Characterization of Two Species of Trypanosomatidae from the Honey Bee Apis mellifera: Crithidia mellificae Langridge and McGhee, and Lotmaria passim n. gen., n. sp.

Trypanosomatids are increasingly recognized as prevalent in European honey bees (Apis mellifera) and by default are attributed to one recognized species, Crithidia mellificae Langridge and McGhee, 1967. We provide reference genetic and ultrastructural data for type isolates of C. mellificae (ATCC 30254 and 30862) in comparison with two recent isolates from A.

Parasiticidal activity of a novel synthetic peptide from the core α-helical region of NK-lysin.

NK-lysin is an anti-microbial peptide that plays a critical role in innate immunity against infectious pathogens through its selective membrane disruptive property. We previously expressed and purified a full-length chicken NK-lysin (cNKL) recombinant protein, and demonstrated its in vitro anti-parasitic activity against the apicomplexan protozoan, Eimeria, the etiologic agent of avian coccidiosis. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo anti-parasitic properties of a synthetic peptide (cNK-2) incorporating a predicted membrane-permeating, amphipathic α-helix of the full-length cNKL protein.

Gene expression profiling and shared promoter motif for cell wall-modifying proteins expressed in soybean cyst nematode-infected roots.

We hypothesized that soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) co-opts part or all of one or more innate developmental process in soybean (Glycine max) to establish its feeding structure, syncytium, in soybean roots. The syncytium is formed within the vascular bundle by partial degradation of cell walls and membranes between adjacent parenchyma cells. A mature syncytium incorporates as many as 200 cells into one large multinucleated cell.

Microvascular obstruction remains a portent of adverse remodeling in optimally treated patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Microvascular obstruction (MO) is associated with large acute myocardial infarction and lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and predicts greater remodeling, but whether this effect is abolished by contemporary antiremodeling therapies is subject to debate. We examined the influence of several infarct characteristics, including MO, on LV remodeling in an optimally treated post-acute myocardial infarction cohort, using contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance.

Methods And Results: One hundred patients (mean age, 58.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1: a dichotomous role in cardiac remodeling following acute myocardial infarction in man?

Introduction: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is elevated after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and potentiates left ventricular (LV) remodeling in murine models of AMI. We examined the relationships between serum MCP-1, change in LV function and biomarkers related to remodeling in a cohort of AMI patients.

Methods: Serum MCP-1 concentrations were measured in 100 patients (age 58.

Comparison of serial measurements of infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and electrocardiographic QRS scoring in reperfused anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a powerful prognostic marker after acute myocardial infarction and is dependent on infarct magnitude. Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (ceCMR) represents the current criterion standard means of LVEF and infarct size measurement. Infarct size and LVEF can be estimated from the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) using the Selvester QRS score.

Drink, drugs, and the QT interval.

The effects of several prescription and illicitly-used drugs on electrocardiographic repolarization are well documented, most frequently manifested as prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval. The combination of multiple repolarization-modulating drugs taken in high dosage can occasionally lead to extreme abnormalities of the QTc interval and ST-segment on the surface ECG, which can lead to the erroneous diagnosis of underlying myocardial ischemia and inappropriate treatment. We report on one such case in which the acute management of a syncopal patient was detrimentally influenced by misinterpretation of a very unusual ECG.

Plasma apelin concentration is depressed following acute myocardial infarction in man.

Aims: Apelin, a novel peptide with a putative role in cardiovascular homeostasis, has gained interest as an endogenous inotrope, but has yet to be described following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in man. We aimed to characterize plasma apelin concentrations following AMI and to examine its relationship with clinical and prognostic biomarkers.

Methods And Results: Plasma concentrations of apelin, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), norepinephrine, and arginine vasopressin were measured in 100 patients [mean age 58.

Gene expression profiles for cell wall-modifying proteins associated with soybean cyst nematode infection, petiole abscission, root tips, flowers, apical buds, and leaves.

Changes in transcript accumulation for cell wall-modifying proteins were examined in excised soybean root pieces colonized by soybean cyst nematodes (SCN), Heterodera glycines, using RT-PCR and soybean Affymetrix GeneChips. Sequence-specific PCR primer pairs were prepared from sequence data for core sequences in the GenBank soybean database and consensus sequences derived from the assembly of soybean ESTs. In addition, to identify previously uncharacterized soybean transcripts, degenerate primers were prepared for conserved motifs in cellulases (endo-1,4-beta-glucanases, EGases) and polygalacturonases (PGs) and these were used to amplify segments of transcripts that were then extended with 3' and 5' RACE.

Simultaneous hyperaccumulation of nickel, manganese, and calcium in Alyssum leaf trichomes.

We have developed commercially viable phytoremediation/phytomining technologies employing Alyssum Ni-hyperaccumulator species to quantitatively extract Ni from soils. The majority of Ni is stored either in Alyssum leaf epidermal cell vacuoles or in the basal portions only of the numerous stellate trichomes. Here, we report simultaneous and region-specific localization of high levels of Ni, Mn, and Ca within Alyssum trichomes as determined by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX).