The mitochondrial genome of the planorbid snail .

The complete mitochondrial genome of a freshwater planorbid snail, (Mollusca, Gastropoda) was recovered from assembly of genomic sequences generated with the Illumina NextSeq500 platform. The mitogenome (14,217 base pairs) is AT rich (72.69%) and comprises 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal subunit genes, and 22 transfer RNAs.

Cytotoxicity of bacterial-derived toxins to immortal lung epithelial and macrophage cells.

Health risks associated with inhalation and deposition of biological materials have been a topic of great concern due to highly publicized cases of inhalation anthrax, of new regulations on the release of particulate matter, and to increased concerns on the hazards of indoor air pollution. Here, we present an evaluation of the sensitivity of two immortal cell lines (A549, human lung carcinoma epithelia) and NR8383 (rat alveolar macrophages) to a variety of bacterial-derived inhalation hazards and simulants including etoposide, gliotoxin, streptolysin O, and warfarin. The cell response is evaluated through quantification of changes in mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity, release of lactate dehydrogenase, initiation of apoptosis, and through changes in morphology as determined by visible light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.