A V7 conformation of dimethyl sulfoxide-amylose complex

X-ray investigation of a crystalline complex between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and amylose indicates a sevenfold helical structure having an orthogonal unit cell: a = 30.23 Å, b = 28.18 Å, and C = 7.91 Å (helix axis). This helical amylose results from precipitation of amylose in DMSO solutions under suitably dry conditions using toluene as a precipitating agent. Analyses show a molar ratio of 0.95:2:0.4:0.08 for DMSO, amylose glucose units, water, and toluene, respectively. DMSO and amylose combine in at least two crystalline conformations, sixfold and sevenfold helices. The amount of water present influences the resulting conformation. The existence of the sevenfold helical solid indicates that the amylose sevenfold helix has greater stability than previously recognized by conformational energy calculations. In general, potential energy calculations cannot be correct that ignore the influence of guest molecules and their effects upon the maltose residue conformation and that lead to a sixfold helix as the most probable structure.     

Coccidioidomycosis in a California sea otter (Enhydra lutris).

A weak and emaciated California sea otter (Enhydra lutris) was found stranded on Atascadero Beach in Morro Bay, California. It died three weeks after capture. A diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis was confirmed by histology, serology and culture. This is believed to be the first reported case of this disease from the Morro Bay area of San Luis Obispo County, California as well as the first reported case in a free-ranging marine mammal.     

A physical map of human chromosome 10 and a comparison with an existing genetic map.

A physical map for 13 loci on chromosome 10 was developed by determining the dosage of the corresponding DNA sequences in cell lines with unbalanced chromosome 10 rearrangements. Nine of the sequences were assigned to a smaller segment of the chromosome than previously and four sublocalizations were confirmed. The physical map covers most of chromosome 10, from 10p13 to 10q23. The linear order of loci within the physical map agrees with existing linkage maps of chromosome 10. A comparison between the physical map and existing genetic maps indicate an uneven distribution of recombination for chromosome 10. There appear to be hot spots of recombination in the regions defined by q21.1 and q22-q23. In addition, there is a suppression of recombination in the pericentromeric region in males which is not evident in females.     

Lesions in the liver and kidney of Dirofilaria immitis-infected dogs following treatment with ivermectin

Six dogs with spontaneous heartworm disease were injected with a single dose of ivermectin. After 48 h of treatment, microfilariae counts were reduced by 92%-98% of pretreatment counts. In pretreatment biopsies examined by light and electron microscopy, microfilariae were unaltered in the sinusoids of the liver and also in the glomerular capillaries and interstitial blood vessels of the kidney. However, there was irregular thickening and dense deposits in the basement membranes of glomerular capillaries, along with a modest increase in mesangial cells and matrix. In post-treatment liver biopsies examined by light microscopy, there were numerous granulomas in the sinusoids which contained degenerated microfilariae. In post-treatment kidney biopsies there was moderate thickening of glomerular basement membranes along with pronounced proliferation of mesangial cells and matrix. Glomerular capillaries were partially or completely occluded by degenerated microfilariae. In addition, there were interstitial granulomas in the kidney. It was observed with the aid of electron microscopy that highly vacuolated and degenerated microfilariae were incorporated into granulomas in the liver sinusoids of post-treatment biopsies. In post-treatment kidney biopsies glomerular capillaries were usually occluded by degenerated microfilariae. Basement membranes were thickened and contained dense deposits. Mesangial cells and matrix were extensively increased. Interstitial granulomas in the kidney contained dead microfilariae.     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Piper (Piperaceae)

Sixteen lectotypifications of Asian Piper species are provided. Piper argyrites, P. baccatum, P. leptostachyum, P. majusculum, P. peepuloides, P. quinqueangulatum and P. sulcatum are accepted as species and many new synonyms are proposed. Useful diagnostic characters are described and geographical distribution data of each species are provided.