Hematologic and immunologic responses in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) infected with Plasmodium knowlesi and Epstein-Barr virus

The hematologic and immunologic responses to infection with either the Epstein-Barr virus alone or infection with Epstein-Barr virus and Plasmodium knowlesi were studied using common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). The assays performed included complete blood cell counts, determinations of natural killer cell activity, and determinations of antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus early antigen, virus capsid antigen and the nuclear antigen. While no animal showed signs of lymphoproliferative disease, it was found that animals infected with Epstein-Barr virus became positive for early antigen, virus capsid antigen and nuclear antigen at low levels. No difference in antibody titers between Epstein-Barr virus infected animals and co-infected animals was observed. An increase also was found in the number of leukocytes in all groups, and an increase in natural killer cells following infection with Epstein-Barr virus. Some depression in natural killer cells was observed in the co-infected animals when compared to Epstein-Barr virus infected animals.     

Narrow species concepts in the Frullania dilatata–appalachiana–eboracensis complex (Porellales, Jungermanniopsida): evidence from nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers

We investigated the phylogeny of a Holarctic-Asian group of Frullania species, the Frullania dilatata–F. appalachiana–F. eboracensis complex, using multiple accessions of morphologically circumscribed taxa and three molecular markers (nrITS region, cp DNA trnL-F and atpB-rbcL regions). Maximum parsimony and likelihood analyses indicated monophyly of morphologically defined taxa. Our phylogenies support a species rather than a subspecies concept within the complex, with four species in North America (F. appalachiana, F. eboracensis, F. parvistipula and F. virginica), and two species in Europe (F. dilatata and F. parvistipula). Accessions of F. dilatata from Southeast Europe and Asia are separated from other European accessions, indicating a former disjunct range of the species.     

Plasmodium gallinaceum: mechanisms of anemia in infected chickens

Erythrocyte labeling by random and cohort techniques was used to study erythrocyte survival in normal chickens and chickens infected with Plasmodium gallinaceum. Occurrence of erythrocyte destruction during the prepatent period was apparent in infected chickens by both techniques. Treatment with the antimalarials chloroquine and quinacrine not only cleared the circulation of parasites promptly but brought about an equally prompt cessation of disease-related erythrocyte destruction. Plasmodium gallinaceum infection caused a transitory decrease in blood volume at the time of rapid decrease in packed cell volume. The blood volume returned to preinfection values before the packed cell volume returned to normal. Parasitized erythrocytes were present in capillaries of the spleen, liver, and bone marrow during the entire prepatent period of the infection, thus providing a reasonable explanation for erythrocyte destruction observed in the absence of parasitemia during the prepatent period.     

Production of proteinases with fibrinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activity by a micromycete <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus ochraceus</Emphasis>

Fibrinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activity of surface and submerged cultures of a micromycete Aspergillus ochraceus L-1 was studied. Extracellular proteinases produced by A. ochraceus L-1 were found to exhibit specificity against fibrin and fibrinogen and no activity of plasminogen activators. The highest activity was observed in the cultures grown at 28°С and initial pH 7.0. Fibrinolytic activity was shown to be somewhat above 25% of the total plasmin-like activity of A. ochraceus L-1 proteinases.     

Characterization of PR-10 genes from eight Betula species and detection of Bet v 1 isoforms in birch pollen

Background  

Bet v 1 is an important cause of hay fever in northern Europe. Bet v 1 isoforms from the European white birch (Betula pendula) have been investigated extensively, but the allergenic potency of other birch species is unknown. The presence of Bet v 1 and closely related PR-10 genes in the genome was established by amplification and sequencing of alleles from eight birch species that represent the four subgenera within the genus Betula. Q-TOF LC-MS^E was applied to identify which PR-10/Bet v 1 genes are actually expressed in pollen and to determine the relative abundances of individual isoforms in the pollen proteome.