Search for chromosomal variations among gas-exposed persons in Bhopal

Summary A chromosomal survey using standard lymphocyte cultures employing different media and G-banding techniques was initiated in 1984. This study became particularly important following the tragic gaseous exposure of the population in Bhopal at midnight on 2 December 1984. We have been able to formulate a chromosomal profile for each person whom we have studied; during 1986–1988, 154 persons were examined twice. Among seemingly normal individuals, as many as 20% might possess some chromosomal abnormality; of these, 50% may develop, at a later date, some kind of pathological complication (such as tumours, recurrent abortion or transmission of defects to their offspring). The people exposed to methyl isocyanate have repeatedly shown Robertsonian translocations, mostly in acrocentric chromosomes 13 and 21. Other types of translocations have been studied among all exposed (53) and normal (101) persons; the involvement of chromosomes 5, 9, 11, 14 and 16 is statistically significant (P= <0.001). One of the major clinical symptoms is dyspnoea; we have estimated that almost all seriously dyspnoeic patients have developed at least two categories of chromosomal aberrations, one of which is Robertsonian translocation, in at least 10% metaphases. Our chromosomal survey will be of significance because we are able to identify people with chromosomal aberrations that might be correlated with future pathological consequences of the accident. The chromosomal load that can be sustained with an apparently normal phenotype can also be measured.     

Activation of mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase by cadmium ions

Mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.2.1.) requires Ca2+ ions for its activity. Cadmium ions also have activatory effect on the enzyme. They activate the glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in a very narrow concentration range (1-2 mmol/l). As contrasted with calcium, strong inhibitory effect occurred at higher concentrations (3-4 mmol/l). The inhibition induced by cadmium ions was completely reversible by washing of the mitochondria.     

Extractive bioconversion in aqueous two-phase systems

Summary The transformation of hydrocortisone to prednisolone was studied in aqueous two-phase systems, as a model for the extractive bioconversion of fine chemicals. The bacterium, Arthrobacter simplex, was able to grow in the two-phase system and the cells could be revitalized after a period of use. Use of aqueous two-phase systems made it possible to operate the reaction at higher substrate concentrations than in pure buffer solution. An adsorptive method to remove the product from the top phase was tested and shown to be both efficient and compatible with the overall process. In order to reduce the costs of operation in aqueous two-phase systems, a cheaper starch-based polymer, Reppal-PES, was successfully used as a substitute for dextran.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Georg Manecke on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Reproduction in the Indian Desert Gerbil Meriones hurrianae Jerdon

In the present study the whole sample of 772 desert gerbils was collected from the semi-arid areas in and around Jaipur (Rajasthan, India). The male exhibits active spermatogenesis and well maintained accessory reproductive organs at any time of the year. Reproductive organs of the male gerbil are briefly described. The vaginal and urinary openings are independent in the gerbil. There are four pairs of mammae. Follicular development takes place cyclically. Maximum atresia of follicles is noticed during metoestrus. A well developed Graafian follicle measures 590 μ across its widest diameter. The average diameter of the ovum is 65 μ. At the time of ovulation formation of stigma occurs which gives way to the ovum. The corpus luteum is formed from the remaining granulosa cells of the ovulated follicle. Fully formed corpus luteum of the cycle (during dioestrus) measures 740 μ. Maximum development of the corpus luteum is seen during late pregnancy (22–25 days) when it measures 1250 μ. During pregnancy large Graafian follicles are absent. After parturition the ovary shows corpora lutea of lactation. Histological changes in the uterus and vagina during the oestrous cycle of the gerbil are described. There is less proestrus distension of the uterus as compared with the rat. During oestrus the uterine endometrium hypertrophies and there are some degenerative changes in the epithelial lining. The changes in the vaginal epithelium are clear cut and are correlated with the ovarian activity. During proestrus proliferation of the epithelium occurs and at ‘heat period’ or oestrus the epithelium shows formation of the stratum corneum and the shedding of cornified cells. In the dioestrus the vaginal epithelium is heavily infiltrated by leucocytes. There are three peaks in the incidence of pregnancy rate, i.e., February to April, July, and September to November. Pregnancy rate is lowest during summer (May and June) and winter (December and January). Average monthly litter size shows almost similar changes. The average length of gestation period is 30 days. There is post-partum heat in this animal. Formation of a vaginal plug is noticed following copulation. Litter size varies from 2–7. The average body weight of the new born young is 3.5 and 3.4 gm respectively for the male and the female. Weaning of the young is observed after about 20 days. Descent of the testes into the scrotal sacs occurs around day 28. Vagina opens after about 75 days.     

Seasonal patterns of dehydrins and 70-kDa heat-shock proteins in bark tissues of eight species of woody plants

Although considerable effort has been directed at identifying and understanding the function and regulation of stress-induced proteins in herbaceous plants, reports concerning woody plants are limited. Studies with herbaceous crops have revealed similarities in the types of proteins that accumulate in response to a wide array of abiotic stresses and hormonal cues such as the accumulation of abscisic acid. Many of the identified proteins appear to be related to dehydrins (the D-11 subgroup of late-embryogenesis-abundant proteins). The objective of the present study was to determine if seasonal induction of dehydrins is a common feature in woody plants and to see if seasonal patterns existed for other stress-induced proteins. Bark tissues from eight species of woody plants were collected monthly for a period of 1.5 years. The species included: peach (Prunus persica) cv. Loring; apple (Malus domestica) cv. Golden Delicious; thornless blackberry (Rubus sp.) cv. Chester; hybrid poplar (Populus nigra); weeping willow (Salix babylonica); flowering dogwood (Cornus florida); sassafras (Sassafras albidum); and black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia). Immunoblots of bark proteins were probed with a polyclonal antibody recognizing a conserved region of dehydrin proteins, and monoclonal antibodies directed against members of the HS70 family of heat-shock proteins. Some proteins, immunologically related to dehydrins, appeared to be constitutive; however, distinct seasonal patterns associated with winter acclimation were also observed in all species. The molecular masses of these proteins varied widely, although similarities were observed in related species (willow and poplar). Identification of proteins using the monoclonal antibodies (HSP70, HSC70, BiP) was more definitive because of their inherent specificity, but seasonal patterns were more variable among the eight species examined. This study represents only a precursory examination of several proteins reported to be stress related in herbaceous plants, but the results indicate that these proteins are also common to woody plants and that further research to characterize their regulation and function in relation to stress adaptation and the perennial life cycle of woody plants is warranted.     

Extractive lactic acid fermentation in poly (ethyleneimine)-based aqueous two-phase system

The potential of an aqueous two-phase system composed of a polycation, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), and an uncharged polymer, (hydroxyethyl) cellulose (HEC), for extractive lactic acid fermentation was tested. Batch fermentation with 20 g/L glucose in two-phase medium using Lactococcus lactis without external pH control resulted in 3-4 times higher amount of lactate and biomass produced as compared to that in a conventional one-phase medium. Lactic acid was preferentially partitioned to the PEI-rich bottom phase. However, the cells which favored the HEC-rich top phase in a fresh two-phase medium were partitioned to a significant extent to the bottom phase after fermentation. Addition of phosphate buffer or pH adjustment to 6.5 after fermentation caused fewer cells to move to the bottom phase. With external pH control, fermentation in normal and two-phase medium showed no marked differences in glucose consumption and lactic acid yield, except that about 1.3 times higher cell density was obtained in the two-phase broth, especially at initial glucose concentrations of 50-100 g/L. Use of higher concentration of phosphate during batch fermentation in the two-phase medium with 50 g/L sugar provided a 15% higher yield of lactic acid, but the growth rate of cells was nearly half of the normal, thus affecting the productivity. Continuous fermentation with twice the normal phosphate concentration resulted in higher cell density, product yield, and productivity in two-phase medium than in monophasic medium. (c) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Screening for microorganism with cell wall lytic activity to produce protoplast-forming enzymes

Several different bacteria and fungi capable of degrading yeast cell walls were isolated in the course of a screening programme. One Streptomyces and one Acremonium strain were found to degrade yeast cell walls extremely well. Both isolates produced enzymes in liquid culture that could be used for protoplasting of Sporobolomyces salmonicolor (DSM 70851) and Rhodotorula rubra (DSM 70403). This fact is quite remarkable as, so far, S. salmonicolor could not be protoplasted by commercially available enzymes. Correspondence to: W. Kaul