Organization and structure of plastome psbF,psbL, petG and ORF712 genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Summary We have determined the nucleotide sequence of a 5159 base-pair (bp) region of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii plastome containing three photoelectron transport genes, psbF, psbL and petG, and an unusual open reading frame, ORF712. The photosynthetic genes have an unprecedented arrangement. psbF and psbL are located in close proximity to petG, and are not grouped with two other genes of the cytochrome b₅₅₉ locus, psbE and ORF42. ORF712, located adjacent to psbL, has homology at its 5-and 3-ends to the ribosomal protein rps3 gene, but contains, a central 437 residue domain that lacks similarity to any other known sequence. These sequences add to the growing body of evidence that the chloroplast genome of C. reinhardtii has a significantly different gene arrangement to its counterpart in plants. The structure of ORF712 also provides another example of a phenomenon we have discovered with C. reinhardtii RNA polymerase genes (Fong and Surzycki 1992); namely, that the algal plastome contains chimeric genes in which reading frames with homology to known genes are juxtaposed in-frame with long coding regions of unknown identity.     

Synthetic peptide, a fragment of the β-subunit of chorionic gonadotropin, inhibits mitogen-stimulated proliferation of human lymphocytesin vitro

Similar to chorionic gonadotropin, synthetic fragment of the β-subunit of chorionic gonadotropin (128th–145th amino acid), inhibits mitogen-stimulated proliferation of human lymphocytesin vitro and binds to membrane receptors of human peripheral blood monocytes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 123, No. 3, pp. 319–322, March, 1997     

The chloroplast gene cluster containing psbF,psbL, petG and rps3 is conserved in Chlamydomonas

We have sequenced a 6.8-kb segment of the Chlamydomonas eugametos chloroplast DNA which contains the psbF, psbL, petG and rps3 genes. As in the distantly related green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, these genes reside in this order (53) on the same DNA strand, suggesting that such a chloroplast gene cluster was present in the most recent common ancestor of all Chlamydomonas species. For each of the four genes, with the exception of rps3, the C. eugametos and C. reinhardtii coding regions were found to be identical, or very similar, in length, whereas each of the intergenic spacers is substantially longer in C. eugametos than in C. reinhardtii. The central portion of both Chlamydomonas rps3 genes features a long extra coding region relative to other rps3 sequences. We have shown that the insertion sequence in the C. eugametos rps3 is not excised at the RNA level.     

Antiarrhythmic activity of befol, suphan, mexidol, and T3-146 in combination with some antiarrhythmics

Antidepressant befol, nonglycoside cardiotonic suphan, succinate-containing synthetic antioxidant mexidol, and pyracetam structural analogue T3-146 were shown to possess antiarrhythmic activity and to potentiate antiarrhythmic effects of bonnecore, obsidan, amiodarone, isoptin, and richlocaine. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii I Meditsiny, Vol. 125, No. 5, pp. 544–547, May, 1998     

Effect of AA-2414, a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, on airway inflammation in subjects with asthma

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The chemokines are potent chemoattractants for eosinophils and other types of cells associated with allergic inflammation. AA-2414, a new thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonist, reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic subjects, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that the beneficial effects of AA-2414 in asthma result from reduction in the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the airway associated with inhibition of chemokine release. Methods: We studied bronchial biopsy specimens from 31 asthmatic subjects before and after oral treatment with AA-2414 (80 mg/day) or matched placebo for 4 months in a double-blind manner. Biopsy specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry. Each subject recorded symptom score and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Lung function and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine were measured before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, significant improvements in symptom score (P < .05), PEF (P < .01), diurnal variation of PEF (P < .01), and bronchial responsiveness (P < .01) were observed in the AA-2414 group compared with the placebo group. These improvements were accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of submucosal EG2⁺ eosinophils (P < .05). There was also a reduction in the number of cells expressing RANTES (P < .05) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α (P < .05) in the epithelium and of cells expressing monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (P < .01), RANTES (P < .05), MIP-1α (P < .01), and eotaxin (P < .01) in the submucosa in the AA-2414 treatment group. A significant correlation was found between the number of EG2⁺ eosinophils and numbers of monocyte chemotactic protein-3⁺ (r_s = 0.52, P < .005), MIP-1α⁺ (r_s = 0.34, P < .05), and eotaxin⁺ cells (r_s = 0.47, P < .01) in the submucosa. There was a significant negative correlation between the increase in bronchial responsiveness and the change in number of submucosal EG2⁺ cells (r_s = –0.65, P < .001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that AA-2414 treatment of patients with asthma may inhibit activated eosinophil infiltration in part by modulating the expression of chemokines in bronchial tissues. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1054-61.)     

Comparison of antiarrhythmic activities of befol,lidocaine, and bonnecor

The antiarrhythmic activity of befol (an isotoxic dose) is higher than (or comparable to) that of lidocaine and bonnecor in atrial and ventricular arrhythmias induced by acute ischemia, reperfusion, myocardial infarction, or ouabain treatment. In epinephrine-induced arrhythmia, befol is inferior to these drugs (except lidocaine) in activity and range of therapeutic action. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 12, pp. 665–668, December, 1996     

Real-time multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia species in fecal samples

Diarrheal diseases due to notifiable bacterial infections require rapid diagnosis of the causative pathogens. To facilitate detection, a real-time multiplex PCR was developed that identifies common diarrhea-causing bacteria in fecal samples. On the basis of published sequence data, sets of primers and probes were designed that were specific for Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Shigella/enteroinvasive Escherichia coli EIEC, and Yersinia species, suitable for use in a one-tube PCR assay. The assay was assessed using a list of 137 well-defined intestinal bacterial strains or isolates. Furthermore, 393 routine clinical stool samples were analyzed, and the results of real-time multiplex PCR were compared with those obtained by established microbiological methods. The PCR yielded results within 3 h including DNA purification. No false-positive signals or cross-reactions were observed. The analytical sensitivity was 10³ cfu mL⁻¹ for Campylobacter jejuni, 10⁴ cfu mL⁻¹ for Salmonella, and 10⁵ cfu mL⁻¹ for Shigella/EIEC and Yersinia, respectively. Compared with culture, PCR detected 79 out of 81 Campylobacter jejuni (97.5%), 71 out of 74 Salmonella (96%), 8 out of 8 Shigella (100%), and 10 out of 10 Yersinia-positive (100%) clinical samples. In culture-negative samples (n = 192), PCR additionally detected 2 Shigella, 1 Salmonella, and 5 Campylobacter jejuni infections. Thus, the new real-time multiplex PCR provides reliable results within a short time and might be useful as an additional diagnostic tool whenever time is important in the diagnosis of enteropathogenic bacteria.     

Some studies on insect parasitic nematodes (Oxyurida,Thelastomatoidea, Thelastomatidae) from Manipur,North-East India

Four known species of insect parasitic nematodes were recovered from Periplaneta americana and Gryllotalpa africana. They are all redescribed in the present study. Key to species along with comparative measurement chart of all known species of Leidynema, Gryllophila and Hammerschmidtiella have been provided. Based on additional features that were not provided by previous workers the emended generic diagnosis of Thelastoma, Leidynema, and Hammerschmidtiella have been provided in the present study.     

Role of Bcl-2, Bax, and Bak in spontaneous apoptosis and proliferation in neuroendocrine lung tumors: immunohistochemical study

Fifty-six primary neuroendocrine lung tumors were examined morphologically and histologically and their apoptosis level was determined. Malignant carcinomas were characterized by increased apoptotic index and enhanced expression ofBcl-2, Bak, p53, andKi-67 compared to typical carcinoid. However, apoptosis in these tumors was not completed. Proteins of theBcl family play an important role in the regulation of spontaneous apoptosis in neuroendocrine lung tumors.Bcl-2 accumulating in the nucleus is a morphological analogue of phosphorylated inactive form of this protein, which does not inhibit apoptosis. Expression ofBcl-2 andBax decreases in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) with metastases indicating attenuation of apoptosis and development of metastatic clones resistant to apoptosis induces. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 7, pp. 98–101, July, 2000     

Isolation,sequencing, and characterization of crp-5, a gene encoding a Neurospora ribosomal protein

A Neurospora crassa cytoplasmic ribosomal protein gene, crp-5, has been isolated and characterized. The cDNA was isolated by a differential screening of a cDNA library for glucose-inducible genes. The cDNA was subsequently used to identify and isolate crp-5 genomic sequences. Computer analysis of the DNA sequences showed that they contain an open reading frame which encodes a protein homologous to the rat ribosomal protein S26. The crp-5 mRNA levels are regulated in a carbon-source-dependent manner. The organization of the gene and the region upstream of the coding sequences are discussed.     

Effects of hydrocortisone,retabolil, and their combination on the phagocytic activity of rat blood neutrophils

Effects of retabolil on the phagocytic index, phagocytic number, and the nitro blue tetrazolium reduction test with rat blood neutrophils were studied. The drug was found to reduce these parameters. Pretreatment with retabolil arrested or attenuated the depression of neutrophil phagocytic activity caused by hydrocortisone. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 179–180, February, 1995     

Effects of fibroblasts, collagen, and laminin on healing of superficial split wounds

Application of cultured fibroblasts on a superficial split wound accelerates its healing: 3–4 daysvs. 5–7 days with type I collagen or laminin and 7–10 days with conventional dressings and wound-healing means. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 124, No. 8, pp. 229–322, August, 1997     

Norbornan,a new irreversible ligand of the GABAA-receptor chloride channels

In vitro experiments demonstrate the high affinity of the toxic convulsant norbornan [2,2-di-(trifluoromethyl)-3,3-dicyano-5,6-dichloronorbornane] for the GABA_A-receptor chloride channels of membranes from rat brain. Repeated washing and centrifugation do not restore the ionophore density on norbornan-treated membranes, suggesting that norbornan may be counted among the agents acylating the chloride channels. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, No. 4, pp. 444–446, April, 1996     

Role ofBcl-2, Bax, andBak in spontaneous apoptosis and proliferation in neuroendocrine lung tumors: Immunohistochemical study

Fifty-six primary neuroendocrine lung tumors were examined morphologically and histologically and their apoptosis level was determined. Malignant carcinomas were characterized by increased apoptotic index and enhanced expression ofBcl-2, Bak, p53, andKi-67 compared to typical carcinoid. However, apoptosis in these tumors was not completed. Proteins of theBcl family play an important role in the regulation of spontaneous apoptosis in neuroendocrine lung tumors.Bcl-2 accumulating in the nucleus is a morphological analogue of phosphorylated inactive form of this protein, which does not inhibit apoptosis. Expression ofBcl-2 andBax decreases in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) with metastases indicating attenuation of apoptosis and development of metastatic clones resistant to apoptosis induces. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 7, pp. 98–101, July, 2000     

A study of nonpathogenicFrancisella,Brucella, andYersinia strains as producers of recombinant β-endorphin

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Brucella abortus, andFrancisella tularensis strains producing a recombinant β-endorphin have been obtained. The highest production of this peptide, which displays physiological activity, was recorded for cells of theY. pseudotuberculosis strain 2243 (pSK95E). Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 117, N ^o 6, pp. 612–615, June, 1994     

A comparative study of the effects of dimebon,obsidan, finoptin,and cordaron on the functional state of ischemic focus and size of necrotic zone in experimental myocardial infarction

Dimebon, an antihistamine agent, exerts a moderate antianginal effect, improving the function of ischemic focus in the myocardium and decreasing the necrotic zone in experimental myocardial infarction. Dimebon is less active than obsidan, finoptin (except for the size of the necrotic zone), and cordaron. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 12, pp. 642–644, December, 1996     

Immune response,phagocytosis, and detoxication ability under the unfluence of peptide and amino acid preparations

Dipeptides Glu-Trp and Lys-Asp and peptide mixtures of the 5th thymosine fraction, as well as thymaline, stimulate the immune response when applied subcutaneously during 5 days and intensify the activity of neutrophils and protect splenocytes from the toxic effect of benzene and aflatoxin B₁ in vitro. Amino acids (Glu, Trp, Lys, Asp, and Arg) and amino acid mixtures (levamine-70, cerebrolysine, and aviamine) differently affect the indexes of specific and nonspecific resistance under the same conditions and at the same dose. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, No. 5, pp. 509–512, May, 1996     

Dependence of the antiarrhythmic effect of laser radiation on the rate,duration, and site of exposure

Acute experiments on cats narcotized with nembutal using the same model of ischemic disturbances of cardiac rhythm reveal that the antiarrhythmic effect of laser depends on the rate and duration of exposure, while its degree of expression depends on the site exposed to radiation. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, No 3, pp. 246–248, March, 1995 Presented by V. N. Yarygin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of the dipeptides gly-pro and pro-gly, glycine, and proline on cardiotropic effects of acetylcholine

The dipeptides Gly-Pro and Pro-Gly, glycine, and proline do not affect contractile activity of the Straub cardiac preparation of the frog. Gly-Pro and glycine augment, while Pro-Gly moderates the effects of acetylcholine. The effect of proline was insignificant. Equimolar amino acid mixtures and mixtures of the dipeptides decrease the effects of acetylcholine. Direction and the degree of Gly-Pro effect attests to specific action of this peptide on cardiac activity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 126, No. 8, pp. 139–141, August, 1998     

Alterations inc-myc,Ha-ras,andKi-ras protooncogenes in experimental rat mesothelioma

Analysis of the polymorphism of restriction fragments or sequencing ofHa- andKi-ras gene segments containing codon 12 or 61, amplified in the polymerase chain reaction, failed to detect point mutations in any of seven rat mesothelioma cell lines or in 20 mesotheliomas induced in rats by erionite or chrysotile asbestos. These data indicate the absence ofras activation caused by point mutations in the “critical codons” in rat mesothelioma. A twofold increase in the content ofc-myc mRNA in 5 out of 8 examined tumors appears to reflect a more intensive proliferation of mesothelioma cells in comparison with normal mesothelium, but not their amplification. This is confirmed by the results of Southern blot-hybridization. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 10, pp. 414–417, October, 1995 Presented by Yu. N. Solov'ev, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences