Effect of Lincocin Treatment on the Greening Process in Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Leaves

The effect of lincocin (a plastid protein synthesis inhibitor) treatment on the greening process of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves have been studied. In comparison with control leaves treated ones had a decreased rate of chloroplast development. They had a marked chlorophyll deficiency and a decreased chlorophyll a/b ratio. Some long and short wavelength forms of chlorophyll a were lacking as evidenced from the absorption spectra at 25°C and the fluorescence spectra at 77°K. The –¹⁴CO₂ fixation was inhibited by 80–90% in treated leaves. The fluorescence induced by the measuring light was greater in the treated leaves than in the control ones, and the kinetics of the decline of the relative fluorescence intensity were also different. Electron microscopic studies showed macrogranum-like structures and incomplete membrane vesicles in the treated plastids. After longer treatment a destruction of membranes was observed. The results indicate some structural and functional membrane deficiencies and instability of the membranes.     

Diversity of the rDNA ITS haplotypes of the nematodes Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongyloidea, Rhabditida) of the same host

Specimens sampled in Central Mongolia have been examined for the intraspecific polymorphism of the nucleotide sequences of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2) of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. A considerable diversity of haplotypes differing in the nucleotide composition of this DNA region has been observed. The phylogenetic relationships between the haplotypes detected in Central Mongolia and the corresponding sequences from other parts of the nematode distribution area (deposited with the NCBI GenBank) have been analyzed. Significantly different sequences have been found along with the haplotypes already observed in H. contortus or differing from them by one-two nucleotides.     

Lecithotrophic development and metamorphosis in the Indo-West Pacific brittle star Ophiomastix venosa (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

Summary

The larval development of the ophiocomid ophiuroid Ophiomastix venosais described using SEM. The gastrula transforms into a uniformly ciliated early larva which progressively changes into a lecithotrophic late premetamorphic larva with a continuous bilateral ciliated band. This stage is short-lived and equivalent to a highly reduced ophiopluteus. Comparisons between O. venosa and other ophiuroid species whose development has been investigated suggest that, whatever the developmental mode (lecithotrophic or planktotrophic), a pluteus stage always occurs in ophiuroids with planktonic development. Two metamorphic stages were identified, the late metamorphic larva differing from the early one by the closure of the larval mouth. The appearance of the permanent mouth marks the end of the metamorphosis. The postlarva still possesses remnants of larval features. The transformation of the reduced ophiopluteus into a barrel-shaped metamorphic larva with transverse ciliated bands, a vitellaria larva, is followed. The possible occurrence of a unique type of metamorphic larva in non-brooding ophiuroids is discussed. Verification of this, however, needs further SEM investigations on metamorphic larva from species having “regular” planktotrophic development.     

137Cs vertical migration in boggy soils in the long term after the Chernobyl accident

137Cs vertical migration in boggy soils has been studied 15 years after the Chernobyl accident. The rate of vertical migration of the radionuclide is shown to be dependent on the peculiarities of formation of peatbogs, their moistening regime and soil properties. 137Cs migration in a high-land peatbog is characterized by higher intensity then in lowland or transitional peatbogs. Differences in 137Cs vertical migration are to a large extent caused by the contents in soil of exhangeable and mobile radionuclide forms. The derived experimental data that describe 137Cs distribution over the profiles of peaty soils of different type are used for parameterization of two-component convective-diffusion model. Ecological and effective half-life periods of 137Cs content reduction in the soil root layer have been calculated. A long-term prediction is given of the dynamics of the radionuclide content in the root layer of peaty soils.     

Comparative characteristic of serpin--alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor in human and mice serum

Serpin alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor have been studied in human subjects and in mice of different lines as acute phase reactant and during tumor development. In humans, there was no difference of serpin activity between men and women. Increased activity was noted in men with acute trauma (acute phase reaction). Comparatively to male, in female mice of different lines decreased activity of serum alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, was shown. There was no increase of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor activity during inflammation induced by zymosan administration in mice. alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor belongs to acute phase reactants in humans but not in mice; for mice alpha-2-macroglobulin is a more typical acute phase reactant as compared to alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor. Murine tumor development (hepatoma HA-1, lymphosarcoma LS, Lewis lung adenocarcinoma) was followed by a decreased activity of serum alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor both in successfully treated and untreated groups. According to data of literature, similar dated were obtained in humans with tumors. It was suggested that changes of expressiln of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor by tumors and its secretion were involved in decreased activity of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor.     

Antigen 8 biosynthesis during cultivation of Burkholderia pseudomallei and B. mallei

The dynamics of the antigen 8 synthesis in Burkholderia pseudomallei and B. mallei under conditions of their submerged was studied. Differences in the intensity of this antigen synthesis in two pathogenic Burkholderia species were established and the producer strains, most effective with respect to this sign, were selected.     

Identification of sequence motifs in oligonucleotides whose presence is correlated with antisense activity

Design of antisense oligonucleotides targeting any mRNA can be much more efficient when several activity-enhancing motifs are included and activity-decreasing motifs are avoided. This conclusion was made after statistical analysis of data collected from >1000 experiments with phosphorothioate-modified oligonucleotides. Highly significant positive correlation between the presence of motifs CCAC, TCCC, ACTC, GCCA and CTCT in the oligonucleotide and its antisense efficiency was demonstrated. In addition, negative correlation was revealed for the motifs GGGG, ACTG, AAA and TAA. It was found that the likelihood of activity of an oligonucleotide against a desired mRNA target is sequence motif content dependent.