Preferential water flows in meadow-chernozemic soil of the Saratov Transvolga region

The development of preferential gravity water flows in a leached meadow-chernozemic soil on stratified ancient alluvial deposits in the Saratov Transvolga region was studied using simple cell lysimeters in infiltration experiments. The measured lysimeter runoff within a horizontal section of a soil body comparable in size to the cross section of a cell lysimeter varied from completely absent to a rather intense. Depending on changes in the lysimeter runoff rate during the infiltration stages, the pore space continua with uniform, stable functioning and those with varying functioning (increasing or decreasing runoff) can be distinguished in a soil body. Labeling experiments showed that a decrease in the rate of lysimeter runoff to the cell was accompanied by an increase in the dilution of irrigation water with pore solutions.     

Characteristic fragment ions from lignin and polysaccharides in ToF–SIMS

Different model compounds for lignin, hemicelluloses and pectins were studied by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF–SIMS). Mass spectra of Klason lignin from normal and compression spruce wood, aspen wood and wheat straw were compared. Spectra of brominated spruce and aspen wood sections showed fragment ions attributed to brominated guaiacyl and syringyl units in lignin at m/z 215, 217, 229 and 231, and m/z 245, 247, 249 and 261, respectively. Spectra of mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides showed fragment ions at m/z 127 and 145 characteristic for hexose units, and ions at m/z 115 and 133 characteristic for pentose units. The same ions were detected in spectra of delignified spruce and aspen wood sections. Labelling of anionic groups by Sr²⁺ ions followed by ToF–SIMS analysis showed that pectins were present at specific locations on the surfaces of spruce and aspen wood sections still after delignification with hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid.     

Basis for structural diversity in homologous RNAs

Large RNA molecules, such as ribozymes, fold with well-defined tertiary structures that are important for their activity. There are many instances of ribozymes with identical function but differences in their secondary structures, suggesting alternative tertiary folds. Here, we report a crystal structure of the 161-nucleotide specificity domain of an A-type ribonuclease P that differs in secondary and tertiary structure from the specificity domain of a B-type molecule. Despite the differences, the cores of the domains have similar three-dimensional structure. Remarkably, the similar geometry of the cores is stabilized by a different set of interactions involving distinct auxiliary elements.     

Human hair growth deficiency is linked to a genetic defect in the phospholipase gene LIPH

The molecular mechanisms controlling human hair growth and scalp hair loss are poorly understood. By screening about 350,000 individuals in two populations from the Volga-Ural region of Russia, we identified a gene mutation in families who show an inherited form of hair loss and a hair growth defect. Affected individuals were homozygous for a deletion in the LIPH gene on chromosome 3q27, caused by short interspersed nuclear element-retrotransposon-mediated recombination. The LIPH gene is expressed in hair follicles and encodes a phospholipase called lipase H (alternatively known as membrane-associated phosphatidic acid-selective phospholipase A1alpha), an enzyme that regulates the production of bioactive lipids. These results suggest that lipase H participates in hair growth and development.     

Effects of vaccination against brucellosis and clostridia on the intake,performance, feeding behavior,blood parameters,and immune responses of dairy heifers calves

The aim of this study was to identify possible effects of different vaccination strategies (concomitantly or not) against brucellosis and clostridia on intake, performance, feeding behavior, blood parameters, and immune responses of dairy heifers calves. Fifty heifers calves were enrolled [38 Gyr (Zebu, Bos taurus indicus) and 12 5/8 Holstein Gyr]. At 120 d of age, animals were randomly distributed among 3 groups: B (n = 18), vaccinated against brucellosis; C (n = 14), vaccinated against clostridia and CB (n = 18), vaccinated concomitantly for both. Rectal and thermographic temperatures were evaluated on days 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7,10, 14, and 28 relatives to the vaccination day. Feed and water intake, body weight (BW), and feeding behavior were monitored daily by an electronic feeding system. Blood was sampled on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, relative to the vaccination day for determination of glucose and -hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Blood sampled on day 0 (prevaccination) and on days 28 and 42 were used to evaluate the immune response against Brucella abortus and clostridia. There was an increase in rectal temperature between the first and the third day postvaccination in the 3 groups. The thermography revealed an increase of local temperature for 7 d on groups B and CB. Group C had increased local temperature for a longer period, lasting for up to 14 d. Dry mater intake was reduced for groups B and CB, but no alteration was observed for group C. No alterations regarding initial BW, final BW, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency were observed. No differences were observed for the 3 vaccination groups for blood parameters throughout the evaluation period. The concomitant vaccination against brucellosis and clostridia led to lower neutralizing antibody titers against epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens and botulinum toxin type C of C. botulinum (C > CB > B). When cellular proliferation assay and serological tests to B. abortus were evaluated, no differences were observed between groups B and CB. The present results indicate that the concomitant vaccination against brucellosis and clostridia has no relevant impact on the intake, performance, and feeding behavior of dairy calves. However, the concomitant vaccination of vaccines against these 2 pathogens impacts animal immunity against clostridial infections.     

The genomic sequence of the accidental pathogen Legionella pneumophila

We present the genomic sequence of Legionella pneumophila, the bacterial agent of Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal pneumonia acquired from aerosolized contaminated fresh water. The genome includes a 45-kilobase pair element that can exist in chromosomal and episomal forms, selective expansions of important gene families, genes for unexpected metabolic pathways, and previously unknown candidate virulence determinants. We highlight the genes that may account for Legionella's ability to survive in protozoa, mammalian macrophages, and inhospitable environmental niches and that may define new therapeutic targets.