Biosensors for assay of glycoalkaloids in potato tubers

The possibility of practical application of biosensors based on pH-sensitive field-effect transistors and butyrylcholinesterase to glycoalkaloid analysis in potato tubers was studied. The main analytical features of the designed biosensors and measurement conditions were optimized. The biosensor was applied to quantitative analysis of glycoalkaloids in tubers of different potato varieties. The results proved to be in good agreement with those obtained by conventional protocols. Experiments on glucose assay were performed. An inverse correlation between the contents of glucose and glycoalkaloids in potato tubers was demonstrated.     

Rotaviral enteritis in a raccoon

A hand-reared raccoon (Procyon lotor) kit had severe diarrhea and died within 24 hr. Gross and histopathologic findings were compatible with a diagnosis of viral enteritis. The immunoperoxidase test revealed rotavirus group A antigen in the intestinal mucosa. This is the first record of rotaviral enteritis in a raccoon.     

Marine insects: genital morphology, phylogeny and evolution of sea skaters, genus Halobates (Hemiptera: Gerridae)

Five species of sea skaters, genus Halobates Eschscholtz, are the only insects to have successfully colonized the open ocean. In addition, 36 species are found in sheltered coastal waters throughout tropical Indo-Pacific. The taxonomy of the genus is relatively well known, but reliable hypotheses about phylogenetic relationships are required if the biogeography and evolution of sea skaters is to be discussed in a meaningful way. This work presents the results of a study of new characters from the genital segments, especially those of the male phallus and the female gynatrial complex, and a reinterpretation for several other characters. In total 64 characters were scored for 26 species of Halobates , two species ofAsclepios and one species of Metrocoris. With Asclepios and Metrocoris species as outgroups, the character state sets were analysed cladistically using the computer program Hennig86. After critical evaluations of both characters and clades, a phylogeny for Halobates is presented and its taxonomic implications are discussed. A number of monophyletic species groups are delimited. One genus-level synonymy and three species-level synonymies are suggested. The evolution of Halobates is discussed in the light of the reconstructed phylogeny and present knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of sea skaters. A hypothesis of ecological evolution in halobatine water striders is proposed and tested.     

Effect of helium and argon on the oxygen uptake by lymphocytes

The effect of inert helium and argon gases on the tissue respiration has been studied on lymphocyte suspensions of white rats. It is shown that normoxic helium-oxygen mixture induces almost a two-fold increase of the O2 uptake by lymphocytes as compared with the control (air). No deviations in the value of the studied parameter are revealed in case of replacement of nitrogen from air by argon. Significance of the membrane structure in realization of effects of inert gases is under discussion.