Performance evaluation of an analytical laboratory the laboratory product model

Background, Intention, Goal and Scope  The analytical laboratory is traditionally considered to be a service provider. This has resulted in laboratory environmental management being considered mostly from a pollution prevention and waste minimization perspective. There is a recognized need to view environmental performance of a laboratory service provider from a broader perspective. This broader perspective is inclusive of sampling, analysis and the potential for impacts to arise from the use of output information products. A generic methodology for the measurement and benchmarking of the overall environmental performance of an analytical laboratory and its outputs using the Laboratory Product Model (LPM) is described. Environmental performance indicators, relating to inputs and processing are proposed. Objectives  The project seeks to broaden the focus of environmental performance away from the individual analytical unit processes to a more encompassing ‘cradle-to-grave’ approach incorporating sample collection and results reporting and use. To support this approach, a functional unit of output for a laboratory has to be defined. Methods  A life cycle assessment approach, incorporating life cycle inventory considerations, is applied within the LPM conceptual framework. Results and Discussion  This approach facilitates a shift in thinking from laboratory service to the life cycle of laboratory product inputs and outputs. It enables LCA methodologies to be applied to environmental performance through the application of the LPM. The definition of a laboratory product output facilitates benchmarking and comparison of laboratories. Conclusions  The LPM approach assigns a critical role to the laboratory for the sustainability of the laboratory operations from sample collection, through analysis to the use of its product outputs. Recommendations and Outlook  The application of the LPM offers a top down approach for the evaluation of the environmental performance of an analytical laboratory. It is expected to provide a useful tool for assessing and benchmarking the environmental performance of analytical laboratories.     

Large-scale identification of Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm substrates that modulate host cell vesicle trafficking pathways

The bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila replicates in a specialized vacuole within host cells. Establishment of the replication vacuole depends on the Dot/Icm translocation system that delivers a large number of protein substrates into the host cell. The functions of most substrates are unknown. Here, we analysed a defined set of 127 confirmed or candidate Dot/Icm substrates for their effect on host cell processes using yeast as a model system. Expression of 79 candidates caused significant yeast growth defects, indicating that these proteins impact essential host cell pathways. Notably, a group of 21 candidates interfered with the trafficking of secretory proteins to the yeast vacuole. Three candidates that caused yeast secretory defects (SetA, Ceg19 and Ceg9) were investigated further. These proteins impinged upon vesicle trafficking at distinct stages and had signals that allowed translocation into host cells by the Dot/Icm system. Ectopically produced SetA, Ceg19 and Ceg9 localized to secretory organelles in mammalian cells, consistent with a role for these proteins in modulating host cell vesicle trafficking. Interestingly, the ability of SetA to cause yeast phenotypes was dependent upon a functional glycosyltransferase domain. We hypothesize that SetA may glycosylate a component of the host cell vesicle trafficking machinery during L. pneumophila infection.     

Une espèce géante de MuscardinusKaup, 1829(Gliridae,Rodentia, Mammalia) dans le gisement karstique de Cala Es Pou (Miocène supérieur de Minorque,Baléares)

In this paper, Muscardinus cyclopeus nov. sp., from the locality of Cala Es Pou, in Menorca (Balearic Islands)), is described. M. cyclopeus is close to M. viretiHugueney & Mein, but shows a greater size. This species belongs to a new phase of insularity in the Balearic Islands, different from the classical Myotragus-Hypnomys-Nesiotites faunas. This phase may be due to variations in the sea level within the Messinian. Other elements belonging to this phase are: Geochelone gymnesicaBate, cf. Alilepus nov. sp. and Rhinolophus cf. grivensis (Deperet).     

New embedding medium for sectioning undecalcified bone

Methylmethacrylate (MMA) is the most commonly used embedding medium for sectioning undecalcified bone; however, a number of problems exist with its use in a research laboratory. MMA requires a long infiltration time and temperature control, and it reacts with many polymers. We used Kleer Set resin™ as an alternative embedding medium for sectioning undecalcified bone specimens. Fluorochrome labeled bone specimens were sectioned transversely using a ground section technique and longitudinally on a sledge macrotome. The slides were viewed using both transmitted light and epifluorescence microscopy. High quality sections were obtained using Kleer Set resin™ for both sectioning techniques. We have shown that this new embedding medium is simpler, safer, quicker to use and does not interfere with visualization of fluorochromes.     

Noncytotoxic activation of neutrophils by eosinophil granule major basic protein. Effect on superoxide anion generation and lysosomal enzyme release

Eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP) and neutrophils have each been implicated in the inflammatory late phase events of allergic disease. Based on this association and flow cytometric evidence presented in this report for MBP binding to neutrophils, we examined the ability of MBP to activate human neutrophils. Incubation of neutrophils with 0.5 to 3.0 microM MBP at room temperature produced a concentration-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) response that peaked after 50 to 70 min. Reduced-and-alkylated MBP, eosinophil cationic protein, and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin did not induce CL. MBP-induced CL was abrogated in the absence of Ca2+ and was absent in neutrophils isolated from two individuals with chronic granulomatous disease. MBP also stimulated release of superoxide anion (O2-) and lysozyme but not beta-glucuronidase or lactate dehydrogenase. Additionally, 1.5 microM MBP in combination with FMLP or platelet-activating factor stimulated a synergistic increase in O2- release from cytochalasin B-treated neutrophils. The degree of synergism with FMLP or platelet-activating factor was inversely related (p less than 0.005) to the level of MBP-induced O2- release. These results indicate that MBP activates neutrophils in a noncytolytic fashion and provide evidence that eosinophil-neutrophil collaboration may contribute to the pathogenesis observed in allergic late phase reactions.     

The amino terminal sequence of sea urchin sperm histone H1 and its phosphorylation by egg cytosol

1. The amino acid sequence of the first 34 residues of sperm histone H1 (SpH1) from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus shows striking similarity with sequences from three South African species. 2. Five contiguous repeats of the tetrapeptide SPBB (where B is R or K) occur between positions 10 and 29. 3. SpH1 was phosphorylated in vitro using egg cytosol as the source of protein kinase and approximately 4.2 mol phosphate were incorporated per mol H1. 4. Sequences of five phosphopeptides of SpH1 show the egg possesses protein kinase activity capable of phosphorylating multiple seryl residues including SPBB in the NH2-, and BBSP in the COOH-end of the protein.     

A-B-O blood groups in Kenya olive baboons (Papio anubis)

A feral population of 183 Kenyan olive baboons representing 5 troops was surveyed for salivary ABO-like antigens. Unlike previously reported populations, a high frequency of the O allele and low frequency of the B allele were detected. This observation may be the result of founder effect and/or genetic drift.