Functional characterization of the corticular photosynthetic apparatus in grapevine.

A comparative analysis of functional characteristics of the grapevine leaf photosynthetic apparatus (LPA) and corticular photosynthetic apparatus (CPA) in chlorenchyma tissues of first-year lignified vine was performed. Obtained results demonstrate significant differences between the functional properties of the CPA and the LPA. CPA contains an increased proportion (about 2/3) of QB-non-reducing centers of photosystem II (PSII) that is confirmed by elevated O-J phase in fluorescence kinetics, high PSIIß content, and slower QA-• reoxidation. CPA and LPA use different strategies to utilize absorbed light energy and to protect itself against excessive light. CPA dissipates a significant proportion of absorbed light energy as heat (regulated and non-regulated dissipation), and only a smaller part of the excitation energy is used in the dark stages of photosynthesis. The rate constant of photoinhibition and fluorescence quenching due to photoinhibition in CPA is almost three times higher than in LPA, while high-energy state fluorescence quenching value is twice lower. The saturation of vine chlorenchyma tissue with water increases the CPA tolerance to photoinhibition and promotes the ability to restore the photosynthetic activity after photoinhibition. The electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of intact plastids in vine chlorenchyma tissue, the interior space of plastids is filled with large starch grains while bands of stacked thylakoid membranes are mainly localized on the periphery. Analyzes showed that corticular plastids are specialized organelles combining features of chloroplasts, amyloplasts and gerontoplasts. Distinct structural organization of photosynthetic membranes and microenvironment predetermine distinctive functional properties of CPA.

Aggregated proteins in malignant and benign neoplasms.

AIM: To evaluate the presence of the aggregated proteins in malignant and benign neoplasms for clarifying the role of impaired protein metabolism in the formation of the altered tissues. OBJECT AND METHODS: The histological specimens prepared from the operative materials of 196 patients with different forms of malignant and benign neoplasms were stained with Congo red and Thioflavin T and studied under the light and polarization microscope. RESULTS: The various forms of ß-stacked protein aggregates (ß-SPA) inclusions were detected in amyloids, keloid tissue, benign polyps, and several malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: The formation of non-functional protein aggregates proves the complex character of the impairment of protein metabolism resulting in local or systemic accumulation of secondary protein toxins results in ß-SPA formation as the self-sustaining complex of parametabolic processes. The ß-SPA formation is of considerable interest since their properties lead to the impairment of the normal physiological processes in adjacent tissues ensuring the chronic course of the pathology.

Immobilization of pH-sensitive CdTe Quantum Dots in a Poly(acrylate) Hydrogel for Microfluidic Applications.

Microfluidic devices present the basis of modern life sciences and chemical information processing. To control the flow and to allow optical readout, a reliable sensor material that can be easily utilized for microfluidic systems is in demand. Here, we present a new optical readout system for pH sensing based on pH sensitive, photoluminescent glutathione capped cadmium telluride quantum dots that are covalently immobilized in a poly(acrylate) hydrogel. For an applicable pH sensing the generated hybrid material is integrated in a microfluidic sensor chip setup. The hybrid material not only allows in situ readout, but also possesses valve properties due to the swelling behavior of the poly(acrylate) hydrogel. In this work, the swelling property of the hybrid material is utilized in a microfluidic valve seat, where a valve opening process is demonstrated by a fluid flow change and in situ monitored by photoluminescence quenching. This discrete photoluminescence detection (ON/OFF) of the fluid flow change (OFF/ON) enables upcoming chemical information processing.

Oxylipins and plant abiotic stress resistance.

Oxylipins are signaling molecules formed enzymatically or spontaneously from unsaturated fatty acids in all aerobic organisms. Oxylipins regulate growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli of organisms. The oxylipin biosynthesis pathway in plants includes a few parallel branches named after first enzyme of the corresponding branch as allene oxide synthase, hydroperoxide lyase, divinyl ether synthase, peroxygenase, epoxy alcohol synthase, and others in which various biologically active metabolites are produced. Oxylipins can be formed non-enzymatically as a result of oxygenation of fatty acids by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Spontaneously formed oxylipins are called phytoprostanes. The role of oxylipins in biotic stress responses has been described in many published works. The role of oxylipins in plant adaptation to abiotic stress conditions is less studied; there is also obvious lack of available data compilation and analysis in this area of research. In this work we analyze data on oxylipins functions in plant adaptation to abiotic stress conditions, such as wounding, suboptimal light and temperature, dehydration and osmotic stress, and effects of ozone and heavy metals. Modern research articles elucidating the molecular mechanisms of oxylipins action by the methods of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics are reviewed here. Data on the role of oxylipins in stress signal transduction, stress-inducible gene expression regulation, and interaction of these metabolites with other signal transduction pathways in cells are described. In this review the general oxylipin-mediated mechanisms that help plants to adjust to a broad spectrum of stress factors are considered, followed by analysis of more specific responses regulated by oxylipins only under certain stress conditions. New approaches to improvement of plant resistance to abiotic stresses based on the induction of oxylipin-mediated processes are discussed.

The calmodulin-binding transcription factor SIGNAL RESPONSIVE1 is a novel regulator of glucosinolate metabolism and herbivory tolerance in Arabidopsis.

The Arabidopsis Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-binding transcription factor SIGNAL RESPONSIVE1 (AtSR1/CAMTA3) was previously identified as a key negative regulator of plant immune responses. Here, we report a new role for AtSR1 as a critical component of plant defense against insect herbivory. Loss of AtSR1 function impairs tolerance to feeding by the generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni as well as wound-induced jasmonate accumulation. The susceptibility of the atsr1 mutant is associated with decreased total glucosinolate (GS) levels. The two key herbivory deterrents, indol-3-ylmethyl (I3M) and 4-methylsulfinylbutyl (4MSOB), showed the most significant reductions in atsr1 plants. Further, changes in AtSR1 transcript levels led to altered expression of several genes involved in GS metabolism including IQD1, MYB51 and AtST5a. Overall, our results establish AtSR1 as an important component of plant resistance to insect herbivory as well as one of only three described proteins involved in Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent signaling to function in the regulation of GS metabolism, providing a novel avenue for future investigations of plant-insect interactions.

[Fragment of the all-Ukrainian investigation of the microflora sensitivity to antibacterial preparations in patients with intra-abdominal surgical infection].

All-Ukrainian investigation of microflora sensitivity to antibacterial preparations in patients with intraabdominal infection (IAI) have included studying of microbial landscape of the abdominal cavity content in IAI, and the causing agents sensitivity to main antibacterial preparations was determined, including those, manufactured by corporation "Arterium" (Ukraine).

[The microflora of vaginal, gutter, and intestinal bioptats of women with a threat of early miscarriage].

A complex simultaneous assessment of the microbiota (the aerobic and anaerobic links as well as the parietal and lumen components) of the gutter, vagina, and intestines of women with a pathological pregnancy was performed. In 30% of women the study revealed system dysbiotic changes. Local immune reactivity was decreased, which may be considered a provoking factor. In conclusion, complex microbiological examination makes it possible to objectivize the picture of the pathological process and its outcome. A criterion for the administration of correcting measures is offered.

[State of several parts of immune system in mice, infected by enterotoxigenic bacteria of Enterobacter genus].

Influence of thermolabile enterotoxin bacteria of Enterobacter genus on the immune system of mice was studied. Assessment of phagocytic functions of the immune system as well as antigen-presenting functions of macrophages during infection with enterotoxin-producing strains of bacteria from Enterobacter genus revealed pleiotropic effect of the toxin which is characterized by inhibition of antigen-presenting and processing functions of macrophages.

On the distribution of phytoecdysteroids in plants.

The occurrence and levels of phytoecdysteroids in the seeds and other parts of plants grown from the seeds of 180 randomly selected plant species were assessed and compared. Ecdysteroids are frequently detectable in leaves and flowers, but less so in stems, roots and seeds. The seeds of 290 species were assessed for the presence of hydrolysable ecdysteroid conjugates. Low levels of conjugates were detected in a significant number of species, large amounts being present only when levels of free ecdysteroids were high. Individual plants of Arabidopsis thaliana were assessed for the presence of phytoecdysteroids. While plants of this species are generally ecdysteroid negative, individual plants in the population accumulate low levels of ecdysteroids. Extracts of seeds of 50 "ecdysteroid-negative" species were concentrated and partially purified to determine if they possess ecdysteroids at levels below the usual detection levels. Ecdysteroids were detectable by radioimmunoassay in almost all of these concentrated samples. Thus, all lines of evidence point to the conclusion that all species of plants have the capacity to produce at least low levels of phytoecdysteroids. This has important implications for the protection of crop species through enhancing ecdysteroid levels by breeding/genetic modification strategies.

Phytoecdysteroids from Lamium spp: identification and distribution within plants.

Bioassay/radioimmunoassay (RIA) analysis of the seeds of four Lamium species, L. album, L. galeobdolon, L. maculatum and L. pupureum revealed the presence of phytoecdysteroids in all of them. Bioassay/RIA-guided and photo-diode array-monitored HPLC analysis of the aerial parts of L. album and L. purpureum led to the isolation of four known ecdysteroids (abutasterone, inokosterone, polypodine B and pterosterone) from the former, and 20-hydroxyecdysone from the latter. Distribution and identities of ecdysteroids in different parts of these two species and also in the seed extract of L. maculatum have been analysed by RIA and bioassay.

Phytoecdysteroids in seeds of Lloydia serotina (Liliaceae).

Seeds of a number of species in the Liliaceae (sensu Brummitt, 1992) were examined for the presence of ecdysteroid agonist and antagonist activities. No species were antagonistic to 20-hydroxyecdysone action on the ecdysteroid-responsive Drosophila melanogaster B(II) cell line and only one extract, that of Lloydia serotina, was agonistic. This activity is attributable to the presence of phytoecdysteroids as detected by ecdysteroid-specific radioimmunoassay and the agonist version of the B(II) bioassay. HPLC in conjunction with radioimmunoassay and bioassay have been used to determine the ecdysteroid profile. The major ecdysteroids present are identified as 20-hydroxyecdysone and polypodine B (5beta,20-dihydroxyecdysone).

Phytoecdysteroids in the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae).

Phytoecdysteroids, plant steroids which are analogues of invertebrate steroid hormones, probably contribute to the deterrence of phytophagous invertebrate predators. They also seem to possess antimicrobial activity and several pharmaceutical and medicinal benefits have been ascribed to them. Here. we present a survey of seeds of 16 species of the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae), including the crop species A. officinalis, for ecdysteroid agonists (including phytoecdysteroids) and antagonists. Seven species were found to contain ecdysteroids with levels ranging from just detectable (A. racemosus and A. sarmentosus) to relatively high (A. laricinus). RP-HPLC/RIA/bioassay has been used to separate positive extracts of four species (A. falcatus, A. laricinus, A. ramosissimus and A. scandens) and analyse the ecdysteroid profiles. The identities of the major ecdysteroids were confirmed by NP-HPLC. Seeds of A. officinalis do not contain detectable levels of ecdysteroids, but leaves, stems and roots contain low levels (detectable by RIA). This indicates that A. officinalis retains the genetic capacity to synthesise ecdysteroids and that future strategies could be developed for enhanced protection of asparagus spears through elevated ecdysteroid levels.

Ecdysteroid agonist and antagonist activities in species of the Solanaceae.

Previously, it has been shown that certain withanolides from Iochroma gesnerioides (Solanaceae) possess ecdysteroid antagonistic activity. Phytoecdysteroids (agonists) are widely distributed in the plant world, but solanaceous species have not been extensively examined for their presence. We have now surveyed 128 species of solanaceous plants for the presence of ecdysteroid agonist and antagonist activities using the Drosophila melanogaster B(II) cell line bioassay. Only weak antagonistic activity was associated with a few of the methanolic extracts, including those from species known to contain high levels of withanolides. Therefore, the major withanolides are inactive per se, but they may be activated after ingestion by invertebrate predators. Several extracts possessed ecdysteroid agonist activity as a consequence of the presence of phytoecdysteroids. Phytoecdysteroid-accumulating species are at least as common in the Solanaceae as they are in plants in general. Preliminary characterization of the identities of the phytoecdysteroids present in the most active extracts has been performed by hplc separations on normal- and reversed-phase systems in conjunction with ecdysteroid-specific radioimmunoassay and bioassay. Each of the phytoecdysteroid-accumulating species examined (Browallia speciosa, Nierembergia hippomanica var violacea, N. solanacea and Solanum nigrum) contain a cocktail of ecdysteroids, of which 20-hydroxyecdysone and polypodine B (5beta,20-dihydroxyecdysone) are major components.

[Electron microscopic and mass spectrometric studies of lymphedema pathogenesis aspects]. / Elelktronno-mikroskopicheskoe i mass-spektrometricheskoe izuchenie nekotorykh storon patogeneza limfedemy.

A comprehensive examination was made, which included histological, electron microscopic and chromatographic mass spectrometric studies of biological specimens obtained from 18 patients with leg lymphedema. The development of lymphedema was found to accompanied by the specific connective tissue structure being formed along with the presence of low-differentiated and necrotic areas associated with the cytopathology of blood and lymph vessels and impaired microcirculation. The connective tissue areas under study were demonstrated to have a pronounced antigenicity and aggressive properties against other tissues and structures. The morphological changes revealed are directly related to the impaired metabolism of protein, fatty acids, and complex polysaccharides.

[Diagnostic and prognostic significance of some parameters of nonspecific defense humoral mechanism in patients with lymphedema complicated by erysipelas inflammation]. / Diagnosticheskoe i prognosticheskoe znachenie nekotorykh pokazatelei gumoral'nogo mekhanizma nespetsificheskoi zashchity u bol'nykh limfedemoi, oslozhnennoi rozhistym vospaleniiem.

Immunological investigation of 193 patients with uncomplicated lymphedema and lymphedema complicated with erysepalas inflammation registered in the patients with inflammation high levels of antigen-nonspecific circulating immune complexes, beta-lysins, alpha1-antitripsin, serum IgE and IgM in the presence of massive bacterial infection of the limb skin. The above alterations may serve diagnostic and prognostic indicators of the disease chronicity and progression in patients with lymphedema.

Two limonoids from Turraea obtusifolia (Meliaceae), prieurianin and rohitukin, antagonise 20-hydroxyecdysone action in a Drosophila cell line.

Bioassay-assisted HPLC analyses yielded two prieurianin-type limonoids, prieurianin and rohitukin, from the seeds of Turraea obtusifolia, which act as antagonists of 20-hydroxyecdysone action in the Drosophila melanogaster BII cell line. With a 20-hydroxyecdysone concentration of 5 x 10(-8) M, the ED50 values for prieurianin and rohitukin are 10(-5) M and 1.25 x 10(-4) M, respectively.

[Mechanism of diagnostic significance of histidase release into the blood in lymphedema]. / Mekhanizm i diagnosticheskaia zhachimost' vykhoda gistidazy v krov' pri limfedeme.

The organ-specific enzyme histidase was measured as an indicator of skin involvement in the blood of 52 patients with primary and secondary lymphedema of the upper and lower limbs. A stable type of the disease (degree I) was characterized by washing histidase off the derma into the blood. Mild and moderate histidase washing associated with skin dystrophy occurred with progression of the disease (stage II and III, respectively). In advanced lymphedema (degree 4) histidase does not enter blood from the skin. This fact is explained by total impairment of skin cell elements and their replacement for fibrous tissue. Both in primary and secondary lymphedema complicated by erysipelas histidase is washed off the dermocytes. The findings justify use of blood histidase indices for assessment of lymphedema patients' condition, formulation of indications for operation and concluding on the latter efficacy.

[Assessment of the results of surgical treatment of lymphedema based on computerized tomography]. / Otsenka rezul'tatov khirurgicheskogo lecheniia limfedemy po dannym kompiuternoi tomografii.

The possibilities of computed tomographic appraisal of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the soft tissues in lymphedema of the lower limbs were studied in comparison with the results of pre- and postoperative examination of 21 out of 86 patients with Stage II-IV lymphedema. There were 4 males and 17 females, whose ages ranged from 16 to 41 years. In postoperative periods of 2 weeks to 6.5 years 45 computed tomographic studies were conducted. It was shown that computed tomography is an objective basis for appraising the qualitative and quantitative changes in the soft tissues of the limbs in follow-up patients with lymphedema after creation of lymphovenous anastomoses. The examination confirms objectively functioning of the lymphovenous anastomoses after disappearance of supra- and subfascial edema and diminution and even normalization of the thickness of the subcutaneous fat.