Identification of calcium-binding proteins in fish seminal plasma

Calcium ions play an important role in the activation of fish sperm movement. The mechanism of their binding in semen is still unknown. The goal of this study was the development of a method for identifying calcium-binding proteins in fish seminal plasma. Two methods of calcium-binding proteins detection were tested with the use of Quin2 and Stains-all dyes. The first method was useful for the identification of calcium-binding proteins of fish seminal plasma. It consisted of proteins separation using SDS–PAGE, transfer on PVDF membrane, incubation with CaCl₂, staining with Quin2 and illumination with UV light to reveal calcium-binding protein bands. Using Quin2 allowed the detection of calcium-binding proteins with low and high molecular weight. Electrophoretic species-specific profiles of calcium-binding proteins were identified in the seminal plasma of carp, whitefish, roach, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Staining of calcium-binding proteins with Quin2 is a quick and safe method, allowing the identification of calcium-binding proteins in fish semen.     

The influence of native and modified arabinoxylan preparations on baking properties of rye flour

Water soluble arabinoxylans, especially of rye origin, are known to considerably improve quality of bread. The aim of the current research was to check the changes in properties of rye dough and bread after the addition of different arabinoxylan preparations. Structure forming properties of these additives were given by the application of hydrolysis, and cross-linking, which influenced molar mass and reactivity of arabinoxylans.     

Mitochondrial DNA haplotype analysis of liver fluke in bison from Bialowieza Primaeval Forest indicates domestic cattle as the likely source of infection

We have determined the mitochondrial genotype of liver fluke present in Bison (Bison bonasus) from the herd maintained in the Bialowieza National Park in order to determine the origin of the infection. Our results demonstrated that the infrapopulations present in the bison were genetically diverse and were likely to have been derived from the population present in local cattle. From a consideration of the genetic structure of the liver fluke infrapopulations we conclude that the provision of hay at feeding stations may be implicated in the transmission of this parasite to the bison. This information may be of relevance to the successful management of the herd.     

Schistosomus reflexus syndrome: a heritable defect in ruminants

Schistosomus reflexus (SR) is a rare and fatal congenital disorder. Primarily observed in ruminants, its defining features include spinal inversion, exposure of the abdominal viscera because of a fissure of the ventral abdominal wall, limb ankylosis, positioning of the limbs adjacent to the skull and, lung and diaphragm hypoplasia. Variable components of SR include scoliosis, cleft sternum, exposure of thoracic viscera, and abnormalities of the digestive and urogenital systems. This report presents the findings from an anatomical analysis of a female Holstein SR calf with thoracoschisis, scoliosis and anomalies of the appendicular skeleton, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urogenital systems. Many of these malformations have not been previously reported. The reproductive tract of this case is particularly unique, displaying Muellerian duct abnormalities. These abnormalities suggest SR occurs as early as the post-gastrulation embryo and involves the intermediate mesoderm. Preliminary analysis of associated cases suggests that SR has a genetic aetiology.     

Formulation of insect controlling agents with β-cyclodextrin

Two insecticides, an insect repellent and an insecticide synergist have been complexed with β-cyclodextrin yielding microcrystalline, wettable, non-hygroscopic formulations. The insecticides fenitrothion and malathion, the repellent diethyltoluamide and the synergist MGR-264 were found to form stable inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin. The molecular encapsulation resulted in improved heat and chemical stability, storability, enhanced wettability and dissolution properties of these rather volatile, poorly water-soluble agents.     

Extensive DNA inversions in the B. fragilis genome control variable gene expression

The obligately anaerobic bacterium Bacteroides fragilis, an opportunistic pathogen and inhabitant of the normal human colonic microbiota, exhibits considerable within-strain phase and antigenic variation of surface components. The complete genome sequence has revealed an unusual breadth (in number and in effect) of DNA inversion events that potentially control expression of many different components, including surface and secreted components, regulatory molecules, and restriction-modification proteins. Invertible promoters of two different types (12 group 1 and 11 group 2) were identified. One group has inversion crossover (fix) sites similar to the hix sites of Salmonella typhimurium. There are also four independent intergenic shufflons that potentially alter the expression and function of varied genes. The composition of the 10 different polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters identified (7 with associated invertible promoters) suggests a mechanism of synthesis similar to the O-antigen capsules of Escherichia coli.     

Anatomical study of blood supply to the cervical spinal cord in the guinea pig

The aim of this study was to describe the arterial arrangement of the cervical spinal cord in the guinea pig. The study was carried out on 20 adult English self guinea pigs using corrosion and dissection technique. Batson's corrosion casting kit no. 17^© was used as a casting medium. The origin of the ventral spinal artery from the left vertebral artery was found on average in 35% of the cases and from the right vertebral artery on average in 40% of the cases. The ventral spinal artery with origin from the anastomosis of two medial branches was found on average in 25% of the cases. The presence of ventral radicular branches of rami spinales entering the ventral spinal artery in the cervical region was observed in 42% of the cases on the right side and in 58% of the cases on the left side. The presence of dorsal radicular branches of rami spinales that reached the spinal cord was observed in 63% of the cases on the left side and in 37% of the cases on the right side. The number of radicular branches supplying the spinal cord is greater in guinea pig than in humans.     

Phytotoxicity of Roundup Ultra 360 SL in aquatic ecosystems: Biochemical evaluation with duckweed (Lemna minor L.) as a model plant

Glyphosate-based herbicides (e.g. Roundup Ultra 360 SL) are extensively used in aquatic environment. Although glyphosate is more environmental favorable than many other herbicides, it may be exceptionally dangerous for aquatic ecosystems through high water solubility. Thus, the aim of the work was quantification of influence of Roundup Ultra 360 SL (containing isopropylamine salt of glyphosate as an active ingredient) on biomass and chlorophyll content within duckweed (Lemna minor L.). Moreover, changes in polyamine content and activity of such antioxidative enzymes as catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were assayed in order to determine the biochemical mechanisms of L. minor response to the herbicide treatment. Obtained results showed that phytotoxicity of the herbicide was connected with decrease in chlorophyll-a, b and a+b content, and reduction of biomass growth. Roundup, similarly to some abiotic and biotic stressors, caused over-accumulation of putrescine, spermidine and total polyamines (PAs) within duckweed tissues. In addition an increase in CAT and APX activities suggested that stress generated by the herbicide treatment was at least partially connected with oxidative burst. Intensity of the duckweed responses to the herbicide was dependent on the applied herbicide level and/or duration of treatment.