Characteristics of reproductive organs and reproductive potential in Scandinavian female grey wolves (Canis lupus).

The Swedish wolf population is closely monitored and managed to keep the population at a sustainable level while avoiding conflicts. Detailed knowledge about reproduction is crucial for estimates of population size and the reproductive potential of a population. Post-mortem evaluation of reproductive organs can be used as a complementary tool to field monitoring for evaluation of cyclicity and previous pregnancy, including litter size.

Novel long-chain neurotoxins from distinguish the two binding sites in muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

αδ-Bungarotoxins, a novel group of long-chain α-neurotoxins, manifest different affinity to two agonist/competitive antagonist binding sites of muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), being more active at the interface of α-δ subunits. Three isoforms (αδ-BgTx-1-3) were identified in Malayan Krait () from Thailand by genomic DNA analysis; two of them (αδ-BgTx-1 and 2) were isolated from its venom. The toxins comprise 73 amino acid residues and 5 disulfide bridges, being homologous to α-bungarotoxin (α-BgTx), a classical blocker of muscle-type and neuronal α7, α8, and α9α10 nAChRs.

Systemic AA amyloidosis in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis occurs spontaneously in many mammals and birds, but the prevalence varies considerably among different species, and even among subgroups of the same species. The Blue fox and the Gray fox seem to be resistant to the development of AA amyloidosis, while Island foxes have a high prevalence of the disease. Herein, we report on the identification of AA amyloidosis in the Red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

An ATPase inhibitory peptide with antibacterial and ion current effects.

An 84-residue bactericidal peptide, PSK, was purified from a Chrysomya megacephala fly larvae preparation. Its amino acid sequence is similar to that of a previously reported larval peptide of the Drosophila genus (SK84) noticed for its anticancer and antimicrobial properties. The PSK sequence is also homologous to mitochondrial ATPase inhibitors from insects to humans (35-65% sequence identity), indicating an intracellular protein target and possible mechanism for PSK.

Origin and evolution of medium chain alcohol dehydrogenases.

Different lines of alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) have separate superfamily origins, already recognized but now extended and re-evaluated by re-screening of the latest databank update. The short-chain form (SDR) is still the superfamily with most abundant occurrence, most multiple divergence, most prokaryotic emphasis, and most non-complicated architecture. This pattern is compatible with an early appearance at the time of the emergence of prokaryotic cellular life.