Reversal of sides in the blackfin flounder Glyptocephalus stelleri and variability of body pigmentation and shape in pleuronectid flatfishes

A specimen of the blackfin flounder Glyptocephalus stelleri showing a reversal of the body sides was found for the first time. Records of flounders of the genus Pseudopleuronectes with abnormal body coloration are given. The occurrence of pigmentation on both sides of the body and the reversal of sides are indicative of the manifestation of atavism in flatfishes. The high variability of phenotypic characters, which is common to some species of flatfish with clinal variations, is illustrated using the example of the marbled flounder.     

Dependence of the effectiveness of phage infection on energy status of staphylococcal cells

Studies of phage infection efficiency in Staphylococcus aureus showed its dependence on the energy processes. Addition of KCN, dycyclohexylcarbodiimide and chlorocarbonylcyanide-phenylhydrazone at the moment of cells contact with bacteriophages lowered phagolysis efficiency to 49.5-68.0%. These inhibitors influenced on cell specifically leading to suppressing generators of protonmotive force and to dissipating membrane potential. Adding phages to the suspension of bacterial led to the dissipation of membrane potential.     

Acceptor specificity of the human leukocyte alpha3 fucosyltransferase: role of FucT-VII in the generation of selectin ligands

The alpha3 fucosyltransferase, FucT-VII, is one of the key glycosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of the sialyl Lewis X (sLex) antigen on human leukocytes. The sialyl Lewis X antigen (NeuAcalpha(2-3)Galbeta(1-4)[Fucalpha(1-3)]GlcNAc-R) is an essential component of the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation, mediating the primary interaction between circulating leukocytes and activated endothelium. In order to characterize the enzymatic properties of the leukocyte alpha3 fucosyltransferase FucT-VII, the enzyme has been expressed in Trichoplusia ni insect cells. The enzyme is capable of synthesizing both sLexand sialyl-dimeric-Lexstructures in vitro , from 3'-sialyl-lacNAc and VIM-2 structures, respectively, with only low levels of fucose transfer observed to neutral or 3'-sulfated acceptors. Studies using fucosylated NeuAcalpha(2-3)-(Galbeta(1- 4)GlcNAc)3-Me acceptors demonstrate that FucT-VII is able to synthesize both di-fucosylated and tri-fucosylated structures from mono- fucosylated precursors, but preferentially fucosylates the distal GlcNAc within a polylactosamine chain. Furthermore, the rate of fucosylation of the internal GlcNAc residues is reduced once fucose has been added to the distal GlcNAc. These results indicate that FucT-VII is capable of generating complex selectin ligands, in vitro , however the order of fucose addition to the lactosamine chain affects the rate of selectin ligand synthesis.      

Structural and functional organization of the vestibular apparatus in rats maintained under weightless conditions for 19.5 days aboard the satellite "Cosmos-782"]

Vestibular apparatus was investigated in rats subjected to weightlessness for 19.5 days in the satelite "Cosmos-782" and experienced acceleration on launching and landing. Some structural and functional changes were noted. They were seen in otolith clinging to the utricular receptor surface and in the peripheral arrangement of the nucleolus in the nuclei of the receptor cells. It is also possible that increased edema of the vestibular tissue resulted in destruction of some receptor cells, and within the otolith--changes in the form and structure of otoconia. In the horizontal crista the cupula was separated.