Microbial methylation of benzenethiols and release of methylthiobenzenes

Summary Three phylogenetically diverse microorganisms methylated several different chloro- and nitro-substituted benzenethiols to yield the corresponding methylthiobenzenes. These products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In several cases large percentages of the methylthio products were released by intact cells into the medium, suggesting that microbial methylation of xenobiotic thiols may be a significant biotransformation in many ecosystems.Acknowledgments. This investigation was supported by research grant ES 02639 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, and an equipment grant (RR07013) from the Biomedical Research Support grant program. Division of Research Resource, NIH. We thank Steve Hawthorne for assistance in performing GC-MS analyses.     

Fecundity and longevity of houseflies after space flight

Summary After 7 days of space flight house flies,Musca domestica, exhibited similar longevity, but a reduction in reproductive output as compared to earthbound controls. This reduction was not observed in later generations. These data suggest that space flight directly alters the rate of ovarian development, but that this effect is not genetically transmitted.Acknowledgment. We thank Todd E. Nelson, student participant in the Space Shuttle Student Involvement Project, John T. Jackson, NASA/Johnson Space Center, and James R. Peterson, Honeywell, Inc. for providing us with the flies and information related to the in-flight experiments.     

Decompoisition of toxic and environmentally hazardous 2,3,7,8-tetra-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin by gamma irradiation

Summary The decomposition of the toxic and environmentally hazardous 2378-TCDD by gamma irradiation was studied and successfully used to decontaminatge laboratory wastes containing small quantities of this chemically and biological stable compound. The method makes use of gamma irradiation from a commercial⁶⁰cobalt facility at high dose levels (100 kGy) to break down the compound into notoxic products. Irradiation also decomposed 2378-TCDD in contaminated soil from the Seveso accident.     

Improved separation at low temperature of glycoproteins by Con A-Sepharose affinity chromatography in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)

The Con A-Sepharose affinity chromatography of glycoproteins was even more effective at 4 degrees C than that at room temperature (26-28 degrees C) in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Application of this methodology to the separation of several glycoproteins from SDS-solubilized membrane proteins in rat cerebellum, including a glycoprotein characteristic of the Purkinje cells, was successful.     

Acute toxicity of folic acid in mice

Summary The toxicity of folic acid (PGA) was studied in different inbred strains of mice. LD₅₀ values of PGA by the i.p. route showed a unique toxicity pattern. In some strains, convulsions, ataxia and weakness were observed. Histopathological study in strains S/RVCri, BDF₁, DBA/2 and DBA/2fNCri showed acute renal tubular necrosis.Acknowledgment. The authors thank Ms N. Hasgekar for her technical assistance     

Intergeneric interactions between Eimeria separata (Apicomplexa) and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nematoda) in the rat

Ova production in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infected rats was significantly greater than in rats singly infected with the helminth when Eimeria separata infections were introduced 4, 6 and 11 days postinoculation with N. brasiliensis. Patent periods were unaltered during concurrent infections. These results suggest that the presence of E. separata affects helminth fecundity but does not increase N. brasiliensis longevity as has been shown with E. nieschulzi.