Microsatellite loci for two East African tree species, Leptonychia usambarensis (Sterculiaceae) and Sorindeia madagascariensis (Anacardiaceae).

We isolated 20 trinucleotide microsatellites from two African tree species: Sorindeia madagascariensis (nine microsatellites) and Leptonychia usambarensis (11 microsatellites). Number of alleles ranged from three to seven in Sorindeia and two to 10 in Leptonychia. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.025 to 0.829 for Sorindeia and from 0.226 to 0.933 for Leptonychia. Two loci from each species departed from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite markers will be used to study how forest fragmentation affects pollination and seed dispersal processes of these tree species.

Phytomedicines (medicines derived from plants) for sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common recessively inherited disorder of haemoglobin affecting peoples originating from sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Mediterranean basin, the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean and South America. The homozygous state (SS) is associated with complications and a reduced life expectancy. Phytomedicines (medicine derived from plants in their original state) encompass much of what the populations most affected would encounter in terms of plant-remedies from traditional healers. There has been little in the way of systematic appraisal of their benefits. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and risks of phytomedicines in people with SCD of all types, of any age, in any setting. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders group specialised register of controlled trials of haemoglobinopathies, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We performed an additional search of the bibliographic database of Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED). Date of most recent search of the trials register: September 2003. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or quasi-randomised trials with participants of all ages with SCD, in all settings, comparing the administration of phytomedicines, by any mode to placebo or standard treatment, including blood transfusion and hydroxyurea. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data from the study. MAIN RESULTS: Reports of two trials were found, of which only one, including 82 participants, was eligible for inclusion in this review. This Phase IIB (pivotal) study suggests that a phytomedicine, NIPRISAN, was effective in reducing episodes of SCD crisis associated with severe pain over a six-month period. NIPRISAN did not appear to affect the risk of severe complications or the level of anaemia. No serious adverse effects were reported. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: While NIPRISAN, as a phytomedicine, appeared to be safe and effective, over a six-month follow-up period of this study, in reducing crises associated with severe pain, further studies are required to assess its role in the management of people with sickle cell disease. The results of Phase III, multicentre trials are awaited.

Comparative analysis of glycosylated and nonglycosylated filarial homologues of the 20-kilodalton retinol binding protein from Onchocerca volvulus (Ov20).

Ov20 is a structurally novel 20-kDa retinol binding protein secreted by Onchocerca volvulus. Immunological and biological investigation of this protein has been hampered by the inability to maintain O. volvulus in a laboratory setting. In an effort to find a system more amenable to laboratory investigation, we have cloned, sequenced, and expressed cDNA encoding homologues of Ov20 from two closely related filarial species, Brugia malayi (Bm20) and Acanthocheilonema viteae (Av20). Sequence comparisons have highlighted differences in glycosylation of the homologues. We present here an analysis of mouse immune responses to Ov20, Bm20, and Av20. The results suggest a strong genetic restriction in response to native Bm20 that is overcome when recombinant, nonnative material is used. Reactivity of human filarial sera to the three recombinant proteins confirmed previous specificity studies with Ov20 but highlighted important differences in the reactivity patterns of the O. volvulus and B. malayi homologues that may be due to differences in glycosylation patterns. Ov20 is a dominant antigen in infected individuals, while Bm20 is not. The availability of the B. malayi homologue enabled us to use defined murine reagents and inbred strains for genetic analysis of responsiveness in a way that is not possible for Ov20. However, the close sequence similarity between Ov20 and Av20 suggests that the A. viteae model may be more suited to the investigation of the biological functions of Ov20.