral condition of heating. Hypertonic media results in a decrease in thermic cell death and loss of cell substances. Under this condition, the protection influence of high osmotic pressure was seen to increase significantly in acid and alkaline conditions of heating, compared to neutral condition. It has been proposed that a higher thermal damage of microorganisms in acid and alkaline beating conditions and protection influence of hypertonic media, especially expressed in acid and alkaline medium, is caused to a great extent by the status of osmotic cell homeostasis.     

Chemical composition of lipophylic compounds from the body surface of unfed adult Ixodes persulcatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

Chemical compositions of ethereal extracts of the body surface of unfed male and female Ixodes persulcatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) were studied by gas chromatography using mass-spectrometric detection. More than 100 different organic compounds were detected. The predominant components were saturated fatty hydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aldehydes, squalene, cholesterol and cholesterol derivatives. A number of compounds found in I. persulcatus are known as components of pheromones or constituents of dermal gland secretions in tick species of the genus Amblyomma: nonanoic acid, saturated fatty acids having from 14 to 16 carbons, and squalene. Saturated fatty aldehydes have not been reported previously as body surface components of hard ticks. Substituted phenols were not found in the extracts, although they are known as common components of sex and attraction–aggregation–attachment pheromones in Amblyomma ticks. With a few exceptions (henicosanal, 2,4-holestadiene and two unidentified cholesterol derivatives), there was no marked difference in composition of surface components between male and female I. persulcatus. The possible role of the different chemical groups in communication between I. persulcatus ticks is discussed.     

Universal method for single nucleotide substitution identification

A new approach to the identification of point mutations by allele-specific PCR was proposed. The mutation R408W of the human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene was used as a model. A high specificity of the approach was achieved by the use of primers partially complementary to the genomic DNA. Polyethylene glycol covalently attached to one of the allele-specific primers provides for the differential identification of the PCR products due to a change in electrophoretic mobility.     

Universal method for SNP identification

A new approach to the identification of point mutations by allele-specific PCR was proposed. The mutation R408W of the human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene was used as a model. A high specificity of the approach was achieved by the use of primers partially complementary to the genomic DNA. Polyethylene glycol covalently attached to one of the allele-specific primers provides for the differential identification of the PCR products due to a change in electrophoretic mobility.__________Translated from Bioorganicheskaya Khimiya, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2005, pp. 213–215.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Brenner, Ivanova, Pyshnyi, Morozov.     

Localization of motor and speech cortex in the brain with functional magnetic resonance tomography

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for non-invasive mapping of cerebral cortex. The purpose of the study was evaluation of applicability of functional MRI for studies of neurosurgical patients. 32 volunteers (mean age 37.8 +/- 20.9 years) and 16 patients with brain tumors (mean age 36.2 +/- 24.2 years) were included in the study. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was performed. Activation maps were superimposed on anatomical images and discussed with neurosurgeons. Functional MRI studies were successful in localising the motor cortex and Broca's area in 89% of cases. In 69% of cases, results of the functional MRI influenced the patients' treatment.     

Changes in erythrocyte velocity in microvessels measured with a microprismatic grating

Using an instrument designed by the Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Company (FRG) red blood cell velocity was evaluated in model and intravital experiments. The instrument provides for an accurate quantitative determination of blood microflow velocity, enables the measurements within a wide range of velocities and diameters of microvessels. It is more unsophisticated as regards the design and operation than other instruments intended for similar purposes.