Molecular Genetic Analysis of Y-Chromosome Microdeletions in Men with Severe Spermatogenetic Defects

Microdeletions of the Y-chromosomal AZF loci were revealed in 10 (12%) of 82 patients with severe idiopathic spermatogenetic defects. Deletions involved AZFc in six patients, AZFa in one patient, AZFb+c in two patients, and AZFa+b+c in one patient. Microdeletion analysis employed multiplex PCR with 22 pairs of primers directed to Y-specific STS of deletion intervals 5, 6, and 7 (Yq11). Spermatogenesis in men with AZF microdeletions was assessed with semen analysis, microscopic examination of testicular aspirate, and quantitative karyotypic analysis of immature germline cells in ejaculate or aspirate. The character of spermatogenetic defects was correlated with the size and location of microdeletions in order to study the genotype–phenotype relationship.     

Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts as Means of Decreasing Wine Acidity

Two hundred monocultures of lactic acid bacteria and 30 associations of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria have been studied. A stable association was developed which was capable of decreasing wine acidity. The association contained two species of bacteria, Leuconostoc oenosand Pediococcus pentosaceus, and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The physiology of the microorganisms was studied, and their effects on the chemical composition of wines were determined.     

Met-enkephalin-induced release into the blood of a factor causing postural asymmetry

Met- and Leu-enkephalin applied subarachnoidally into the rostral portion of a transected spinal cord (at the T6-T7 level) induce postural asymmetry of the hind limbs in rats, Met-enkephalin being predominantly responsible for the flexion of the right, and Leu-enkephalin of the left, hind leg. The blood serum of rats injected with Met-enkephalin contains a factor which, when administered subarachnoidally into the caudal portion of the transected spinal cord, is capable of inducing the hind limb postural asymmetry--predominantly, with the right leg flexion. This factor is inactivated by papain and differs from Met- and Leu-enkephalin in chromatographic properties. Apparently, Met-enkephalin induces the release of a peptide factor into the blood, from the brain or organs innervated by the neurons lying above the cut. It is then carried with the blood to the hind limbs and effects the hind limb postural asymmetry.