Extracellular electron transfer

Results from several laboratories indicate that extracellular electron transfer may be a general mechanism whereby microoorganisms generate energy for cell growth and/or maintenance. Specifically, bacteria can use redox-active organic small molecules, generated outside or inside the cells, to shuttle electrons between reduced and oxidized compounds. Electron shuttling has now been reported for several different bacterial species, and exchanges of shuttling compounds may even syntrophically link diverse organisms in nature. Biofilm systems in both geological and clinical settings are likely to be important environments for metabolisms that employ extracellular electron transfer. Both structural and functional analyses suggest that electron shuttles and some virulence factors may be related to one another. Received 21 March 2001; received after revision 10 May 2001; accepted 11 May 2001     

Methylmercury toxicity in insect: detection of mercury in lysosomes using electron microprobe]

Intoxication of Blattella by methylmercury leads to a storage of the ingested metal within the lysosomes of ileum. Mercury is always found associated with zinc, sulphur and copper. Lysosome, therefore, intervenes in a detoxication process in Insects which have been exposed to organic mercury. It is suggested that mercury might be trapped by metallothionein.     

Characteristics of the nucleolini observed under the electron microscope

Summary Observations with the electron microscope permitted us to ascertain that in molluscs and echinoderms oocytes and in malignat tumour cells, the nucleolini, already seen with the phonton microscope, correspond to the clear fibrillar zones. These present fibrils 40–60 Å thick, spread throughout a very clear matrix. All around these zones there are other closely thickened and interlacing fibrils.     

Melatonin and the electron transport chain

Melatonin protects the electron transport chain (ETC) in multiple ways. It reduces levels of ·NO by downregulating inducible and inhibiting neuronal nitric oxide synthases (iNOS, nNOS), thereby preventing excessive levels of peroxynitrite. Both ·NO and peroxynitrite-derived free radicals, such as ·NO₂, hydroxyl (·OH) and carbonate radicals (CO₃·^?) cause blockades or bottlenecks in the ETC, by ·NO binding to irons, protein nitrosation, nitration and oxidation, changes that lead to electron overflow or even backflow and, thus, increased formation of superoxide anions (O₂·^?). Melatonin improves the intramitochondrial antioxidative defense by enhancing reduced glutathione levels and inducing glutathione peroxidase and Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in the matrix and Cu,Zn-SOD in the intermembrane space. An additional action concerns the inhibition of cardiolipin peroxidation. This oxidative change in the membrane does not only initiate apoptosis or mitophagy, as usually considered, but also seems to occur at low rate, e.g., in aging, and impairs the structural integrity of Complexes III and IV. Moreover, elevated levels of melatonin inhibit the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and shorten its duration. Additionally, high-affinity binding sites in mitochondria have been described. The assumption of direct binding to the amphipathic ramp of Complex I would require further substantiation. The mitochondrial presence of the melatonin receptor MT₁ offers the possibility that melatonin acts via an inhibitory G protein, soluble adenylyl cyclase, decreased cAMP and lowered protein kinase A activity, a signaling pathway shown to reduce Complex I activity in the case of a mitochondrial cannabinoid receptor.     

Degradation of collagen by the cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans

The behaviour of cariogenic Bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) is studied with regard to collagen, which represents 90% of the dentine organic matrix. Collagenase activity of cariogenic Bacteria is measured with radioactive precursors and gel electrophoresis and compared to reference bacterial collagenase (Clostridium histolyticum). Labelled collagen substrate has been prepared with two different methods: extraction by 0,5 M acetic acid from young Rat skin, previously labelled with L-proline 14C, or reduction by Na B3H4. Both collagen sutstrates have been incubated for 2 h in Terleckyj medium in which the Streptococcus mutans have been inoculated. The experiments show a proteolytic activity of Streptococcus Mutans on the collagen substrate.     

Calcite growth under controlled diffusion

Summary The growth of calcite was studied in a gelatin-gel medium under variable environmental conditions by 2 different methods. The results suggest that the organic matrix, the temperature, the diffusion fluctuation depending on ionic concentrations, and the presence of additives exert a fine control on the evolution of single crystals, polycrystalline aggregates, and highly structured concretions of calcite.Presented at the 22nd Canadian Conference on Pharmaceutical Research, Montreal (Quebec), Canada, 16 May 1975.Acknowledgments. This work was supported, by the Medical Research Council of Canada. — The authors are indebted to Dr J. M. Dorlot, Department of Metallurgy, Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, for the use of the scanning electron microscope and thanks are due to Mr J. Claudinon for his technical assitance.     

The compositional analysis of recent cephalopod shell carbohydrates by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and high performance anion exchange-pulsed amperometric detection

The organic matrix of four living cephalopod skeletons was extracted, purified, separated in a soluble and an insoluble fraction. These fractions were submitted to infrared analysis. After a light hydrolysis, their monosaccharide content was determined by HPAE-PAD. The results were treated by principal component analysis.Infrared analysis has been used to estimate the protein/sugar ratios and showed a high amount of chitin within the insoluble fractions. This was corroborated by their high content of glucosamine. The composition of soluble matrices appeared more heterogeneous: the general tendency is an increase of glucosamine from the most mineralized shell (Nautilus) to the non-mineralized one (Loligo), and a decrease in glucose and galactose. These data would be in agreement with the evolutionary tendency towards shell reduction and disappearance among cephalopods.     

Bioavailability of norethindrone in women and rabbits after administration of norethindrone acetate through the subcutaneous route

Summary The levels of available norethindrone were found to be similar in women and rabbits after s.c. administration of crystalline and amorphous, norethindrone acetate respectively, and this study indicates that the rabbit may be used as an animal model for further investigation with this contraceptive steroid.     

The crystalline phase of cellulose changes under developmental control in a marine chordate

The native form of cellulose is a fibrillar composite of two crystalline phases, the triclinic I_α and monoclinic I_β allomorphs. Allomorph ratios are species-specific, and this gives rise to natural structural variations in cellulose crystals. However, the mechanisms contributing to crystal formation remain unknown. We show that the two crystalline phases of cellulose are tailored to distinct structures during different developmental stages of the tunicate chordate Oikopleura dioica. Larval cellulose consisting of I_α allomorph constitutes the body cuticle fin, whereas adult cellulose consisting of I_β allomorph frames a mucous filter-feeding device, the “house.” Both structures are secreted from the epidermis in accordance with the mutually exclusive expression patterns of two distinct putative cellulose synthase genes. We discuss a possible linkage between structural variations of the crystalline phases of cellulose and the underlying evolutionary genetics of cellulose biosynthesis.     

Über zwei neue kristallisierte Alkaloide ausErythrophleum guineense Don

Summary In addition to cassaine, two new alkaloids have been isolated from the bark ofErythrophleum guineense Don, in crystalline form. Their empirical formulæ have been established by analysis of the free bases and of some of their crystalline salts.     

Molecular pathology and pathobiology of osteoarthritic cartilage

The biochemical properties of articular cartilage rely on the biochemical composition and integrity of its extracellular matrix. This matrix consists mainly of a collagen network and the proteoglycan-rich ground substance. In osteoarthritis, ongoing cartilage matrix destruction takes place, leading to a progressive loss in joint function. Beside the degradation of molecular matrix components, destabilization of supramolecular structures such as the collagen network and changes in the expression profile of matrix molecules also take place. These processes, as well as the pattern of cellular reaction, explain the pathology of osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration. The loss of histochemical proteoglycan staining reflects the damage at the molecular level, whereas the supramolecular matrix destruction leads to fissuring and finally to the loss of the cartilage. Chondrocytes react by increasing matrix synthesis, proliferating, and changing their cellular phenotype. Gene expression mapping in situ and gene expression profiling allows characterization of the osteoarthritic cellular phenotype, a key determinant for understanding and manipulating the osteoarthritic disease process.     

Orientierte Aufwachsungen auf hochpolymeren organischen Stoffen

Summary Orientated overgrowth on organic high-polymers is as yet only known for organic crystals of which the molecules are closely similar in shape to the molecules of the high-polymer substrate.The present investigation reports the orientated overgrowth on organic high-polymers by crystals of organic molecules thoroughly unlike in shape compared with the molecules of the substrate.Orientated overgrowth of organic crystals on tendons of arthropodes is especially emphasized.     

The starvation-survival state of microorganisms in nature and its relationship to the bioavailable energy

Summary Although one can measure the organic matter in various ecosystems in terms of organic carbon, this measurement does not indicate what portion of the organic carbon is bioavailable to the microorganisms. Most organic matter is recalcitrant and, therefore, most microorganisms do not have sufficient energy to carry on their metabolism for growth and reproduction. As a result, many species of bacteria will form ultramicrocells and enter a physiological state known as starvation-survival. This physiological state results in metabolic arrest which permits the organisms to survive for long periods of time without sufficient energy for growth and reproduction.Technical paper No. 8920, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station.     

三种有机插层剂对高岭土的改性研究

利用二甲亚砜、丙烯酰胺、硅烷偶联剂等有机插层剂对高岭土进行插层改性。采用正交实验设计,通过改变三种有机试剂的添加剂量、反应温度、改性时间三个因素,得到27组样品。利用红外光谱仪、X射线衍射仪及扫描电镜等对样品进行表征,发现三种有机插层剂对高岭土插层效果较好,其中硅烷偶联剂对高岭土的改性在增加层间距以及结构稳定性方面的效果最好。     

Zur funktionellen Bedeutung der räumlichen Anordnung des Kristallkegels zum Rhabdom im Auge der Trachtbiene (Apis mellifica L.)

Summary The granular material found in the 4 sectors of the crystalline cone of varying electron density possibly causes a different absorption of incident polarized light. As the quadrants of the crystalline cone are rotated against the quadrants of the rhabdom, we can conclude that each rhabdomere may be stimulated by light of different physical qualities consequently providing a 4-to 8-fold pattern in the rhabdom of the ommatidia.

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Mit Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Enhancement of p-aminohippurate accumulation in renal cortical slices after repeated administrations of various organic anionic drugs to rats of different ages

Summary After repeated administrations of various organic anionic drugs to rats of different ages, an enhancement of p-aminohippurate accumulation was observed in renal cortical slices from adult but not from newborn and infant rats. The effect can be interpreted as specific substrate-induced stimulation of the organic anion transport.Acknowledgment: The authors thank Miss Karin Müller for technical assistance.     

土壤有机质及其研究方法综述

土壤有机质为森林生态系统生产力构成的重要部分，是森林生态系统生物循环中的重要环节之一.综述土壤有机质的来源及其与土壤肥力的关系，分析了土壤有机质研究方法的历史、存在的问题及进展情况.森林凋落物、土壤生物及环境因素对土壤有机质含量有直接或间接的影响，同时，土壤有机质又与土壤物理、化学和生物性质密不可分.近年来，科研学者在沿用经典测定方法的基础上，采用了红外光谱、核磁共振和同位素示踪等一些先进方法对土壤有机质性质进行研究，取得了引人注目的进展.但由于土壤有机质结构复杂，长期以来对土壤有机质的结构、反应及其转化仍未能完全认识清楚。     

Observation of Schistosoma mansoni by scanning electron microscopy]

The integumental surface of adult Schistosoma mansoni was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 220 to 10,000 magnifications. SEM shows certain basic features such as spines in the oral sucker and the acetabulum which may facilitate rasping and attachment of the parasite to stay in the bloodstream of the definitive host. It seems likely that SEM visualization will be a means for differentiation some species of the genus Schistosoma.     

重庆四面山根系及土壤特性对优先路径分布的影响

通过分析不同土地利用状况(林地,灌草地和农地)下优先路径分布特征、土壤特性、及根系状况,探讨根系和土壤特性时优先路径的影响.采用染色法分析了三种不同土地利用状况下6块样地的优先路径分布,并分析了优先路径与根长密度、根孔和根面积之间的关系.结果表明,所有土地利用状况下0～10 cm土壤染色面积超过50％,在20 cm以下...     

Fibrosarcoma induced by administration of methyl cholanthrene into post extraction sockets of mandibular molars in rats

Summary Methyl cholanthrene in crystalline form and in a slow releasing vehicle was introduced into mandibular post extraction sockets. Fibrosarcomas developed within 9 months.