Fitness effect analysis of a heterochromatic supernumerary segment in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans

Several components of fitness were analysed in relation to the presence of a supernumerary chromosome segment (SCS) in two natural populations of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans, including clutch size, egg fertility, egg and embryo productivity and survivability from embryo to adult, and SCS transmission through males. The results have shown the absence of a significant relationship between SCS presence and these fitness components, with the single exception of egg fertility which decreases significantly in SCS females with mating shortage. This fertility decrease is thus expected to be relevant for the population dynamics of the SCS only in low-density populations, those in which it is difficult for females to find a male to copulate with before each egg-batch is ready to be laid. The analysis of the SCS transmission through males showed no significant differences between expected and observed SCS frequencies. The SCS polymorphism seems to be at a status close to neutrality in respect to fitness, but its slight disadvantage in transmission through females carrying B chromosomes predicts that the polymorphism should tend to disappear, unless SCS recurrent amplification, or another undiscovered force, counteracts this tendency. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Changes in blood content of prostaglandin F2α and leukotrienes C4 and B4 in rats after intravenous injection of contrast agents

It is shown that Triombrast=Hexabrix=Omnipaque≤Melitrast<Ultravist in a dose-independent manner increase the level of prostaglandin F_2α and leukotrienes C₄ and B₄ in the blood of sensitive rats (50%) 15 min after intravenous injection of the preparation, the changes in prostaglandin F_2α being maximal, while those in leukotrienes C₄ minimal. The effect of nonionic contrast agents on the blood level of prostaglandin F_2α (0.1–2.0 g I/kg, except for Omnipaque) and leukotriene B₄ (in a dose of 0.5 g I/kg) is more pronounced in comparison with the ionic preparations. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 123, No. 3, pp. 289–293, March, 1997     

Larval survival strategy during winter of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chordodes nobilii</Emphasis> Camerano, 1901 (Gordiida,Nematomorpha)

There are numerous open questions concerning the life cycle of Gordiida (Nematomorpha), especially about egg development and viability of larvae during winter, when the temperature of freshwater environments where they inhabit is low. On the basis of experimental studies we demonstrate that egg development of Chordodes nobilii takes 20–25 days at 22°C and 45–55 days at 5°C. We also observed that larvae of C. nobilii obtained from egg strings at 5°C and maintained at that temperature during six months remained inside their egg shells as a survival strategy.     

Size and location of radish chromosome regions carrying the fertility restorer Rfk1 gene in spring turnip rape

In spring turnip rape (Brassica rapa L. spp. oleifera), the most promising F1 hybrid system would be the Ogu-INRA CMS/Rf system. A Kosena fertility restorer gene Rfk1, homolog of the Ogura restorer gene Rfo, was successfully transferred from oilseed rape into turnip rape and that restored the fertility in female lines carrying Ogura cms. The trait was, however, unstable in subsequent generations. The physical localization of the radish chromosomal region carrying the Rfk1 gene was investigated using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and bacterial artificial chromosome–fluorescence in situ hybridization (BAC–FISH) methods. The metaphase chromosomes were hybridized using radish DNA as the genomic probe and BAC64 probe, which is linked with Rfo gene. Both probes showed a signal in the chromosome spreads of the restorer line 4021–2 Rfk of turnip rape but not in the negative control line 4021B. The GISH analyses clearly showed that the turnip rape restorer plants were either monosomic (2n = 2x = 20 + 1R) or disomic (2n = 2x = 20 + 2R) addition lines with one or two copies of a single alien chromosome region originating from radish. In the BAC–FISH analysis, double dot signals were detected in subterminal parts of the radish chromosome arms showing that the fertility restorer gene Rfk1 was located in this additional radish chromosome. Detected disomic addition lines were found to be unstable for turnip rape hybrid production. Using the BAC–FISH analysis, weak signals were sometimes visible in two chromosomes of turnip rape and a homologous region of Rfk1 in chromosome 9 of the B. rapa A genome was verified with BLAST analysis. In the future, this homologous area in A genome could be substituted with radish chromosome area carrying the Rfk1 gene.     

Human platelets as the object of investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying nongenomic effects of glucocorticoid hormones

The effect of hydrocortisone (100 nM–10 μM) on the major biochemical parameters of platelet activity (intracellular free calcium concentration, thromboxane B₂ content, and baseline and stimulated levels of cAMP and cGMP) is examined. The results obtained indicate that the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on platelet aggregation is mediated by activation of the adenylate cyclase system and suppression of the calcium response. Presumably, neither guanylate cyclase nor phospholipase A₂-dependent systems are the targets of nongenomic actions of glucocorticoid hormones. Platelets can serve as a convenient tool for the investigation of nongenomic effects of glucocorticoid hormones. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 9, pp. 285–287, September, 1996     

Cytomolecular characterization and origin of de novo formed maize B chromosome variants

B chromosomes are dispensable elements that occur in many species, including maize. The maize B chromosome is acrocentric and highly heterochromatic and undergoes nondisjunction during the second pollen mitosis. In this study, we determined the genetic behavior and organization of two naturally occurring B chromosome variants (designated B^ta and B^tb). The morphology and genetic behavior of the B^ta chromosome were similar to those of the typical B chromosome, but the B^ta chromosome contained a deletion in the first heterochromatin region and had higher transmission frequencies through both male and female parents. The B^tb chromosome was reduced in size, consisted primarily of heterochromatin, and had a lower transmission frequency. The B^tb chromosome lacked nondisjunctional behavior, which was restored by the presence of normal B chromosomes in the cell. Furthermore, the B^tb chromosome contained two centromeric regions, only one of which was active. The organization of these two naturally occurring B chromosome variants was also determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with B-associated sequences and by amplification of B-specific molecular markers to create possible evolutionary models.     

Collagen-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth and Response to Dynamic Deformation in Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures

In vitro models of brain injury that use thick 3-D cultures and control extracellular matrix constituents allow evaluation of cell–matrix interactions in a more physiologically relevant configuration than traditional 2-D cultures. We have developed a 3-D cell culture system consisting of primary rat cortical neurons distributed throughout thick (>500 μm) gels consisting of type IV collagen (Col) conjugated to agarose. Neuronal viability and neurite outgrowth were examined for a range of agarose (AG) percentages (1.0–3.0%) and initial collagen concentrations ([Col]_i; 0–600 μg/mL). In unmodified AG, 1.5% gels supported viable cultures with significant neurite outgrowth, which was not found at lower (≤1.0%) concentrations. Varying [Col]_i in 1.25% AG revealed the formation of dense, 3-D neurite networks at [Col]_i of 300 μg/mL, while neurons in unmodified AG and at higher [Col]_i (600 μg/mL) exhibited significantly less neurite outgrowth; although, neuronal survival did not vary with [Col]_i. The effect of [Col]_i on acute neuronal response following high magnitude, high rate shear deformation (0.50 strain, 30 s⁻¹ strain rate) was evaluated in 1.5% AG for [Col]_i of 30, 150, and 300 μg/mL, which supported cultures with similar baseline viability and neurite outgrowth. Conjugation of Col to AG also increased the complex modulus of the hydrogel. Following high rate deformation, neuronal viability significantly decreased with increasing [Col]_i, implicating cell–matrix adhesions in acute mechanotransduction events associated with traumatic loading. These results suggest interrelated roles for matrix mechanical properties and receptor-mediated cell–matrix interactions in neuronal viability, neurite outgrowth, and transduction of high rate deformation. This model system may be further exploited for the elucidation of mechanotransduction mechanisms and cellular pathology following mechanical insult. D. Kacy Cullen and M. Christian Lessing contributed equally to this work.     

The contribution of individual and pairwise combinations of SNPs in the APOA1 and APOC3 genes to interindividual HDL-C variability

Apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and C-III are components of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), a quantitative trait negatively correlated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We analyzed the contribution of individual and pairwise combinations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOA1/APOC3 genes to HDL-C variability to evaluate (1) consistency of published single-SNP studies with our single-SNP analyses; (2) consistency of single-SNP and two-SNP phenotype–genotype relationships across race-, gender-, and geographical location-dependent contexts; and (3) the contribution of single SNPs and pairs of SNPs to variability beyond that explained by plasma apo A-I concentration. We analyzed 45 SNPs in 3,831 young African–American (N=1,858) and European–American (N=1,973) females and males ascertained by the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. We found three SNPs that significantly impact HDL-C variability in both the literature and the CARDIA sample. Single-SNP analyses identified only one of five significant HDL-C SNP genotype relationships in the CARDIA study that was consistent across all race-, gender-, and geographical location-dependent contexts. The other four were consistent across geographical locations for a particular race–gender context. The portion of total phenotypic variance explained by single-SNP genotypes and genotypes defined by pairs of SNPs was less than 3%, an amount that is miniscule compared to the contribution explained by variability in plasma apo A-I concentration. Our findings illustrate the impact of context-dependence on SNP selection for prediction of CVD risk factor variability.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at CHRISTINE M. BROWN received her B.S. in Zoological Anthropology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, and is currently working towards her Masters degree in Epidemiology in the School of Public Health. She is presently a Research Associate in the Dept. of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.CHARLES F. SING received his Ph.D. in Statistics and Genetics from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He is currently a Professor in the Dept. of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.     

Splice-site mutations in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">TRIC</Emphasis> gene underlie autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment in Pakistani families

Hereditary hearing impairment (HI) displays extensive genetic heterogeneity. To date, 67 autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment (ARNSHI) loci have been mapped, and 24 genes have been identified. This report describes three large consanguineous ARNSHI Pakistani families, all of which display linkage to marker loci located in the genetic interval of DFNB49 locus on chromosome 5q13. Recently, Riazuddin et al. (Am J Hum Genet 2006; 79:1040–1051) reported that variants within the TRIC gene, which encodes tricellulin, are responsible for HI due to DFNB49. TRIC gene sequencing in these three families led to the identification of a novel mutation (IVS4 + 1G > A) in one family and the discovery of a previously described mutation (IVS4 + 2T > C) in two families. It is estimated that 1.06% (95% confidence interval 0.02–3.06%) of families with ARNSHI in Pakistan manifest HI due to mutations in the TRIC gene.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of the vascular wilt fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium dahliae</Emphasis>: a novel gene order for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium</Emphasis> and a diagnostic tool for species identification

The complete sequence (27,184 bp) of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of the phytopathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae has been determined. It contains 14 protein-coding genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, two rRNA genes and a set of 25 tRNA genes. A single intron, that harbors an intronic ORF coding for a putative ribosomal protein (rps), is located within the large rRNA gene (rnl). Gene order comparisons of V. dahliae mtDNA and complete mt genomes of Pezizomycotina revealed four units of synteny for Sordariomycetes, namely rnl-trn _(11–12)-nad2-nad3, nad4L-nad5-cob-cox1, nad1-nad4-atp8-atp6 and rns-trn _(1–5)-cox3-trn _(1–5)-nad6-trn _(2–5). These four units, in different combinations, merged to single continuous unit in the orders of Hypocreales and Sordariales. V. dahliae (Phyllachorales) and all members of the genus showed a unique feature which is the translocation of the nad1-nad4-atp8-atp6-rns-cox3-nad6 region in between genes nad3 and atp9 of the Hypocreales mtDNA gene order. Analysis of mt intergenic sequences of Verticillium species permitted the design of a species-specific primer allowing the discrimination of V. longisporum against V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum. By considering the protein-coding gene sequences as one unit, a phylogenetic comparison with representatives of Ascomycota complete mtDNA was performed.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized usersNucleotide sequence data reported are available in the GenBank database under the accession numbers DQ351941–DQ351957.     

Preparation and application of monoclonal antibodies to fertility α2-microglobulinmicroglobulin

An FAMG-Fertitest-M test-system for quantitation of fertility α₂-microglobulin (FAMG) in biological fluids has been developed. It is based on original monoclonal antibodies against two different epitopes of FAMG. The range of FAMG concentrations reflecting thein vitro fertilizing capacity of sperm is determined, which allows one to assess the effectiveness of extracorporeal fertilization in the treatment of infertility. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 124, No. 9, pp. 319–321, September, 1997     

Ethnic variation in the HER-2 codon 655 genetic polymorphism previously associated with breast cancer

HER-2, a protooncogene located on chromosome 17q21, encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein (p185) with tyrosine kinase activity. Alterations of the HER-2 gene have been implicated in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of breast cancer and other solid tumors. It is also a cancer-therapeutic target for antibody-based therapy against the HER-2 protein. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 655, resulting in a G-to-A transition (Ile655Val) in the transmembrane domain-coding region of this gene has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among younger women. To understand the importance of this finding throughout the world, we evaluated this polymorphism in Ghanaian, Kenyan, Sudanese, Caucasian, African–American, Saudi, and Filipino subjects using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The frequency of the Val allele, which is associated with increased breast cancer risk, was highly variable between populations (0%–24%). Continental African populations had a lower frequency of the Val allele than did Saudi, Chinese, Filipino, Caucasian, and African–American subjects. The data suggest that this SNP has variable frequency in different ethnic groups. The findings in this study correspond with the lower incidence and lower risk of breast cancer in African women compared with Caucasian and African–American women. Received: December 13, 2001 / Accepted: January 16, 2002     

On the mechanism of insulinotropic action of hepoxylins: Evidence of a direct,glucose-independent effect of hepoxylins B3 on insulin secretion

The effects of lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid, hepoxylin B₃ epimers, on insulin secretion by a culture of isolated islet cells were studied. The effect was assessed at hepoxylin B₃ concentrations of 0.2 to 5.0 μM and different glucose concentrations in the culture medium. Both hepoxylin B₃ epimers were shown to boost the stimulating effect of glucose on insulin secretion. This effect manifests itself at glucose concentrations of 5.5 and 11 mM and disappears at an above normal glucose content in the medium (20 mM). The capacity of hepoxylin B₃ to stimulate the secretion of insulin by a culture of islet cells in a glucose-free medium has also been demonstrated. This direct, not glucose-mediated, insulinotropic effect may serve as proof that the hepoxylins belong to the category of intracellular messengers. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 10, pp. 404–406, October, 1995 Presented by I. G. Akmaev, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

The effect of physical activity and physical fitness on plasma adiponectin in adults with predisposition to metabolic syndrome

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in plasma adiponectin (ApN) over 24 months of exercise intervention in middle age adults with a predisposition to metabolic syndrome and to determine if changes in ApN were more affected by physical activity or physical fitness. Thirty-six subjects completed a 24 months home-based exercise program (cycling ≥ three times per week, ≥ 45 min/session at 50–65% of VO_2peak). Body composition, blood samples, and physical fitness were studied at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of participation in the study. The prescribed physical activity was monitored via self-reported exercise diary to determine MET levels, hours, and exercise compliance. Two-tailed repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients were used to detect significant differences and associations between the variables. ApN increased significantly (P < 0.05) after 12 months in males (n = 17; 5.3 ± 1.9–7.0 ± 3.0 μg ml⁻¹) but not in females (n = 9; 8.6 ± 3.8–11.5 ± 4.0 μg ml⁻¹). The net change in ApN over 24 months was significantly correlated to the net change in VO_2peak (physical fitness) (r = 0.66; P < 0.001), whereas exercise intensity was negatively correlated to ΔApN over 12 months (r = −0.4; P ≤ 0.04) and 24 months (r = −0.45; P ≤ 0.02). Based on our results, an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness of 15% increased plasma ApN concentration. Our findings suggest that moderate physical activity performed over many months induces positive changes in the plasma ApN concentration in adults with a predisposition to metabolic syndrome.     

Effect of single total irradiation on the reproductive system and vitamin content in rat progeny

Reduction in the epididymis weight and in the spermatozoid concentration together with marked morphological changes in the seminiferous tubules were observed in the progeny of irradiated rats. Vitamin E content in the testes increased 2.8-fold, while that of vitamin B₂ decreased 1.6-fold. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 126, No. 12, pp. 652–654, December, 1998.     

Characterization of Giardia lamblia groups A and B from North India by isoenzyme and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Giardia lamblia ( syn. G. intestinalis) infection in young adults leads to acute/chronic diarrhea in some individuals and is asymptomatic in others. Recently, G. lamblia strains have been characterized as group A (symptomatic) and group B (asymptomatic or control) by advanced isoenzyme and molecular biology studies. In the present brief pilot study, ten G. lamblia isolates obtained from five symptomatic (group A) and five asymptomatic (group B) persons were characterized by isoenzyme and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Isoenzyme analysis demonstrated remarkable homogeneity in seven enzyme patterns, the exception, being that of phosphoglucomutase, for which two zymodemes (I and III) were observed. In contrast, RAPD analysis showed homogeneity for eight primers; exceptions were two primers, A₀₂ and B₀₅, which separated group A G. lamblia isolates into two rapdemes (A_R1 and A_R2) and group B G. lamblia isolates into four rapdemes (B_R1, B_R2, B_R3 and B_R4). Further phenetic analysis showed average genetic distances of 0.105 within group A and 0.121 within group B G. lamblia isolates according to Jaccord's distance scale, which suggests that both lineages appear to consist of a range of variants with no significant (P < 0.05) genetic diversity. The two techniques demonstrated a positive association with regard to differentiation between group A and group B G. lamblia isolates. These very preliminary results indicate that RAPD analysis could be a potentially useful substitute for isoenzyme analysis. Received: 4 December 1998 / Accepted: 21 December 1998     

Formation of SiO2-induced granulomas in mice of various strains

Peculiarities of SiO₂-induced granulomas in the liver and subcutaneous fat were studied in C57B1/6, CBA/Lac, BALB/c, C57BR, and C3H/F mice. Infiltrative and fibrogenic responses were interrelated and strain-specific primarily due to various intensities of myelopoiesis. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 1, pp. 20–24, January, 2000     

Effect of μ-opiate receptor agonist tetrapeptide A10 on DNA synthesis and protein content in the myocardium of albino rats

Effect of intraperitoneal injection of tetrapeptide A10 (H-Tyr-D-Orn-Phe-Gly-OH), selective μ-opiate receptor agonist, synthetic analog of dermorphine, in a dose of 100 μg/kg on DNA synthesis and protein content in the myocardium was studied in albino rats. Five injections of tetrapeptide on days 2–6 after birth caused no changes in DNA synthesis 17 days after the last injection,i. e. in 24-day rats. The number of nucleoli and their area increased. In adult males long-term (3-week) treatment with tetrapeptide A10 increased the number of nucleoli and the mean and integral optical density of isolated cardiomyocytes stained with amido black B, which probably attested to activation of protein synthesis in the myocardium. Simultaneously, the content of catecholamines in the heart increased. These data are comparable with delayed effects of κ-opiate receptor agonist dinorphine A_1–13 and indicate that morphogenetic properties of opioid peptides in rat myocardium are realized via the same routes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 12, pp. 693–695, December, 2000     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism in osteogenic sarcoma

Arachidonic acid metabolites are measured in primary osteogenic sarcomas, benign neoplasms, and tumor-like bone lesions. In typical osteogenic sarcomas, the contents of E and F_2α prostaglandins are significantly higher than in benign bone tumors or tumor-like bone lesions. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has different effects on the levels of prostaglandins E and F_2α, thromboxane B₂, and prostaglandin F_1α in osteogenic sarcomas, its effectiveness depending on the mechanism of drug action and individual sensitivity of tumor cells to this drug. A negative correlation is established between the content of prostaglandins E in osteogenic sarcoma and the degree of therapeutic pathomorphosis of the tumor in patients treated with adriamycin during the preoperative period. A single transfusion of a suspension of nonactivated allogenic bone marrow cells markedly reduces the content of prostaglandins E in osteogenic sarcoma. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 11, pp. 551–556, November, 1996     

Comparativein vitro study of the effect of contrast media on complement activity and eicosanoid content in rat blood

The study comparesin vitro effect of different contrast media on complement activity and eicosanoid content. Ionic agents (Bilignost>Iodamide>Triombrast>Hexabrix) exert pronounced complement-activating effect, while nonionic agents markedly increase blood content of arachidonic acid metabolites. The complement-activating effect of contrast media did not correlate with their ability to elevate blood content of prostaglandin F_2α and leukotrienes C₄ and B₄. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 125, No. 6, pp. 637–640, June, 1998