Dynamic of myocarditis development in rats after injection of cardiac myosine combined with IFA

Myocarditis development was investigated after immunization rats with single subcutaneous injection of cardiac myosin (800 microg/kg) with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) (M + IFA group). Control group received equal volume of IFA alone or nothing (intact group). On days 4, 14, and 21 after injection, light and electron microscopy of heart sections, morphometric analysis, estimation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1p, IL-6, VEGF, TNFa and iNOS) expression were used to evaluate inflammatory response in myocardium. In addition, we estimated cardiac myosin antibody levels in blood serum and nitrite and nitrate levels in blood serum. Our data showed that immunization with cardiac myosin combined with IFA led to inflammatory response in the rat myocardium. Acute inflammation (i.e. lymphocyte infiltration of myocardium and increase of proinflammatory cytokines level) in M + IFA group occurred on 21 days after immunization.     

The role of the promoter structure in the efficiency of the expression of guanylspecific ribonucleases from Bacillus intermedius and Bacillus pumilus

Guanylspecific ribonucleases from B. intermedius (binase) and B.pumilus (RNase Bpu) are structural and functional homologues, and their biosynthesis is subjected to the same laws. At the same time, there are essential differences in the expression efficiency of binase and RNase Bpu genes. This was first suggested to be due to differences in nucleotide sequences of promoters of the genes. Therefore, we constructed plasmids changing each different nucleotide in binase promoter for corresponding one from RNase Bpu and vise versa. It was found that the difference in RNase Bpu and binase expression was due to the only nucleotide in RNase Bpu promoter.     

Use of a preparation from fungal pectin lyase in the food industry

A new enzyme preparation of fungal pectin lyase (EC 4.2.2.10) was shown to be useful for the production of cranberry juice and clarification of apple juice in the food industry. A comparative study showed that the preparation of pectin lyase is competitive with commercial pectinase products. The molecular weight of homogeneous pectin lyase was 38 kDa. Properties of the homogeneous enzyme were studied. This enzyme was most efficient in removing highly esterified pectin.     

Biological activity of the components of F1-antigen of Yersinia pestis

Components of the capsule antigen (Baker), described early as F17, F18, F43, Flp, which positively reacts with commercial poly- and monoclonal antifractions plague diagnosticums were studied. Differences and their impacts on vaccine bacteria survival within peritoneal macrophages, guinea pigs and protection of white mice after immunization and fast protection against plague were shown. Hemolytic, cytolytic and hemo- and cytoagglutinations activities of lipoprotein (Flp) and capacity of glycoproteins F17 and F43 for induction of hemo- and cytoagglutinations were detected. Similarity of properties of enumerated components and lectins and their role in infection development and immunogenesis are discussed.     

Effect of alcohol in combination with stress in the prenatal period on adult mice behaviour

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the prenatal alcohol and stress on behaviour of adult CBA/LacJ male mice. Pregnant mice were given ethanol 11% from to 21 days of the gestation and were exposed to restraint stress for two hours daily from 15 to 21 days gestation. At 3 months of age, the offspring were tested for behaviour. Alcohol and stress-exposed animals buried more marbles in the marble-burying test, which models obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). In addition, the alcohol and stress-exposed males showed increased social activity. No significant effects of the prenatal alcohol and stress exposure on locomotor activity, anxiety, exploring activity of the adult male mice were revealed. Conclusion was made that exposure to the alcohol and stress combination in prenatal period produces predisposition to OCD.     

Synthesis of positively charged galactosurfactants

An approach to synthesis of cationic carbohydrate surfactants with potential antimicrobial or transfected activities is described.     

Trematode metacercariae from the cranial cavity of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) from Lake Tana,Ethiopia

Metacercariae of two species of trematodes from the fam. Diplostomidae from the cranial cavity of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus are described. The metacercaria Tylodelphys grandis n. sp. is described for the first time. Data are presented on the infection rate of catfishes in Lake Tana.     

Transcriptional response to alcohol exposure in Drosophila melanogaster

Background  

Alcoholism presents widespread social and human health problems. Alcohol sensitivity, the development of tolerance to alcohol and susceptibility to addiction vary in the population. Genetic factors that predispose to alcoholism remain largely unknown due to extensive genetic and environmental variation in human populations. Drosophila, however, allows studies on genetically identical individuals in controlled environments. Although addiction to alcohol has not been demonstrated in Drosophila, flies show responses to alcohol exposure that resemble human intoxication, including hyperactivity, loss of postural control, sedation, and exposure-dependent development of tolerance.