Evidences for genetic differentiation within the highly endemic and endangered annual fish Austrolebias nigrofasciatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)

Samples of Austrolebias nigrofasciatus (n = 103), an endangered species of annual fish endemic to a small area of the Patos-Mirim lagoon system encompassing the São Gonçalo Channel lowlands, were collected from eight isolated temporary ponds, four located at the known distribution range of the species and four located along the Piratini River lowlands, where morphologically different individuals were found. In the laboratory, fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (coI), cytochrome b (cytb) and nuclear rhodopsin (rho) genes were amplified, purified and sequenced for 100, 99 and 58 of these individuals, respectively. Samples were further analysed using phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods to evaluate the patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation presented within and between populations, while assessing their evolutionary history, in order to guide the application of further conservation strategies. We found that the four new populations from the Piratini River lowlands encompass a different lineage of A. nigrofasciatus that diverged from that encountered in the São Gonçalo Channel at approximately 0.165 M years before present, during a population expansion and did not yet attain reciprocal monophyly. This divergence was associated with a glacial event that was preceded by an interglacial period putatively associated with the dispersal. Moreover, significant levels of genetic differentiation and a high number of exclusive haplotypes could be encountered even in micro-geographical scales, as in the comparisons between populations located within the same major lineage, indicating each of them may encompass independent management units. Conservation actions are certainly urgent, especially in the face of signs of a recent bottleneck.     

EEG spatial organization during intense hyperventilation (cyclic breathing): II. EEG correlates of psychovisceral phenomena

EEG correlates of two main effects of long-term hyperventilation (cyclic breathing similar to rebirthing), namely, psychotic manifestations and sensations in internal organs, are considered. Standard EEGs of 44 subjects were recorded and subsequently treated by multiparametric methods. It was shown that, in the case of psychotic phenomena (hallucinations, visual and auditory images, different scenes, virtual travels, out-of-body experiences, etc.), the changes in the spatial organization of bioelectric potentials as compared with the baseline have different patterns than in the case of sensations in internal organs. The changes are observed in the frontal regions of the cortex: a decrease in spatial synchronization (linear processes) during an increase in spatial disarray (nonlinear processes) of bioelectric potentials and the intensifying of high-frequency β activity. If sensations in internal organs appear, a decrease in the above parameters was observed in the right hemisphere and in posterior cortical areas. The data are discussed from the viewpoint of qualitative specificity of changes in functional states during an altered state of consciousness with manifestations of different psychovisceral phenomena.     

Long term effects of Chernobyl contamination on DNA repair function and plant resistance to different biotic and abiotic stress factors

Thirty years after the Chernobyl explosion we still lack information regarding the genetic effects of radionuclide contamination on the plant population. For example, are plants adapting to the low dose of chronic ionising irradiation and showing improved resistance to radiation damage? Are they coping with changing/increased pathogenicity of fungi and viruses in the Chernobyl exclusion (ChE) zone? Are plant populations rapidly accumulating mutational load and should we expect rapid micro-evolutionary changes in plants in the Chernobyl area? This review will try to summarise the current knowledge on these aspects of plant genetics and ecology and draw conclusions on the importance of further studies in the area around Chernobyl.     

Biosynthetic features and properties of xylose isomerases from Arthrobacter nicotianae, Escherichia coli, and Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica

The characteristics of xylose isomerase biosynthesis in the bacteria Arthrobacter nicotianae BIM B-5, Erwinia carotovora subsp atroseptica jn42xylA, and Escherichia coli HB101xylA have been studied. The bacteria produced the enzyme constitutively. Out of the carbon sources studied, D-glucose and D-xylose were most favorable for the biosynthesis of xylose isomerase in E. carotovora subsp. atroseptica, but the least appropriate in terms of the enzyme production efficiency in E. coli. Minimum and maximum levels of xylose isomerase formation in A. nicotianae were noted, respectively, during D-xylose and sucrose utilization. An addition to the D-xylose-containing nutrient medium of 0.1–1.5% D-glucose did not affect the enzyme synthesis in A. nicotianae, but suppressed it in Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica (by 7% at the highest concentration) and Escherichia coli (by 63 and 75% at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0%, respectively). The enzyme proteins produced by the bacteria exhibited the same substrate specificity and electrophoretic mobility (PAGE) as xylose isomerase A. nicotianae, although insignificant differences in the major physicochemical properties were noted.     

Digital dermatoglyphics in the Basque population: univariate and multivariate comparison with other Spanish populations

We have analyzed dermatoglyphic finger patterns in a Spanish Basque population (841 males and 911 females). Bimanual and sexual comparisons have been carried out by means of contingency analysis. The results in the Basque population are compared with those of other Spanish populations, based on univariate (chi 2 contingency test and Student's t-test) and multivariate (principal components analyses) statistical methods. Bilateral distribution asymmetry and sexual dimorphism were observed in the Basque sample. The results of the chi 2 test for pattern types in males and females show statistically significant differences between the Basques and other Spanish populations, with the exception of the males from El Bierzo. Comparing populations with regard to the Pattern Intensity Index, the differences observed are much lower; therefore, this confirms what other authors have suggested regarding the limited usefulness of indexes in populational comparisons. In the Caucasian variation range of pattern types, Basques are located in the high part with regard to arches, in the low part with regard to whorls and radial loops, and in an intermediate part in relation to ulnar loops and overall pattern intensity. Results of the multivariate comparisons show which populations are more or less distant from the Basque population and which variables are significant in contributing to these population relationships.     

The receptor for transferrin on murine myeloma cells: one-step purification based on its physiology, and partial amino acid sequence

The receptor for transferrin is one of the major surface proteins of proliferating lymphocytes and other cells. It binds ferrotransferrin from serum and endocytoses it into an acidic nonlysosomal intracellular compartment where iron is released, but in which apotransferrin remains tightly bound to its receptor. Recycling of the apotransferrin-receptor complex to the cell surface is associated with a return to neutral pH and concomitant loss of affinity of apotransferrin for its receptor. Apotransferrin is then free to leave the cell and initiate a new cycle. We have exploited this cycle in a novel method for the purification of the receptor for transferrin. Murine myeloma cells were lysed in nonionic detergent, and the lysate passed over a column of ferrotransferrin-agarose at pH 7.4. After washing with sodium acetate at pH 5.0, iron was removed with sodium citrate pH 5.0 and desferrioxamine. Upon returning the pH to neutrality, the receptor was eluted and found to be homogeneous by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. The degree of purification was estimated to be at least 3,000-fold, and the calculated yield was 10 to 20%. The purified receptor was capable of binding to transferrin. The receptor was digested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were separated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography in NH4HCO3. Selected peptides were rechromatographed in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid, and their amino acid sequences were determined.     

Effect of Cimetidine and other antihistaminics on the elimination of aminopyrine,phenacetin and caffein

Cimetidine is widely prescribed for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and has recently been shown to inhibit the metabolism of warfarin, antipyrine and diazepam. To further examine this phenomenon we investigated the effect of various doses of cimetidine and other related drugs on ¹⁴C-aminopyrine, ¹⁴C-phenacetin and ¹⁴C-caffeine breath tests. Cimetidine caused a dose-related inhibition of the metabolism of aminopyrine and caffeine but had no effect on the phenacetin breath test. Metiamide, H₁-antihistamines, phenothiazines and local anesthetics also inhibited the aminopyrine breath test. Cyproheptadine had no effect on either phenacetin or caffeine elimination. This study demonstrates a complex drug-drug interaction which may have widespread clinical implications.