Activation of apoptosis in vivo by a hydrocarbon-stapled BH3 helix

BCL-2 family proteins constitute a critical control point for the regulation of apoptosis. Protein interaction between BCL-2 members is a prominent mechanism of control and is mediated through the amphipathic alpha-helical BH3 segment, an essential death domain. We used a chemical strategy, termed hydrocarbon stapling, to generate BH3 peptides with improved pharmacologic properties. The stapled peptides, called "stabilized alpha-helix of BCL-2 domains" (SAHBs), proved to be helical, protease-resistant, and cell-permeable molecules that bound with increased affinity to multidomain BCL-2 member pockets. A SAHB of the BH3 domain from the BID protein specifically activated the apoptotic pathway to kill leukemia cells. In addition, SAHB effectively inhibited the growth of human leukemia xenografts in vivo. Hydrocarbon stapling of native peptides may provide a useful strategy for experimental and therapeutic modulation of protein-protein interactions in many signaling pathways.     

Tritrichomonas foetus infection in purebred cats in Germany: prevalence of clinical signs and the role of co-infection with other enteroparasites

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection and associated clinical signs in purebred cats in Germany, to investigate the role of co-infection, and identify determinants of infection. Faecal specimens accompanied by epidemiological questionnaires were scored and collected from 230 purebred cats. Faeces were examined for trichomonads and other enteroparasites. The prevalence of T foetus was 15.7% among cats and 18.5% among catteries. An abnormal faecal score and history of diarrhoea were observed in 64% and 61% of T foetus-positive cats, respectively, and correlated significantly with infection. Co-infection, observed in 36% of T foetus-infected cats, was not associated with diarrhoea. Norwegian Forest cats were infected significantly more often than other breeds. No association was found with any environmental factors. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of symptomatic T foetus infections in purebred cats in Germany. Co-infection with other enteroparasites did not worsen clinical signs of trichomonosis.     

Schirmer tear tests and intraocular pressures in conscious and anesthetized koalas (Phascolarctus cinereus)

Objective To estimate mean Schirmer tear test (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) values in healthy koalas both conscious and anesthetized. Methods Data were gathered from koalas in Victoria, Australia. Conscious examinations were performed on captive koalas. Free‐ranging (wild) koalas were examined under anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced using alfaxalone, and animals were maintained on oxygen and isoflurane if required. All animals were healthy and had no surface ocular pathology detectable during slit lamp biomicroscopy. STT I tests were performed using commercial STT test strips placed in the lower fornix for 1 min. IOP was measured using an applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia. The higher value of the two eyes for both STT and IOP was analyzed. STT was measured in 53 koalas (34 conscious, 19 anesthetized) and IOP was measured in 43 koalas (30 conscious, 13 anesthetized). A two‐sample t‐test was used to compare means. A P‐value <0.05 was regarded as significant. Mean ± SD is presented. Results The mean higher STT in conscious koalas was 10.3 ± 3.6 mm wetting/min and in anesthetized koalas it decreased to 3.8 ± 4.0 mm wetting/min (P < 0.0001). The mean higher IOP in conscious koalas was 15.3 ± 5.1 mmHg, and in anesthetized koalas it was 13.8 ± 3.4 mmHg (P = 0.32). There was no effect of sex on either STT or IOP. Conclusions The mean and SD of STT and IOP values for koalas both conscious and anesthetized were reported. The mean STT was significantly reduced by alfaxalone anesthesia.     

Surgical amputation of a digit and vacuum-assisted-closure (V.A.C.) management in a case of osteomyelitis and wound care in an eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli)

A 14-yr-old female eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) presented with progressive suppurative osteomyelitis in her left hind lateral toe. beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus sp. was isolated. The animal was treated with multiple systemic antibiotics, and topical wound cleansing. Repeated debridements and nail trimmings were performed for 5 mo prior to electing amputation. The toe was surgically amputated under general anesthesia between the first and second phalanges. Analgesia was diffused into the wound topically via a catheter and elastomeric pump. The open amputation site was covered with adherent drapes and a negative-pressure wound therapy device provided vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) for 72 hr. Three months later this animal developed a deep dermal ulcer on the lateral aspect of the right hind limb, at the level of the stifle. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. The wound was managed by initial daily lavage, followed by 1 mo of V.A.C. therapy, with 72 hr between dressing changes. Clinically, this therapy expedited the formation of healthy granulation tissue and overall healing was accelerated. The animal tolerated the machine and bandage changes well via operant conditioning. The use of negative-pressure wound therapy appeared to shorten time to resolution of slow-healing wounds in black rhinoceros.     

Liquid chromatography analysis of erythromycin A in salmon tissue by electrochemical detection with confirmation by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive method is described for the quantitation of erythromycin A (EA) in edible salmon tissue by liquid chromatography (LC) analysis using either electrochemical detection (ED) or electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI/MS) detection. The salmon tissue is extracted with 10 mM ammonium formate. The extract is then purified by solid phase extraction using a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced (HLB) polymeric-based C18 packing, followed by partitioning of EA into methylene chloride at alkaline pH, evaporation, and final dilution. The mean recoveries of EA at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppb levels in fortified salmon tissue were 63.8 +/- 6.0 and 75.5 +/- 5.4% by LC-ED and LC-ESI/MS, respectively. There was no evidence of formation of the anhydro-EA (m/z 716) decomposition product of EA (m/z 734) that was reported to occur by other published methods.     

Structural identification of nonvolatile dimerization products of glucosamine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis

The degradation profile of glucosamine bulk form stressed at 100 degrees C for 2 h in an aqueous solution was studied. Column chromatography of acetylated product mixture led to isolation of two pure compounds (1b and 2b) and a mixture of at least three isomers (3b). 1a and 2a were identified as 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde (5-HMF) and 2-(tetrahydroxybutyl)-5-(3',4'-dihydroxy-1'-trans-butenyl)pyrazine, respectively, by utilizing a variety of analytical techniques, such as GC-MS, LC-MS, on-line UV spectrum, (1)H and (13)C NMR, and DEPT, as well as (1)H-(1)H COSY. 3a was identified as 2-(tetrahydroxybutyl)-5-(2',3',4'-trihydroxybutyl)pyrazine, commonly known as deoxyfructosazine. In addition, glucosamine solid dosage form was exposed to 40 degrees C/75% relative humility for 10 weeks. Methanol extract of glucosamine solid dosage form was analyzed after acetylation by LC-MS, resulting in degradants 3b and 4b. 3a and 4a were, therefore, determined as deoxyfructosazine and 2,5-bis(tetrahydroxybutyl)pyrazine (fructosazine), respectively. Furthermore, the mechanisms of formation of identified degradation products are proposed and briefly discussed.     

无精蛋鸭蛋制作咸蛋工艺研究

以无精蛋、鲜蛋为原料加工成咸鸭蛋,研究在15℃下不同盐浓度腌制液和不同腌制用水的最佳腌制天数,确定最佳盐浓度和腌制用水。结果表明,15%、17%和19%盐浓度生水腌制液腌制无精蛋均需25 d;21%和23%盐浓度生水腌制液腌制无精蛋需23 d;25%盐浓度生水腌制液腌制无精蛋仅需21 d,与相同浓度生水腌制液腌制鲜蛋的出缸时间相同,而25%盐浓度的凉开水和桶装水腌制液腌制鲜蛋则需23 d;说明生水腌制液腌制无精蛋和鲜蛋可以缩短腌制周期,且用无精蛋与鲜蛋制作的咸鸭蛋的特性相差不大,可以提高无精蛋的利用率。     

不同浓度KT预处理液对干藏洋桔梗切花保鲜的影响

为分析KT预处理液对洋桔梗(Eustoma russellianum)切花的保鲜效果,采用不同浓度的KT预处理液处理洋桔梗,干藏后检测鲜切花的瓶插寿命、可溶性糖、花青素、SOD、MDA等生理生化指标。结果表明,干藏洋桔梗切花使用KT预处理液处理后SOD活性增强,MDA含量降低,可溶性糖含量升高,可延缓花青素降解和延长切花瓶插寿命,且提高了洋桔梗切花的观赏品质。其中,2%蔗糖+40 mg/L KT+80 mg/L柠檬酸+200 mg/L 8-HQ配方对洋桔梗切花的保鲜效果最佳。     

CT Real-time Analysis of Damage Evolution of Coal under Uniaxial Compression

In order to clarify the mechanism of rockburst, using the specified loading equipment and the CT machine, the real-time computerized tomography testing of coal under the uniaxial compression was completed. Through CT scanning, the clear CT images which included the stage from the microcrack clousre to the microcrack growth, bifurcation, development, failure and the post-failure stage were obtained. According to the CT values, the meso-damage evolution of coal under uniaxial compression was analysed, which provided the basis for the meso-damage evolution.     

Organophosphorus poisoning: A comparative study of the toxicity of carbophenothion to the Canada goose,the pigeon and the Japanese quail

The acute single dose oral toxicity of carbophenothion (S-4-chlorophenylthiomethyl OO-diethyl phosphorodithioate) has been determined in Canada geese (Branta canadensis), pigeons (Columba livia) and Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). At post mortem examination gross pathological changes were observed in Canada geese and pigeons and esterase levels were determined by conventional and electrophoretic methods on extracts of liver and brain from these two species. Carbophenothion residue levels were determined in liver, brain and gizzard contents from the geese and pigeons. The overall pattern of results suggests that esterase inhibition may not be the dominant factor in carbophenothion poisoning in geese. It is suggested that a brain carbophenothion residue level of 1 part/10⁶ is indicative of death by poisoning in geese.