[Spontaneous and inducible respiratory burst of monocytes and neutrophils in periodic autoinflammatory fever].

We investigated spontaneous, chemotaxis-, phagocytosis- and proteinkinase C-dependent respiratory burst of neutrophils and monocytes in the whole blood of patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). We also analysed transient activation of neutrophils and monocytes on the level of a single cell using flow cytofluorimetry. It is shown that compared to healthy donors, the respiratory burst of monocytes and neutrophils in the patients is characterized by an increase in both spontaneous and inducible production of free radicals. In FMF patients probability of transient activation of chemotaxis- and phagocytosis-dependent respiratory burst is higher. This has an important influence rather on production of free radical by activated cells than on their number.

[Regulating effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid and pyrrolidone-2 on endogenous blood metalloproteins with anti- and pro-oxidant activity in hypoxia]. / Reguliruiushchii éffekt gamma-aminomaslianoi kisloty i pirrolidona-2 na éndogennye metalloproteiny krovi anti- i prooksidantnogo deistviia pri gipokinezii.

Various stages of hypokinesia are marked by specific changes in the level and activity of endogenous metalloproteins with anti- (MAA) and prooxidant action (MPA). In particular, the level of MPA [cytochromes b5 and b558 (III + IV) and suprol] decreases in all stages (except for the level of cytochrome b5 exceeding that in the free control on the 15th and 30th day of hypokinesia). The superoxide production activity of suprol always exceeds that in the control, while the activity of cytochrome b558 (III) exceeds that in the control only on the 30th day of experiment. The level and activity of MAA [ceruloplasmin, transferrin (TF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase] decrease with the duration of hypokinesia (except for 15th day, when the level of TF and the activity of SOD exceed the values in the free control group). The administration of GABA and pyrrolidone decreases the extent of oxidative stress, which is manifested by leveling of the MAA and MPA content and activity.

Volatile Semiochemicals Released from Undamaged Cotton Leaves (A Systemic Response of Living Plants to Caterpillar Damage).

Cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.), attacked by herbivorous insects release volatile semiochemicals (chemical signals) that attract natural enemies of the herbivores to the damaged plants. We found chemical evidence that volatiles are released not only at the damaged site but from the entire cotton plant. The release of volatiles was detected from upper, undamaged leaves after 2 to 3 d of continuous larval damage on lower leaves of the same plant. Compounds released systemically were (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (E)-[beta]-ocimene, linalool, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E)-[beta]-farnesene, (E,E)-[alpha]-farnesene, and (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene. All systemically released compounds are known to be induced by caterpillar damage and are not released in significant amounts by undamaged plants. Other compounds, specifically indole, isomeric hexenyl butyrates, and 2-methylbutyrates, known to be released by cotton in response to caterpillar damage, were not released systemically. However, when upper, undamaged leaves of a caterpillar-damaged plant were damaged with a razor blade, they released isomeric hexenyl butyrates, 2-methylbutyrates, and large amounts of constitutive compounds in addition to the previously detected induced compounds. Control plants, damaged with a razor blade in the same way, did not release isomeric hexenyl butyrates or 2-methylbutyrates and released significantly smaller amounts of constitutive compounds. Indole was not released systemically, even after artificial damage.

A system and methodology for measuring volatile organic compounds produced by hydroponic lettuce in a controlled environment.

A system and methodology were developed for the nondestructive qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile emissions from hydroponically grown 'Waldmann's Green' leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), photoperiod, and temperature were automatically controlled and monitored in a growth chamber modified for the collection of plant volatiles. The lipoxygenase pathway products (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenol, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate were emitted by lettuce plants after the transition from the light period to the dark period. The volatile collection system developed in this study enabled measurements of volatiles emitted by intact plants, from planting to harvest, under controlled environmental conditions.

Photosynthetic photon flux, photoperiod, and temperature effects on emissions of (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenol, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate from lettuce.

To investigate the effects of environment on plant volatile emissions, 'Waldmann's Green' leaf lettuce was cultivated under different levels of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), photoperiod, and temperature. A modified growth chamber was used to sample plant volatile emissions nondestructively, over time, and under controlled conditions. Total volatile emission rates were significantly higher from lettuce cultivated under PPF of 360 or 200 micromoles m-2 s-1 compared to 105 micromoles m-2 s-1, and significantly higher under a 16-h photoperiod than an 8-h photoperiod. No differences were detected among emission rates from different temperature treatments. In controlled environments, emissions could be regulated by adjusting environmental conditions accordingly.

Volatiles emitted by different cotton varieties damaged by feeding beet armyworm larvae.

Volatile compounds elicited by insect herbivore feeding damage in five cotton cultivars and one naturalized cotton variety were examined by allowing beet armyworm larvae to feed overnight on leaves and collecting volatiles from the plants in situ. Of 23 compounds identified from larval damaged leaves, terpenes and lipoxygenase-hydroperoxide lyase-derived volatiles predominated. No pronounced differences in the levels of volatile emission were noted from leaves of undamaged plants of the different varieties. However, average volatile emission from damaged leaves of the naturalized variety was almost sevenfold higher than from damaged leaves of the commercial cultivars. This was despite the fact that larvae preferred feeding on the leaves of commercial cultivars over those of the naturalized variety in choice tests.

Diurnal cycle of emission of induced volatile terpenoids by herbivore-injured cotton plant.

Cotton plants attacked by herbivorous insect pests emit relatively large amounts of characteristic volatile terpenoids that have been implicated in the attraction of natural enemies of the herbivores. However, the composition of the blend of volatile terpenes released by the plants varies remarkably throughout the photoperiod. Some components are emitted in at least 10-fold greater quantities during the photophase than during the scotophase, whereas others are released continuously, without conforming to a pattern, during the entire time that the plants are under herbivore attack. The diurnal pattern of emission of volatile terpenoids was determined by collecting and analyzing the volatile compounds emitted by cotton plants subjected to feeding damage by beet armyworm larvae in situ. The damage was allowed to proceed for 3 days, and volatile emission was monitored continuously. During early stages of damage high levels of lipoxygenase-derived volatile compounds [e.g., (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate] and several terpene hydrocarbons [e.g., alpha-pinene, caryophyllene] were emitted. As damage proceeded, high levels of other terpenes, all acyclic [e.g., (E)-beta-ocimene, (E)-beta-farnesene], were emitted in a pronounced diurnal fashion; maximal emissions occurred in the afternoon. These acyclic terpenes followed this diurnal pattern of emission, even after removal of the caterpillars, although emission was in somewhat smaller amounts. In contrast, the emission of cyclic terpenes almost ceased after the caterpillars were removed.

[The suppression of the cerebrovascular constrictor effects of malondialdehyde by GABA-ergic substances]. / Podavlenie tserebrovaskuliarnykh konstriktornykh éffektov malonovogo dial'degida GAMKergicheskimi veshchestvami.

GABA and its cyclic derivatives, gamma-butyrolactone and pyrrolidone-2, have been ascertained to abolish and prevent the cerebral vasoconstrictor effects of malonic dialdehyde. In this respect, gamma-butyrolactone excels pyrrolidone-2 and GABA, the effects of GABA being most slight. It may be suggested that the neuroactive amino acids exhibit antioxidative effects.

An automated system for use in collecting volatile chemicals released from plants.

A system is described for the collection of volatiles produced by plants that minimizes stress on the plant in an environment that is free from chemical impurities. Air entering a volatile collection chamber containing a plant is purified using a nonwoven fabric media infused with charcoal. A multitasking, computer-automated system is described that can simultaneously collect volatilized chemicals from plants as well as monitor and record environmental conditions associated with those collections. Collection of up to 16 samples can be made in varying sampling order, flow rates, and user-specified time periods, without disturbing the sampling environment. During the same time period, this system is capable of simultaneously monitoring up to eight environmental parameters using any type of sensor with electrical signal outputs. A multiport base assembly was designed to fit around the base of the plant permitting air samples to be collected at the bottom of the chamber. The chamber can pass ambient light so the plant may follow its natural photocycles. The entire system can be configured for continuous laboratory duty or portable field use by utilizing components that run on DC voltages. For the purpose of testing the system's performance, we determined the periodicity of the release of volatiles from red and yellow flowering four o'clock plants,Mirabilis jalaba (Nyctaginaceae). The major chemical released from four o'clocks was identified as ocimene. The onset of release occurred between 1400 and 1600 hr and increased with time with maximum amount of ocimene released during 1800-2000 hr, followed by a decrease in emission. No ocimene was detected after 2400 hr. Determination of the amount of ocimene released per flower was calculated for the 1800- to 2000-hr time period. Based on the number of open flowers during the 1800- to 2000-hr period, yellow four o'clock's released 80.9 (±7.3 SD) ng/hr/flower, while the red flowers released 51.9 (±7.0 SD) ng/hr/flower.

[The cerebral vasoconstrictor effects of malondialdehyde]. / Tserebral'nye vazokonstriktornye éffekty malonovogo dial'degida.

Malonic dialdehyde has a pronounced central vasoconstrictor effect, though when given in large doses, it causes a profound decrease in systemic blood pressure, however its vasoconstrictor effects are not directly related to fluctuations in systemic blood pressure. The universal antioxidant alpha-tocopherol acetate abolishes and prevents the central vasoconstrictor effects of malonic dialdehyde.

A bioassay system for collecting volatiles while simultaneously attracting tephritid fruit flies.

A bioassay system was developed that permits the testing of various substrates for biological activity in a flight tunnel, while simultaneously collecting a portion of the volatiles from the attractive source for subsequent chemical identification and quantification. Bioassays of the response of virgin female Caribbean fruit flies,Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), to volatiles released by calling males were conducted in a greenhouse under natural light cycles and fluctuating environmental conditions, similar to those in the field. Using this system, the periodicity of response of the female flies between 1300 and 1845 hr (EST) was tested. Fifty to 75% response occurred between 1700 and 1845 hr. Male pheromone release was greatest between 1500 and 1800 hr. Videotaped records of insects, taken between 1700 and 1800 hr as flies approached and entered the traps, were analyzed to interpret the communicative role of the volatiles released. Significantly more flies landed on and entered the pheromone-emitting trap than the control trap. There was no difference in the amount of time spent on the trap face, an indication that volatiles were attractants. The system described should be of general utility in determination of the attraction of pest fruit flies to suspected attractants.

Development and evaluation of systems to collect volatile semiochemicals from insects and plants using a charcoal-infused medium for air purification.

A system is described for the collection of volatiles produced by plants and insects that minimizes stresses on the plant or insect in an environment that is free from chemical impurities. Air entering a volatile collection chamber containing insects and/or plants was purified using a nonwoven fabric medium infused with charcoal. When three layers of this material were used, the total amount of impurities detected by gas chromatography was less than 40 ng/hr at a collection rate of 1 L/min. The air filtration system can maintain this level of air purification for 96 hr at an air flow of 0.43 m/sec, or a total volume of approximately 750,000 L of air. The air filtration system did not alter the relative humidity of the purified air compared to the relative humidity of ambient air. A multiport collector system was developed for use with the insect volatile collection system and enabled up to three samples to be collected without disturbing the system.

[Cytology of the dynamics of capsule formation in yeasts]. / Tsitologiia dinamiki obrazovaniia kapsul u drozhzhei.

Changes in the dimensions and structure of capsules were examined using optical and electron microscopy in the yeast Cryptococcus magnus producing extracellular polysaccharides in the course of its batch cultivation. The mean thickness of capsules was minimal in the period of active budding, but is rapidly increased later on. The dimensions of capsules, as well as the distribution density of capsule fibrils, were maximal at the beginning of the stationary growth phase. The results indicate that the intensive process of capsule formation occurs in formed buds, young separated cells. They contain the greatest number of vesicles with fibrillar material moving from the centre of the cell toward its periphery. The vesicles are absent in the stationary growth phase when the capsules thicken on more. In the phase of dying off, the capsule size and the density of capsule fibres decrease because the capsule material dissolves in the medium. These findings are discussed in relation to capsule biosynthesis and production of extracellular polysaccharides by yeasts.

[Yeast capsule ultrastructure]. / Ul'trastruktura kapsul drozhzhei.

The ultrastructure of capsules was studied in 12 yeast species producing extracellular polysaccharides and belonging to ascomycetous, basidiomycetous and asporogenous organisms using the method of ultrathin sections. On the whole, the structure of capsules was similar in these organisms: the capsules are formed by fibrils radially coming out of the outer surface of the cell wall. Unlike those of basidiomycetous yeasts, the capsules of ascomycetous organisms are characterized by a more ordered orientation of fibrils which run strictly parallel to one another. In the capsules of basidiomycetous organisms, fibrils usually interweave, often producing a fibrillar network; in certain species, fibrils stick together forming thick threads on the periphery of the capsule. Moreover, as a rule, these yeasts possess a distinct bright zone (halo) above the outer surface of the cell wall. These results as well as data available about the chemical composition and functions of the capsule indicate that there are radical differences the latter and the cell wall which make it possible to regard the capsule as an individual organelle of the yeast cell rather than as part of the cell wall.

[Capsule formation in saprophytic yeasts]. / Kapsuloobrazovanie u saprofitnykh drozhzhei.

Among ten carbon sources and five nitrogen sources tested, D-mannose (3%) and peptone (0.2%) were found to be the best ones for stimulating capsule formation by the yeast Cryptococcus magnus. Addition of yeast extract (0.1%) to the medium favoured formation of larger capsules. Elevated concentrations of mannose and peptone inhibited capsule formation. Comparison of the results obtained with the data about the effect of cultivation conditions on capsule formation by the pathogenic yeast revealed no considerable differences between the latter and the saprophytic yeast.