Characterisation of the external features ofSchistocephalus solidus (Müller, 1776) (Cestoda) from different geographical regions and an assessment of the status of the Baltic ringed sealPhoca hispida botnica (Gmelin) as a definitive host

A comparative study of some morphological (segment number, scolex morphology and biometry, length and weight) and biological (maturation in different hosts) features ofSchistocephalus solidus plerocercoids and adults from different geographical regions (Baltic Sea and the British Isles) was carried out. The length of the plerocercoids fromGasterosteus aculeatus was shown to be the variable that best correlated with segment number. A very clear bimodal distribution of segment numbers separated the majority of British and Baltic plerocercoids (British n=21, mean length 25.48, SD 5.63, range 14–34 mm; mean segment number 66.33, SD 8.68, range 51–86. Baltic n=30, mean length 33.23, SD 4.64, range 23–48 mm; mean segment number 117.27, SD 10.30, range 99–138). AdultS. solidus from the intestines of Baltic ringed sealsPhoca hispida botnica and from a Welsh cormorantPhalacrocorax carbo carbo were also compared, and a similar bimodal distribution of segment numbers was found (Baltic n=70, mean segment number 106.16, SD 10.60, range 77–136; Welsh n=98, mean segment number 73.13, SD 8.78, range 54–97). Neither the morphology nor measurements of the scolex from apical-view scanning electron microphotographs provided distinguishing features for taxonomic purposes. Of 580 adult worms from Baltic ringed seals only 2.9% were gravid, 2.1% from spring and 10.5% from autumn samples. By contrast, of 98 adults from the Welsh cormorant 46.7% were gravid. The proportion of gravid worms did not increase with increasing worm numbers in seals. Reasons for poor maturation are discussed. Plerocercoids of BritishS. solidus were fromleiurus (gymnurus) forms ofG. aculeatus, which were relatively small, whereas in the northern Baltic plerocercoids were fromsemiarmatus ortrachurus forms, which were larger. As segment number was definitively established during the growth of the plerocercoid in the stickleback, the hypothesis is proposed that segment number is a phenotypic variable related to stickleback length (size).     

The Kv7.2/Kv7.3 heterotetramer assembles with a random subunit arrangement

Voltage-gated K(+) channels composed of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 are the predominant contributors to the M-current, which plays a key role in controlling neuronal activity. Various lines of evidence have indicated that Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 form a heteromeric channel. However, the subunit stoichiometry and arrangement within this putative heteromer are so far unknown. Here, we have addressed this question using atomic force microscopy imaging of complexes between isolated Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels and antibodies to epitope tags on the two subunits, Myc on Kv7.2 and HA on Kv7.3. Initially, tsA 201 cells were transiently transfected with equal amounts of cDNA for the two subunits. The heteromer was isolated through binding of either tag to immunoaffinity beads and then decorated with antibodies to the other tag. In both cases, the distribution of angles between pairs of bound antibodies had two peaks, at around 90° and around 180°, and in both cases the 90° peak was about double the size of the 180° peak. These results indicate that the Kv7.2/Kv7.3 heteromer generated by cells expressing approximately equal amounts of the two subunits assembles as a tetramer with a predominantly 2:2 subunit stoichiometry and with a random subunit arrangement. When the DNA ratio for the two subunits was varied, copurification experiments indicated that the subunit stoichiometry was variable and not fixed at 2:2. Hence, there are no constraints on either the subunit stoichiometry or the subunit arrangement.     

Diet of striped hyaena in northern Kenya

A study of striped hyaena ( Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758)) in Lothagam, northern Kenya was conducted to understand the interactions of H. hyaena with the local Turkana people and their livestock. Data were collected from skeletal parts, fresh scats, ecological survey, and from interviews at different homesteads. Analysis of skeletal remains was broadly divided into three categories: species, skeletal part and bone damage. Insects, birds, fish, crocodile, seeds, leaves and fifteen species of mammalian prey were identified. The high proportion of livestock, dog and human remains in the bone accumulations indicate a significant dependence on the lifestyles of the local Turkana people. The study provides evidence to suggest that striped hyaenas predate on small livestock and demonstrate an opportunistic behaviour, which enables them to survive as the largest carnivore in this marginal environment. A greater abundance of bones are associated with striped hyaena dens than with those of the spotted hyaena ( Crocuta crocuta (Erxleben, 1777)). Bone modification by the striped hyaena differs from spotted hyaena bone modification. Bone breakage patterns can be attributed to the relative specific gravity, degree of epiphyseal closure and nutritive fat content of bones.     

Identification of land predators of African Penguins Spheniscus demersus through post-mortem examination

The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is an endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, and killing sprees by terrestrial predators have been one of the main threats for its mainland colonies. The methods employed to manage predators may differ depending on the species involved, therefore the implementation of strategies to limit the impacts of predation relies on the correct identification of the culprit predator. We report and quantify the lesions seen in African Penguins killed by four species of terrestrial predators: Caracal Caracal caracal (52 kills), Leopard Panthera pardus (27 kills), Domestic Dog Canis lupus familiaris (10 kills), and Cape Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta (4 kills). We discuss patterns of necropsy findings that can be used to identify the predator species involved. Traditional forensic methods are useful tools to direct species-specific management actions for the conservation of the African Penguin and other seabirds so that effective mitigating measures can be deployed quickly to prevent further losses. It should be borne in mind, however, that the age, size and previous hunting experience of the predator are likely to influence the pattern of lesions that will be observed, and not all carcasses will have hallmark lesions or recognisable bite marks.     

Lessons learned in developing community mental health care in Australasia and the South Pacific

This paper summarizes the findings for the Australasia and Pacific Region of the WPA Task Force on Steps, Obstacles and Mistakes to Avoid in the Implementation of Community Mental Health Care. We present an overview of mental health services in the region; discuss policies, plans and programmes; chart progress towards achieving community-oriented services, and detail the lessons learned.     

嗜热淀粉芽孢杆菌来源β-葡萄糖苷酶的重组表达与酶学性质

【背景】β-葡萄糖苷酶(EC 3.2.1.21,β-glucosidase),是纤维素分解酶系中的重要组成部分,目前工业上应用的β-葡萄糖苷酶多数来源于植物和真菌,来源于细菌的较少,且应用中还存在酶活力偏低、热稳定性差、反应条件适用范围窄、酶活力易受产物反馈抑制等问题,增加了经济成本。嗜热微生物具有特殊的遗传信息资源,极有可能从中挖掘到酶学性质优良的新型β-葡萄糖苷酶,从而解决工业难题。【目的】从嗜热淀粉芽孢杆菌(Bacillus thermoamylovorans)基因组中挖掘新型β-葡萄糖苷酶基因,通过基因重组、异源表达和蛋白纯化技术制备新型β-葡萄糖苷酶,并探究其酶学性质,为新型β-葡萄糖苷酶在纤维素水解等领域的应用奠定基础。【方法】人工合成新型β-葡萄糖苷酶基因bgl52,构建重组表达质粒pET22b-bgl52,并用电脉冲法转化到大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中实现可溶性表达,利用Ni-NTA亲和层析纯化得到高纯度的β-葡萄糖苷酶Bgl52。【结果】实现重组表达质粒pET22b-bgl52在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中的可溶性表达,并获得β-葡萄糖苷酶Bgl52纯蛋白,蛋白分子量为52 kD,在70°C和pH 6.5条件下表现出最佳活性;以p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (p NPG)为底物时的比酶活为223.7±5.3 U/mg;K_m为9.3±1.2 mmol/L,V_(max)为270.3±4.3μmol/(min·mg);Bgl52偏好性水解β-1,4糖苷键的底物;Fe~(2+)和Mg~(2+)对酶的激活作用明显,Co~(2+)、Cu~(2+)和SDS可抑制其活性;Bgl52是少有的几种葡萄糖和木糖激活型β-葡萄糖苷酶之一,当反应体系中外源添加0.2 mol/L葡萄糖时可提升活力至2.84倍,外源添加0.4 mol/L木糖时可提升活力至3.24倍,同时Bgl52在生理条件下基本不受产物的反馈抑制。【结论】利用嗜热微生物基因组中蕴藏的遗传信息资源,通过现代生物技术方法,可以从中挖掘到酶学性质优良的β-葡萄糖苷酶,为其在纤维素降解等工业领域的应用奠定基础。     

芡实的营养保健价值及其加工利用

芡实是一种珍贵的药食兼用的水生经济作物种子,具有很高的营养价值和多种保健功能。着重介绍了国内外对芡实的营养组分、药用价值及其功能成分的研究进展,并对其在国内的加工利用现状和前景进行了分析和展望。