Isolation and characterization of an {alpha}1,2-mannosidase cDNA from the lepidopteran insect cell line Sf9

As part of our ongoing efforts to characterize the N-glycosylationpathway of lepidopteran insect cells, we have isolated an     

Incidence of Echinococcus granulosus in Domestic Dogs in Palestine as Revealed by Copro-PCR

Hydatidosis or echinococcosisis considered a neglected zoonotic disease despite its high burden in the livestock industry and the high risk of infection by humans in endemic areas. In a cross-sectional study we estimated the copro-Incidence and also genotyped Echinococcus granulosus isolates from domestic dogs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Medical archives in nine major hospitals in Palestine were reviewed to determine incidence of E. granulosus infection detected in humans during surgery. Faecal samples were collected from 93 domestic dogs in three districts with the highest number of human cases: Al-Khalil (Hebron), Tubas and Jenin. Genomic DNA was extracted from dog faecal samples and amplified by PCR targeting the repeat DNA sequence (EgG1 Hae III) followed by sequencing of five positive samples. Genotyping was determined by sequencing and BLAST searching of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit (CO1). The incidence of E. granulosus infection detected in humans at surgery was 1.2 per 100,000 in the West Bank and 1.0 per 100,000 in Gaza Strip. Seventeen of 93 domestic dogs (18%) were positive, based upon comparison with the Echinococcus DNA control. The five sequenced samples were confirmed to be E. granulosus. Successfully genotyped sample belonged to E.granulosus sensu stricto (formerly G1-G3 complex, sheep strain). For domestic dogs, age group (13-24 months) and sex were identified as two risk factors for contracting E. granulosus. The study identified the high incidence of E. granulosus sensu stricto in dogs in Palestine.     

Splitting of circadian rhythms in the rat

Summary Patterns of splitting of circadian rhythms into two or more components are described in rats. The patterns were always the same when two or three behaviors were recorded concurrently from the same animal (drinking, feeding, and electrical brain self-stimulation).Several characteristics of the split rhythms were similar to those described for hamster locomotor activity (Pittendrigh and Daan, 1976): 1. The period of the split components was shorter than that of the pre-split free-running rhythm; 2. in cases of splitting of rhythms into two components, synchronization occurred when the components reached a 180° phase-relation; and 3. refusion of the split components followed a reduction in light intensity.In one case, a complete lesion of the suprachias-matic nuclei was made in a rat showing split rhythms. The lesion abolished both of the split components, although one remained visible for about a week following the lesion.The results suggest control of the three behavioral rhythms by a common pacemaker which may consist of two coupled populations of oscillators, as described by Pittendrigh and Daan (1976) for circadian locomotor activity rhythms in nocturnal rodents.Abbreviations EBSS electrical brain self-stimulation - SCN suprachiasmatic nuclei Research supported by PHS Grants MH27442 and RR07143. We are grateful to D. Logothetis, G. Ruben, and J.S. Terman for assistance with data analysis, and to L. Thorington (Duro-Test Corp.) for contribution of Vita-Lite sources     

Bioaccumulation Potential and Physiological Responses of Aquatic Macrophytes to Pb Pollution

In view of their potential bioaccumulation of heavy metals, Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum was studied under hydroponic cultures enriched by different Pb concentrations (25, 50, 75 mg/l) for 1–7 days. Both species exerted remarkable capabilities to concentrate Pb in their tissues as compared to control. The highest accumulation value of Pb (164.26 mg/g.dw) was recorded in C. demersum and the most of metal (91.72 mg/g dw) accumulated after 1 d. Significant reduction in photosynthetic pigments and appearance of morphological symptoms such as chlorosis and fragmentation of leaves were evident after 7d at 75 mg/l. The activity of POX and APX, carotenoids and proline showed induction at lower concentration and duration followed by decline. Major re-shuffle in protein patterns appeared as a tolerant mechanism, which both species developed under Pb toxicity. Results suggest that both species responded positively to Pb concentration and accumulated high amount of metal. Due to metal accumulation coupled with detoxification potential, both species appear to have potential for use as phytoremediators and the developed responses can be used as reliable biomarkers for Pb water pollution.     

Adsorption kinetics of low-density lipoproteins with Langmuir monolayer

The present work utilizes the Langmuir monolayer technique to detect the adsorption kinetics of native low-density lipoproteins and their oxidized form with the lipid monolayer. We found that low-density lipoproteins and oxidized low-density lipoproteins are able to penetrate the LM up to pressure π?=?9.9 and 11.6 mN/m. Also, the adsorption constants of both particles were found to depend strongly on the monolayer initial pressure. It is found that less compressed lipid monolayers could accommodate more native low-density lipoproteins than the oxidized ones due their higher binding affinity toward monolayers. The probable α-helical regions along the apoproteinB-100 secondary structure and average hydrophobicity could explain partially their adsorption kinetics into lipid monolayers. This simplified ‘in vitro’ study of low-density lipoprotein–monolayer interaction may serve as a step further to understand the mechanism and bioactivity of the atherosclerotic process. Also, it may shed light on the oxidized low-density lipoprotein’s role in plaque formation in the innermost arterial wall in blood vessels.