Origin of bombesin-like peptides in human fetal lung

Four different forms of bombesin-like immunoreactive peaks were detected in extracts of human fetal lung by the use of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Peaks I, II, III and IV, (increasing retention time), were eluted using a 14-38% of acetonitrile gradient containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Peak II was the major material found in the extract of human fetal lung obtained at 16-20 weeks gestation. None of the four compounds contained in the eluted peaks had the same retention time as amphibian bombesin or porcine gastrin releasing peptide (GRP). On reversed-phase HPLC using two different solvent systems TFA or heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) as a hydrophobic counter ion, and in gel filtration chromatography, the chromatographic behavior of the main peak (peak II) was the same as that of the carboxyl terminal fragments of GRP, GRP18-27 or GRP19-27. This suggested that the peptide(s) in peak II resembled in composition the carboxy terminal 9 or 10 amino acids of porcine GRP. Following tryptic digestion the material in peak IV was converted to the more polar compound present in peak II. Two other peptide peaks were eluted close to peak II and these were presumed to be a modification of this main peak. One of the possible biosynthetic steps in the formation of bombesin-like peptides in human fetal lung could be a tryptic conversion of a less polar peptide to a more polar form (peak IV to II).     

Evaluation of early generations for iron chlorosis in relation to productivity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Five popular but iron-inefficient cultivars were crossed with three efficient genotypes and both parents and F₁s were evaluated for iron-efficiency in potted calcareous and noncalcareous soil. The iron-efficient genotypes were dark green or green in both noncalcareous and calcareous soils whereas inefficient types were light green to yellow in calcareous soil. The chlorophyll and active iron (Fe²⁺) concentration of leaves was less in iron-efficient genotypes compared to efficient types in calcareous soil and reduction of both the parameters from noncalcareous to calcareous soil was considerably high in iron-inefficient lines. There was significant correlation between visual scores, chlorophyll and active iron content. There were no differences among F₁s for iron chlorosis and they were all iron-inefficient. The frequency of iron-inefficient plants was higher than the efficient plants in all F₂ populations. But most of the productive plants came from iron-efficient segregants indicating strong association between iron-efficiency and productivity. Based on the results selection for iron-efficiency in early generations and extensive evaluation for productivity in advanced generations is suggested for developing varieties for cultivation in calcareous soils.     

A linkage group on pig chromosome 4 comprising the loci for blood group L, GBA, ATP1B1 and three microsatellites

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were described for the porcine loci for β-glucosidase (GBA) and the β-polypeptide 1 of the Na⁺, K⁺-transporting ATPase (ATP1B1). Linkage analyses using a three-generation pedigree provided evidence for the assignment of ATP1B1, GBA and two microsatellite loci (S0001 and S0067) to a previously described linkage group comprising the loci for blood group L (EAL) and an anonymous microsatellite (S0097). The linear order of the six markers was determined with confidence by multipoint analyses and the length of the linkage group was estimated at 88 CM. This linkage group was assigned to pig chromosome 4 on the basis of a previous physical localization of the ATP1B1 gene. In situ hybridization data for S0001 presented in this study were consistent with a localization on chromosome 4 and suggested a regional localization to 4pl2-pl3. The present study reveals conflicting data concerning the genetic localization of the K88 loci controlling the expression of the receptors for the E. coli pilus antigens. One group has reported data suggesting a loose linkage between K88 and EAL, now mapped to chromosome 4, whereas two other groups have found linkage between K88 and the transferrin locus (TF), mapped to chromosome 13 by in situ hybridization.     

Wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) mouthwashes in methotrexate-induced oral mucositis

Oral mucositis is a known complication of methotrexate (MTX) therapy, but a single efficacious intervention or agent for prophylaxis or management of this side effect has not yet been identified. We report a case of MTX-induced oral mucositis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, who was successfully treated with Wild chamomile mouthwashes.     

Effect of foliar‐applied potassium silicate on coffee leaf infection by Hemileia vastatrix

Coffee leaf rust, caused by Hemileia vastatrix, is the most devastating disease of coffee. Since limited information is available in the literature on silicon (Si) affecting plant diseases in coffee, this study was designed to investigate foliar application of potassium silicate (PS), a source of soluble (Si), on infection process of coffee leaf rust at the microscopic level. The foliar Si concentration for plants sprayed with water and PS has no significant difference (0.24 and 0.30 dag kg^?1, respectively). X‐ray microanalysis indicated that the deposition of Si on the leaves of the plants that were sprayed with PS was greater in comparison to the leaf samples from the plants sprayed with water. Rust severity on leaves of plants sprayed with water or sprayed with PS reached 44% and 32%, respectively, at 36 days after inoculation (dai). Plates of polymerised PS were observed on the leaf surfaces of the plants sprayed with the product, in contrast to its absence on the leaf surfaces of plants sprayed with water. At 36 dai, a greater number of uredia were observed on the leaf surfaces of plants sprayed with water in comparison to the leaf surfaces of plants sprayed with PS. On fractured leaf tissues that were sprayed with PS, less fungal colonisation was observed in comparison to the leaves of plants sprayed with water. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the effect of foliar‐applied Si on the control of the coffee leaf rust development may be attributed to the physical role of the polymerised PS, its osmotic effect against urediniospores germination, or both.