Thermophilic fungi: An assessment of their potential for growth in soil

An attempt has been made to forecast the potential of thermophilic fungi to grow in soil in the laboratory and in the field in the presence of a predominantly mesophilic fungal flora at usual temperature. The respiratory rate of thermophilic fungi was markedly responsive to changes in temperature, but that of mesophilic fungi was relatively independent of such changes. This suggested that in a thermally fluctuating environment, thermophilic fungi may be at a physiological disadvantage compared to mesophilic fungi. In mixed cultures in soil plates, thermophilic fungi outgrew mesophilic fungi under a fluctuating temperature regime only when the amplitude of the fluctuating temperatures was small and approached their temperature optima for growth. An antibody probe was used to detect the activity of native or an introduced strain of a thermophilic fungus, Thermomyces lanuginosus, under field conditions. The results suggest that although widespread, thermophilic fungi are ordinarily not an active component of soil microflora. Their presence in soil most likely may be the result of the aerial dissemination of propagules from composting plant material.

DNA topoisomerase I from mycobacteria - A potential drug target

DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitous group of enzymes altering the topology of DNA by concerted breakage and rejoining of the phosphodiester backbone of DNA. The enzymes are classified based on the pattern of DNA cleavage. Type IA enzymes found in all bacteria nick the DNA and attach themselves covalently to the 5' side of the nick during the first transesterification reaction. Most of the information on this group of enzymes comes from studies with E. coli topoisomerase I and III. Members of type IA group are single subunit Zn++ metalloenzymes recognizing single stranded DNA without high degree of sequence specificity during relaxation reaction of negatively super coiled DNA. So far no inhibitors are known for this group of enzymes inspite of their important role in maintaining homeostasis of DNA topology. Molecular characterization of DNA topoisomerase I from mycobacteria has revealed some of the important features of type IA enzymes hitherto unknown and provide scope for identifying novel inhibitors. The present review describes the recent developments in the area summarizing the distinctive features of mycobacterial topoisomerase I. The enzyme has several properties not shared by either type IA or 113 enzymes with respect to DNA binding, recognition, sequence specificity and interaction pattern. The physiological basis of the unusual features is discussed. The unique properties described would aid in developing the enzyme as a target molecule in pharmaceutical design. In addition, the findings lead to address some fundamental questions on the intracellular role of topoisomerase I in the biology of mycobacteria which are one of the most formidable group of pathogenic organisms.

Effect of amplitude correlations on coherence in the local field potential

Neural activity across the brain shows both spatial and temporal correlations at multiple scales, and understanding these correlations is a key step toward understanding cortical processing. Correlation in the local field potential (LFP) recorded from two brain areas is often characterized by computing the coherence, which is generally taken to reflect the degree of phase consistency across trials between two sites. Coherence, however, depends on two factors-phase consistency as well as amplitude covariation across trials-but the spatial structure of amplitude correlations across sites and its contribution to coherence are not well characterized. We recorded LFP from an array of microelectrodes chronically implanted in the primary visual cortex of monkeys and studied correlations in amplitude across electrodes as a function of interelectrode distance. We found that amplitude correlations showed a similar trend as coherence as a function of frequency and interelectrode distance. Importantly, even when phases were completely randomized between two electrodes, amplitude correlations introduced significant coherence. To quantify the contributions of phase consistency and amplitude correlations to coherence, we simulated pairs of sinusoids with varying phase consistency and amplitude correlations. These simulations confirmed that amplitude correlations can significantly bias coherence measurements, resulting in either over-or underestimation of true phase coherence. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for the correlations in amplitude while using coherence to study phase relationships across sites and frequencies.

High-conductance states and A-type K+ channels are potential regulators of the conductance-current balance triggered by HCN channels

An increase in the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel conductance reduces input resistance, whereas the consequent increase in the inward h current depolarizes the membrane. This results in a delicate and unique conductance-current balance triggered by the expression of HCN channels. In this study, we employ experimentally constrained, morphologically realistic, conductance-based models of hippocampal neurons to explore certain aspects of this conductance-current balance. First, we found that the inclusion of an experimentally determined gradient in A-type K+ conductance, but not in M-type K+ conductance, tilts the HCN conductance-current balance heavily in favor of conductance, thereby exerting an overall restorative influence on neural excitability. Next, motivated by the well-established modulation of neuronal excitability by synaptically driven high-conductance states observed under in vivo conditions, we inserted thousands of excitatory and inhibitory synapses with different somatodendritic distributions. We measured the efficacy of HCN channels, independently and in conjunction with other channels, in altering resting membrane potential (RMP) and input resistance (R-in) when the neuron received randomized or rhythmic synaptic bombardments through variable numbers of synaptic inputs. We found that the impact of HCN channels on average RMP, R in, firing frequency, and peak-to-peak voltage response was severely weakened under high-conductance states, with the impinging synaptic drive playing a dominant role in regulating these measurements. Our results suggest that the debate on the role of HCN channels in altering excitability should encompass physiological and pathophysiological neuronal states under in vivo conditions and the spatiotemporal interactions of HCN channels with other channels.

Feeding on protists and particulates by the leptocephali of the worm eels Myrophis spp. (Teleostei: Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), and the potential energy contribution of large aloricate protozoa

The food sources of the leptocephali of the teleostean superorder Elopomorpha have been controversial, yet observations on the leptocephali of the worm eels, Myrophis spp. (family Ophichthidae) collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico indicate active, not passive, feeding. Leptocephali had protists in their alimentary canals. Estimates of the physiological energetics of worm eels indicate that large aloricate protozoa including ciliates could provide substantial energy to these leptocephali toward the end of the premetamorphic and metamorphic stages, given the low energy requirements of metamorphosing leptocephali. Global ocean warming will likely force a shift in oceanic food webs; a shift away from large protozoa toward smaller protists is possible. Such a disruption of the oceanic food webs could further compromise the survival of leptocephali.

The physiological effects of multiple forced submergences in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Sea turtles are subjected to involuntary submergence and potential mortality due to incidental capture by the commercial shrimp fishing industry. Despite implementation of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) to reduce at-sea mortality, dead stranded turtles continue to be found in near-record numbers along the coasts of the western Atlantic Ocean and northern Gulf of Mexico. Although this mortality may be due to an increase in the number of turtles available to strand, one alternative explanation is that sea turtles are repetitively submerged (as one fishing vessel follows the path of another) in legal TEDs. In the present study, laboratory and field investigations were undertaken to examine the physiological effects of multiple submergence of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Turtles in the laboratory study were confined during the submersion episodes, whereas under field conditions, turtles were released directly into TED-equipped commercial fishing nets. Under laboratory and field conditions, pre- and postsubmergence blood samples were collected from turtles submerged three times at 7.5 min per episode with an in-water rest interval of 10, 42, or 180 min between submergences. Analyses of pre- and postsubmergence blood samples revealed that the initial submergence produced a severe and pronounced metabolic and respiratory acidosis in all turtles. Successive submergences produced significant changes in blood pH, Pco2, and lactate, although the magnitude of the acid-base imbalance was substantially reduced as the number of submergences increased. In addition, increasing the interval between successive submergences permitted greater recovery of blood homeostasis. No turtles died during these studies. Taken together, these data suggest that repetitive sub-mergence of sea turtles in TEDs would not significantly affect their survival potential provided that the animal has an adequate rest interval at the surface between successive submergences.

Physiological ecology of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) at the southern end of their distribution, the San Francisco Estuary and Gulf of the Farallones, California

Juvenile chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, from natal streams in California’s Central Valley demonstrated little estuarine dependency but grew rapidly once in coastal waters. We collected juvenile chinook salmon at locations spanning the San Francisco Estuary from the western side of the freshwater delta—at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers—to the estuary exit at the Golden Gate and in the coastal waters of the Gulf of the Farallones. Juveniles spent about 40 d migrating through the estuary at an estimated rate of 1.6 km/d or faster during their migration season (May and June 1997) toward the ocean. Mean growth in length (0.18 mm/d) and weight (0.02 g/d) was insignificant in young chinook salmon while in the estuary, but estimated daily growth of 0.6 mm/d and 0.5 g/d in the ocean was rapid (P≤0.001). Condition (K factor) declined in the estuary, but improved markedly in ocean fish. Total body protein, total lipid, triacylglycerols (TAG), polar lipids, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acids concentrations did not change in juveniles in the estuary, but total lipid and TAG were depleted in ocean juveniles. As young chinook migrated from freshwater to the ocean, their prey changed progressively in importance from invertebrates to fish larvae. Once in coastal waters, juvenile salmon appear to employ a strategy of rapid growth at the expense of energy reserves to increase survival potential. In 1997, environmental conditions did not impede development: freshwater discharge was above average and water temperatures were only slightly elevated, within the species’ tolerance. Data suggest that chinook salmon from California’s Central Valley have evolved a strong ecological propensity for a ocean-type life history. But unlike populations in the Pacific Northwest, they show little estuarine dependency and proceed to the ocean to benefit from the upwelling-driven, biologically productive coastal waters.

Anxiety reduction through detachment: subjective, physiological, and neural effects.

The ability to volitionally regulate emotions helps to adapt behavior to changing environmental demands and can alleviate subjective distress. We show that a cognitive strategy of detachment attenuates subjective and physiological measures of anticipatory anxiety for pain and reduces reactivity to receipt of pain itself. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we locate the potential site and source of this modulation of anticipatory anxiety in the medial prefrontal/anterior cingulate and anterolateral prefrontal cortex, respectively.

Physiological advantages may contribute to successful invasion of the exotic Cyprinus carpio into the Xingyun Lake, China

Feeding and growth traits of Cyprinus carpio and Cyprinus pellegrini (both at age-0) were compared in three experiment, in an attempt to analyze potential causes for the displacement of the native C. pellegrini in the Xingyun Lake, Yuxi, Yunan, China. Experiment I was conducted in water which fluctuated between 15 and 20 degrees C. Experiment II and III were conducted in a laboratory and water temperature was maintained between 20 degrees C and 25 degrees C, respectively. Three common trends were noted for all three experiments: (1) feeding rate of C. carpio was lower than that of C. pellegrini, and this difference was found to be significant in experiment I; (2) growth rate of C. carpio was higher than C. pellegrini, and the difference was found to be significant in experiment II; (3) food conversion efficiency and energy retention efficiency for C. carpio were higher than those of C. pellegrini, and significant differences were noted in experiment I and II. Since the growth period for fish in the Xingyun Lake generally occurs when water temperatures are between 15 and 25 degrees C, it can be suggested that C. carpio has advantages over C. pellegrini in growth and food utilization efficiency, and lower food consumption than C. pellegrini. These physiological traits of C. carpio might allow this species to be more resistant to food shortage and predation, and may be partially responsible for the displacement of C. pellegrini by C. carpio.

Low potential detection of glutamate based on the electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH at thionine/single-walled carbon nanotubes composite modified electrode

A glutamate biosensor based on the electrocatalytic oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which was generated by the enzymatic reaction, was developed via employing a single-walled carbon nanotubes/thionine (Th-SWNTs) nanocomposite as a mediator and an enzyme immobilization matrix. The biosensor, which was fabricated by immobilizing glutamate dehydrogenase (GIDH) on the surface of Th-SWNTs, exhibited a rapid response (ca. 5 s), a low detection limit (0.1 mu M), a wide and useful linear range (0.5-400 mu M), high sensitivity (137.3 +/- 15.7) mu A mM(-1) cm(-2), higher biological affinity, as well as good stability and repeatability. In addition, the common interfering species, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, and 4-acetamidophenol, did not cause any interference due to the use of a low operating potential (190 mV vs. NHE). The biosensor can be used to quantify the concentration of glutamate in the physiological level. The Th-SWNTs system represents a simple and effective approach to the integration of dehydrogenase and electrodes, which can provide analytical access to a large group of enzymes for wide range of bioelectrochemical applications including biosensors and biofuel cells.

Structural diversity of lanthanide-amino acid complexes under near physiological pH conditions and their recognition of single-stranded DNA

We reported here four structures of lanthanide-amino acid complexes obtained under near physiological pH conditions and their individual formula can be described as [Tb-2(DL-Cys)(4)(H2O)(8)]Cl-2 (1), [Eu-4(mu(3)-OH)(4)(L-Asp)(2)(L-HAsp)(3)(H2O)(7)] Cl center dot 11.5H(2)O (2), [Eu-8-(L-HVal) (16)(H2O)(32)]Cl-24 center dot 12.5H(2)O (3), and [Tb-2(DL-HVal)(4)(H2O)(8)]Cl-6 center dot 2H(2)O (4). These complexes showed diverse structures and have shown potential application in DNA detection. We studied the interactions of the complexes with five single-stranded DNA and found different fluorescence enhancement, binding affinity and binding stoichiometry when the complexes are bound to DNA.

The cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of a potential selenium-binding protein gene in the scallop Chlamys farreri

Selenium binding proteins (SeBP) represent a family of proteins that are believed to be involved in controlling the oxidation/reduction in many physiological processes. The cDNA of Zhikong Scallop Chlamys farreri selenium binding protein (zSeBP) was cloned by expressed sequence tag (EST) and RACE techniques. The high similarity of zSeBP deduced amino acid sequence with the SeBP in other organisms, such as bird, fish, frog, mosquito, fruit fly, mammalian, and even nematode and microorganism indicated that zSeBP should be a member of SeBP family. The temporal expression of zSeBP in the hemocytes was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR after scallops were stimulated by either oxidative stress or microbial challenge. The expression of zSeBP was up-regulated progressively after stimulation, and then dropped gradually to the original level. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde (MDA) measured by the colorimetric method in the microbial challenged scallops increased immediately after scallops was challenged by microbes, and was significantly higher than that in the control scallops. Results indicated that the microbial infection could incense the disorder of oxidation/reduction and may result in high MDA production. The negative correlation between the expression level of zSeBP and the MDA content suggested that zSeBP could play an important role in mediating the anti-oxidation mechanisms and immune response in marine invertebrates. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Superoxide dismutase mimics: chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential.

Oxidative stress has become widely viewed as an underlying condition in a number of diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion disorders, central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes. Thus, natural and synthetic antioxidants have been actively sought. Superoxide dismutase is a first line of defense against oxidative stress under physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, the development of therapeutics aimed at mimicking superoxide dismutase was a natural maneuver. Metalloporphyrins, as well as Mn cyclic polyamines, Mn salen derivatives and nitroxides were all originally developed as SOD mimics. The same thermodynamic and electrostatic properties that make them potent SOD mimics may allow them to reduce other reactive species such as peroxynitrite, peroxynitrite-derived CO(3)(*-), peroxyl radical, and less efficiently H(2)O(2). By doing so SOD mimics can decrease both primary and secondary oxidative events, the latter arising from the inhibition of cellular transcriptional activity. To better judge the therapeutic potential and the advantage of one over the other type of compound, comparative studies of different classes of drugs in the same cellular and/or animal models are needed. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical properties and some in vivo effects observed with various classes of compounds with a special emphasis on porphyrin-based compounds.

Physiological And Biochemical Aspects Of The Valve Snap And Valve Closure Responses In The Giant Scallop Placopecten-Magellanicus .1. Physiology

1. Catabolic processes of the phasic and catch parts of the adductor muscle ofPlacopecten magellanicus have been studied in relation to valve snap and valve closure responses. It is concluded that the snap response is powered by both parts of the adductor muscle and the valve closure response is powered exclusively by the catch part. 2. Both parts of the adductor muscle show a high glycolytic potential, reflected by high levels of glycolytic enzymes (Table 1) and high glycogen levels (Table 2). Lactate dehydrogenase could not be detected. In contrast, octopine dehydrogenase shows high activities in both parts of the adductor muscle. It is therefore concluded that a main anaerobic pathway in both tissues is the breakdown of glycogen to octopine. In the catch part, however, a considerable amount of the pyruvate formed from glycogen may also be converted into alanine (see below). The glycolytic flux in the catch part is much higher during the snap response than during valve closure. 3. The absence of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the adductor muscle ofP. magellanicus and the observed changes in aspartate, alanine and succinate demonstrate that the energy metabolism in the catch part during valve closure shows great similarities to that which occurs only in the initial stage of anaerobiosis in the catch adductor muscle of the sea musselMytilus edulis L. 4. Arginine kinase activity and arginine phosphate content of the phasic part are much higher than those of the catch part (Tables 1 and 3). This may explain why in the phasic part during the snap response most ATP equivalents are derived from arginine phosphate, and in the catch part during both valve responses most are derived from glycolysis (Table 6). Despite the limited contribution of glycolysis in the phasic part during the snap response, the glycolytic flux increases by a factor of at least 75. 5. Evidence is obtained that octopine is neither transported from one part of the adductor muscle to the other, nor from the adductor muscle to other tissues.

Physiological And Biochemical Aspects Of The Valve Snap And Valve Closure Responses In The Giant Scallop Placopecten-Magellanicus .2. Biochemistry

1. Catabolic processes of the phasic and catch parts of the adductor muscle ofPlacopecten magellanicus have been studied in relation to valve snap and valve closure responses. It is concluded that the snap response is powered by both parts of the adductor muscle and the valve closure response is powered exclusively by the catch part. 2. Both parts of the adductor muscle show a high glycolytic potential, reflected by high levels of glycolytic enzymes (Table 1) and high glycogen levels (Table 2). Lactate dehydrogenase could not be detected. In contrast, octopine dehydrogenase shows high activities in both parts of the adductor muscle. It is therefore concluded that a main anaerobic pathway in both tissues is the breakdown of glycogen to octopine. In the catch part, however, a considerable amount of the pyruvate formed from glycogen may also be converted into alanine (see below). The glycolytic flux in the catch part is much higher during the snap response than during valve closure. 3. The absence of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the adductor muscle ofP. magellanicus and the observed changes in aspartate, alanine and succinate demonstrate that the energy metabolism in the catch part during valve closure shows great similarities to that which occurs only in the initial stage of anaerobiosis in the catch adductor muscle of the sea musselMytilus edulis L. 4. Arginine kinase activity and arginine phosphate content of the phasic part are much higher than those of the catch part (Tables 1 and 3). This may explain why in the phasic part during the snap response most ATP equivalents are derived from arginine phosphate, and in the catch part during both valve responses most are derived from glycolysis (Table 6). Despite the limited contribution of glycolysis in the phasic part during the snap response, the glycolytic flux increases by a factor of at least 75. 5. Evidence is obtained that octopine is neither transported from one part of the adductor muscle to the other, nor from the adductor muscle to other tissues.