The Actions of Calcium on Hair Bundle Mechanics in Mammalian Cochlear Hair Cells

PubMed Central

Beurg, Maryline; Nam, Jong-Hoon; Crawford, Andrew; Fettiplace, Robert

2008-01-01

Sound stimuli excite cochlear hair cells by vibration of each hair bundle, which opens mechanotransducer (MT) channels. We have measured hair-bundle mechanics in isolated rat cochleas by stimulation with flexible glass fibers and simultaneous recording of the MT current. Both inner and outer hair-cell bundles exhibited force-displacement relationships with a nonlinearity that reflects a time-dependent reduction in stiffness. The nonlinearity was abolished, and hair-bundle stiffness increased, by maneuvers that diminished calcium influx through the MT channels: lowering extracellular calcium, blocking the MT current with dihydrostreptomycin, or depolarizing to positive potentials. To simulate the effects of Ca2+, we constructed a finite-element model of the outer hair cell bundle that incorporates the gating-spring hypothesis for MT channel activation. Four calcium ions were assumed to bind to the MT channel, making it harder to open, and, in addition, Ca2+ was posited to cause either a channel release or a decrease in the gating-spring stiffness. Both mechanisms produced Ca2+ effects on adaptation and bundle mechanics comparable to those measured experimentally. We suggest that fast adaptation and force generation by the hair bundle may stem from the action of Ca2+ on the channel complex and do not necessarily require the direct involvement of a myosin motor. The significance of these results for cochlear transduction and amplification are discussed. PMID:18178649

[Effect of mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism on risks for type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications].

PubMed

Yang, Xunjun; Zhang, Yuning; Ma, Yin; Zhao, Qiongya; Lyu, Jianxin

2015-12-01

To explore the role of mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A (Mt5178) polymorphism of NADH-dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among ethnic Han Chinese through a case-control study. The Mt5178C/A polymorphism was determined by sequencing 1103 T2DM patients and 791 healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). To confirm the results, a meta-analysis was conducted based on published literature on the association of Mt5178 variant with T2DM. No significant association was found between the Mt5178C/A variant and T2DM either by our study or the meta-analysis which included eight published studies. Nevertheless, it was found that the T2DM patients with 5178C genotype were at a higher risk for nephropathy complication (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.005-2.197, P<0.05) and at significantly lower risk for hypertension complication (OR=0.744, 95%CI: 0.556-0.996, P<0.05) compared with those carrying a 5178A genotype. No association was found between the Mt5178C/A polymorphism of mitochondrial ND2 gene with the increased risk of T2DM. However, the polymorphism may affect the development of nephropathy and hypertension complications among T2DM patients.

77 FR 31335 - Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-25

... purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions...: Peckham Vocational Industries, Inc., Lansing, MI. Contracting Activity: Dept of the Army, W6QK ACC-APG... Reserve Center: Mt. View, Mt. View, CA. NPA: Social Vocational Services, Inc., San Jose, CA. Contracting...

Zinc and calcium alter the relationship between mitochondrial respiration, ROS and membrane potential in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver mitochondria.

PubMed

Sharaf, Mahmoud S; Stevens, Don; Kamunde, Collins

2017-08-01

At excess levels, zinc (Zn) disrupts mitochondrial functional integrity and induces oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. Although much is known about the modulation of Zn toxicity by calcium (Ca) in fish, their interactions at the mitochondrial level have scarcely been investigated. Here we assessed the individual and combined effects of Zn and Ca on the relationship between mitochondrial respiration, ROS and membrane potential (ΔΨ mt ) in rainbow trout liver mitochondria. We tested if cation uptake through the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a prerequisite for Zn- and/or Ca-induced alteration of mitochondrial function. Furthermore, using our recently developed real-time multi-parametric method, we investigated the changes in respiration, ΔΨ mt , and reactive oxygen species (ROS, as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )) release associated with Ca-induced mitochondrial depolarization imposed by transient and permanent openings of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). We found that independent of the MCU, Zn precipitated an immediate depolarization of the ΔΨ mt that was associated with relatively slow enhancement of H 2 O 2 release, inhibition of respiration and reversal of the positive correlation between ROS and ΔΨ mt . In contrast, an equitoxic dose of Ca caused transient depolarization, and stimulation of both respiration and H 2 O 2 release, effects that were completely abolished when the MCU was blocked. Contrary to our expectation that mitochondrial transition ROS Spike (mTRS) would be sensitive to both Zn and Ca, only Ca suppressed it. Moreover, Zn and Ca in combination immediately depolarized the ΔΨ mt , and caused transient and sustained stimulation of respiration and H 2 O 2 release, respectively. Lastly, we uncovered and characterized an mPTP-independent Ca-induced depolarization spike that was associated with exposure to moderately elevated levels of Ca. Importantly, we showed the stimulation of ROS release associated with highly elevated but not unrealistic Ca loads was not the cause but a result of mPTP opening in the high conductance mode. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EPR investigations of gamma-irradiated ground black pepper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polovka, Martin; Brezová, Vlasta; Staško, Andrej; Mazúr, Milan; Suhaj, Milan; Šimko, Peter

2006-02-01

The γ-radiation treatment of ground black pepper samples resulted in the production of three paramagnetic species ( GI- GIII) which arise from a different origin and have different thermal behavior and stability. The axially symmetric spectra can be characterized by the spin Hamiltonian parameters: GI ( g⊥=2.0060, g∥=2.0032; A⊥=0.85 mT, A∥=0.70 mT) and GII ( g⊥=2.0060, g∥=2.0050; A⊥=0.50 mT, A∥=0.40 mT) assigned to carbohydrate radical structures. The parameters of EPR signal GIII ( g⊥=2.0029, g∥=2.0014; A⊥=3.00 mT, A∥=1.80 mT) possessed features characteristic of cellulose radical species. The activation energies, evaluated by Arrhenius analysis, are in order Ea( GI)< Ea( GIII)< Ea( GII). The EPR measurements performed 20 weeks after radiation process confirmed that a temperature increase from 298 to 353 K, caused a significant decrease of integral EPR signal intensity for γ-irradiated samples (˜40%), compared to the reference (non-irradiated) ground black pepper, where a decrease of ˜13% was found. The influence of γ-radiation treatment on the radical-scavenging activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of black pepper were investigated by both an EPR spin trapping technique and DPPH assay. No changes were detected in either the water or ethanol extracts for a γ-irradiation dose of 10 kGy.

NCLX protein, but not LETM1, mediates mitochondrial Ca2+ extrusion, thereby limiting Ca2+-induced NAD(P)H production and modulating matrix redox state.

PubMed

De Marchi, Umberto; Santo-Domingo, Jaime; Castelbou, Cyril; Sekler, Israel; Wiederkehr, Andreas; Demaurex, Nicolas

2014-07-18

Mitochondria capture and subsequently release Ca(2+) ions, thereby sensing and shaping cellular Ca(2+) signals. The Ca(2+) uniporter MCU mediates Ca(2+) uptake, whereas NCLX (mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger) and LETM1 (leucine zipper-EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1) were proposed to exchange Ca(2+) against Na(+) or H(+), respectively. Here we study the role of these ion exchangers in mitochondrial Ca(2+) extrusion and in Ca(2+)-metabolic coupling. Both NCLX and LETM1 proteins were expressed in HeLa cells mitochondria. The rate of mitochondrial Ca(2+) efflux, measured with a genetically encoded indicator during agonist stimulations, increased with the amplitude of mitochondrial Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]mt) elevations. NCLX overexpression enhanced the rates of Ca(2+) efflux, whereas increasing LETM1 levels had no impact on Ca(2+) extrusion. The fluorescence of the redox-sensitive probe roGFP increased during [Ca(2+)]mt elevations, indicating a net reduction of the matrix. This redox response was abolished by NCLX overexpression and restored by the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger inhibitor CGP37157. The [Ca(2+)]mt elevations were associated with increases in the autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, whose amplitude was strongly reduced by NCLX overexpression, an effect reverted by Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange inhibition. We conclude that NCLX, but not LETM1, mediates Ca(2+) extrusion from mitochondria. By controlling the duration of matrix Ca(2+) elevations, NCLX contributes to the regulation of NAD(P)H production and to the conversion of Ca(2+) signals into redox changes. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

NCLX Protein, but Not LETM1, Mediates Mitochondrial Ca2+ Extrusion, Thereby Limiting Ca2+-induced NAD(P)H Production and Modulating Matrix Redox State*

PubMed Central

De Marchi, Umberto; Santo-Domingo, Jaime; Castelbou, Cyril; Sekler, Israel; Wiederkehr, Andreas; Demaurex, Nicolas

2014-01-01

Mitochondria capture and subsequently release Ca2+ ions, thereby sensing and shaping cellular Ca2+ signals. The Ca2+ uniporter MCU mediates Ca2+ uptake, whereas NCLX (mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger) and LETM1 (leucine zipper-EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1) were proposed to exchange Ca2+ against Na+ or H+, respectively. Here we study the role of these ion exchangers in mitochondrial Ca2+ extrusion and in Ca2+-metabolic coupling. Both NCLX and LETM1 proteins were expressed in HeLa cells mitochondria. The rate of mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux, measured with a genetically encoded indicator during agonist stimulations, increased with the amplitude of mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]mt) elevations. NCLX overexpression enhanced the rates of Ca2+ efflux, whereas increasing LETM1 levels had no impact on Ca2+ extrusion. The fluorescence of the redox-sensitive probe roGFP increased during [Ca2+]mt elevations, indicating a net reduction of the matrix. This redox response was abolished by NCLX overexpression and restored by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor CGP37157. The [Ca2+]mt elevations were associated with increases in the autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, whose amplitude was strongly reduced by NCLX overexpression, an effect reverted by Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibition. We conclude that NCLX, but not LETM1, mediates Ca2+ extrusion from mitochondria. By controlling the duration of matrix Ca2+ elevations, NCLX contributes to the regulation of NAD(P)H production and to the conversion of Ca2+ signals into redox changes. PMID:24898248

Effect of the chelation of metal cation on the antioxidant activity of chondroitin sulfates.

PubMed

Ajisaka, Katsumi; Oyanagi, Yutaka; Miyazaki, Tatsuo; Suzuki, Yasuhiro

2016-06-01

The antioxidant potencies of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) from shark cartilage, salmon cartilage, bovine trachea, and porcine intestinal mucosa were compared by three representative methods for the measurement of the antioxidant activity; DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. CSs from salmon cartilage and bovine trachea showed higher potency in comparison with CSs from shark cartilage and porcine intestinal mucosa. Next, CS from salmon cartilage chelating with Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), or Zn(2+) were prepared, and their antioxidant potencies were compared. CS chelating with Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) ions showed rather decreased DPPH radical scavenging activity in comparison with CS of H(+) form. In contrast, CS chelating with Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) ion showed remarkably enhanced superoxide radical scavenging activity than CS of H(+) or Na(+) form. Moreover, CS chelating with divalent metal ions, Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), or Zn(2+), showed noticeably higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than CS of H(+) or Na(+) form. The present results revealed that the scavenging activities of, at least, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were enhanced by the chelation with divalent metal ions.

27 CFR 9.98 - Monterey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

..., 1956; (5) Thompson Canyon, CA, 1949, photo-revised 1979; (6) Cosio Knob, CA, 1948, photoinspected 1976...) Mt. Harlan Quadrangle, CA, 1968; (22) Natividad Quadrangle, CA, 1947, photo-revised 1968, photoinspected 1974; (23) San Juan Bautista Quadrangle, CA, 1955, photo-revised 1980; (24) Prunedale Quadrangle...

27 CFR 9.98 - Monterey.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., 1956; (5) Thompson Canyon, CA, 1949, photo-revised 1979; (6) Cosio Knob, CA, 1948, photoinspected 1976...) Mt. Harlan Quadrangle, CA, 1968; (22) Natividad Quadrangle, CA, 1947, photo-revised 1968, photoinspected 1974; (23) San Juan Bautista Quadrangle, CA, 1955, photo-revised 1980; (24) Prunedale Quadrangle...

In vitro studies reveal antiurolithic effect of Terminalia arjuna using quantitative morphological information from computerized microscopy.

PubMed

Mittal, A; Tandon, S; Singla, S K; Tandon, C

2015-01-01

For most cases, urolithiasis is a condition where excessive oxalate is present in the urine. Many reports have documented free radical generation followed by hyperoxaluria as a consequence of which calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition occurs in the kidney tissue. The present study is aimed to exam the antilithiatic potency of the aqueous extract (AE) of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). The antilithiatic activity of Terminalia arjuna was investigated in vitro nucleation, aggregation and growth of the CaOx crystals as well as the morphology of CaOx crystals using the inbuilt software 'Image-Pro Plus 7.0' of Olympus upright microscope (BX53). Antioxidant activity of AE of Terminalia arjuna bark was also determined in vitro. Terminalia arjuna extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals. The AE of Terminalia arjuna bark also inhibited the growth of CaOx crystals. At the same time, the AE also modified the morphology of CaOx crystals from hexagonal to spherical shape with increasing concentrations of AE and reduced the dimensions such as area, perimeter, length and width of CaOx crystals in a dose dependent manner. Also, the Terminalia arjuna AE scavenged the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals with an IC50 at 13.1µg/mL. The study suggests that Terminalia arjuna bark has the potential to scavenge DPPH radicals and inhibit CaOx crystallization in vitro. In the light of these studies, Terminalia arjuna can be regarded as a promising candidate from natural plant sources of antilithiatic and antioxidant activity with high value.

A Fe-C-Ca big cycle in modern carbon-intensive industries: toward emission reduction and resource utilization

PubMed Central

Sun, Yongqi; Sridhar, Seetharaman; Seetharaman, Seshadri; Wang, Hao; Liu, Lili; Wang, Xidong; Zhang, Zuotai

2016-01-01

Herein a big Fe-C-Ca cycle, clarifying the basic element flows and energy flows in modern carbon-intensive industries including the metallurgical industry and the cement industry, was proposed for the first time in the contexts of emission reduction and iron ore degradation nowadays. This big cycle was focused on three industrial elements of Fe, C and Ca and thus it mainly comprised three interdependent loops, i.e., a C-cycle, a Fe-cycle and a Ca-path. As exemplified, we started from the integrated disposal of hot steel slags, a man-made iron resource via char gasification and the employment of hematite, a natural iron resource greatly extended the application area of this idea. Accordingly, based on this concept, the theoretical potentials for energy saving, emission reduction and Fe resource recovery achieved in modern industry are estimated up to 7.66 Mt of standard coal, 63.9 Mt of CO2 and 25.2 Mt of pig iron, respectively. PMID:26923104

A Fe-C-Ca big cycle in modern carbon-intensive industries: toward emission reduction and resource utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yongqi; Sridhar, Seetharaman; Seetharaman, Seshadri; Wang, Hao; Liu, Lili; Wang, Xidong; Zhang, Zuotai

2016-02-01

Herein a big Fe-C-Ca cycle, clarifying the basic element flows and energy flows in modern carbon-intensive industries including the metallurgical industry and the cement industry, was proposed for the first time in the contexts of emission reduction and iron ore degradation nowadays. This big cycle was focused on three industrial elements of Fe, C and Ca and thus it mainly comprised three interdependent loops, i.e., a C-cycle, a Fe-cycle and a Ca-path. As exemplified, we started from the integrated disposal of hot steel slags, a man-made iron resource via char gasification and the employment of hematite, a natural iron resource greatly extended the application area of this idea. Accordingly, based on this concept, the theoretical potentials for energy saving, emission reduction and Fe resource recovery achieved in modern industry are estimated up to 7.66 Mt of standard coal, 63.9 Mt of CO2 and 25.2 Mt of pig iron, respectively.

Morphological abnormalities during early-life development of the estuarine mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, as an indicator of androgenic and anti-androgenic endocrine disruption.

PubMed

Boudreau, Monica; Courtenay, Simon C; Maclatchy, Deborah L; Bérubé, Céline H; Hewitt, L Mark; Van Der Kraak, Glen J

2005-03-04

We tested the hypothesis that gross morphological abnormalities are a sensitive indicator of exposure to waterborne androgenic and anti-androgenic compounds during embryonic, larval and juvenile stages of development in the common estuarine killifish, the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus; Pisces: Cyprinodontidae). Static exposures with daily renewal were carried out with 10-100,000 ng/L of the androgen agonist, 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT), or the androgen antagonist, cyproterone acetate (CA), for 60 days post-fertilization (PF) in duplicate exposures. Measured concentrations were 78.4-155.8% of nominal concentrations for MT and 13.5-168.1% for CA. No dose-related or consistent effects of MT or CA were observed before hatch. In 60 days PF juveniles, incidence of skeletal abnormalities (scoliosis, lordosis, head, facial and fin), soft tissue abnormality (anal swelling) and hemorrhaging were significantly increased by MT but only at high concentrations (> or =1000 ng/L). The 10,000 and 100,000 ng/L concentrations of MT produced a wider range of abnormalities than 1000ng/L. Over 90% of fish exposed to 10,000 or 100,000 ng/L were abnormal with an average of over 3.5 abnormalities per fish. CA did not increase the incidence of any type of abnormality. Survival of juveniles to the end of the exposure was reduced by MT at concentrations of 1000 ng/L and greater in the first experiment and at concentrations of 10,000 ng/L and greater in the second experiment. Juvenile length was reduced by high concentrations of MT (> or =10,000 ng/L) in the first experiment and by most concentrations in the second experiment. We conclude that morphological abnormalities in early-life stages of mummichogs are not a sensitive indicator of exposure to androgenic or anti-androgenic waterborne EDSs at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Melatonin mediates vasodilation through both direct and indirect activation of BKCa channels.

PubMed

Zhao, T; Zhang, H; Jin, C; Qiu, F; Wu, Y; Shi, L

2017-10-01

Melatonin, synthesized primarily by the pineal gland, is a neuroendocrine hormone with high membrane permeability. The vascular effects of melatonin, including vasoconstriction and vasodilation, have been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Large-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + (BK Ca ) channels are expressed broadly on smooth muscle cells and play an important role in vascular tone regulation. This study explored the mechanisms of myocyte BK Ca channels and endothelial factors underlying the action of melatonin on the mesenteric arteries (MAs). Vascular contractility and patch-clamp studies were performed on myocytes of MAs from Wistar rats. Melatonin induced significant vasodilation on MAs. In the presence of N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a potent endothelial oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, melatonin elicited concentration-dependent relaxation, with lowered pIC 50 The effect of melatonin was significantly attenuated in the presence of BK Ca channel blocker iberiotoxin or MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist luzindole in both (+) l-NAME and (-) l-NAME groups. In the (+) l-NAME group, iberiotoxin caused a parallel rightward shift of the melatonin concentration-relaxation curve, with pIC 50 lower than that of luzindole. Both inside-out and cell-attached patch-clamp recordings showed that melatonin significantly increased the open probability, mean open time and voltage sensitivity of BK Ca channels. In a cell-attached patch-clamp configuration, the melatonin-induced enhancement of BK Ca channel activity was significantly suppressed by luzindole. These findings indicate that in addition to the activation of eNOS, melatonin-induced vasorelaxation of MAs is partially attributable to its direct (passing through the cell membrane) and indirect (via MT1/MT2 receptors) activation of the BK Ca channels on mesenteric arterial myocytes. © 2017 Society for Endocrinology.

3D Culture Represents Apoptosis Induced by Trastuzumab Better than 2D Monolayer Culture.

PubMed

Tatara, Takashi; Mukohara, Toru; Tanaka, Rina; Shimono, Yohei; Funakoshi, Yohei; Imamura, Yoshinori; Toyoda, Masanori; Kiyota, Naomi; Hirai, Midori; Kakeji, Yoshihiro; Minami, Hironobu

2018-05-01

Our hypothesis was that three-dimensional (3D) culture better represents differential in vivo responses to trastuzumab between PIK3CA-wild-type (wt) and mutant (mt) cell lines than does two-dimensional (2D) culture. Apoptosis and cell signaling proteins were evaluated in response to trastuzumab with and without BKM120, a pan-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, using western blot analysis of four breast cancer cell lines with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification. Increased expression of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was observed only in 3D-cultured PIK3CA-wt lines in response to trastuzumab, but not in 2D-cultured PIK3CA-wt or PIK3CA-mt lines. Decrease in the ratio of phosphorylated (p-)AKT to AKT in response to trastuzumab was more profound in PIK3CA-wt cells than in PIK3CA-mt cells in 3D culture, while the difference between PIK3CA genotypes was less apparent in 2D culture. Treatment with BKM120 and trastuzumab resulted in a stronger increase in cleaved PARP than either treatment alone. 3D Culture appears to better represent trastuzumab-induced apoptosis and resistance to trastuzumab associated with PIK3CA mutation. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

In vitro inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization and crystal adherence to renal tubular epithelial cells by Terminalia arjuna.

PubMed

Mittal, A; Tandon, S; Singla, S K; Tandon, C

2016-04-01

Urolithiasis is a multifactorial disease and remains a public health problem around the world. Of all types of renal stones, calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the most common composition formed in the urinary system of the patients with urolithiasis. The present study is aimed at evaluating the antiurolithiatic properties of the Tris-Cl extract (TE) of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). The antilithiatic activity of TE of T. arjuna was investigated on nucleation, aggregation, and growth of the CaOx crystals, as well as its protective potency was tested on oxalate-induced cell injury of NRK-52E renal epithelial cells. Also, in vitro antioxidant activity of TE T. arjuna bark was also determined. The TE of T. arjuna exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of nucleation and growth of CaOx crystals. Inhibition of aggregation of CaOx crystals remains constant. When NRK-52E cells were injured by exposure to oxalate for 48 h, the TE prevented the cells from injury and CaOx crystal adherence resulting in increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The TE also scavenged the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals with an IC50 at 51.72 µg/mL. The results indicated that T. arjuna is a potential candidate for phytotherapy against urolithiasis as it attains the ability to inhibit CaOx crystallization and scavenge DPPH free radicals in vitro along with a cytoprotective role.

Biofunctionalization of PAMAM-montmorillonite decorated poly (Ɛ-caprolactone)-chitosan electrospun nanofibers for cell adhesion and electrochemical cytosensing.

PubMed

Kirbay, Fatma Ozturk; Yalcinkaya, Esra Evrim; Atik, Gozde; Evren, Gizem; Unal, Betul; Demirkol, Dilek Odaci; Timur, Suna

2018-06-30

The construction and biofunctionalization of the poly (Ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)-chitosan (CHIT) nanofibrous mats, which included Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer modified montmorillonite (Mt), for the cell adhesion and electrochemical cytosensing were accomplished in this report. After the intercalation of the PAMAM generation zero dendrimer into the Mt, PAMAM-Mt decorated PCL-CHIT electrospun nanofibers were formed. The addition of PAMAM caused the decrease of contact angle of PCL-CHIT nanofibers. The covalent immobilization of a tripeptide namely Arginylglycylaspartate (RGD) on both the PCL-CHIT/Mt and PCL-CHIT/PAMAM-Mt surface was carried out. U87-MG and HaCaT (negative control) cell lines were incubated on the PCL-CHIT/Mt/RGD and PCL-CHIT/PAMAM-Mt/RGD. The proliferation studies and imaging of the cells were carried out on these fibers. Finally, electrochemical measurements were performed after each modification step by differential pulse/cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. U87-MG cells were grown better than HaCaT cells on the PCL-CHIT/PAMAM-Mt/RGD surfaces. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study that developed electrochemical cytosensor using electrospun nanofibers as a cell adhesion platform. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro studies reveal antiurolithic effect of Terminalia arjuna using quantitative morphological information from computerized microscopy

PubMed Central

Mittal, A.; Tandon, S.; Singla, S.K.; Tandon, C.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: For most cases, urolithiasis is a condition where excessive oxalate is present in the urine. Many reports have documented free radical generation followed by hyperoxaluria as a consequence of which calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition occurs in the kidney tissue. The present study is aimed to exam the antilithiatic potency of the aqueous extract (AE) of Terminalia arjuna (T. arjuna). Materials and Methods: The antilithiatic activity of Terminalia arjuna was investigated in vitro nucleation, aggregation and growth of the CaOx crystals as well as the morphology of CaOx crystals using the inbuilt software ‘Image-Pro Plus 7.0’ of Olympus upright microscope (BX53). Antioxidant activity of AE of Terminalia arjuna bark was also determined in vitro. Results: Terminalia arjuna extract exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of nucleation and aggregation of CaOx crystals. The AE of Terminalia arjuna bark also inhibited the growth of CaOx crystals. At the same time, the AE also modified the morphology of CaOx crystals from hexagonal to spherical shape with increasing concentrations of AE and reduced the dimensions such as area, perimeter, length and width of CaOx crystals in a dose dependent manner. Also, the Terminalia arjuna AE scavenged the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals with an IC50 at 13.1µg/mL. Conclusions: The study suggests that Terminalia arjuna bark has the potential to scavenge DPPH radicals and inhibit CaOx crystallization in vitro. In the light of these studies, Terminalia arjuna can be regarded as a promising candidate from natural plant sources of antilithiatic and antioxidant activity with high value. PMID:26689519

Increase in cytosolic calcium maintains plasma membrane integrity through the formation of microtubule ring structure in apoptotic cervical cancer cells induced by trichosanthin.

PubMed

Wang, Ping; Xu, Shujun; Zhao, Kai; Xiao, Bingxiu; Guo, Junming

2009-11-01

This study investigates the role of dysregulated cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)]c) homeostasis on microtubule (MT) ring structure in apoptotic cervical cancer (HeLa) cells induced by trichosanthin (TCS), a type I ribosome inactivating protein (RIP). The TCS-induced decrease in cell viability was significantly enhanced in combination with the specific calcium chelator, EGTA-AM. Sequestration of [Ca(2+)]c markedly disrupted the special MT ring structure. Furthermore, TCS tended to increase LDH release, whereas no significant differences were observed until 48 h of the treatment. In contrast, combined addition of EGTA-AM or colchicine (an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization) significantly reinforced LDH release. The data suggest that TCS-elevated [Ca(2+)]c maintains plasma membrane integrity via the formation of the MT ring structure in apoptotic HeLa cells.

Discovery of composite diopside-magnetite lamellae in discrete olivine crytals from Colorado Plateau diatremes: indication of former hydrous ringwoodite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamaki, K.; Sato, Y.; Marshall, E. W., IV; Ogasawara, Y.

2016-12-01

We investigate composite diopside (Di) + magnetite (Mt) lamellae in olivine crystals from Oligocene diatremes of serpentinized ultramafic microbreccia located at Buell Park (AZ) and Green Knobs (NM) in the Colorado Plateau, and propose their genesis as breakdown products of precursor hydrous ringwoodite (γ-olivine) lamellae coexisting with α-olivine host. Among a hundred olivines (2-5 mm across, Fo89-93 in mol%) from both localities, the Di + Mt composite lamellae are recognized in only 15 of relatively Fe-rich grains (Fo89-91.5). The olivine host contains minor amounts of Ca (< 0.01 wt% CaO), Mn, Ni, and Co. Lamellar Di (Di95) contains minor amounts of Al, Na, Cr, Mn, and Ni. Lamellar Mt contains Cr (5.0-43.0 wt% Cr2O3) with minor amounts of Si, Ti, Al, Mn, Ni, and Co. The area fractions of olivine host and the lamellae in a typical grain (sample no. BP02-3) were measured at 98.8 % of the host and 1.2 % of the lamellae that are composed of Di:Mt = 85:15 to 53:47, average 66:34. The estimated average CaO content in a lamella reaches 17 wt% and the reintegrated CaO in the host and the lamellae is 0.22 wt%.We propose that Fe3+ in lamellar Mt was produced by dehydration of hydrous precursor phase via the reaction, Fe2+ + OH- = Fe3+ + O2- + 1/2H2. Converting Fe3+ into Fe2+ in the precursor phase based on this reaction, the composition satisfies the stoichiometry of olivine (X2TO4). Thus, the pre-existing phase certainly is of hydrous and contains Ca and other components with olivine stoichiometry. The most likely phase is lamellar hydrous ringwoodite. The precursor phase, hydrous ringwoodite, might have occurred as lamellae with α-olivine host and have probably decomposed by the following reaction, (1+X+Y+Z) hydrous ringwoodite → α-olivine + X Di + Y Mt + Z H2 (where X:Y:Z=2:1:1). The composite Di-Mt lamellae after hydrous ringwoodite lamellae in α-olivine host certainly suggest the materials originated from a deep mantle setting at least 300 km.

Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Costus afer Leaf Extract: Synthesis, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Electrochemical Properties.

PubMed

Elemike, Elias E; Fayemi, Omolola E; Ekennia, Anthony C; Onwudiwe, Damian C; Ebenso, Eno E

2017-04-29

Synthesis of metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles through physical and chemical routes has been extensively reported. However, green synthesized metal nanoparticles are currently in the limelight due to the simplicity, cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of their synthesis. This study explored the use of aqueous leaf extract of Costus afer in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (CA-AgNPs). The optical and structural properties of the resulting silver nanoparticles were studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infra-red spectrophotometer (FTIR). TEM images of the silver nanoparticles confirmed the existence of monodispersed spherical nanoparticles with a mean size of 20 nm. The FTIR spectra affirmed the presence of phytochemicals from the Costus afer leaf extract on the surface of the silver nanoparticles. The electrochemical characterization of a CA-AgNPs/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-modified electrode was carried out to confirm the charge transfer properties of the nanocomposites. The comparative study showed that the CA-AgNPs/MWCNT-modified electrode demonstrated faster charge transport behaviour. The anodic current density of the electrodes in Fe(CN)₆] 4- /[Fe(CN)₆] 3- redox probe follows the order: GCE/CA-Ag/MWCNT (550 mA/cm²) > GCE/MWCNT (270 mA/cm²) > GCE (80 mA/cm²) > GCE/CA-Ag (7.93 mA/cm²). The silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Gram negative ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) and Gram positive ( Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus ) pathogens. The nanoparticles exhibited better inhibition of the bacterial strains compared to the precursors (leaf extract of Costus afer and silver nitrate). Furthermore, the ability of the nanoparticles to scavenge DPPH radicals at different concentrations was studied using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and compared to that of the leaf extract and ascorbic acid. The nanoparticles were better DPPH scavengers compared to the leaf extract and their antioxidant properties compared favorably the antioxidant results of ascorbic acid. The green approach to nanoparticles synthesis carried out in this research work is simple, non-polluting, inexpensive and non-hazardous.

Zinc and Metallothionein in the Development and Progression of Dental Caries.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammad Tariqur; Hossain, Ashfaque; Pin, Chew Hooi; Yahya, Noor Azlin

2018-05-09

Chronic oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oral cavity as well as acidic pH on dental enamel surface due to the metabolic activities of bacterial plaque are the major contributors in the development and progression of dental caries. Along with other factors, deposition or dissolution Ca and Mg mostly determines the re- or demineralization of dental enamel. Zn plays an important role for both Ca and Mg bioavailability in oral cavity. Metallothionein (MT), a group of small molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins (~ 7 kDa), is commonly induced by ROS, bacterial infection, and Zn. In the current review, we evaluated MT at the junction between the progression of dental caries and its etiologies that are common in MT biosynthesis.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Crystalline Swelling of Montmorillonite as Affected by Interlayer Cation Hydration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongliang; Song, Shaoxian; Dong, Xianshu; Min, Fanfei; Zhao, Yunliang; Peng, Chenliang; Nahmad, Yuri

2018-04-01

Swelling of montmorillonite (Mt) is an important factor for many industrial applications. In this study, crystalline swelling of alkali-metal- and alkaline-earth-metal-Mt has been studied through energy optimization and molecular dynamics simulations using the clay force field by Materials Studio 8.0. The delamination and exfoliation of Mt are primarily realized by crystalline swelling caused by the enhanced interlayer cation hydration. The initial position of the interlayer cations and water molecules is the dominated factor for the accuracy of the Mt simulations. Crystalline swelling can be carried out in alkali-metal-Mt and Mg-Mt but with difficulty in Ca-Mt, Sr-Mt and Ba-Mt. The crystalline swelling capacity values are in the order Na-Mt > K-Mt > Cs-Mt > Mg-Mt. This order of crystalline swelling of Mt in the same group can be attributed to the differences between the interlayer cation hydration strengths. In addition, the differences in the crystalline swelling between the alkali-metal-Mt and alkaline-earth-metal-Mt can be primarily attributed to the valence of the interlayer cations.

Protective effects of melatonin on ischemia-reperfusion induced myocardial damage and hemodynamic recovery in rats.

PubMed

Liu, L-F; Qin, Q; Qian, Z-H; Shi, M; Deng, Q-C; Zhu, W-P; Zhang, H; Tao, X-M; Liu, Y

2014-01-01

To investigate the mechanism of melatonin (MT) protection of adult rate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and its influence on rat's hemodynamic recovery. 48 rats were randomly divided into MT group (n=36) and the control group (n=12), MT group was divided into three sub-groups according to different dosages: Group I (n=12) was administered with 2.5 mg/kg MT; Group II (n=12) was administered with 5 mg/kg MT; Group III (n=12) was administered with 10 mg/kg MT. The electrocardiogram of four groups was observed with the left coronary artery blocked for 10min at first and then reperfused for 15min. Hemodynamic evolving was observed and changes in energy metabolism of rat myocardium were monitored. TUNEL and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect the cell apoptosis index, protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. LVDP (left ventricular developed pressure) and ± dp/dt in MT group presented better recovery at various time points than the control group. Among them, Group III had the optimal recovery degree (p < 0.05). After MT administration, ATP content in myocardial cells in MT group was significantly higher than the control group. Compared with the control group, the concentration of mitochondrial MDA and Ca2+ in myocardial cells in MT group showed a downward trend. But its GSH concentration was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The improvement degree of ATP, MDA, GSH and Ca2+ concentration in Group II over-performed Group I (p < 0.05). MT-intervened myocardial apoptosis index (AI) and Bax positive expression index declined while Bcl-2 positive expression index increased (p < 0.01). MT effectively inhibited myocardial apoptosis during the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion of rats, protected the structural integrity of mitochondria in myocardial cells, promoted ATP synthesis, and avoided heart damage in many ways. This protection mechanism was related with anti-oxidative damage. Meanwhile, MT could promote the hemodynamic recovery after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

The Seed Repair Response during Germination: Disclosing Correlations between DNA Repair, Antioxidant Response, and Chromatin Remodeling in Medicago truncatula

PubMed Central

Pagano, Andrea; Araújo, Susana de Sousa; Macovei, Anca; Leonetti, Paola; Balestrazzi, Alma

2017-01-01

This work provides novel insights into the effects caused by the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) during Medicago truncatula seed germination, with emphasis on the seed repair response. Seeds treated with H2O and TSA (10 and 20 μM) were collected during imbibition (8 h) and at the radicle protrusion phase. Biometric data showed delayed germination and impaired seedling growth in TSA-treated samples. Comet assay, performed on radicles at the protrusion phase and 4-days old M. truncatula seedlings, revealed accumulation of DNA strand breaks upon exposure to TSA. Activation of DNA repair toward TSA-mediated genotoxic damage was evidenced by the up-regulation of MtOGG1(8-OXOGUANINE GLYCOSYLASE/LYASE) gene involved in the removal of oxidative DNA lesions, MtLIGIV(LIGASE IV) gene, a key determinant of seed quality, required for the rejoining of DNA double strand breaks and TDP(TYROSYL-DNA PHOSPHODIESTERASE) genes encoding the multipurpose DNA repair enzymes tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases. Since radical scavenging can prevent DNA damage, the specific antioxidant activity (SAA) was measured by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assays. Fluctuations of SAA were observed in TSA-treated seeds/seedlings concomitant with the up-regulation of antioxidant genes MtSOD(SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, MtAPX(ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE) and MtMT2(TYPE 2 METALLOTHIONEIN). Chromatin remodeling, required to facilitate the access of DNA repair enzymes at the damaged sites, is also part of the multifaceted seed repair response. To address this aspect, still poorly explored in plants, the MtTRRAP(TRANSFORMATION/TRANSACTIVATION DOMAIN-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN) gene was analyzed. TRRAP is a transcriptional adaptor, so far characterized only in human cells where it is needed for the recruitment of histone acetyltransferase complexes to chromatin during DNA repair. The MtTRRAP gene and the predicted interacting partners MtHAM2 (HISTONE ACETYLTRANSFERASE OF THE MYST FAMILY) and MtADA2A (TRANSCRIPTIONAL ADAPTOR) showed tissue- and dose-dependent fluctuations in transcript levels. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and correlation analyses suggest for a new putative link between DNA repair and chromatin remodeling that involves MtOGG1 and MtTRRAP genes, in the context of seed germination. Interesting correlations also connect DNA repair and chromatin remodeling with antioxidant players and proliferation markers. PMID:29184569

Statistical optimization of an RP-HPLC method for the determination of selected flavonoids in berry juices and evaluation of their antioxidant activities.

PubMed

Ciric, Andrija; Jelikic-Stankov, Milena; Cvijovic, Milica; Djurdjevic, Predrag

2018-04-01

An isocratic RP-HPLC method for the separation and identification of selected flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside) in commercial berry juices (blackcurrant, blueberry, red raspberry and cherry) was developed with the aid of central composite design and response surface methodology. The optimal separation conditions were a mobile phase of 85:15 (% v/v) water-acetonitrile, pH 2.8 (adjusted with formic acid), flow rate 0.5 mL min -1 and column temperature 35°C. The obtained levels of bioflavonoids (mg per 100 mL of juice) were as follows: for quercetin, ca. 0.21-5.12; for kaempferol, ca. 0.05-1.2; for rutin, ca. 0.4-6.5; for luteolin-7-O-glucoside, ca. 5.6-10.2; and for kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, ca. 0.02-0.12. These are considerably lower than the values in fresh fruits. Total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were determined spectrophotometrically. Total flavonoid content varied as follows: blackcurrant > blueberry > red raspberry > cherry. The antioxidant activity of juice extracts (DPPH and ABTS methods) expressed as IC 50 values varied from 8.56 to 14.05 mg L -1 . These values are ~2.5-3 times lower than quercetin, ascorbic acid and Trolox®, but compared with rutin and butylhydroxytoluene, berries show similar or better antioxidant activity by both the DPPH and ABTS methods. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Operation of the PAVE PAWS Radar System at Beale Air Force Base, California. Part 1. Basic EIS & Appendices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

Middlefield Road Mail Stop 92 Menlo Park, CA 94025 U.S. Geological Survey 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA 95825 State and Local Agencies Air Resources Board...RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USE OF MAN’S ENVIRONMT AND THE mAINUKANCE AND ENHANCEMNT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 7...Distances from Local Areas of Interest to Mt. lebo, Oregon AFS . . . .. ... 1-41 1-15 lousing Distribution of Personnel Affected by PAVS PAWS Mt.lRebo AlS

Microwave absorption studies of high T sub c superconductors and related materials 8; ESR of DPPH coated on BiSrCaCuO films fabricated on MgO (100) substrates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sugawara, K.; Tanaka, S.

1992-06-20

This paper reports that ESR of DPPH coated on Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films fabricated on MgO (100) substrates by MOCVD have been studied for samples with different thicknesses, 1000 {Angstrom} and 100 {Angstrom}. Temperature dependence of the ESR peak-to-peak linewidth, {Delta}H{sub pp}, revealed that {Delta}H{sub pp} increases with film thickness. The Excess ESR linewidth, {delta}({Delta}H{sub pp}) was also analyzed in terms of (1 {minus} t{sup alpha}, with t = T/T{sub c}, giving for example {alpha} = 4 ={minus}1 for the 1000 {Angstrom} thick sample. The ESR lineshapes were distorted by rotating the samples in applied magnetic fields. Severe distortion was found formore » the 1000 {Angstrom} sample below about 30 K, but the distortion almost disappears at temperatures above 30 K. The applied magnetic field effects were also examined in both field-cooled and zero-field-cooled cases.« less

Free radical scavenging activity and secondary metabolites from in vitro cultures of Sanicula graveolens.

PubMed

Cheel, José; Schmeda-Hirschmann, Guillermo; Jordan, Miguel; Theoduloz, Cristina; Rodríguez, Jaime A; Gerth, André; Wilken, Dirk

2007-01-01

An in vitro propagation system was developed to obtain shoot and root cultures from the Andean spice Sanicula graveolens (Apiaceae). Propagation of shoots, roots and plantlets was achieved by the temporary immersion system. The free radical scavenging effect of the methanol/water (7:3 v/v) extracts was determined by the discoloration of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Total phenolic, flavonoid, chlorogenic acid (CA) and quercetin 3-O-glucoside content in the samples was assessed by spectrophotometry and DAD-HPLC analysis, respectively. On a dry weight basis, the crude extracts showed total phenolic values ranging from 3.57 to 6.93%, with highest content for the root culture sample. Total flavonoid content ranged from 1.23 to 2.23% and was lower for the root culture. Chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid were identified by TLC in all samples. Highest free radical scavenging effect was observed for the root culture which also presented the highest CA content. Two of the shoot culture samples, with similar IC50 values in the DPPH discoloration assay, also presented close quercetin-3-O-glucoside content.

Protective Effect of Garlic on Cellular Senescence in UVB-Exposed HaCaT Human Keratinocytes.

PubMed

Kim, Hye Kyung

2016-07-29

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells, which induces the cellular senescence and photoaging. The present study investigated the protective effects of garlic on photo-damage and cellular senescence in UVB-exposed human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. An in vitro cell free system was used to examine the scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and nitric oxide (NO). The effect of garlic extract on ROS formation, MMP-1 protein and mRNA expressions, cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, and silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1) activity were determined in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Garlic exhibited strong DPPH radical and NO scavenging activity in cell free system exhibiting IC50 values of 2.50 mg/mL and 4.38 mg/mL, respectively. Garlic pretreatment attenuated the production of UVB-induced intracellular ROS. MMP-1 level, which has been known to be induced by ROS, was dramatically elevated by UVB irradiation, and UVB-induced MMP-1 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly reduced by garlic treatment (50 µg/mL) comparable to those of UV-unexposed control cells. UV-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine productions (IL-6 and IL-1β) were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with garlic in a dose-dependent manner. SA-β-gal activity, a classical biomarker of cellular senescence, and SIRT1 activity, which has attracted attention as an anti-aging factor in recent years, were ameliorated by garlic treatment in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells. The present study provides the first evidence of garlic inhibiting UVB-induced photoaging as a result of augmentation of cellular senescence in HaCaT human keratinocytes.

Protective Effect of Garlic on Cellular Senescence in UVB-Exposed HaCaT Human Keratinocytes

PubMed Central

Kim, Hye Kyung

2016-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells, which induces the cellular senescence and photoaging. The present study investigated the protective effects of garlic on photo-damage and cellular senescence in UVB-exposed human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. An in vitro cell free system was used to examine the scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and nitric oxide (NO). The effect of garlic extract on ROS formation, MMP-1 protein and mRNA expressions, cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, and silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1) activity were determined in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Garlic exhibited strong DPPH radical and NO scavenging activity in cell free system exhibiting IC50 values of 2.50 mg/mL and 4.38 mg/mL, respectively. Garlic pretreatment attenuated the production of UVB-induced intracellular ROS. MMP-1 level, which has been known to be induced by ROS, was dramatically elevated by UVB irradiation, and UVB-induced MMP-1 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly reduced by garlic treatment (50 µg/mL) comparable to those of UV-unexposed control cells. UV-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine productions (IL-6 and IL-1β) were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with garlic in a dose-dependent manner. SA-β-gal activity, a classical biomarker of cellular senescence, and SIRT1 activity, which has attracted attention as an anti-aging factor in recent years, were ameliorated by garlic treatment in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells. The present study provides the first evidence of garlic inhibiting UVB-induced photoaging as a result of augmentation of cellular senescence in HaCaT human keratinocytes. PMID:27483310

Evaluation of inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro with different berries and correlation with their antioxidant levels by advanced analytical methods.

PubMed

Flis, Sylwia; Jastrzebski, Zenon; Namiesnik, Jacek; Arancibia-Avila, Patricia; Toledo, Fernando; Leontowicz, Hanna; Leontowicz, Maria; Suhaj, Milan; Trakhtenberg, Simon; Gorinstein, Shela

2012-03-25

Dimethylsulfoxide extracts of Chilean berries [Myrteola nummularia, 'Murtilla-like'] vs. well known 'Murtilla', Chilean and Polish blueberries, and Chilean raspberries were investigated for their antioxidant, quenching and antiproliferative activities. The significantly highest levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols and their antioxidant activities were estimated in 'Murtilla' (MT) berries (P<0.05), than in other investigated samples. DPPH kinetic measurements were calculated to compare, distinguish and discriminate the antiradical activity among berry extracts by multivariate analysis. The lowest IC(50) values, 751 and 858 μg/ml, were obtained for MT extract on colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and SW48. HT-29 cells treated with MT extract showed a decrease in G1 phase cells from 77% to 56% (P<0.05). At the highest concentration of 2000 μg/ml MT extract caused 90-100% cell growth inhibition. Percentage of death cells treated with MT extract was 80.1% and 72.5% for SW48 and HT-29 cells, respectively. The inhibition of cancer cell proliferation highly correlated with the levels of polyphenols, flavonoids and their antioxidant activities. The interaction between drugs and serum albumin plays an important role in the distribution and metabolism of drugs, therefore the complexation reaction between flavonoids, and berries extracts, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by 3-D fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that flavonoids and polyphenol extracts have strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by forming complexes. A shift in the maximum of amides FTIR-bands appeared. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the intake of a new kind of berry, as a source of natural antioxidants, may reduce colon cancer risk. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SK4 channels modulate Ca2+ signalling and cell cycle progression in murine breast cancer.

PubMed

Steudel, Friederike A; Mohr, Corinna J; Stegen, Benjamin; Nguyen, Hoang Y; Barnert, Andrea; Steinle, Marc; Beer-Hammer, Sandra; Koch, Pierre; Lo, Wing-Yee; Schroth, Werner; Hoppe, Reiner; Brauch, Hiltrud; Ruth, Peter; Huber, Stephan M; Lukowski, Robert

2017-09-01

Oncogenic signalling via Ca 2+ -activated K + channels of intermediate conductance (SK4, also known as K Ca 3.1 or IK) has been implicated in different cancer entities including breast cancer. Yet, the role of endogenous SK4 channels for tumorigenesis is unclear. Herein, we generated SK4-negative tumours by crossing SK4-deficient (SK4 KO) mice to the polyoma middle T-antigen (PyMT) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (cNeu) breast cancer models in which oncogene expression is driven by the retroviral promoter MMTV. Survival parameters and tumour progression were studied in cancer-prone SK4 KO in comparison with wild-type (WT) mice and in a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model following transplantation of SK4-negative or WT tumour cells. SK4 activity was modulated by genetic or pharmacological means using the SK4 inhibitor TRAM-34 in order to establish the role of breast tumour SK4 for cell growth, electrophysiological signalling, and [Ca 2+ ] i oscillations. Ablation of SK4 and TRAM-34 treatment reduced the SK4-generated current fraction, growth factor-dependent Ca 2+ entry, cell cycle progression and the proliferation rate of MMTV-PyMT tumour cells. In vivo, PyMT oncogene-driven tumorigenesis was only marginally affected by the global lack of SK4, whereas tumour progression was significantly delayed after orthotopic implantation of MMTV-PyMT SK4 KO breast tumour cells. However, overall survival and progression-free survival time in the MMTV-cNeu mouse model were significantly extended in the absence of SK4. Collectively, our data from murine breast cancer models indicate that SK4 activity is crucial for cell cycle control. Thus, the modulation of this channel should be further investigated towards a potential improvement of existing antitumour strategies in human breast cancer. © 2017 The Authors. Published by FEBS Press and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of methyl jasmonate on secondary metabolites of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.).

PubMed

Kim, Hyun-Jin; Chen, Feng; Wang, Xi; Rajapakse, Nihal C

2006-03-22

The effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in terms of its induction of inherent bioactive chemicals in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) was evaluated after MeJA was sprayed on healthy basil plants. The total phenolic content of the sweet basil significantly increased after 0.1 and 0.5 mM MeJA treatments compared with the control not subjected to MeJA. Two phenolic compounds, rosmarinic acid (RA) and caffeic acid (CA), were identified as strong antioxidant constituents of the sweet basil. Their amounts also significantly increased after the MeJA treatment. In addition, eugenol and linalool increased 56 and 43%, respectively, by the 0.5 mM MeJA treatment. Due to the accumulation of RA, CA, and eugenol, which possess strong 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) free radical scavenging activities, the antioxidant activity of the sweet basil extract was 2.3-fold greater than that of the control after the 0.5 mM MeJA treatment. In the DPPH* assay, the EC50 values of RA, CA, and eugenol were determined as 23, 46, and 59 microM, respectively, which indicated they were 6-, 3-, and 2.4-fold more efficient than BHT (140 microM). Besides, an unidentified HPLC peak in the methanolic extract of the sweet basil was 4.3-fold higher than that of the control after the 0.5 mM MeJA treatment.

7 CFR 353.3 - Where service is offered.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... HI, CA, CO, ID, MT, UT, WY, WA, OR, NV, NM, AZ, AK. (b) Inspectors who may issue phytosanitary... Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Miami, FL Orlando, FL Honolulu, HI New Orleans, LA Hoboken, NJ (Port of New... plant of the family Orchidaceae (orchids) listed in 50 CFR part 17 or 23: Hilo, HI Chicago, IL (3) Roots...

Cenozoic exhumation history of South China: A case study from the Xuefeng Mt. Range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yannan; Zhang, Jin; Zhang, Beihang; Zhao, Heng

2018-01-01

New apatite fission track (AFT) dating was applied to the Xuefeng Mt. Range and Yuanma Basin to constrain the Cenozoic exhumation process of the southeastern Yangtze Block, South China. The analyzed samples in this study have AFT ages ranging from 27.9 ± 2.5 to 61.5 ± 5.9 Ma, which are younger than the deposition or crystallization ages of the host rocks. The AFT analysis and thermal history modeling indicate that both the Xuefeng Mt. Range and the Yuanma Basin underwent significant exhumation during the early Cenozoic (ca. 60-40 Ma). These samples were rapidly exhumed to near the surface during this period. Our results suggest that an important tectonic event occurred along or near regional fault zones (e.g., the Qinhang Fault) in South China during the early Cenozoic (ca. 60-40 Ma). However, it is difficult to relate this event to the Eastern Sichuan fold belt, which is much older and is characterized by large-scale folding and thrusting. Combined with fieldwork in the Yuanma, Xupu, and Xinning basins, we refute the Cretaceous "Pan-Yangtze Basin" that was proposed to have been separated by the uplifted Xuefeng Mt. Range after the Late Cretaceous. The exhumation stage from ca. 60 Ma to 40 Ma was an important period during which plate movements across the eastern Asian and Pacific regions were reorganized. The early Cenozoic tectonothermal event in South China can be attributed to a change in the direction and speed of the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. An Oligocene-Miocene cooling event was also recorded in the eastern Xuefeng Mt. Range, which we tentatively attribute to the activity of dextral faults in this area as a far-field effect of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Effects of boiling on chlorogenic acid and the liver protective effects of its main products against CCl₄-induced toxicity in vitro.

PubMed

Kan, Shidong; Cheung, Matt Wan Man; Zhou, Yanling; Ho, Wing Shing

2014-02-01

Chlorogenic acid (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, CA) is the active component in several botanical beverage, vegetables, fruits, and herbal drugs. The effect of water boiling on the bioactivity of CA was studied. CA could be isomerized to 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4-O-CA) and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-O-CA) in decoctive extraction, and each of the isomers occupied about one-third of the total caffeoylquinic acids. A novel method, using water elution of microsphere resin, was used to purify CA and its 2 isomers. The yield of CA, 4-O-CA, and 5-O-CA was 82%, 5.6%, and 50%, with the purity of 98%, 97%, and 99%, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging assay showed that 4-O-CA, 5-O-CA, and CA exhibited similar activity. However, there was no significant difference between 4-O-CA and 5-O-CA when used against CCl₄-induced toxicity in hepG2 cells. Our studies show that isomerization is the main transformation of CA in boiling, and the decoction could not decrease the anti-oxidant activity of CA. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

Chemical Composition of Atmospheric Aerosols From High and Low Altitude Sites in Northern and Western India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rastogi, N.; Athiyarath, S.; Sarin, M.; R, R.

2006-12-01

The chemical composition of ambient aerosols, collected during wintertime from four designated sites: Ahmedabad (23.0oN, 72.6oE, 49 m asl), Mt Abu (24.6oN, 72.7oE, 1680 m asl), Hisar (29.2oN, 75.7oE, 216m asl) and Nainital (29.4oN, 79.5oE, 1940 m asl), has been studied to understand the potential role of regional emission sources as well as the long-range transport of chemical constituents through free troposphere. The two high altitude sites, Mt Abu and Nainital, exhibit free tropospheric characteristics during wintertime; whereas the urban sites (Ahmedabad and Hisar) are within boundary layer. The ratios of major ionic species, measured in water extracts of aerosols, are considered to be advantageous in order to remove the effect of aerosol mass loading on the atmospheric concentrations of species at different sites. At low-altitude-urban sites (Ahmedabad and Hisar), geometric mean of Ca2+/Na+ ratios (4.3 and 4.5) and HCO3-/ Ca2+ ratios (1.7 and 1.5) are comparable; whereas significant differences are observed in Cl-/Na+ (1.1 and 0.6), SO42-/Ca2+ (1.5 and 3.5) and SO42-/NO3- (2.1 and 1.0). These differences are attributed to relative dominance of anthropogenic emissions over the northern site (Hisar). In contrast, major differences arise over Mt Abu and Nainital with respect to Cl-/Na+ (1.0 and 0.2), Ca2+/Na+ (9.0 and 4.4) and HCO3-/ Ca2+ (1.8 and 0.9) ratios; whereas SO42-/Ca2+ (2.3 and 3.1) and SO42-/NO3- (5.3 and 5.9) ratios are comparable. Such regional differences for a high altitude site could arise due to semi-arid climate and high abundance of mineral dust at Mt Abu. Higher SO42-/NO3- ratios over high altitude sites than those over low altitude sites are attributed to the relative difference in the size distribution of SO42- (fine mode) and NO3- (coarse mode) aerosols.

7. Photographic copy of photograph (ca. 1933), original print and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. Photographic copy of photograph (ca. 1933), original print and negative in possession of Selfridge Base Museum, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. NORTHWEST VIEW BAKING ROOM INTERIOR - Selfridge Field, Building No. 129, Wilbur Wright Boulevard at Ash Street, Mount Clemens, Macomb County, MI

Green synthesis of water-soluble nontoxic inorganic polymer nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles using white tea extract and assessment of their in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities.

PubMed

Haghparasti, Zeinab; Mahdavi Shahri, Mahnaz

2018-06-01

The use of nontoxic biological compounds in the synthesis of nanomaterials is an ecofriendly and cost-effective approach in nanotechnology. The present work was carried out to develop silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by a green method using white tea (Wt) extract as reducing agent for reduction of silver nitrate as silver precursor into the lamellar space of inorganic polymer montmorillonite (Mt) as an effective protective reagent and support as well. The bioformed Wt/Ag@Mt nanocomposite (NCs) was compared with pure biosynthesized Wt/Ag-NPs under free stabilizer condition and effect of Mt stabilizer on antioxidant, cytotoxicity and structural properties were also investigated. The prepared Wt/Ag-NPs and Wt/Ag@Mt-NCs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX. The interlamellar space limits were without many changes, therefore Ag-NPs formed on the exterior surface of Mt. The XRD study showed that the particles are crystalline structure in nature, with a facecentered cubic (fcc) structure. The TEM result shows the bioformed Ag-NPs are spherical in shapes with mean particle size of 19.77 ± 3.82 for Wt/Ag-NPs and 15.87 ± 2.38 nm for Wt/Ag@Mt-NCs. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on MOLT-4 cells, a dose dependent toxicity with non-toxic effect of concentration below 40 μg/mL was shown. The outcome shows that IC 50 of our green synthesized Wt/Ag@Mt-NCs was 0.0039 in comparison to 2.13329 for Doxorubicin and 0.013 μM for Cisplatin which is much better than IC 50 of these anticancer drugs and more active than them for MOLT-4 cell line. Antioxidant activity indicated that they can be applied as potential radical scavenger and also showed that DPPH activity increased in a dose dependent manner. The bio-synthesized nanoparticles can potentially useful in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Zn-doped etch-and-rinse model dentin adhesives: Dentin bond integrity, biocompatibility, and properties.

PubMed

Barcellos, Daphne Câmara; Fonseca, Beatriz Maria; Pucci, César Rogério; Cavalcanti, Bruno das Neves; Persici, Erasmo De Souza; Gonçalves, Sérgio Eduardo de Paiva

2016-07-01

This study assessed a 6 month resin/dentin bond's durability and cytotoxic effect of Zn-doped model dentin adhesives. The mechanical and physicochemical properties were also tested. A model etch-and-rinse single-bottle adhesive was formulated (55wt.% Bis-GMA, 45wt.% HEMA, 0.5wt.% CQ, 0.5wt.% DMAEMA) and Zinc methacrylate (Zn-Mt) or ZnO nanoparticles (ZnOn) were added to the model's adhesive, resulting in three groups: Group Control (control model adhesive); Group Zn-Mt (1wt.% Zn-Mt incorporated to adhesive) and Group ZnOn (1wt.% ZnOn incorporated to adhesive). The microtensile bond strength (mTBS) was assessed after 24h or 6 months in water storage. Mechanical properties (diametral tensile strength/DTS, flexural strength/FS, flexural modulus/FM, resilience modulus/RM, and compressive strength/CS) and physicochemical properties (polymerization shrinkage/PS, contact angle/CA, water sorption/WS, and water solubility/WS) were also tested. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with SRB biochemical assay. No significant difference in the DTS, FS, FM, CS, CA, WS, and WS were found when 1% of ZnOn or Zn-Mt was added to the model dentin adhesive. Group Zn-Mt decreased the RM of adhesive. Groups Zn-Mt and ZnOn decreased the PS of adhesives. Group ZnOn reduced the cytotoxicity of adhesive. Group ZnOn preserved mTBS after 6 months storage without degradation areas as seen by SEM analysis. The 1wt.% ZnOn may preserve the integrity of the hybrid layer and may reduce cytotoxicity and polymerization shrinkage of model dentin adhesive. The addition of Zn-Mt to the adhesive had no beneficial effects. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. All rights reserved.

Escherichia coli isolates causing asymptomatic bacteriuria in catheterized and noncatheterized individuals possess similar virulence properties.

PubMed

Watts, Rebecca E; Hancock, Viktoria; Ong, Cheryl-Lynn Y; Vejborg, Rebecca Munk; Mabbett, Amanda N; Totsika, Makrina; Looke, David F; Nimmo, Graeme R; Klemm, Per; Schembri, Mark A

2010-07-01

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases of humans, with Escherichia coli being responsible for >80% of all cases. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) occurs when bacteria colonize the urinary tract without causing clinical symptoms and can affect both catheterized patients (catheter-associated ABU [CA-ABU]) and noncatheterized patients. Here, we compared the virulence properties of a collection of ABU and CA-ABU nosocomial E. coli isolates in terms of antibiotic resistance, phylogenetic grouping, specific UTI-associated virulence genes, hemagglutination characteristics, and biofilm formation. CA-ABU isolates were similar to ABU isolates with regard to the majority of these characteristics; exceptions were that CA-ABU isolates had a higher prevalence of the polysaccharide capsule marker genes kpsMT II and kpsMT K1, while more ABU strains were capable of mannose-resistant hemagglutination. To examine biofilm growth in detail, we performed a global gene expression analysis with two CA-ABU strains that formed a strong biofilm and that possessed a limited adhesin repertoire. The gene expression profile of the CA-ABU strains during biofilm growth showed considerable overlap with that previously described for the prototype ABU E. coli strain, 83972. This is the first global gene expression analysis of E. coli CA-ABU strains. Overall, our data suggest that nosocomial ABU and CA-ABU E. coli isolates possess similar virulence profiles.

Cluster self-organization of inorganic crystal-forming systems: Templated nanocluster precursors and self-assembly of framework MT structures of A/B,Zr silicates (A = Na, K; B = Ca, Sr)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ilyushin, G. D., E-mail: ilyushin@ns.crys.ras.ru

The basic concepts that are used to describe crystallization as a phenomenon of the hierarchical (cluster) self-organization of a chemical system are considered. The templation of theoretically possible nan-ocluster precursors composed of M octahedra and T tetrahedra by atoms of (A) alkaline and (B) alkaline earth metals is considered for the first time. A relationship between the A/B,M,T composition of templated nanocluster precursors with the composition of A/B,M silicates is established. The model that is developed is used to search for nanocluster precursors in framework MT structures of A/B,Zr silicates. Computer methods (TOPOS 4.0 program package) were used to performmore » complete 3D reconstruction of the self-assembly of all (four) structural types of A/B,Zr silicates (A = Na, K; B = Ca, Sr) with frameworks of the MT{sub 2}O{sub 7} type: nan-ocluster precursor S{sub 3}{sup 0}-primary chain S{sub 3}{sup 1}-microlayer S{sub 3}{sup 2}-microframework S{sub 3}{sup 3}. The invariant type of mono-cyclic nanocluster precursor M{sub 2}T{sub 4} (with the point symmetries 1-bar and 2), stabilized by one or two template cations (A and B), is determined. Bifurcations of the paths of evolution at the S{sub 3}{sup 1} level (structural branching point) are established for the self-assembly of the following frameworks: MT-1 in CaZrSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (gittinsite, C2), MT-2 in SrZrSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (P2{sub 1}/c); MT-3 in Na{sub 2}ZrSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (parakeldyshite,), K{sub 2}ZrSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (khibinskite, P2{sub 1}/b), and K{sub 2}ZrGe{sub 2}O{sub 7} (C2/c); and MT-4 in Na{sub 2}ZrSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (H{sub 2}O)(C2/c), Na{sub 3}ScSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Pbnm), and K{sub 3}ScSi{sub 2}O{sub 7} (P6{sub 3}/mmc).« less

Relationship between expression level of hygromycin B-resistant gene and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation efficiency in Beauveria bassiana JEF-007.

PubMed

Nai, Y S; Lee, M R; Kim, S; Lee, S J; Kim, J C; Yang, Y T; Kim, J S

2017-09-01

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (AtMT) is an effective method for generation of entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana transformants. However, some strains grow on the selective medium containing hygromycin B (HygB), which reduces the selection efficiency of the putative transformants. In this work, a relationship between HygB resistance gene promoter and AtMT efficiency was investigated to improve the transformant selection. Ten B. bassiana isolates were grown on 800 μg ml -1 HygB medium, but only JEF-006, -007 and -013 showed susceptibility to the antibiotics. Particularly, JEF-007 showed the most dose-dependent susceptibility. Two different Ti-Plasmids, pCeg (gpdA promoter based) and pCambia-egfp (CaMV 35S promoter based), were constructed to evaluate the promoters on the expression of HygB resistance gene (hph) at 100, 150 and 200 μg ml -1 HygB medium. Eight days after the transformation, wild type, AtMT/pCeg and AtMT/pCambia-egfp colonies were observed on 100 μg ml -1 HygB, but significantly larger numbers of colonies were counted on AtMT/pCeg plates. At higher HygB concentration (150 μg ml -1 ), only AtMT/pCeg colonies were further observed, but very few colonies were observed on the wild type and AtMT/pCambia-egfp plates. Putative transformants were subjected to PCR, RT-PCR and qRT-PCR to investigate the T-DNA insertion rate and gene expression level. Consequently, >80% of colonies showed successful AtMT transformation, and the hph expression level in AtMT/pCeg colonies was higher than that of AtMT/pCambia-egfp colonies. In the HygB-susceptible B. bassianaJEF-007, gpdA promoter works better than CaMV 35S promoter in the expression of HygB resistance gene at 150 μg ml -1 HygB, consequently improving the selection efficiency of putative transformants. These results provide useful information for determining AtMT effectiveness in B. bassiana isolates, particularly antibiotic susceptibility and the role of promoters. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Early zygote-specific nuclease in mitochondria of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum.

PubMed

Moriyama, Yohsuke; Yamazaki, Tomokazu; Nomura, Hideo; Sasaki, Narie; Kawano, Shigeyuki

2005-11-01

The active, selective digestion of mtDNA from one parent is a possible molecular mechanism for the uniparental inheritance of mtDNA. In Physarum polycephalum, mtDNA is packed by DNA-binding protein Glom, which packs mtDNA into rod-shaped mt-nucleoids. After the mating, mtDNA from one parent is selectively digested, and the Glom began to disperse. Dispersed Glom was retained for at least 6 h after mtDNA digestion, but disappeared completely by about 12 h after mixing two strains. We identified two novel nucleases using DNA zymography with native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. One is a Ca2+-dependent, high-molecular-weight nuclease complex (about 670 kDa), and the other is a Mn2+-dependent, high-molecular-weight nuclease complex (440-670 kDa); the activity of the latter was detected as a Mn2+-dependent, 13-kDa DNase band on SDS-PAGE. All mitochondria isolated from myxamoebae had mt-nucleoids, whereas half of the mitochondria isolated from the zygotes at 12 h after mixing had lost the mt-nucleoids. The activity of the Mn2+-dependent nuclease in the isolated mitochondria was detected at least 8 h after mixing of two strains. The timing and localization of the Mn2+-dependent DNase activity matched the selective digestion of mtDNA.

7 CFR 353.3 - Where service is offered.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXPORT CERTIFICATION § 353.3 Where service is offered. (a) Information...-4065 TX, OK, NE, AR, KS, LA, IA, MO, ND, SD. Western, 9580 Micron Avenue, Suite I, Sacramento, CA 95827 HI, CA, CO, ID, MT, UT, WY, WA, OR, NV, NM, AZ, AK. (b) Inspectors who may issue phytosanitary...

7 CFR 353.3 - Where service is offered.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXPORT CERTIFICATION § 353.3 Where service is offered. (a) Information...-4065 TX, OK, NE, AR, KS, LA, IA, MO, ND, SD. Western, 9580 Micron Avenue, Suite I, Sacramento, CA 95827 HI, CA, CO, ID, MT, UT, WY, WA, OR, NV, NM, AZ, AK. (b) Inspectors who may issue phytosanitary...

Dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium signaling and superoxide flashes cause mitochondrial genomic DNA damage in Huntington disease.

PubMed

Wang, Jiu-Qiang; Chen, Qian; Wang, Xianhua; Wang, Qiao-Chu; Wang, Yun; Cheng, He-Ping; Guo, Caixia; Sun, Qinmiao; Chen, Quan; Tang, Tie-Shan

2013-02-01

Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited, fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of striatal medium spiny neurons. Indications of oxidative stress are apparent in brain tissues from both HD patients and HD mouse models; however, the origin of this oxidant stress remains a mystery. Here, we used a yeast artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (YAC128) to investigate the potential connections between dysregulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling and mitochondrial oxidative damage in HD cells. We found that YAC128 mouse embryonic fibroblasts exhibit a strikingly higher level of mitochondrial matrix Ca(2+) loading and elevated superoxide generation compared with WT cells, indicating that both mitochondrial Ca(2+) signaling and superoxide generation are dysregulated in HD cells. The excessive mitochondrial oxidant stress is critically dependent on mitochondrial Ca(2+) loading in HD cells, because blocking mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake abolished elevated superoxide generation. Similar results were obtained using neurons from HD model mice and fibroblast cells from HD patients. More importantly, mitochondrial Ca(2+) loading in HD cells caused a 2-fold higher level of mitochondrial genomic DNA (mtDNA) damage due to the excessive oxidant generation. This study provides strong evidence to support a new causal link between dysregulated mitochondrial Ca(2+) signaling, elevated mitochondrial oxidant stress, and mtDNA damage in HD. Our results also indicate that reducing mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake could be a therapeutic strategy for HD.

Antioxidant capacity and amino acid profile of millet bran wine and the synergistic interaction between major polyphenols.

PubMed

Guo, XiaoXuan; Sha, XiaoHong; Rahman, Ebeydulla; Wang, Yong; Ji, BaoPing; Wu, Wei; Zhou, Feng

2018-03-01

Millet bran, the by-product of millet processing industry, contains an abundance of phytochemicals, especially polyphenols. The main objective of this study was brewing antioxidant wine from millet bran, as well as the nutritional evaluation. The total polyphenol content of wine samples was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Results showed that millet bran wine (MBW) contained as much as six times of total polyphenols compared with millet wine (MW), and performed considerably stronger antioxidant activity in DPPH, TEAC and FRAP assays. More than sixfold of total amino acids (AA) were found in MBW than in MW. Moreover, the indispensable AA and functional AA were also abundant in MBW. The major polyphenol compounds in MBW were identified using HPLC, including vanillic acid, syringic acid (SA), p -coumaric acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA). They exhibited synergism in the antioxidant assays, especially the combinations of SA and CA, SA and FA. This study not only provides evidence for MBW as a nutraceutical with antioxidant activity, but also opens new avenues in the area of making comprehensive utilization of agricultural by-products.

Determination of dietary cadmium-induced metallothioneins in rabbit kidneys and cadmium in metallothioneins by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Peng, S; Shan, X Q; Zheng, Y; Jin, L Z; Xu, W B

1991-12-06

A rapid method is described for the determination of dietary cadmium-induced metallothioneins (MTs) in rabbit kidneys by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Rabbit kidney MT-I and MT-II were eluted at ca. 15.0 and 18.8 min, respectively, from a DEAE-5PW anion-exchange column with a Tris-HCl buffer (0.01-0.25 M, pH 8.6) and detected by ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm. A standard calibration curve was constructed using purified standard MT isoforms, which demonstrated an excellent linear correlation between UV absorbance peak heights and the amounts of MT isoforms. Feeding a dose of cadmium for some days resulted in an increase in MT concentrations in rabbit kidneys, but not in the livers. The cadmium concentrations in MT-I and MT-II elutions were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. MT-I and MT-II showed some differences associated with the oral intake of cadmium. Dietary cadmium also caused zinc to accumulate in kidneys to some extent. The effects of dietary oleic acid on the synthesis of MTs were also studied. Based on the method of standard additions, the recovery of MTs exceeded 93% and replicated injection of samples yielded a relative standard deviation of 2.4% at an MT level of 280 micrograms/g.

Antiradical and antioxidant activities of new bio-antioxidants.

PubMed

Kancheva, V D; Saso, L; Angelova, S E; Foti, M C; Slavova-Kasakova, A; Daquino, C; Enchev, V; Firuzi, O; Nechev, J

2012-02-01

Antioxidants could be promising agents for management of oxidative stress-related diseases. New biologically active compounds, belonging to a rare class of natural lignans with antiangiogenic, antitumoral and DNA intercalating properties, have been recently synthesized. These compounds are benzo[kl]xanthene lignans (1,2) and dihydrobenzofuran neolignans (3,4). The radical scavenging and chain-breaking antioxidant activities of compounds 1-4 were studied by applying different methods: radical scavenging activity by DPPH rapid test, chain-breaking antioxidant activity and quantum chemical calculations. All studied compounds were found to be active as DPPH scavengers but reaction time with DPPH and compounds' concentrations influenced deeply the evaluation. The highest values of radical scavenging activity (%RSAmax) and largest rate constants for reaction with DPPH were obtained for compounds 2 and 3. Comparison of %RSAmax with that of standard antioxidants DL-α-tocopherol (TOH), caffeic acid (CA) and butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) give the following new order of %RSA max: TOH (61.1%) > CA (58.6%) > 3 (36.3%) > 2 (28.1%) > 4 (6.7%) > 1 (3.6%) = BHT (3.6%). Chain-breaking antioxidant activities of individual compounds (0.1-1.0 mM) and of their equimolar binary mixtures (0.1 mM) with TOH were determined from the kinetic curves of lipid autoxidation at 80 °C. On the basis of a comparable kinetic analysis with standard antioxidants a new order of the antioxidant efficiency (i.e., protection factor, PF) of compounds 1-4 were obtained: 2 (7.2) ≥ TOH (7.0) ≥ CA (6.7) > 1 (3.1) > 3 (2.2) > ferulic acid FA (1.5) > 4 (0.6); and of the antioxidant reactivity (i.e. inhibition degree, ID): 2 (44.0) > TOH (18.7) > CA (9.3) > 1 (8.4) > 3 (2.8) > FA (1.0) > 4 (0.9). The important role of the catecholic structure in these compounds, which is responsible for the high chain-breaking antioxidant activity, is discussed and a reaction mechanism is proposed. Higher oxidation stability of the lipid substrate was found in the presence of equimolar binary mixtures 2 + TOH, 3 + TOH and 4 + TOH. However, an actual synergism was only obtained for the binary mixtures with compounds 3 and 4. The geometries of compounds and all possible phenoxyl radicals were optimized using density functional theory. For description of the scavenging activity bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE), HOMO energies and spin densities were employed. The best correlation between theoretical and experimental data was obtained for compound 2, with the highest activity, and for compound 4 with the lowest activity. The BDE is the most important theoretical descriptor, which correlates with the experimentally obtained antioxidant activity of the studied benzo[kl]xanthene lignans and dihydrobenzofuran neolignans. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of dermal wound healing activity and in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of a new exopolysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus sp.Ca6.

PubMed

Trabelsi, Imen; Ktari, Naourez; Ben Slima, Sirine; Triki, Mehdi; Bardaa, Sana; Mnif, Hela; Ben Salah, Riadh

2017-10-01

The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities and the in vivo wound healing performance of a noval exopolysaccharides (EPS-Ca 6 ) produced by Lactobacillus sp.Ca 6 strain. The results showed that EPS-Ca 6 had a potential antioxidant activity determined through four different assays: DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, β-carotene bleaching by linoleic acid assay, and Metal chelating activities. It also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica and Micrococcus luteus. The wound healing activity of the EPS-Ca 6 , using excision wound model in rats, showed that this novel EPS accelerated significantly wound healing activity as compared to the control group, and a total closure was achieved after 14days of wound induction. Furthermore, histological examination of biopsies showed fully re-epithelialized wound with a complete epidermal regeneration. Overall the finding indicates that the EPS-Ca 6 might be useful as a wound healing agent in modern medicine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

76 FR 37265 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-27

..., Springerville Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 21, Amdt 1 Big Bear City, CA, Big Bear City, RNAV (GPS) RWY 26, Orig-A Marina... Baltimore, MD, Martin State, RNAV (GPS) RWY 15, Amdt 1 Great Falls, MT, Great Falls Intl, GPS RWY 21, Orig-A, CANCELLED Great Falls, MT, Great Falls Intl, ILS OR LOC/DME RWY 3, ILS RWY 3 (SA CAT I), ILS RWY 3 (CAT II...

The dopamine-D2-receptor agonist ropinirole dose-dependently blocks the Ca2+-triggered permeability transition of mitochondria.

PubMed

Parvez, Suhel; Winkler-Stuck, Kirstin; Hertel, Silvia; Schönfeld, Peter; Siemen, Detlef

2010-01-01

Ropinirole, an agonist of the post-synaptic dopamine D2-receptor, exerts neuroprotective activity. The mechanism is still under discussion. Assuming that this neuroprotection might be associated with inhibition of the apoptotic cascade underlying cell death, we examined a possible effect of ropinirole on the permeability transition pore (mtPTP) in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Using isolated rat liver mitochondria, the effect of ropinirole was studied on Ca2+-triggered large amplitude swelling, membrane depolarization and cytochrome c release. In addition, the effect of ropinirole on oxidation of added, membrane-impermeable NADH was investigated. The results revealed doubtlessly, that ropinirole can inhibit permeability transition. In patch-clamp experiments on mitoplasts, we show directly that ropinirole interacts with the mtPTP. Thus, ropinirole reversibly inhibits the opening of mtPTP with an IC50 of 3.4 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.3. In both systems (i.e. energized mitochondria and mitoplasts) the inhibitory effect on permeability transition was attenuated by increasing concentrations of inorganic phosphate. In addition, we showed with antimycin A-treated mitochondria that ropinirole failed to suppress respiratory chain-linked reactive oxygen species release. In conclusion, our data suggest that the neuroprotective activity of ropinirole is due to the blockade of the Ca2+-triggered permeability transition. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deletion of cytosolic gating ring decreases gate and voltage sensor coupling in BK channels.

PubMed

Zhang, Guohui; Geng, Yanyan; Jin, Yakang; Shi, Jingyi; McFarland, Kelli; Magleby, Karl L; Salkoff, Lawrence; Cui, Jianmin

2017-03-06

Large conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + channels (BK channels) gate open in response to both membrane voltage and intracellular Ca 2+ The channel is formed by a central pore-gate domain (PGD), which spans the membrane, plus transmembrane voltage sensors and a cytoplasmic gating ring that acts as a Ca 2+ sensor. How these voltage and Ca 2+ sensors influence the common activation gate, and interact with each other, is unclear. A previous study showed that a BK channel core lacking the entire cytoplasmic gating ring (Core-MT) was devoid of Ca 2+ activation but retained voltage sensitivity (Budelli et al. 2013. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1313433110). In this study, we measure voltage sensor activation and pore opening in this Core-MT channel over a wide range of voltages. We record gating currents and find that voltage sensor activation in this truncated channel is similar to WT but that the coupling between voltage sensor activation and gating of the pore is reduced. These results suggest that the gating ring, in addition to being the Ca 2+ sensor, enhances the effective coupling between voltage sensors and the PGD. We also find that removal of the gating ring alters modulation of the channels by the BK channel's β1 and β2 subunits. © 2017 Zhang et al.

Deletion of cytosolic gating ring decreases gate and voltage sensor coupling in BK channels

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guohui; Shi, Jingyi; McFarland, Kelli; Magleby, Karl L.; Salkoff, Lawrence

2017-01-01

Large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels) gate open in response to both membrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+. The channel is formed by a central pore-gate domain (PGD), which spans the membrane, plus transmembrane voltage sensors and a cytoplasmic gating ring that acts as a Ca2+ sensor. How these voltage and Ca2+ sensors influence the common activation gate, and interact with each other, is unclear. A previous study showed that a BK channel core lacking the entire cytoplasmic gating ring (Core-MT) was devoid of Ca2+ activation but retained voltage sensitivity (Budelli et al. 2013. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1313433110). In this study, we measure voltage sensor activation and pore opening in this Core-MT channel over a wide range of voltages. We record gating currents and find that voltage sensor activation in this truncated channel is similar to WT but that the coupling between voltage sensor activation and gating of the pore is reduced. These results suggest that the gating ring, in addition to being the Ca2+ sensor, enhances the effective coupling between voltage sensors and the PGD. We also find that removal of the gating ring alters modulation of the channels by the BK channel’s β1 and β2 subunits. PMID:28196879

The Quality Changes of Postharvest Mulberry Fruit Treated by Chitosan-g-Caffeic Acid During Cold Storage.

PubMed

Yang, Caifeng; Han, Beibei; Zheng, Yu; Liu, Lili; Li, Changlong; Sheng, Sheng; Zhang, Jian; Wang, Jun; Wu, Fuan

2016-04-01

This study aimed to characterize the effects of chitosan-g-caffeic acid (CTS-g-CA) on improving the quality and extending the shelf life of postharvest mulberry fruit during storage at 4 °C for 18 d. CTS-g-CA was enzymatically synthesized using laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus as a catalyst. The synergistic effects of CTS-g-CA treatment on mulberry fruit were evaluated using a co-toxicity factor (cf). The results showed that the rotting rate of CTS-g-CA-treated fruit was 37.67% (compared with that of the control at 97.67%) on day 18. The weight loss and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the CTS-g-CA-treated mulberry fruit were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of the control, CA, CTS, and CA+CTS treatments. Moreover, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of the CTS-g-CA treatment were both higher than those of the control. Furthermore, the CTS-g-CA treatment also maintained higher levels of main active substances, such as anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, polyphenols and flavones, in mulberry fruit than the other treatments. Therefore, CTS-g-CA could be used to improve the quality and extend the shelf life of postharvest mulberry fruit during cold storage. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Montmorillonite-supported Pd0, Fe0, Cu0 and Ag0 nanoparticles: Properties and affinity towards CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouazizi, Nabil; Barrimo, Diana; Nousir, Saadia; Ben Slama, Romdhane; Roy, René; Azzouz, Abdelkrim

2017-04-01

This study reports the carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption on montmorillonite (NaMt) incorporating Cu0, Fe0, Pd0 and Ag0 as metallic nanoparticles (MNPs). The changes in structural, textural, morphological and adsorption properties of the resulting materials (NaMt-MNPs) were investigated. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that dispersion of fine MNPs occurs mainly within the interlayer space of NaMt, producing a slight structure expansion. This was accompanied by a visible enhancement of the affinity towards CO2, as supported by thermal programmed desorption measurements. NaMt-MNPs displayed high CO2 retention capacity (CRC) of ca. 657 μmol/g for NaMt-Cu as compared to NaMt. This was explained in terms of increased number of available adsorption sites due to enlarged interlayer spaces caused by MNP insertion. The differences in CO2 adsorption capacities clearly demonstrate the key role of MNPs in improving the surface properties and adsorption capacity. The results reported herein open new prospects for clay supported metal nanoparticles as efficient adsorbents for CO2.

Improvement of polyphenol properties upon glucosylation in a UV-induced skin cell ageing model.

PubMed

Nadim, M; Auriol, D; Lamerant-FayeL, N; Lefèvre, F; Dubanet, L; Redziniak, G; Kieda, C; Grillon, C

2014-12-01

Polyphenols are strong antioxidant molecules allowing prevention of skin photo-ageing damages, but their use is limited due to low solubility and toxicity towards skin cells. We postulated that enzymatic glucosylation could improve their solubility, stability and, consequently, their efficacy. The aim of this work was to study changes induced by addition of a glucose moiety on two polyphenols displaying very different chemical structures [caffeic acid (CA), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and there glucosylated form, Glc-CA and Glc-EGCG] by assessing their cytotoxic properties and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Their antioxidant effect was assessed first by the classical DPPH radical-scavenging method. Then, a panel of human skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells) was used to evaluate their effect on cell toxicity and their antioxidant activities. With this aim, a photo-ageing model based on UV irradiation of skin cells was established. Molecule activity was assessed on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and, finally, on inflammatory factor production IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β. In an acellular model, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH method was strongly reduced for Glc-CA compared to CA, whereas it remained the same for Glc-EGCG compared to EGCG. Glucosylated derivatives did not display more toxic effect on various skin cells. Moreover, toxicity was even strongly reduced for caffeic acid upon glucosylation. The efficacy of glucosyl-compounds against UV-induced ROS production was preserved, both with pre- and post-UV treatments. Particularly, a better antioxidant efficacy was shown by Glc-EGCG, vs. EGCG, on keratinocytes. In addition, an induction of SOD and catalase activity was clearly observed for Glc-CA. Both glucosyl-polyphenols display the same activity as their parent molecule in decreasing inflammatory factor production. Our results demonstrated that enzymatic glucosylation of CA and EGCG led to an improved or preserved antioxidant activity in a cellular model of UV-induced skin ageing, despite the decrease in instantaneous antioxidant properties observed for Glc-CA. Glc-EGCG is specifically more active on keratinocytes, suggesting a specific targeting. Such glucosylated polyphenols displaying improved physicochemical and biological properties should be better candidates than natural ones for use in food additives and cosmetics. © 2014 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

75 FR 43561 - Investigations Regarding Certifications of Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-26

... Sunnyvale, CA 07/07/10 07/01/10 (Company). 74346 Warner Brothers Burbank, CA 07/07/10 07/01/10 Entertainment...). 74356 Industrial Technologies Missoula, MT 07/08/10 07/02/10 Corporation (Company). 74357 Cinram... (Workers). 74367 Sensata Technologies Attleboro, MA 07/09/10 06/30/10 (Workers). [FR Doc. 2010-18182 Filed...

Tapioca starch blended alginate mucoadhesive-floating beads for intragastric delivery of Metoprolol Tartrate.

PubMed

Biswas, Nikhil; Sahoo, Ranjan Kumar

2016-02-01

The objective of the study was to develop tapioca starch blended alginate mucoadhesive-floating beads for the intragastric delivery of Metoprolol Tartrate (MT). The beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation method using calcium chloride as crosslinker and gas forming calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as floating inducer. The alginate gel beads having 51-58% entrapped MT showed 90% release within 45 min in gastric medium (pH 1.2). Tapioca starch blending markedly improved the entrapment efficiency (88%) and sustained the release for 3-4 h. A 12% w/w HPMC coating on these beads extended the release upto 9-11 h. In vitro wash off and buoyancy test in gastric media revealed that the beads containing CaCO3 has gastric residence of more than 12 h. In vitro optimized multi-unit formulation consisting of immediate and sustained release mucoadhesive-floating beads (40:60) showed good initial release of 42% MT within 1h followed by a sustained release of over 90% for 11 h. Pharmacokinetic study performed in rabbit model showed that the relative oral bioavailability of MT after administration of oral solution, sustain release and optimized formulation was 51%, 67% and 87%, respectively. Optimized formulation showed a higher percent inhibition of isoprenaline induced heart rate in rabbits for almost 12 h. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structure of the ACF7 EF-Hand-GAR Module and Delineation of Microtubule Binding Determinants.

PubMed

Lane, Thomas R; Fuchs, Elaine; Slep, Kevin C

2017-07-05

Spectraplakins are large molecules that cross-link F-actin and microtubules (MTs). Mutations in spectraplakins yield defective cell polarization, aberrant focal adhesion dynamics, and dystonia. We present the 2.8 Å crystal structure of the hACF7 EF1-EF2-GAR MT-binding module and delineate the GAR residues critical for MT binding. The EF1-EF2 and GAR domains are autonomous domains connected by a flexible linker. The EF1-EF2 domain is an EFβ-scaffold with two bound Ca 2+ ions that straddle an N-terminal α helix. The GAR domain has a unique α/β sandwich fold that coordinates Zn 2+ . While the EF1-EF2 domain is not sufficient for MT binding, the GAR domain is and likely enhances EF1-EF2-MT engagement. Residues in a conserved basic patch, distal to the GAR domain's Zn 2+ -binding site, mediate MT binding. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes differently to rat pancreatic islet cell apoptosis and insulin secretory defects after prolonged culture in a low non-stimulating glucose concentration.

PubMed

Roma, L P; Pascal, S M; Duprez, J; Jonas, J-C

2012-08-01

Pancreatic beta cells chronically exposed to low glucose concentrations show signs of oxidative stress, loss of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and increased apoptosis. Our aim was to confirm the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in rat islet cell apoptosis under these culture conditions and to evaluate whether its reduction similarly improves survival and GSIS. Apoptosis, oxidative stress-response gene mRNA expression and glucose-induced stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and insulin secretion were measured in male Wistar rat islets cultured for 1 week in RPMI medium containing 5-10 mmol/l glucose with or without manganese(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (MnTBAP) or N-acetyl-L-: cysteine (NAC). Oxidative stress was measured in islet cell clusters cultured under similar conditions using cytosolic and mitochondrial redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP1/mt-roGFP1). Prolonged culture in 5 vs 10 mmol/l glucose increased mt-roGFP1 (but not roGFP1) oxidation followed by beta cell apoptosis and loss of GSIS resulting from reduced insulin content, mitochondrial metabolism, Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+)-induced secretion. Tolbutamide-induced, but not high K(+)-induced, Ca(2+) influx was also suppressed. Under these conditions, MnTBAP, but not NAC, triggered parallel ~50-70% reductions in mt-roGFP1 oxidation and beta cell apoptosis, but failed to protect against the loss of GSIS despite significant improvement in glucose-induced and tolbutamide-induced Ca(2+) influx. Mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes differently to rat pancreatic islet cell apoptosis and insulin secretory defects during culture in a low glucose concentration. Thus, targeting beta cell survival may not be sufficient to restore insulin secretion when beta cells suffer from prolonged mitochondrial oxidative stress, e.g. in the context of reduced glucose metabolism.

Antioxidant Biomarkers from Vanda coerulea Stems Reduce Irradiated HaCaT PGE-2 Production as a Result of COX-2 Inhibition

PubMed Central

Simmler, Charlotte; Antheaume, Cyril; Lobstein, Annelise

2010-01-01

Background In our investigations towards the isolation of potentially biologically active constituents from Orchidaceae, we carried out phytochemical and biological analyses of Vanda species. A preliminary biological screening revealed that Vanda coerulea (Griff. ex. Lindl) crude hydro-alcoholic stem extract displayed the best DPPH /•OH radical scavenging activity and in vitro inhibition of type 2 prostaglandin (PGE-2) release from UVB (60 mJ/cm2) irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes. Principal Findings Bio-guided fractionation and phytochemical analysis led to the isolation of five stilbenoids: imbricatin (1) methoxycoelonin (2) gigantol (3) flavidin (4) and coelonin (5). Stilbenoids (1–3) were the most concentrated in crude hydro-alcoholic stem extract and were considered as Vanda coerulea stem biomarkers. Dihydro-phenanthropyran (1) and dihydro-phenanthrene (2) displayed the best DPPH/•OH radical scavenging activities as well as HaCaT intracellular antioxidant properties (using DCFH-DA probe: IC50 8.8 µM and 9.4 µM, respectively) compared to bibenzyle (3) (IC50 20.6 µM). In turn, the latter showed a constant inhibition of PGE-2 production, stronger than stilbenoids (1) and (2) (IC50 12.2 µM and 19.3 µM, respectively). Western blot analysis revealed that stilbenoids (1–3) inhibited COX-2 expression at 23 µM. Interestingly, stilbenoids (1) and (2) but not (3) were able to inhibit human recombinant COX-2 activity. Conclusions Major antioxidant stilbenoids (1–3) from Vanda coerulea stems displayed an inhibition of UVB-induced COX-2 expression. Imbricatin (1) and methoxycoelonin (2) were also able to inhibit COX-2 activity in a concentration-dependent manner thereby reducing PGE-2 production from irradiated HaCaT cells. Our studies suggest that stilbenoids (1–3) could be potentially used for skin protection against the damage caused by UVB exposure. PMID:21060890

Optimization of Submerged Cultivation Conditions for Production of Big Cup Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Clitocybe maxima (Agaricomycetes) Biomass with Significant Antioxidative and Antihyperlipidemic Activities.

PubMed

Hu, Shu-Hui; Chen, Ker-Shew; Liu, Ming-Yi; Cheung, Peter Chi Keung; Wang, Jinn-Chyi; Chang, Sue-Joan

2017-01-01

In this study, a large Clitocybe maxima mycelium biomass was obtained by submerged cultivation under optimal conditions. Three test samples from lyophilized mycelia, including hot water extract (CW) and elutes from solvents with different polarity (CA and CB), were combined and used to explore antioxidant and antihyper-lipidemic activities in vitro and in vivo. The CA group showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity and iron-reducing capability at concentrations of 6.0% and 3.0% (w/v), respectively. Further, the CA group showed the highest glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight (CA-0.25 group) in all hyperlipidemic hamsters tested. Serum lipid levels (apart from high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels) of hamsters in the CA-0.25 group were lower than those of hamsters in the negative control group in antihy-perlipidemic tests. Therefore, we believe that extracts from C. maxima mycelia are rich reservoirs of antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities.

Curcumin ameliorates cardiac dysfunction induced by mechanical trauma.

PubMed

Li, Xintao; Cao, Tingting; Ma, Shuo; Jing, Zehao; Bi, Yue; Zhou, Jicheng; Chen, Chong; Yu, Deqin; Zhu, Liang; Li, Shuzhuang

2017-11-05

Curcumin, a phytochemical component derived from turmeric (Carcuma longa), has been extensively investigated because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in posttraumatic cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which contributes to secondary cardiac dysfunction. This research was designed to identify the protective effect of curcumin on posttraumatic cardiac dysfunction and investigate its underlying mechanism. Noble-Collip drum was used to prepare a mechanical trauma (MT) model of rats, and the hemodynamic responses of traumatized rats were observed by ventricular intubation 12h after trauma. Myocardial apoptosis was determined through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 activity assay. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by monocytes and myocardial cells were identified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the intracellular alteration of Ca 2+ in cardiomyocytes was examined through confocal microscopy. In vivo, curcumin effectively ameliorated MT-induced secondary cardiac dysfunction and significantly decreased the apoptotic indices of the traumatized myocardial cells. In vitro, curcumin inhibited TNF-α production by monocytes and reduced the circulating TNF-α levels. With curcumin pretreatment, ROS production and Ca 2+ overload in H9c2 cells were attenuated when these cells were incubated with traumatic plasma. Therefore, curcumin can effectively ameliorate MT-induced cardiac dysfunction mainly by inhibiting systemic inflammatory responses and by weakening oxidative stress reaction and Ca 2+ overload in cardiomyocytes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of postharvest application of 1-MCP and postcutting dip treatment on the quality and nutritional properties of fresh-cut kiwifruit.

PubMed

Antunes, Maria D C; Dandlen, Susana; Cavaco, Ana M; Miguel, Graça

2010-05-26

Consumption of minimally processed fruit and vegetables has increased significantly in the past few years due to the consumers' life style. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with ascorbic acid or calcium chloride on the quality parameters of fresh-cut kiwifruit prepared from fruit previously stored for 3 months, either treated or not treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) before storage. Harvested fruit were treated with 1 microL L(-1) 1-MCP for 20 h at room temperature ( approximately 20 degrees C) (MCP) or had no treatment (C) and were then stored at 0 degrees C. After 3 months, fruit were removed from storage, peeled, and cut longitudinally in quarters, dipped in 2% ascorbic acid (Asc), 2% calcium chloride (Ca), or just water (cont), and kept at 2 degrees C for 8 days. Measurements of firmness, soluble solids content (SSC) ( degrees Brix), color (CIE L*, a*, b*), electrolyte leakage, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) were performed at 0, 4, and 8 days. A taste panel was performed on the seventh shelf life day. It was shown that whole MCP-treated kiwifruit kept better than the control through the 3 months storage, this effect being lost through the fresh-cut shelf life period. Furthermore, the postcut dip on 2% CaCl(2) was effective on delaying softening and browning of fresh-cut kiwifruit, which were also the fruit preferred by panelists. Both ascorbic acid and CaCl(2) were effective on preserving or improving nutritional properties (phenolics, ascorbic acid, DPPH, and ABTS) mainly in the first 4 days of shelf life. The CaCl(2) had a further beneficial effect until 8 shelf life days. It is suggested that CaCl(2) is better in keeping overall quality through 8 days of shelf life at 2 degrees C in fresh-cut kiwifruit followed by Asc, and 1-MCP has negligible effect in the conditions of this experiment.

Synthesis and antioxidant properties of caffeic acid corn bran arabinoxylan esters.

PubMed

Li, Y; Zhu, Y; Liang, R; Yang, C

2017-08-01

As a potential of bioactive additives, corn bran arabinoxylan (CAX) was prominent in its probiotic benefits and immuno-enhancing activities. To improve the antioxidant ability of CAX, naturally occurring caffeic acid (CA) was covalently attached to CAX by esterification to generate caffeic acid corn bran arabinoxylan esters (CA-CAX) with various degrees of substitution (DS). The structure of CA-CAX was analysed by NMR, and the DS was determined by HPLC. The antioxidant activity of CA-CAX was investigated on scavenging the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and autoxidazing methyl linoleate, and an aqueous linolenic acid dispersion was also used as an in vitro test system to examine the inhibition effect of CA-CAX on the lipid peroxidation level after UV exposure. The ability of CA-CAX to prevent H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage of cell was studied by reducing MDA levels and increasing SOD and GSH-Px activities in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell. The results certificated that CA was linked to CAX successfully with various DS. Compared with CAX, the antioxidant capacity of CA-CAX was improved significantly and enhanced with the increasing concentration and DS. © 2017 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Wnt5a Evokes Cortical Axon Outgrowth and Repulsive Guidance by Tau Mediated Reorganization of Dynamic Microtubules

PubMed Central

Li, Li; Fothergill, Thomas; Hutchins, B Ian; Dent, Erik W; Kali, Katherine

2014-01-01

Wnt5a guides cortical axons in vivo by repulsion and in vitro evokes cortical axon outgrowth and repulsion by calcium signaling pathways. Here we examined the role of microtubule (MT) reorganization and dynamics in mediating effects of Wnt5a. Inhibiting MT dynamics with nocodazole and taxol abolished Wnt5a evoked axon outgrowth and repulsion of cultured hamster cortical neurons. EGFP-EB3 labeled dynamic MTs visualized in live cell imaging revealed that growth cone MTs align with the nascent axon. Wnt5a increased axon outgrowth by reorganization of dynamic MTs from a splayed to a bundled array oriented in the direction of axon extension, and Wnt5a gradients induced asymmetric redistribution of dynamic MTs toward the far side of the growth cone. Wnt5a gradients also evoked calcium transients that were highest on the far side of the growth cone. Calcium signaling and the reorganization of dynamic MTs could be linked by tau, a MT associated protein that stabilizes MTs. Tau is phosphorylated at the Ser 262 MT binding site by CaMKII, and is required for Wnt5a induced axon outgrowth and repulsive turning. Phosphorylation of tau at Ser262 is known to detach tau from MTs to increase their dynamics. Using transfection with tau constructs mutated at Ser262, we found that this site is required for the growth and guidance effects of Wnt5a by mediating reorganization of dynamic MTs in cortical growth cones. Moreover, CaMKII inhibition also prevents MT reorganization required for Wnt5a induced axon outgrowth, thus linking Wnt/calcium signaling to tau mediated MT reorganization during growth cone behaviors. © 2013 The Authors. Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Develop Neurobiol 74: 797–817, 2014 PMID:23818454

The development, distribution and density of the PMCA2 calcium pump in rat cochlear hair cells

PubMed Central

Chen, Qingguo; Mahendrasingam, Shanthini; Tickle, Jacqueline A.; Hackney, Carole M.; Furness, David N.; Fettiplace, Robert

2012-01-01

Calcium is tightly regulated in cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). It enters mainly via mechanotransducer (MT) channels and is extruded by the PMCA2 isoform of the plasma membrane calcium ATPase, mutations in which cause hearing loss. To assess how pump expression matches the demands of Ca2+ homeostasis, the distribution of PMCA2 at different cochlear locations during development was quantified using immunofluorescence and post-embedding immunogold labeling. The PMCA2 isoform was confined to stereociliary bundles, first appearing at the base of the cochlea around post-natal day 0 (P0) followed by the middle and then the apex by P3, and was unchanged after P8. The developmental appearance matches maturation of the MT channels in rat OHCs. High-resolution immunogold labeling in adult rats showed PMCA2 was distributed along the membranes of all three rows of OHC stereocilia at similar densities and at about a quarter the density in IHC stereocilia. The difference between OHCs and inner hair cells (IHCs) is similar to the ratio of their MT channel resting open probabilities. Gold particle counts revealed no difference in PMCA2 density between low- and high-frequency OHC bundles despite larger MT currents in high-frequency OHCs. The PMCA2 density in OHC stereocilia was determined in low- and high-frequency regions from calibration of immunogold particle counts as 2200/μm2 from which an extrusion rate of ~200 ions·s−1 per pump was inferred. The limited ability of PMCA2 to extrude the Ca2+ load through MT channels may constitute a major cause of OHC vulnerability and high-frequency hearing loss. PMID:22672315

Anti-Diabetic Effects of Dung Beetle Glycosaminoglycan on db Mice and Gene Expression Profiling.

PubMed

Ahn, Mi Young; Kim, Ban Ji; Yoon, Hyung Joo; Hwang, Jae Sam; Park, Kun-Koo

2018-04-01

Anti-diabetes activity of Catharsius molossus (Ca, a type of dung beetle) glycosaminoglycan (G) was evaluated to reduce glucose, creatinine kinase, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in db mice. Diabetic mice in six groups were administrated intraperitoneally: Db heterozygous (Normal), Db homozygous (CON), Heuchys sanguinea glycosaminoglycan (HEG, 5 mg/kg), dung beetle glycosaminoglycan (CaG, 5 mg/kg), bumblebee ( Bombus ignitus ) queen glycosaminoglycan (IQG, 5 mg/kg) and metformin (10 mg/kg), for 1 month. Biochemical analyses in the serum were evaluated to determine their anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory actions in db mice after 1 month treatment with HEG, CaG or IQG treatments. Blood glucose level was decreased by treatment with CaG. CaG produced significant anti-diabetic actions by inhiting creatinine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels. As diabetic parameters, serum glucose level, total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased in CaG5-treated group compared to the controls. Dung beetle glycosaminoglycan, compared to the control, could be a potential therapeutic agent with anti-diabetic activity in diabetic mice. CaG5-treated group, compared to the control, showed the up-regulation of 48 genes including mitochondrial yen coded tRNA lysine (mt-TK), cytochrome P450, family 8/2, subfamily b, polypeptide 1 (Cyp8b1), and down-regulation of 79 genes including S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100a9) and immunoglobulin kappa chain complex (Igk), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoenzymeAsynthase1 (Hmgcs1). Moreover, mitochondrial thymidine kinase (mt-TK), was up-regulated, and calgranulin A (S100a9) were down-regulated by CaG5 treatment, indicating a potential therapeutic use for anti-diabetic agent.

Enhanced antioxidative activity of soybean koji prepared with various filamentous fungi.

PubMed

Lin, Chia-Hung; Wei, Yi-Tien; Chou, Cheng-Chun

2006-10-01

In the present study, soybean koji fermented with various GRAS filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus sojae BCRC 30103, Aspergillus oryzae BCRC 30222, Aspergillus awamori, Actinomucor taiwanensis and Rhizopus sp. These organisms are commonly used as starters in the fermentation of many traditional, oriental food products. The growth of starter organisms, total phenolic content, and antioxidative activities of the methanol extract of these kojis are compared with specific reference to alpha-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrozyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging effects, Fe2+-chelating ability, and reducing power. Depending on starter organism, various extents of mycelia propagation (35.23-86.29 mg/g koji) were noted after 3 days of fermentation. Total phenolic content increased in soybean after fermentation. Koji also displayed enhanced antioxidative activates in comparison with the non-fermented soybean. Among the five kinds of koji tested, those fermented with Asp. awamori exhibited the highest levels of DPPH-free radicals scavenging activity, Fe2+-chelating ability and reducing power. The DPPH-free radicals scavenging activity and Fe2+-chelating ability of this soybean koji was ca. 8.9 and 6.7 fold that of the control. Analysis of the dose-response effect also revealed that before reaching a threshold point, there is a linear relationship between increases in antioxidative activity and increases in the concentration of the koji extract. These results show the potential for developing a healthy food supplement with soybean fermented by the GRAS filamentous fungi.

Decay spectroscopy of element 115 daughters: Rg 280 → Mt 276 and Mt 276 → Bh 272

DOE PAGES

Gates, J. M.; Gregorich, K. E.; Gothe, O. R.; ...

2015-08-03

In this study, forty-six decay chains, assigned to the decay of 288115, were produced using the 243Am ( 48Ca, 3n) 288115 reaction at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 88-in. cyclotron. The resulting series of α decays were studied using α-photon and α-x-ray spectroscopies. Multiple α-photon coincidences were observed in the element 115 decay chain members, particularly in the third- and fourth-generation decays (presumed to be 280Rg and 276Mt, respectively). Upon combining these data with those from 22 288115 decay chains observed in a similar experiment, updated level schemes in 276Mt and 272Bh (populated by the α decay of 280Rg andmore » 276Mt, respectively) are proposed. Additionally, photons were observed in the energy range expected for K x rays coincident with the α decay of both 280Rg and 276Mt. However, Compton scattering of higher-energy γ rays and discrete transitions are present in the K x-ray region preventing a definitive Z identification to be made based on observation of characteristic K x-ray energies.« less

Studies on the syntheses, structural characterization, antimicrobial-, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the cocrystals caffeine:cinnamic acid and caffeine:eosin dihydrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh Kumar, G. S.; Seethalakshmi, P. G.; Bhuvanesh, N.; Kumaresan, S.

2013-10-01

Two organic cocrystals namely, caffeine:cinnamic acid [(caf)(ca)] (1) and caffeine:eosin dihydrate [(caf)(eos)]·2H2O (2) were synthesized and studied by FT-IR, TGA/DTA, and single crystal XRD. The crystal system of cocrystal 1 is triclinic with space group P-1 and Z = 2 and that of cocrystal 2 is monoclinic with space group P21/C and Z = 4. An imidazole-carboxylic acid synthon is observed in the cocrystal 1. The intermolecular hydrogen bond, O-H⋯N and π-π interactions play a major role in stabilizing 1 whereas the intermolecular hydrogen bonds, O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N, and intramolecular hydrogen bond, O-H⋯Br; along with π-π interactions together play a vital role in stabilizing the structure of 2. The antimicrobial- and DPPH radical scavenging activities of both the cocrystals were studied.

Short-term exposure of mice to gasoline vapor increases the metallothionein expression in the brain, lungs and kidney.

PubMed

Grebić, D; Jakovac, H; Mrakovcić-Sutić, I; Tomac, J; Bulog, A; Micović, V; Radosević-Stasić, B

2007-06-01

Environmental airborne pollution has been repeatedly shown to affect multiple aspects of brain and cardiopulmonary function, leading to cognitive and behavioral changes and to the pronounced inflammatory response in the respiratory airways. Since in the cellular defense system the important role might have stress proteins-metallothionein (MT)-I and MT-II, which are involved in sequestration and dispersal of metal ions, regulation of the biosynthesis and activities of zinc-dependent transcription factors, as well as in cellular protection from reactive oxygen species, genotoxicity and apoptosis, in this study we investigated their expression in the brain, lungs and kidney, following intermittent exposure of mice to gasoline vapor. Control groups consisted of intact mice and of those closed in the metabolic chamber and ventilated with fresh air. The data obtained by immunohistochemistry showed that gasoline inhalation markedly upregulated the MTs expression in tissues which were directly or indirectly exposed to toxic components, significantly increasing the number of MT I+II positive cells in CNS (the entorhinal cortex, ependymal cells, astroglial cells in subventricular zone and inside the brain parenchyma, subgranular and CA1-CA3 zone of the dentate gyrus in hippocampus and macrophages-like cells in perivascular spaces), in the lungs (pneumocytes type I and type II) and in the kidneys (parietal wall of Bowman capsule, proximal and distal tubules). The data point to the protective and growth-regulatory effects of MT I + II on places of injuries, induced by inhalation of gasoline vapor.

Ca2+ and mitochondrial ROS: Both hero and villain in membrane repair.

PubMed

Cooper, Sandra T

2017-09-05

Membrane repair is a symphony of signaling, conducted principally by the steep influx of Ca 2+ through an injured membrane. In this issue of Science Signaling , Horn et al reveal unique interplay between Ca 2+ influx and mitochondrially generated reactive oxygen species (mtROS) to enhance actin-mediated wound closure for survival of injured mammalian muscle and nonmuscle cells. Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Improved Chemical Stability and Antiproliferative Activities of Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles with a Chitosan Chlorogenic Acid Conjugate.

PubMed

Fan, Yuting; Yi, Jiang; Zhang, Yuzhu; Yokoyama, Wallace

2017-12-13

A chitosan (CS)-chlorogenic acid (CA) conjugate was successfully prepared through free-radical-induced protocols with a substitution of CA on CS of 103.5 mg/g. ATR-FTIR and 1 H NMR results validated the covalent conjugation of CA onto CS. XRD results indicated the decrease of crystallinity after CA conjugation. DPPH-scavenging activity and reducing-power studies indicated that the CS-CA conjugate had stronger antioxidant activity than chitosan. The particle diameters of curcumin-loaded CS and CS-CA nanoparticles simultaneously formed by ionic gelling in the presence of tripolyphosphate (TPP) were less than 300 nm (243.6 and 256.5 nm, respectively), and zeta-potential values between 25 and 30 mV were obtained. TEM results showed that the nanoparticles were spherically shaped and homogeneously dispersed. Curcumin with the CS-CA conjugate showed better heat stability than with CA at both temperatures (25 and 95 °C) (p <0.05). Curcumin release was inhibited by the CS-CA conjugate. The total release amount of curcumin from CS and CS-CA-conjugate nanoparticles were 70.5 and 61.7%, respectively (p <0.05). A methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay showed that the antiproliferative activity of curcumin in CS-CA nanoparticles was remarkably higher than that in CS nanoparticles because of the higher chemical stability. The results suggest that CS-CA-based nanoparticles are promising candidates for the encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophobic, bioactive compounds and can improve these compounds' chemical stabilities and anticancer activities.

Viscosity controlled magma-carbonate interaction: a comparison of Mt. Vesuvius (Italy) and Mt. Merapi (Indonesia).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blythe, L. S.; Misiti, V.; Masotta, M.; Taddeucci, J.; Freda, C.; Troll, V. R.; Deegan, F. M.; Jolis, E. M.

2012-04-01

Magma-carbonate interaction is increasingly seen as a viable and extremely important cause of magma contamination, and the generation of a crustally sourced CO2 phase (Goff et al., 2001; Freda et al., 2010). Even though the process is well recognized at certain volcanoes e.g. Popocatépetl, (Mexico); Merapi, (Indonesia); and Colli Albani, (Italy) (Goff et al., 2001; Deegan et al., 2010; Freda et al., 2010), neither the kinetics of carbonate assimilation nor its consequences for controlling the explosivity of eruptions have been constrained. Here we show the results of magma-carbonate interaction experiments conducted at 1200 °C and 0.5 GPa for varying durations (0 s, 60 s, 90 s and 300 s) for the Mt. Merapi (Indonesia) and Mt. Vesuvius (Italy) volcanic systems. We performed experiments using glassy starting materials specific to each volcano (shoshonite for Mt. Vesuvius, basaltic-andesite for Mt. Merapi) with different degrees of hydration (anhydrous vs hydration with ~ 2 wt % water) and using carbonate fragments of local origin; see Deegan et al., (2010) and Jolis et al., (2011). Experimental products include a gas phase (CO2-rich) and two melt phases, one pristine (Ca-normal) and one contaminated (Ca-rich) separated by a 'contamination front' which propagates outwards from the carbonate clast. Vesicles appear to nucleate in the contaminated glass and then migrate into the pristine one. Both contamination front propagation and bubble migration away from the carbonate are slower in anhydrous basaltic-andesite (Merapi anhydrous series) than in hydrated basaltic-andesite and shoshonite (Merapi and Vesuvius hydrated series), suggesting that assimilation speed is strongly controlled by the degree of hydration and the SiO2 content, both of which influence melt viscosity and hence diffusivity. As the carbonate dissolution proceeds in our experiments, initially dissolved and eventually exsolved CO2 builds up in the contaminated Ca-rich melt phase. Once melt volatile oversaturation is achieved, the reaction can only progress further if vesicles are efficiently removed from the contaminated melt phase. Viscosity, which controls the vesicle migration efficiency, thus ultimately determines the progression and rate of the contamination reaction. Our results show that characteristics of magma-carbonate interaction at different volcanic systems are likely to differ as a result of a volcanos' individual magma properties, especially viscosity, which determines the speed at which gaseous reaction products (i.e. CO2) can be removed from the reaction site.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic performance of self-assembled mesoporous TiO₂ nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lin, Yuan-Chung; Liu, Shou-Heng; Syu, Han-Ren; Ho, Tsung-Han

2012-09-01

A facile synthesis route is reported for preparation of mesoporous TiO(2) nanoparticles (MT-x) through evaporation induced self-assembly by using Pluronic F127, titanium isopropoxide, and various amounts of ethanol as templating agents, titanium sources and solvents, respectively. A variety of different spectroscopic and analytical techniques, such as small- and large-angle powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of various MT-x catalysts. Among the catalysts, MT-20 was found to have better mesostructures formed by the arrangement of anatase TiO(2) nanoparticles of ca. 17.3 nm with broad interparticle pore size distribution. Hydrogen generation from water splitting on MT-20 using visible light was enhanced by at least 8.7 times if compared with the conventional TiO(2) photocatalyst. The superior photocatalytic performances observed for the synthesized MT-20 may be attributed to the presence of unique nanostructures in the TiO(2) photocatalysts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Confidence Hills Mineralogy and Chemin Results from Base of Mt. Sharp, Pahrump Hills, Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavanagh, P. D.; Bish, D. L.; Blake, D. F.; Vaniman, D. T.; Morris, R. V.; Ming, D. W.; Rampe, E. B.; Achilles, C. N.; Chipera, S. J.; Treiman, A. H.;

Phytochemical Composition, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity of Duguetia furfuracea A. St.-Hill

PubMed Central

Pinho, Francisca Valéria Soares de Araújo; da Cruz, Litiele Cezar; Rodrigues, Nathane Rosa; Waczuk, Emily Pansera; Souza, Celestina Elba Sobral; da Costa, José Galberto Martins; Athayde, Margareth Linde; de Menezes, Irwin Rose Alencar

2016-01-01

Background. Duguetia furfuracea is popular plant used in popular medicine. Hypothesis/Purpose. This claim evaluated the phytochemical composition of the hydroethanolic extract (HEDF), fractions of Duguetia furfuracea, and antioxidant and antifungal activity. Methods. The chemical profile was carried out by HPLC-DAD. The total phenolic contents and flavonoid components were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride reaction. The antioxidant activity was measured by scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) methods. The antifungal activity was determined by microdilution assay. Results. HPLC analysis revealed caffeic acid and rutin as major compounds (HEDF), caffeic acid and quercitrin (Mt-OH fraction), and quercitrin and isoquercitrin (Ac-OEt fraction). The highest levels of phenols and total flavonoids were found for Ac-OEt fraction, and the crude extract showed higher in vitro antioxidant potential. The antifungal activity showed synergic effect with fluconazole and EHDF against C. krusei, fluconazole and Mt-OH against C. krusei and C. tropicalis, and Ac-OE and fluconazole against C. albicans. Conclusion. The highest levels of phenols and total flavonoids were marked with antioxidant effect. This is the first report of bioactivity of the synergic effect of HEDF and fractions. More studies would be required to better clarify its mechanism of synergic action. PMID:27127550

Tephra layers from Holocene lake sediments of the Sulmona Basin, central Italy: implications for volcanic activity in Peninsular Italy and tephrostratigraphy in the central Mediterranean area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giaccio, B.; Messina, P.; Sposato, A.; Voltaggio, M.; Zanchetta, G.; Galadini, F.; Gori, S.; Santacroce, R.

2009-12-01

We present a new tephrostratigraphic record from the Holocene lake sediments of the Sulmona basin, central Italy. The Holocene succession is represented by whitish calcareous mud that is divided into two units, SUL2 (ca 32 m thick) and SUL1 (ca 8 m thick), for a total thickness of ca 40 m. These units correspond to the youngest two out of six sedimentary cycles recognised in the Sulmona basin that are related to the lake sedimentation since the Middle Pleistocene. Height concordant U series age determinations and additional chronological data constrain the whole Holocene succession to between ca 8000 and 1000 yrs BP. This includes a sedimentary hiatus that separates the SUL2 and SUL1 units, which is roughly dated between <2800 and ca 2000 yrs BP. A total of 31 and 6 tephra layers were identified within the SUL2 and SUL1 units, respectively. However, only 28 tephra layers yielded fresh micro-pumices or glass shards suitable for chemical analyses using a microprobe wavelength dispersive spectrometer. Chronological and compositional constraints suggest that 27 ash layers probably derive from the Mt. Somma-Vesuvius Holocene volcanic activity, and one to the Ischia Island eruption of the Cannavale tephra (2920 ± 450 cal yrs BP). The 27 ash layers compatible with Mt. Somma-Vesuvius activity are clustered in three different time intervals: from ca 2000 to >1000; from 3600 to 3100; and from 7600 to 4700 yrs BP. The first, youngest cluster, comprises six layers and correlates with the intense explosive activity of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius that occurred after the prominent AD 79 Pompeii eruption, but only the near-Plinian event of AD 472 has been tentatively recognised. The intermediate cluster (3600-3100 yrs BP) starts with tephra that chemically and chronologically matches the products from the "Pomici di Avellino" eruption (ca 3800 ± 200 yrs BP). This is followed by eight further layers, where the glasses exhibit chemical features that are similar in composition to the products from the so-called "Protohistoric" or AP eruptions; however, only the distal equivalents of three AP events (AP3, AP4 and AP6) are tentatively designated. Finally, the early cluster (7600-4700 yrs BP) comprises 12 layers that contain evidence of a surprising, previously unrecognised, activity of the Mt. Somma-Vesuvius volcano during its supposed period of quiescence, between the major Plinian "Pomici di Mercato" (ca 9000 yrs BP) and "Pomici di Avellino" eruptions. Alternatively, since at present there is no evidence of a similar significant activity in the proximal area of this well-known volcano, a hitherto unknown origin of these tephras cannot be role out. The results of the present study provide new data that enrich our previous knowledge of the Holocene tephrostratigraphy and tephrochronology in central Italy, and a new model for the recent explosive activity of the Peninsular Italy volcanoes and the dispersal of the related pyroclastic deposits.

The Physiology of Mechanoelectrical Transduction Channels in Hearing

PubMed Central

Fettiplace, Robert; Kim, Kyunghee X.

2014-01-01

Much is known about the mechanotransducer (MT) channels mediating transduction in hair cells of the vertrbrate inner ear. With the use of isolated preparations, it is experimentally feasible to deliver precise mechanical stimuli to individual cells and record the ensuing transducer currents. This approach has shown that small (1–100 nm) deflections of the hair-cell stereociliary bundle are transmitted via interciliary tip links to open MT channels at the tops of the stereocilia. These channels are cation-permeable with a high selectivity for Ca2+; two channels are thought to be localized at the lower end of the tip link, each with a large single-channel conductance that increases from the low- to high-frequency end of the cochlea. Ca2+ influx through open channels regulates their resting open probability, which may contribute to setting the hair cell resting potential in vivo. Ca2+ also controls transducer fast adaptation and force generation by the hair bundle, the two coupled processes increasing in speed from cochlear apex to base. The molecular intricacy of the stereocilary bundle and the transduction apparatus is reflected by the large number of single-gene mutations that are linked to sensorineural deafness, especially those in Usher syndrome. Studies of such mutants have led to the discovery of many of the molecules of the transduction complex, including the tip link and its attachments to the stereociliary core. However, the MT channel protein is still not firmly identified, nor is it known whether the channel is activated by force delivered through accessory proteins or by deformation of the lipid bilayer. PMID:24987009

Expression analysis of metallothioneins and mineral contents in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) under heavy metal stress.

PubMed

Kısa, Dursun; Öztürk, Lokman; Doker, Serhat; Gökçe, İsa

2017-04-01

Heavy metals are considered to be the most important pollutants in the contamination of soils; they adversely affect plant growth and development and cause some physiological and molecular changes. The contamination of agricultural soils by heavy metals has changed the mineral element content of vegetables. Plant metallothioneins (MTs) are thought to have the functional role in heavy metal homeostasis, and they are used as the biomarkers for evaluating environmental pollution. We aimed to evaluate the expression of MT isoforms (MT1, 2, 3 and 4) and some mineral element composition of tomato roots, leaves and fruits exposed to copper and lead. Heavy metal applications increased MT1 and MT2 gene expressions compared to the control in the tissues of tomato. The highest level of MT1 and MT2 transcripts was found in roots and leaves, respectively. The expression of MT3 is induced in roots, leaves and fruits except for Pb treatment in roots. MT4 expression increased in fruits; however, other tissues did not show a clear change. Our results indicated that Cu content was higher than Pb in all tissues of tomato. The lower doses of Cu (10 ppm) increased the content of Mg, Fe, Ca and Mn in roots. Pb generally increased the level of minerals in leaves and fruits, but it decreased Mg, Mn and Fe contents in roots. Both heavy metals not only moved to aerial parts but also caused alterations to mineral element levels. These results show that MT transcripts are regulated by Cu and Pb, and expression pattern changes to MT isoforms and tissue types. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Association study of ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1 genes and MtF transsexualism.

PubMed

Fernández, Rosa; Esteva, Isabel; Gómez-Gil, Esther; Rumbo, Teresa; Almaraz, Mari Cruz; Roda, Ester; Haro-Mora, Juan-Jesús; Guillamón, Antonio; Pásaro, Eduardo

2014-12-01

The etiology of male-to-female (MtF) transsexualism is unknown. Both genetic and neurological factors may play an important role. To investigate the possible influence of the genetic factor on the etiology of MtF transsexualism. We carried out a cytogenetic and molecular analysis in 442 MtFs and 473 healthy, age- and geographical origin-matched XY control males. The karyotype was investigated by G-banding and by high-density array in the transsexual group. The molecular analysis involved three tandem variable regions of genes estrogen receptor β (ERβ) (CA tandem repeats in intron 5), androgen receptor (AR) (CAG tandem repeats in exon 1), and CYP19A1 (TTTA tandem repeats in intron 4). The allele and genotype frequencies, after division into short and long alleles, were obtained. We investigated the association between genotype and transsexualism by performing a molecular analysis of three variable regions of genes ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1 in 915 individuals (442 MtFs and 473 control males). Most MtFs showed an unremarkable 46,XY karyotype (97.96%). No specific chromosome aberration was associated with MtF transsexualism, and prevalence of aneuploidy (2.04%) was slightly higher than in the general population. Molecular analyses showed no significant difference in allelic or genotypic distribution of the genes examined between MtFs and controls. Moreover, molecular findings presented no evidence of an association between the sex hormone-related genes (ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1) and MtF transsexualism. The study suggests that the analysis of karyotype provides limited information in these subjects. Variable regions analyzed from ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1 are not associated with MtF transsexualism. Nevertheless, this does not exclude other polymorphic regions not analyzed. © 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

14 GHz longitudinally detected electron spin resonance using microHall sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouterfas, M.; Mouaziz, S.; Popovic, R. S.

2017-09-01

In this work we developed a home-made LOngitudinally Detected Electron Spin Resonance (LODESR) spectrometer based on a microsize Hall sensor. A coplanar waveguide (CPW)-resonator is used to induce microwave-excitation on the sample at 14 GHz. We used InSb cross-shaped Hall devices with active areas of (10 μm × 10 μm) and (5 μm × 5 μm) . Signal intensities of the longitudinal magnetization component of DPPH and YIG samples of volumes about (10 μm) 3 and (5 μm) 3 , are measured under amplitude and frequency modulated microwave magnetic field generated by the CPW-resonator. At room temperature, 109spins /G √Hz sensitivity is achieved for 0.2mT linewidth, a result which is still better than most of inductive detected LODESR sensitivities.

Astragalin from Cassia alata Induces DNA Adducts in Vitro and Repairable DNA Damage in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Saito, Samuel; Silva, Givaldo; Santos, Regineide Xavier; Gosmann, Grace; Pungartnik, Cristina; Brendel, Martin

2012-01-01

Reverse phase-solid phase extraction from Cassia alata leaves (CaRP) was used to obtain a refined extract. Higher than wild-type sensitivity to CaRP was exhibited by 16 haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants with defects in DNA repair and membrane transport. CaRP had a strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 2.27 μg mL−1 and showed no pro-oxidant activity in yeast. CaRP compounds were separated by HPLC and the three major components were shown to bind to DNA in vitro. The major HPLC peak was identified as kampferol-3-O-β-d-glucoside (astragalin), which showed high affinity to DNA as seen by HPLC-UV measurement after using centrifugal ultrafiltration of astragalin-DNA mixtures. Astragalin-DNA interaction was further studied by spectroscopic methods and its interaction with DNA was evaluated using solid-state FTIR. These and computational (in silico) docking studies revealed that astragalin-DNA binding occurs through interaction with G-C base pairs, possibly by intercalation stabilized by H-bond formation. PMID:22489129

Astragalin from Cassia alata induces DNA adducts in vitro and repairable DNA damage in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Saito, Samuel; Silva, Givaldo; Santos, Regineide Xavier; Gosmann, Grace; Pungartnik, Cristina; Brendel, Martin

2012-01-01

Reverse phase-solid phase extraction from Cassia alata leaves (CaRP) was used to obtain a refined extract. Higher than wild-type sensitivity to CaRP was exhibited by 16 haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants with defects in DNA repair and membrane transport. CaRP had a strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC(50) value of 2.27 μg mL(-1) and showed no pro-oxidant activity in yeast. CaRP compounds were separated by HPLC and the three major components were shown to bind to DNA in vitro. The major HPLC peak was identified as kampferol-3-O-β-d-glucoside (astragalin), which showed high affinity to DNA as seen by HPLC-UV measurement after using centrifugal ultrafiltration of astragalin-DNA mixtures. Astragalin-DNA interaction was further studied by spectroscopic methods and its interaction with DNA was evaluated using solid-state FTIR. These and computational (in silico) docking studies revealed that astragalin-DNA binding occurs through interaction with G-C base pairs, possibly by intercalation stabilized by H-bond formation.

Mitoepigenetics and drug addiction.

PubMed

Sadakierska-Chudy, Anna; Frankowska, Małgorzata; Filip, Małgorzata

2014-11-01

Being the center of energy production in eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are also crucial for various cellular processes including intracellular Ca(2+) signaling and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria contain their own circular DNA which encodes not only proteins, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNAs but also non-coding RNAs. The most recent line of evidence indicates the presence of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA); thus, the level of gene expression - in a way similar to nuclear DNA - can be regulated by direct epigenetic modifications. Up to now, very little data shows the possibility of epigenetic regulation of mtDNA. Mitochondria and mtDNA are particularly important in the nervous system and may participate in the initiation of drug addiction. In fact, some addictive drugs enhance ROS production and generate oxidative stress that in turn alters mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression. This review summarizes recent findings on mitochondrial function, mtDNA copy number and epigenetics in drug addiction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

49 CFR 390.27 - Locations of motor carrier safety service centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Boulevard, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30345-3220. Western American Samoa, AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, Mariana... center, contact an FMCSA division (State) office in AK, ME, MI, MT, NY, ND, VT, or WA. Note 2: Mexican...

49 CFR 390.27 - Locations of motor carrier safety service centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Boulevard, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30345-3220. Western American Samoa, AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, Mariana... center, contact an FMCSA division (State) office in AK, ME, MI, MT, NY, ND, VT, or WA. Note 2: Mexican...

49 CFR 390.27 - Locations of motor carrier safety service centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Boulevard, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30345-3220. Western American Samoa, AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, Mariana... center, contact an FMCSA division (State) office in AK, ME, MI, MT, NY, ND, VT, or WA. Note 2: Mexican...

49 CFR 390.27 - Locations of motor carrier safety service centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Century Boulevard, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30345-3220. Western American Samoa, AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI... service center, contact a FMCSA division (State) office in AK, ME, MI, MT, NY, ND, VT, or WA. Note 2...

49 CFR 390.27 - Locations of motor carrier safety service centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Century Boulevard, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30345-3220. Western American Samoa, AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI... service center, contact a FMCSA division (State) office in AK, ME, MI, MT, NY, ND, VT, or WA. Note 2...

Mitochondrial dysfunction in migraine.

PubMed

Yorns, William R; Hardison, H Huntley

2013-09-01

Migraine is the most frequent type of headache in children. In the 1980s, scientists first hypothesized a connection between migraine and mitochondrial (mt) disorders. More recent studies have suggested that at least some subtypes of migraine may be related to a mt defect. Different types of evidence support a relationship between mitochondria (mt) and migraine: (1) Biochemical evidence: Abnormal mt function translates into high intracellular penetration of Ca(2+), excessive production of free radicals, and deficient oxidative phosphorylation, which ultimately causes energy failure in neurons and astrocytes, thus triggering migraine mechanisms, including spreading depression. The mt markers of these events are low activity of superoxide dismutase, activation of cytochrome-c oxidase and nitric oxide, high levels of lactate and pyruvate, and low ratios of phosphocreatine-inorganic phosphate and N-acetylaspartate-choline. (2) Morphologic evidence: mt abnormalities have been shown in migraine sufferers, the most characteristic ones being direct observation in muscle biopsy of ragged red and cytochrome-c oxidase-negative fibers, accumulation of subsarcolemmal mt, and demonstration of giant mt with paracrystalline inclusions. (3) Genetic evidence: Recent studies have identified specific mutations responsible for migraine susceptibility. However, the investigation of the mtDNA mutations found in classic mt disorders (mt encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes, myoclonus epilepsy with ragged red fibers, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy) has not demonstrated any association. Recently, 2 common mtDNA polymorphisms (16519C→T and 3010G→A) have been associated with pediatric cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraine. Also, POLG mutations (eg, p.T851 A, p.N468D, p.Y831C, p.G517V, and p.P163S) can cause disease through impaired replication of mtDNA, including migraine. Further studies to investigate the relationship between mtDNA and migraine will require very large sample sizes to obtain statistically significant results. (4) Therapeutic evidence: Several agents that have a positive effect on mt metabolism have shown to be effective in the treatment of migraines. The agents include riboflavin (B2), coenzyme Q10, magnesium, niacin, carnitine, topiramate, and lipoic acid. Further study is warranted to learn how mt interact with other factors to cause migraines. This will facilitate the development of new and more specific treatments that will reduce the frequency or severity or both of this disease. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.

A VIEW TO THE SOUTHWEST TOWARD MT. SAN ANTONIO FROM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

A VIEW TO THE SOUTHWEST TOWARD MT. SAN ANTONIO FROM THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TRACK NEAR CAJON PASS. VISIBLE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ARE THE SANDSTONE OUTCROPS AT SULLIVAN’S CURVE IN THE FAR LEFT DISTANCE; BNSF RAILROAD MAIN TRACK 2 CURVING THROUGH THE HILLS IN THE LEFT DISTANCE; HILL 58.2 AT CENTER, MARKED BY AN ISOLATED STAND OF TREES; BNSF RAILROAD MAIN TRACK 1, RUNNING STRAIGHT THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE PHOTOGRAPH; AND THE UNION PACIFIC TRACK AT THE FAR RIGHT. 123 - Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Cajon Subdivision, Between Cajon Summit and Keenbrook, Devore, San Bernardino County, CA

Effect of reduction in the density of states on fluctuation conductivity in Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8+ x single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, P.; Bhatia, S. N.

1999-06-01

The in-plane ( ρab) and out-of-plane ( ρc) resistivities of BSCCO single crystals have been measured by six terminals technique. The ρab and ρc are well described by the fluctuation theory developed by Dorin et al. The main effect of these fluctuations is to cause a reduction in the quasi-particle density of states (DOS), leading to a negative contribution in the fluctuation conductivity Lawrence-Doniach (LD) and Maki-Thompson (MT) contributions. We have analyzed paraconductivity by adding this DOS contribution to LD and MT contributions. The analysis shows that approaches based on the conventional LD model alone cannot explain the paraconductivity along ab-plane and c-axis, even when the MT contribution is included.

In vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of six international basil cultivars.

PubMed

Elansary, Hosam O; Mahmoud, Eman A

2015-01-01

The total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents in leaves extracts of Ocimum basilicum (OB) (Lamiaceae) international cultivars, as well as their overall antioxidant activities using DPPH and linoleic acid assays, were investigated. Furthermore, the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities against line HeLa, MCF-7, Jurkat, HT-29, T24, MIAPaCa-2 cancer cells and one normal human cell line HEK-293 were examined. DPPH and linoleic acid assays ranged from 75.8% to 93.3% and from 74.5% to 97.1%; respectively. O. b. 'purple ruffle', O. b. 'dark opale', O. b. 'genovese', O. b. 'anise', O. b. 'bush green' and O. b. L. (OBL) varied in their antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities, influenced cell cycle progression and stimulated apoptosis in most cancer cells. OBL exhibited the highest antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. OB extracts not only improve taste but also have certain anticancer activity against diverse cancer cells due to the presence of compounds such as rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid and caftaric acid. Thus, OB represents a potent source of anticancer materials.

Antioxidant activities, metal contents, total phenolics and flavonoids of seven Morchella species.

PubMed

Gursoy, Nevcihan; Sarikurkcu, Cengiz; Cengiz, Mustafa; Solak, M Halil

2009-09-01

Seven Morchella species were analyzed for their antioxidant activities in different test systems namely beta-carotene/linoleic acid, DPPH, reducing power, chelating effect and scavenging effect (%) on the stable ABTS*(+), in addition to their heavy metals, total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In beta-carotene/linoleic acid system, the most active mushrooms were M. esculenta var. umbrina and M.angusticeps. In the case of DPPH, methanol extract of M. conica showed high antioxidant activity. The reducing power of the methanol extracts of mushrooms increased with concentration. Chelating capacity of the extracts was also increased with the concentration. On the other hand, in 40 microg ml(-1) concentration, methanol extract of M. conica, exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity (78.66+/-2.07%) when reacted with the ABTS*(+) radical. Amounts of seven elements (Cu, Mn, Co, Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg) and five heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Al) were also determined in all species. M. conica was found to have the highest phenolic content among the samples. Flavonoid content of M. rotunda was also found superior (0.59+/-0.01 microg QEs/mg extract).

Environmental potential of the use of CO2 from alcoholic fermentation processes. The CO2-AFP strategy.

PubMed

Alonso-Moreno, Carlos; García-Yuste, Santiago

2016-10-15

A novel Carbon Dioxide Utilization (CDU) approach from a relatively minor CO2 emission source, i.e., alcoholic fermentation processes (AFP), is presented. The CO2 produced as a by-product from the AFP is estimated by examining the EtOH consumed per year reported by the World Health Organization in 2014. It is proposed that the extremely pure CO2 from the AFP is captured in NaOH solutions to produce one of the Top 10 commodities in the chemical industry, Na2CO3, as a good example of an atomic economy process. The novel CDU strategy could yield over 30.6Mt of Na2CO3 in oversaturated aqueous solution on using ca. 12.7Mt of captured CO2 and this process would consume less energy than the synthetic methodology (Solvay ammonia soda process) and would not produce low-value by-products. The quantity of Na2CO3 obtained by this strategy could represent ca. 50% of the world Na2CO3 production in one year. In terms of the green economy, the viability of the strategy is discussed according to the recommendations of the CO2Chem network, and an estimation of the CO2negative emission achieved suggests a capture of around 280.0Mt of CO2 from now to 2020 or ca. 1.9Gt from now to 2050. Finally, the results obtained for this new CDU proposal are discussed by considering different scenarios; the CO2 production in a typical winemaking corporation, the CO2 released in the most relevant wine-producing countries, and the use of CO2 from AFP as an alternative for the top Na2CO3-producing countries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Probing the interaction of human serum albumin with DPPH in the absence and presence of the eight antioxidants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiangrong; Chen, Dejun; Wang, Gongke; Lu, Yan

2015-02-01

Albumin represents a very abundant and important circulating antioxidant in plasma. DPPH radical is also called 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. It has been widely used for measuring the efficiency of antioxidants. In this paper, the ability of human serum albumin (HSA) to scavenge DPPH radical was investigated using UV-vis absorption spectra. The interaction between HSA and DPPH was investigated in the absence and presence of eight popular antioxidants using fluorescence spectroscopy. These results indicate the antioxidant activity of HSA against DPPH radical is similar to glutathione and the value of IC50 is 5.200 × 10-5 mol L-1. In addition, the fluorescence experiments indicate the quenching mechanism of HSA, by DPPH, is a static process. The quenching process of DPPH with HSA is easily affected by the eight antioxidants, however, they cannot change the quenching mechanism of DPPH with HSA. The binding of DPPH to HSA primarily takes place in subdomain IIA and exists two classes of binding sites with two different interaction behaviors. The decreased binding constants and the number of binding sites of DPPH with HSA by the introduction of the eight antioxidants may result from the competition of the eight antioxidants and DPPH binding to HSA. The binding of DPPH to HSA may induce the micro-environment of the lone Trp-214 from polar to slightly nonpolar.

Classroom in the Sky

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Puck, Susan

1971-01-01

Aviation and transportation students of Mt. San Antonio College (California) gained first hand experience of commercial airline operations while learning science, geography, and history on a 39-hour trip on a United Airlines jet. This year's program was designed to acquaint students with the Apollo Space program. (CA)

Modulatory effects of Cassia fistula fruits against free radicals and genotoxicity of mutagens.

PubMed

Kaur, Sandeep; Kumar, Manish; Kaur, Paramjeet; Kaur, Varinder; Kaur, Satwinderjeet

2016-12-01

Cassia fistula L. (Fabaceae) fruits are highly recommended in folklore medicine for curing various ailments. In the current study, methanol (CaFM), hexane (CaFH), chloroform (CaFCl), ethyl acetate (CaFE), butanol (CaFB) and aqueous (CaFA) fractions of C. fistula fruits were investigated for their potential to inhibit the genotoxicity of mutagens and free radicals. The antimutagenicity of fractions was evaluated against the reactive carcinogenic ester generating mutagen, 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) and frame-shift mutation inducing mutagen, 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) in Ames Salmonella typhimurium TA98 tester strain. Among the fractions, CaFE showed strongest protective effect against the mutagenicity of both S9-dependent and direct-acting mutagen with an inhibitory percentage of 81% and 64% at the concentration of 1 × 10 3 and 2.5 × 10 3 respectively. All the fractions were analyzed for free radical scavenging activity using DPPH, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion assays. CaFE fraction showed maximum antioxidant activity in comparison to other fractions with an IC 50 of 97.01, 172.36, 144 and 264.79 μg/ml respectively. High performance liquid chromatography showed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and umbelliferone in appreciable amount which may account for its efficacy in combating free radicals and also showed protective effect against the mutagenicity of S9-dependent mutagen, 2-AF. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of superconductivity on the border of quasi-2D ferromagnetism in Ca2RuO4 at high pressure.

PubMed

Alireza, Patricia Lebre; Nakamura, Fumihiko; Goh, Swee Kuan; Maeno, Yoshiteru; Nakatsuji, Satoru; Ko, Yuen Ting Chris; Sutherland, Michael; Julian, Stephen; Lonzarich, Gilbert George

2010-02-10

The layered perovskite Ca(2)RuO(4) is a spin-one Mott insulator at ambient pressure and exhibits metallic ferromagnetism at least up to ∼ 80 kbar with a maximum Curie temperature of 28 K. Above ∼ 90 and up to 140 kbar, the highest pressure reached, the resistivity and ac susceptibility show pronounced downturns below ∼ 0.4 K in applied magnetic fields of up to ∼ 10 mT. This indicates that our specimens of Ca(2)RuO(4) are weakly superconducting on the border of a quasi-2D ferromagnetic state.

Missing in Action? Evaluating the Putative Absence of Impacts by Large Asteroids and Comets during the Quaternary Period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masse, W.; Weaver, R.; Abbott, D.; Gusiakov, V.; Bryant, E.

The Quaternary period represents the interval of oscillating climatic extremes (glacial and interglacial periods) beginning about 2.6 million years ago to the present. Based on modeling by the Near Earth Object (NEO) community of planetary scientists, the known and validated record of Quaternary impact on Earth by comets and asteroids is seemingly depauperate in terms of larger impactors of 10,000+ Mt (roughly equal to or larger than about 500 m in diameter). Modeling suggests that an average of between 2-3 and perhaps as many as 5 globally catastrophic (ca. 1,000,000+ Mt) impacts by asteroids and comets could have occurred on Earth during this period of time, each having catastrophic regional environmental effects and moderate to severe continental and global effects. A slightly larger number of substantive but somewhat less than globally catastrophic impacts in the 10,000-100,000 Mt range would also be predicted to have occurred during the Quaternary. However, databases of validated impact structures on Earth, contain only two examples of Quaternary period impacts in the 10,000-100,000 Mt range (Zhamanshin, Bosumtwi), dating to around a million years ago, while no examples of Quaternary period globally catastrophic impact structures have been yet identified. In addition, all of the 27 validated Quaternary period impact structures are terrestrial--no Quaternary period oceanic impacts have been yet validated. Two likely globally catastrophic probable oceanic impacts events, Eltanin (ca. 1,000,000 Mt at around 2.5 mya), and that associated with the Australasian tektite strewn field (> 1,000,000 Mt at around 0.8 mya), are known due to their debris fields for which craters have not yet been identified and validated. These and the 8-km diameter Bolivian Iturralde candidate impact structure (ca. 10,000 Mt at around 20 kya) round out our list of likely large Quaternary impact structures. This suggests that one or more Quaternary period globally catastrophic impacts and several events in the 10,000-100,000 Mt range occurred in oceanic settings and have not yet been identified. At issue here is the default position of the NEO community that no large impacts have occurred during the past 15,000 years and that there is little evidence for human death by impacts during the past 5000 years of recorded history. This bias, deriving largely from reliance on stochastic models and by selectively ignoring physical, anthropological, and archaeological evidence in support of such impacts, is apparent in the messages being given to the media and general public, and in the general lack of grant support and other assistance to scientists and scholars wishing to conduct fieldwork on impacts that may date to the past 15,000 years. Such a position has a chilling effect on what should otherwise be an important arena of inquiry into the risks and effects of cosmic impact on human society. It potentially limits advancement in our understanding of the recent record and flux of cosmic impact, and diverts attention away from significant research questions such as the possible role of impact in Quaternary period climate change and biological and cultural evolution and process. LA-UR-07-2526.

In vitro protective effects of an aqueous extract of Clitoria ternatea L. flower against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and UV-induced mtDNA damage in human keratinocytes.

PubMed

Zakaria, N N A; Okello, E J; Howes, M-J; Birch-Machin, M A; Bowman, A

2018-06-01

The traditional practice of eating the flowers of Clitoria ternatea L. or drinking their infusion as herbal tea in some of the Asian countries is believed to promote a younger skin complexion and defend against skin aging. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of C. ternatea flower water extract (CTW) against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and ultraviolet (UV)-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in human keratinocytes. The protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay, and mtDNA damage induced by UV was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Preincubation of HaCaT with 100, 250, and 500 μg/ml CTW reduced cytotoxicity effects of H 2 O 2 compared with control (H 2 O 2 alone). CTW also significantly reduced mtDNA damage in UV-exposed HaCaT (p < .05). CTW was chemically-characterized using high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main compounds detected were assigned as anthocyanins derived from delphinidin, including polyacylated ternatins, and flavonol glycosides derived from quercetin and kaempferol. These results demonstrated the protective effects of C. ternatea flower extracts that contain polyacylated anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides as major constituents, against H 2 O 2 and UV-induced oxidative stress on skin cells, and may provide some explanation for the putative traditional and cosmetic uses of C. ternatea flower against skin aging. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of Syzygium cumini and Bauhinia forficata aqueous-leaf extracts on oxidative and mitochondrial parameters in vitro

PubMed Central

Ecker, Assis; Araujo Vieira, Francielli; de Souza Prestes, Alessandro; Mulling dos Santos, Matheus; Ramos, Angelica; Dias Ferreira, Rafael; Teixeira de Macedo, Gabriel; Vargas Klimaczewski, Claudia; Lopes Seeger, Rodrigo; Teixeira da Rocha, João Batista; de Vargas Barbosa, Nilda B.

2015-01-01

Aqueous-leaf extract of Syzygium cumini and Bauhinia forficata are traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes and cancer, especially in South America, Africa, and Asia. In this study, we analyzed the effects of these extracts on oxidative and mitochondrial parameters in vitro, as well as their protective activities against toxic agents. Phytochemical screenings of the extracts were carried out by HPLC analysis. The in vitro antioxidant capacities were compared by DPPH radical scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activities. Mitochondrial parameters observed were swelling, lipid peroxidation and dehydrogenase activity. The major chemical constituent of S. cumini was rutin. In B. forficata were predominant quercetin and gallic acid. S. cumini reduced DPPH radical more than B. forficata, and showed iron chelating activity at all tested concentrations, while B. forficata had not similar property. In mitochondria, high concentrations of B. forficata alone induced a decrease in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, but low concentrations of this extract prevented the effect induced by Fe2++H2O2. This was also observed with high concentrations of S. cumini. Both extracts partially prevented the lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2+/citrate. S. cumini was effective against mitochondrial swelling induced by Ca2+, while B. forficata alone induced swelling more than Ca2+. This study suggests that leaf extract of S. cumini might represent a useful therapeutic for the treatment of diseases related with mitochondrial dysfunctions. On the other hand, the consumption of B. forficata should be avoided because mitochondrial damages were observed, and this possibly may pose risk to human health. PMID:27152111

Isotopic and geochemical characterization of fossil brines of the Cambrian Mt. Simon Sandstone and Ironton-Galesville Formation from the Illinois Basin, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labotka, Dana M.; Panno, Samuel V.; Locke, Randall A.; Freiburg, Jared T.

2015-09-01

Geochemical and isotopic characteristics of deep-seated saline groundwater provide valuable insight into the origin and evolving composition, water-rock interaction, and mixing potential of fossil brines. Such information may yield insight into intra- and interbasinal brine movement and relationships between brine evolution and regional groundwater flow systems. This investigation reports on the δ18O and δD composition and activity values, 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr concentrations, and major ion concentrations of the Cambrian-hosted brines of the Mt. Simon Sandstone and Ironton-Galesville Formation and discusses the evolution of these brines as they relate to other intracontinental brines. Brines in the Illinois Basin are dominated by Na-Ca-Cl-type chemistry. The Mt. Simon and overlying Ironton-Galesville brines exhibit total dissolved solids concentrations of ∼195,000 mg/L and ∼66,270 mg/L, respectively. The δD of brine composition of the Mt. Simon ranges from -34‰ to -22‰ (V-SMOW), and the Ironton-Galesville is ∼-53.2‰ (V-SMOW). The δ18O composition of the Mt. Simon brine ranges from -5.0‰ to -2.8‰ (V-SMOW), and the Ironton-Galesville brine is ∼-6.9‰ (V-SMOW). The 87Sr/86Sr values in the Mt. Simon brine range from 0.7110 to 0.7116. The less radiogenic Ironton-Galesville brine has an average 87Sr/86Sr value of 0.7107. Evaluation of δ18O and δD composition and activities and 87Sr/86Sr ratios suggests that the Mt. Simon brine is likely connate seawater and recirculating deep-seated brines that have been diluted with meteoric water and influenced by the dissolution of evaporites with a minimal halite contribution based on Cl/Br ratios. The Ironton-Galesville brine is also likely originally connate seawater that mixed with other brines and meteoric waters, including possibly Pleistocene glacial recharge. The Ca-excess vs. Na-deficiency comparison with the Basinal Fluid Line suggests the Mt. Simon and Ironton-Galesville brines have been influenced by the effects of albitization and plot very close to the Basinal Fluid Line. These Cambrian-hosted brines appear to have a different albitization history than other regional basin brines and a strong component of seawater. The Ironton-Galesville brine appears more geochemically associated with other Illinois Basin brines than the Mt. Simon brine which appears more geochemically conservative. Comparisons with other extrabasinal North American brines suggest that the Michigan basin brines are geochemically most similar to the Mt. Simon brines with the exception of the influence from carbonates in the Michigan Basin. Analyses of 87Sr/86Sr values in the Mt. Simon brine suggest that brine Sr has isotopically equilibrated with clay minerals in the Lower Mt. Simon and underlying bedrock formations and not with whole rock suggesting the influence of recirculating brines from the crystalline basement. Overall, the geochemistry of these Cambrian-hosted brines suggests an evolution from original seawater-like compositions. This investigation shows that intracratonic basins do not behave as closed systems but can be strongly affected by water-rock interaction and regional groundwater flow systems that circulate deep crystalline basement brines and brines from nearby basins.

Probing the interaction of human serum albumin with DPPH in the absence and presence of the eight antioxidants.

PubMed

Li, Xiangrong; Chen, Dejun; Wang, Gongke; Lu, Yan

2015-02-25

Albumin represents a very abundant and important circulating antioxidant in plasma. DPPH radical is also called 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. It has been widely used for measuring the efficiency of antioxidants. In this paper, the ability of human serum albumin (HSA) to scavenge DPPH radical was investigated using UV-vis absorption spectra. The interaction between HSA and DPPH was investigated in the absence and presence of eight popular antioxidants using fluorescence spectroscopy. These results indicate the antioxidant activity of HSA against DPPH radical is similar to glutathione and the value of IC50 is 5.200×10(-5) mol L(-1). In addition, the fluorescence experiments indicate the quenching mechanism of HSA, by DPPH, is a static process. The quenching process of DPPH with HSA is easily affected by the eight antioxidants, however, they cannot change the quenching mechanism of DPPH with HSA. The binding of DPPH to HSA primarily takes place in subdomain IIA and exists two classes of binding sites with two different interaction behaviors. The decreased binding constants and the number of binding sites of DPPH with HSA by the introduction of the eight antioxidants may result from the competition of the eight antioxidants and DPPH binding to HSA. The binding of DPPH to HSA may induce the micro-environment of the lone Trp-214 from polar to slightly nonpolar. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid identification of a novel complex I MT-ND3 m.10134C>A mutation in a Leigh syndrome patient.

PubMed

Miller, David K; Menezes, Minal J; Simons, Cas; Riley, Lisa G; Cooper, Sandra T; Grimmond, Sean M; Thorburn, David R; Christodoulou, John; Taft, Ryan J

2014-01-01

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a rare progressive multi-system neurodegenerative disorder, the genetics of which is frequently difficult to resolve. Rapid determination of the genetic etiology of LS in a 5-year-old girl facilitated inclusion in Edison Pharmaceutical's phase 2B clinical trial of EPI-743. SNP-arrays and high-coverage whole exome sequencing were performed on the proband, both parents and three unaffected siblings. Subsequent multi-tissue targeted high-depth mitochondrial sequencing was performed using custom long-range PCR amplicons. Tissue-specific mutant load was also assessed by qPCR. Complex I was interrogated by spectrophotometric enzyme assays and Western Blot. No putatively causal mutations were identified in nuclear-encoded genes. Analysis of low-coverage off-target mitochondrial reads revealed a previously unreported mitochondrial mutation in the proband in MT-ND3 (m.10134C>A, p.Q26K), a Complex I mitochondrial gene previously associated with LS. Targeted investigations demonstrated that this mutation was 1% heteroplasmic in the mother's blood and homoplasmic in the proband's blood, fibroblasts, liver and muscle. Enzyme assays revealed decreased Complex I activity. The identification of this novel LS MT-ND3 variant, the genomics of which was accomplished in less than 3.5 weeks, indicates that rapid genomic approaches may prove useful in time-sensitive cases with an unresolved genetic diagnosis.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gates, J. M.; Gregorich, K. E.; Gothe, O. R.

In this study, forty-six decay chains, assigned to the decay of 288115, were produced using the 243Am ( 48Ca, 3n) 288115 reaction at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 88-in. cyclotron. The resulting series of α decays were studied using α-photon and α-x-ray spectroscopies. Multiple α-photon coincidences were observed in the element 115 decay chain members, particularly in the third- and fourth-generation decays (presumed to be 280Rg and 276Mt, respectively). Upon combining these data with those from 22 288115 decay chains observed in a similar experiment, updated level schemes in 276Mt and 272Bh (populated by the α decay of 280Rg andmore » 276Mt, respectively) are proposed. Additionally, photons were observed in the energy range expected for K x rays coincident with the α decay of both 280Rg and 276Mt. However, Compton scattering of higher-energy γ rays and discrete transitions are present in the K x-ray region preventing a definitive Z identification to be made based on observation of characteristic K x-ray energies.« less

Volcanic and anthropogenic contribution to heavy metal content in lichens from Mt. Etna and Vulcano island (Sicily).

PubMed

Varrica, D; Aiuppa, A; Dongarrà, G

2000-05-01

Major and trace element concentrations were determined in two lichen species (Parmelia conspersa and Xanthoria calcicola) from the island of Vulcano and all around Mt. Etna. In both areas, the average concentrations of Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K, P and Ti are substantially greater than those of other elements. Several elements (Br, Pb, Sb, Au, Zn, Cu) resulted enriched with respect to the local substrates. The Br and Pb enrichment factors turned out to be the highest among those calculated in both areas. Data indicate that mixing between volcanic and automotive-produced particles clearly explains the range of Pb/Br shown by lichen samples. Sb is also enriched, revealing a geogenic origin at Vulcano and a prevailing anthropic origin at Mt. Etna. Distribution maps of the enrichment factors show a generalized enrichment of Au and Zn near Mt. Etna, whereas Cu appears to be enriched prevalently in the NE-SE area. The highest levels of Au and Cu at Vulcano occur E-SE from the craters, following the prevailing wind direction.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of different types of honey derived from Mount Olympus in Greece.

PubMed

Stagos, Dimitrios; Soulitsiotis, Nikolaos; Tsadila, Christina; Papaeconomou, Stamatina; Arvanitis, Charalampos; Ntontos, Alexandros; Karkanta, Fani; Adamou-Androulaki, Soultana; Petrotos, Konstantinos; Spandidos, Demetrios A; Kouretas, Demetrios; Mossialos, Dimitris

2018-05-04

The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of 21 types of honey derived from Mount Olympus (Mt. Olympus), a region with great plant biodiversity. The antibacterial activity was examined against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) by the agar well diffusion assay and the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antioxidant activity was assessed by using the 2,2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'‑azino‑bis(3‑ethylbenzothiazoline‑6‑sulphonic acid (ABTS•+) free radical scavenging assays. These activities were compared to Manuka honey which is used as an alternative medicine. The results revealed that all tested honey types exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The MIC of the tested honey types against S. aureus ranged from 3.125 to 12.5% (v/v), while MIC of Manuka honey was determined to be 6.25% (v/v). The MIC values of the tested honey types against P. aeruginosa ranged from 6.25 to 12.5% (v/v) and the MIC of Manuka honey was determined at 12.5% (v/v). Moreover, the results suggested that the presence of hydrogen peroxide and proteinaceous compounds in the honey types accounted, at least in part, for the antibacterial activity. In addition, the total polyphenolic content (TPC) of the honey types seemed to contribute to the antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, some of the tested honey types exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS•+ radicals, which was greater than that of Manuka honey. The results indicated that not only the quantity, but also the quality of the polyphenols were responsible for the antioxidant activity. Moreover, four honey types exhibiting great antioxidant activity were converted to powder using a freeze drying method. The results indicated that following conversion to powder all honey types, apart from one, retained their antioxidant activity, although their TPC was reduced. On the whole, and at least to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first that extensively examined the bioactivities of different types of honey derived from Mt. Olympus.

Spelling Strategy. MicroSIFT Courseware Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1981. PRODUCER: Behavioral Engineering, 230 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite 207, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. EVALUATION COMPLETED: January, 1983 at the Oakland ISD in Pontiac, Michigan. COST: $45.00. ABILITY LEVEL: Grades 2 to 8. SUBJECT: Language…

Muscarinic receptor-mediated excitation of rat intracardiac ganglion neurons.

PubMed

Hirayama, Michiko; Ogata, Masanori; Kawamata, Tomoyuki; Ishibashi, Hitoshi

2015-08-01

Modulation of the membrane excitability of rat parasympathetic intracardiac ganglion neurons by muscarinic receptors was studied using an amphotericin B-perforated patch-clamp recording configuration. Activation of muscarinic receptors by oxotremorine-M (OxoM) depolarized the membrane, accompanied by repetitive action potentials. OxoM evoked inward currents under voltage-clamp conditions at a holding potential of -60 mV. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) markedly increased the OxoM-induced current (IOxoM). The inward IOxoM in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+) was fully inhibited by removal of extracellular Na(+), indicating the involvement of non-selective cation channels. The IOxoM was inhibited by organic cation channel antagonists including SKF-96365 and ML-204. The IOxoM was antagonized by muscarinic receptor antagonists with the following potency: 4-DAMP > pirenzepine = darifenacin > methoctramine. Muscarinic toxin 7 (MT-7), a highly selective inhibitor for M1 receptor, produced partial inhibition of the IOxoM. In the presence of MT-7, concentration-inhibition curve of the M3-preferring antagonist darifenacin was shifted to the left. These results suggest the contribution of M1 and M3 receptors to the OxoM response. The IOxoM was inhibited by U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor. The membrane-permeable IP3 receptor blocker xestospongin C also inhibited the IOxoM. Furthermore, pretreatment with thapsigargin and BAPTA-AM inhibited the IOxoM, while KN-62, a blocker of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, had no effect. These results suggest that the activation mechanism involves a PLC pathway, release of Ca(2+) from intracellular Ca(2+) stores and calmodulin. The cation channels activated by muscarinic receptors may play an important role in neuronal membrane depolarization in rat intracardiac ganglion neurons. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Indication of Confirmation of Transition and Formation Boundary from Ordered to Disordered Flux Vortex Chain State in High-Tc Superconductors Y1Ba2Cu3O7- δ and Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 and New Low-Field Data Delineating Magnetic Transition in Gd1Ba2(Fe0.02Cu0.98)3O7- δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vezzoli, G. Christopher; Chen, Michaeline F.; Burke, Terence; Rosen, Carol

1996-08-01

Data are presented herein that support a phase boundary or quasi-phase-boundary delineating in Y1Ba2Cu3O7-δ and in Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 ceramic materials a transition from a vortex solid lattice to a line-flux disordered state that has been referred to as representing flux lattice melting to a flux liquid, but herein is interpreted not in terms of a liquid but in the form of a less-mobile `polymer'-like or entangled chain species. These data are derived from electrical resistance (r) versus applied magnetic field (H) measurements at various isotherms (T) corresponding to the zero resistance state of yttrium--barium--cuprate, and the mixed state foot regime of bismuth--strontium--calcium--cuprate. We interpret significant slope changes in r versus B at constant T in these materials to be indicative of the H-T conditions for a second-order or weakly first-order phase transition delineating the disordering of a flux lattice vortex solid. We believe that this technique is in ways more direct and at least as accurate as the conventional mechanical oscillator and vibrating magnetometer method to study the flux state. Additional very-low-field studies in Gd1Ba2(Fe0.02Cu0.98)3O7-δ, from 1 to 1000 mT, yield indication for what appears to be a magnetic transition at ca. 77 K at 575 mT, and possibly a second transition at 912 mT (also at ca. 77 K). These data points correspond well with the extrapolated low-field experimental magnetic phase transition boundary curve described at higher field herein (and by others using the mechanical technique), and also correspond well to theoretically predicted work regarding transition involving the vortex state.

Genetic, Ecological and Morphological Distinctness of the Blue Mussels Mytilus trossulus Gould and M. edulis L. in the White Sea.

PubMed

Katolikova, Marina; Khaitov, Vadim; Väinölä, Risto; Gantsevich, Michael; Strelkov, Petr

2016-01-01

Two blue mussel lineages of Pliocene origin, Mytilus edulis (ME) and M. trossulus (MT), co-occur and hybridize in several regions on the shores of the North Atlantic. The two species were distinguished from each other by molecular methods in the 1980s, and a large amount of comparative data on them has been accumulated since that time. However, while ME and MT are now routinely distinguished by various genetic markers, they tend to be overlooked in ecological studies since morphological characters for taxonomic identification have been lacking, and no consistent habitat differences between lineages have been reported. Surveying a recently discovered area of ME and MT co-occurrence in the White Sea and employing a set of allozyme markers for identification, we address the issue whether ME and MT are true biological species with distinct ecological characteristics or just virtual genetic entities with no matching morphological and ecological identities. We find that: (1) in the White Sea, the occurrence of MT is largely concentrated in harbors, in line with observations from other subarctic regions of Europe; (2) mixed populations of ME and MT are always dominated by purebred individuals, animals classified as hybrids constituting only ca. 18%; (3) in terms of shell morphology, 80% of MT bear a distinct uninterrupted dark prismatic strip under the ligament while 97% of ME lack this character; (4) at sites of sympatry MT is more common on algal substrates while ME mostly lives directly on the bottom. This segregation by the substrate may contribute to maintaining reproductive isolation and decreasing competition between taxa. We conclude that while ME and MT are not fully reproductively isolated, they do represent clearly distinguishable biological, ecological and morphological entities in the White Sea. It remains to be documented whether the observed morphological and ecological differences are of a local character, or whether they have simply been overlooked in other contact zones.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hossain, Quazi Sohel; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0215; Ulziikhishig, Enkhbaatar

We recently reported that the glutathione transferase in rat liver mitochondrial membranes (mtMGST1) is activated by S-glutathionylation and the activated mtMGST1 contributes to the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore and cytochrome c release from mitochondria [Lee, K.K., Shimoji, M., Quazi, S.H., Sunakawa, H., Aniya, Y., 2008. Novel function of glutathione transferase in rat liver mitochondrial membrane: role for cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Toxcol. Appl. Pharmacol. 232, 109-118]. In the present study we investigated the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generator gallic acid (GA) and GST inhibitors on mtMGST1 and the MPT. When rat liver mitochondria were incubated withmore » GA, mtMGST1 activity was increased to about 3 fold and the increase was inhibited with antioxidant enzymes and singlet oxygen quenchers including 1,4-diazabicyclo [2,2,2] octane (DABCO). GA-mediated mtMGST1 activation was prevented by GST inhibitors such as tannic acid, hematin, and cibacron blue and also by cyclosporin A (CsA). In addition, GA induced the mitochondrial swelling which was also inhibited by GST inhibitors, but not by MPT inhibitors CsA, ADP, and bongkrekic acid. GA also released cytochrome c from the mitochondria which was inhibited completely by DABCO, moderately by GST inhibitors, and somewhat by CsA. Ca{sup 2+}-mediated mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release were inhibited by MPT inhibitors but not by GST inhibitors. When the outer mitochondrial membrane was isolated after treatment of mitochondria with GA, mtMGST1 activity was markedly increased and oligomer/aggregate of mtMGST1 was observed. These results indicate that mtMGST1 in the outer mitochondrial membrane is activated by GA through thiol oxidation leading to protein oligomerization/aggregation, which may contribute to the formation of ROS-mediated, CsA-insensitive MPT pore, suggesting a novel mechanism for regulation of the MPT by mtMGST1.« less

Metallothionein provides zinc-mediated protective effects against methamphetamine toxicity in SK-N-SH cells.

PubMed

Ajjimaporn, Amornpan; Swinscoe, John; Shavali, Shaik; Govitrapong, Piyarat; Ebadi, Manuchair

2005-11-30

Methamphetamine (METH) is a drug of abuse and neurotoxin that induces Parkinson's-like pathology after chronic usage by targeting dopaminergic neurons. Elucidation of the intracellular mechanisms that underlie METH-induced dopaminergic neuron toxicity may help in understanding the mechanism by which neurons die in Parkinson's disease. In the present study, we examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the METH-induced death of human dopaminergic SK-N-SH cells and further assessed the neuroprotective effects of zinc and metallothionein (MT) against METH-induced toxicity in culture. METH significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species, decreased intracellular ATP levels and reduced the cell viability. Pre-treatment with zinc markedly prevented the loss of cell viability caused by METH treatment. Zinc pre-treatment mainly increased the expression of metallothionein and prevented the generation of reactive oxygen species and ATP depletion caused by METH. Chelation of zinc by CaEDTA caused a significant decrease in MT expression and loss of protective effects of MT against METH toxicity. These results suggest that zinc-induced MT expression protects dopaminergic neurons via preventing the accumulation of toxic reactive oxygen species and halting the decrease in ATP levels. Furthermore, MT may prevent the loss of mitochondrial functions caused by neurotoxins. In conclusion, our study suggests that MT, a potent scavenger of free radicals is neuroprotective against dopaminergic toxicity in conditions such as drug of abuse and in Parkinson's disease.

Chemical assessment and in vitro antioxidant capacity of Ficus carica latex.

PubMed

Oliveira, Andreia P; Silva, Luís R; Ferreres, Federico; Guedes de Pinho, Paula; Valentão, Patrícia; Silva, Branca M; Pereira, José A; Andrade, Paula B

2010-03-24

Ficus species possess latex-like material within their vasculatures, affording protection and self-healing from physical attacks. In this work, metabolite profiling was performed on Ficus carica latex. Volatiles profile was determined by HS-SPME/GC-IT-MS, with 34 compounds being identified, distributed by distinct chemical classes: 5 aldehydes, 7 alcohols, 1 ketone, 9 monoterpenes, 9 sesquiterpenes and 3 other compounds. Sesquiterpenes constituted the most abundant class in latex (ca. 91% of total identified compounds). Organic acids composition was also characterized, by HPLC-UV, and oxalic, citric, malic, quinic, shikimic and fumaric acids were determined. Malic and shikimic acids were present in higher amounts (ca. 26%, each). The antioxidant potential of this material was checked by distinct in vitro chemical assays. A concentration-dependent activity was noticed against DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide radicals. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity was evaluated, but a weak effect was found.

[Photometric micro-titration model of DPPH radicals scavenging activity and its application].

PubMed

Gao, Yun-tao; Wei, Wei; Ye, Li-qing; Li, Xiao-fen; Liu, Ping; Zhang, Hong-jiao; Yang, Lu; Yu, Jiao-jiao; Cha, Jia-wei

2015-02-01

In the present paper, the stoichiometric ratio (R) for the interreaction of DPPH radicals with the antoxidant was employed as a evaluation index for DPPH radicals scavenging activity of antioxidants. This evaluation index was related only with the stoichiometric relationship between DPPH radicals and the antioxidant, not the relationship with the initial DPPH amount and the volume of sample, which could offer a solution for the problem of poor comparability of EC50 under different conditions. A novel photometric micro-titration method was proposed for the determination of the stoichiometric ratio (R) for the interreaction of DPPH radicals with the antoxidant. The titration equation was established based on the absorbance difference (deltaA) of DPPH radicals in the titration process and the added amount of antoxidant. The stoichiometric ratio (R) for the reaction of DPPH radicals with the addition amount of antoxidant was determined by the titration equation obtained, while, the DPPH median elimination concentration (EC50) of antoxidant can be calculated by the stoichiometric ratio (R). The above photometric micro-titration model was verified using rutin as DPPH radicals scavenger. As experiment results, the stoichiometric ratio (R) of DPPH radicals to rutin was determined to be in the range of 1.817-1.846. The calculated value of EC50 was 1.196 x 10(-3), 2.392 x 10(-3), 4.819 x 10(-3) and 7.292 x 10(-3) mg x mL(-1) for 1.12 x 10(-7), 2.24 x 10(-7), 4.48 x 10(-7) and 6.72 x 10(-7) mol of the additon amount of DPPH radicals, respectively. The proposed method has better precision and reliability with smaller amount of sample than conventional method. While, the obtained stoichiometric ratio value (R) of rutin was employed to calculate the rutin median elimination concentration for DPPH EC50) according to the conditions as reported in the literatures, and the calculated results were consistent with that reported in the literatures.

Antioxidant potential, cytotoxic activity and total phenolic content of Alpinia pahangensis rhizomes.

PubMed

Phang, Chung-Weng; Malek, Sri Nurestri Abd; Ibrahim, Halijah

2013-10-01

Alpinia pahangensis, a wild ginger distributed in the lowlands of Pahang, Malaysia, is used by the locals to treat flatulence. In this study, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the crude aqueous methanol and fractionated extracts of Alpinia pahangensis against five different cancer and one normal cell lines were investigated. The total phenolic content of each extract and its fractions were also quantified. This is the first report on the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Alpinia pahangensis extract. In the current study, the crude methanol and fractionated extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia pahangensis were investigated for their antioxidant activity using four different assays namely, the DPPH scavenging activity, superoxide anion scavenging, β-carotene bleaching and reducing power assays whilst their phenolic contents were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu's method.In vitro neutral red cytotoxicity assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity against five different cancer cell lines, colon cancer (HCT 116 and HT-29), cervical cancer (Ca Ski), breast cancer (MCF7) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines, and one normal cell line (MRC-5). The extract that showed high cytotoxic activity was further investigated for its chemical constituents by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging (0.35 ± 0.094 mg/ml) and SOD activities (51.77 ± 4.9%) whilst the methanol extract showed the highest reducing power and also the strongest antioxidant activity in the β-carotene bleaching assays in comparison to other fractions. The highest phenolic content was found in the ethyl acetate fraction, followed by the crude methanol extract, hexane and water fractions. The results showed a positive correlation between total phenolic content with DPPH radical scavenging capacities and SOD activities. The hexane fraction showed potent cytotoxic effect against KB, Ca Ski and HCT 116 cell lines with IC₅₀ of 5.8 ± 0.1 and 9.1 ± 2.0 ug/ml, respectively. The major components of hexane fraction analysed by GC-MS analysis were mostly methyl esters. The current study suggests that the methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of A. pahangensis is a potential source of natural antioxidant for protective as well as prevention of life-threatening diseases. The hexane fraction of A. pahangensis may have the potential to be developed into therapeutic option for treating cancer.

Correlational study on mitochondrial DNA mutations as potential risk factors in breast cancer.

PubMed

Li, Linhai; Chen, Lidan; Li, Jun; Zhang, Weiyun; Liao, Yang; Chen, Jianyun; Sun, Zhaohui

2016-05-24

The presented study performed an mtDNA genome-wide association analysis to screen the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients for high-risk germline mutations. Unlike previous studies, which have used breast tissue in analyzing somatic mutations, we looked for germline mutations in our study, since they are better predictors of breast cancer in high-risk groups, facilitate early, non-invasive diagnoses of breast cancer and may provide a broader spectrum of therapeutic options. The data comprised 22 samples of healthy group and 83 samples from breast cancer patients. The sequencing data showed 170 mtDNA mutations in the healthy group and 393 mtDNA mutations in the disease group. Of these, 283 mtDNA mutations (88 in the healthy group and 232 in the disease group) had never been reported in the literature. Moreover, correlation analysis indicated there was a significant difference in 32 mtDNA mutations. According to our relative risk analysis of these 32 mtDNA mutations, 27 of the total had odds ratio values (ORs) of less than 1, meaning that these mutations have a potentially protective role to play in breast cancer. The remaining 5 mtDNA mutations, RNR2-2463 indelA, COX1-6296 C>A, COX1-6298 indelT, ATP6-8860 A>G, and ND5-13327 indelA, whose ORs were 8.050, 4.464, 4.464, 5.254 and 4.853, respectively, were regarded as risk factors of increased breast cancer. The five mutations identified here may serve as novel indicators of breast cancer and may have future therapeutic applications. In addition, the use of peripheral blood samples was procedurally simple and could be applied as a non-invasive diagnostic technique.

78 FR 77784 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... applications, FMCSA exempts Daniel L. Alcaraz (IL), John Baltich (PA), Rodney G. Bell (IA), John D. Clark, 4th (NJ), Theeir L. Coleman (VA), Michael W. Denney (KY), Charles G. Garabedian (NH), William I. Harbolt (MT), Ryan L. Harrier (MI), John D. Heffington (KS), Matthew L. Herscowitz (CA), Larry W. Hines (NM...

11. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated July ??, 19?? ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated July ??, 19?? (illegible, ca. 1927), Construction Division Office of the Quartermaster General, in possession of Selfridge Base Museum, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. DETAILS, SECTIONS (illegible), SDO 141 - Selfridge Field, Building Nos. 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 228, 230, 232, 234, & 236 George Avenue, Mount Clemens, Macomb County, MI

10. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated July ??, 19?? ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated July ??, 19?? (illegible, ca. 1927), Construction Division Office of the Quartermaster General, in possession of Selfridge Base Museum, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. PLAN (illegible), SDO 141 - Selfridge Field, Building Nos. 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 228, 230, 232, 234, & 236 George Avenue, Mount Clemens, Macomb County, MI

9. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated July ??, 19?? ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. Photographic copy of construction drawing, dated July ??, 19?? (illegible, ca. 1927), Construction Division Office of the Quartermaster General, in possession of Selfridge Base Museum, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. PLAN (illegible), SDO 140 - Selfridge Field, Building Nos. 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 228, 230, 232, 234, & 236 George Avenue, Mount Clemens, Macomb County, MI

Day users in wilderness: How different are they?

Treesearch

David N. Cole

2001-01-01

This study describes the trip and visitor characteristics, evaluations, and preferences of day users in wilderness, by contrasting them with overnight users. Data from the Three Sisters (OR), Desolation (CA), Bob Marshall (MT), Charles Deam (IN), Caney Creek (AR), Shining Rock (NC), and Cohutta (GA) Wildernesses are presented. Primary conclusions were that: (1) day...

1. LOOKING NORTH AT SOUTH FRONT OF CONTROL HOUSE. ALSO ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

1. LOOKING NORTH AT SOUTH FRONT OF CONTROL HOUSE. ALSO SHOWN ARE THE CONTROL TOWER, THE SERVICE BRIDGE, AND THE SERVICE BRIDGE PIER. SNOW COVERED MT. BALDY IS VISIBLE IN THE DISTANCE. - Prado Dam, Outlet Works, Santa Ana River near junction of State Highways 71 & 91, Corona, Riverside County, CA

Effect of Heating on DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Meat Substitute

PubMed Central

Song, Hyeun Sung; Bae, Jun Kyu; Park, Inshik

2013-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the increase of DPPH radical scavenging activity of meat substitute by heating. The meat substitute showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than those of other foods rich in protein such as beef, pork, chicken, and soybean curd. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of meat substitute was dependent upon concentration, heating temperature and heating time of meat substitute. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of meat substitute was enhanced with increasing heating temperature and time. The increase of DPPH radical scavenging activity was only applied to meat substitute without showing any activation in other foods rich in protein such as beef, pork, chicken, and soybean curd. PMID:24471114

Effect of Heating on DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Meat Substitute.

PubMed

Song, Hyeun Sung; Bae, Jun Kyu; Park, Inshik

2013-03-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the increase of DPPH radical scavenging activity of meat substitute by heating. The meat substitute showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than those of other foods rich in protein such as beef, pork, chicken, and soybean curd. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of meat substitute was dependent upon concentration, heating temperature and heating time of meat substitute. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of meat substitute was enhanced with increasing heating temperature and time. The increase of DPPH radical scavenging activity was only applied to meat substitute without showing any activation in other foods rich in protein such as beef, pork, chicken, and soybean curd.

Molecular systematics of European Hyalodaphnia: the role of contemporary hybridization in ancient species.

PubMed Central

Schwenk, K; Posada, D; Hebert, P D

2000-01-01

We examined phylogenetic relationships among Daphnia using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from the small subunit ribosomal RNA (12S), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear DNA sequences from the first and second internal transcribed spacer representing 1612 base positions. Phylogenetic analyses using several species of the three main Daphnia subgenera, Ctenodaphnia, Hyalodaphnia and Daphnia, revealed that the Hyalodaphnia are a monophyletic sister group of the Daphnia. Most Hyalodaphnia species occur on one continent, whereas only three are found in North America and Europe. Endemicity of species is associated with variation in thermal tolerance and habitat differentiation. Although many species of the Hyalodaphnia are known to hybridize in nature, mtDNA divergence is relatively high ca. 9%) compared to other hybridizing arthropods (ca. 3%). Reproductive isolation in Daphnia seems to evolve significantly slower than genetic isolation. We related these findings to what is known about the ecology and genetics of Daphnia in order to better understand the evolutionary diversification of lineages. The relationship of these data to phylogenetic patterns is discussed in the context of speciation processes in Daphnia. PMID:11052533

African eggplant (Solanum anguivi Lam.) fruit with bioactive polyphenolic compounds exerts in vitro antioxidant properties and inhibits Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial swelling.

PubMed

Elekofehinti, Olusola Olalekan; Kamdem, Jean Paul; Bolingon, Aline Augusti; Athayde, Margareth Linde; Lopes, Seeger Rodrigo; Waczuk, Emily Pansera; Kade, Ige Joseph; Adanlawo, Isaac Gbadura; Rocha, Joao Batista Teixeira

2013-10-01

To evaluate the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of Solanum anguivi fruit (SAG) and its possible effect on mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) isolated from rat liver. Antioxidant activity of SAG was assayed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, iron chelation and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in both liver and brain homogenate of rats. Also, the effect of SAG on mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling were determined. Identification and quantification of bioactive polyphenolics was done by HPLC-DAD. SAG exhibited potent and concentration dependent free radical-scavenging activity (IC50/DPPH=275.03±7.8 μg/mL). Reductive and iron chelation abilities also increase with increase in SAG concentration. SAG also inhibited peroxidation of cerebral and hepatic lipids subjected to iron oxidative assault. SAG protected against Ca(2+) (110 μmol/L)-induced mitochondrial swelling and maintained the ΔΨm. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid [(17.54±0.04) mg/g], chlorogenic acid (21.90±0.02 mg/g), caffeic acid (16.64±0.01 mg/g), rutin [(14.71±0.03) mg/g] and quercetin [(7.39±0.05) mg/g]. These effects could be attributed to the bioactive polyphenolic compounds present in the extract. Our results suggest that SAG extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants that may be used not only in pharmaceutical and food industry but also in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress. Copyright © 2013 Asian Pacific Tropical Biomedical Magazine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Na-doped La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 compounds exhibiting a large magnetocaloric effect near room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi Linh, Dinh; Thi Ha, Nguyen; Huu Duc, Nguyen; Giang Nam, Le Huu; Bau, Le Viet; Manh An, Nguyen; Yu, Seong-Cho; Dang Thanh, Tran

2018-03-01

In this work, we have investigated the magnetic properties and the magnetocaloric effect of La0.7-xNaxCa0.3MnO3 compounds, which were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction technique. The Rietveld refinement results suggested that the samples are single phase belonging to an orthorhombic structure (space group Pnma). Analyzing temperature dependence of magnetization M(T) revealed that the Curie temperature (TC) increases with increasing Na content (x). Their TC value is found to be 260-298 K for x=0.0-0.1, respectively. Base on M(T) data measured at different applied magnetic fields (H), temperature dependence of magnetic entropy change ΔSm(T) data for all the samples was calculated by using a phenomenological model. In the vicinity of TC, -ΔSm(T) curve reaches a maximum value (denoted as |ΔSmax|), which gradually increases with increasing H. Under 12 kOe, the value of |ΔSmax| is in a range of 1.47-5.19 J/kg K corresponding to the relative cooling power RCP=57.12-75.88 J/kg. Applied the universal master curve method for the magnetic entropy change, we concluded that Na-doped in La0.7-xNaxCa0.3MnO3 compounds leads to modification the nature of the magnetic phase transition from the first- to the second-order.

RADIOLYSIS OF DILUTE SOLUTIONS OF DIPHENYLPICRYLHYDRAZYLE (DPPH) IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS. IV. NATURE OF THE ADDITION PRODUCTS. INTERCEPTION CHEMICAL PROCESSES (in French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bouby, L.; Chapiro, A.; Chapiro, E.

1961-04-01

The nature of the addition compounds formed during the irradiation of chloroform and carbon tetrachloride in the presence of DPPH and during the reaction of DPPH with chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and phosgene was studied by chromatography on alumina. The principal fraction, isolated among the products of these different reactions, is constituted by red-orange compound whose spectrum is identical with that of the diphenylpicrylhydrazine DPPH-H. The chromatograms contain "black bodies" which possess in- tense absorption bands at long wave lengths and which are paramagnetic. These "black bodies" which are probably substitute derivatives of DPPH yield by reduction red range substances havingmore » the same spectrum as hydrozine DPPH-H. However on reoxidation, these hydrozines give e "black bodies"; they act then as substituted hydrazines. The "black bodies" can be reduced to two types of compounds: blue-black compounds formed during the irradiation of chloroform or from the action of DPPH on phosgene and brown-black compounds resulting from the radiolysis of CCl/sub 4/ or from the action of DPPH on chlorine. The elementary analysis of this last compound indicates at it contains more than 3 Cl/molecule. It was concluded that the chemical mechanisms of the interception of free radicals by DPPH is in reality more complex than a simple reaction of radical combination. However, the secondary reactions do not appear to perturb in a significant manner the radical yields determined by the DPPH method. (tr-auth)« less

The provenance of Archean clastic metasediments in the Narryer Gneiss Complex, Western Australia: Trace element geochemistry, Nd isotopes, and U-Pb ages for detrital zircons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maas, Roland; McCulloch, Malcolm T.

1991-07-01

Clastic metasedimentary rocks of mid-Archean age from the Mt. Narryer and Jack Hills metasedimentary belts have REE patterns resembling those of mid- to late-Archean pelitic-quartzitic cratonic sequences elsewhere, and post-Archean continental rocks in general. Detrital zircons in the metasediments range in age from ca. 3000 to 3700 Ma. This indicates a provenance from mature cratonic sources controlled by K-rich granitic rocks. Additional minor sediment sources were identified as older, mainly chemical sedimentary sequences, ultramafic rocks, and felsic rocks characterized by low HREE contents, perhaps of tonalitic affinity. The association of the near-shore/fluviatile clastic association studied here with extensive turbiditic and chemical sedimentary sequences indicates these sources formed part of a (rifted ?) cratonic margin ca. 3 Ga ago. Differences between sedimentary REE patterns and those in the surrounding 3.73-3.0 Ga orthogneiss terrain, and between detrital zircon ages and the age distribution in the gneisses, suggest that the present association of the metasedimentary belts with the orthogneiss terrain is of tectonic origin. The occurrence of detrital zircons with U-Pb ages > 4 Ga in certain quartzites and conglomerates of the Jack Hills and Mt. Narryer metasedimentary sequences indicates a further, most likely granitic, source. ɛNd( TDep) values in Jack Hills metasediments vary widely (+5 to -12) but have a smaller range in the Mt. Narryer belt (-5 to -9). The lowest ɛNd values of both sequences are interpreted to reflect the presence of detritus derived from 4.1-4.2 Ga old LREE-enriched continental crust in proportions considerably larger (≥ 10%) than estimated previously from the abundance of pre-4 Ga detrital zircons (≈3%). This would imply the former existence of significant volumes of pre-4 Ga continental crust in the provenance of the Mt. Narryer and Jack Hills metasediments.

78 FR 16762 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-18

... decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Gary W. Balcom (MI) Jimmie L. Blue (MT) David L. Botkins (NY) James H. Corby (PA) Wesley M. Creamer (NM) Gerald S. Dennis (IA) Bruce J. Greil (WI) Thanh V. Ha (CA) Charles R. Hoeppner (MD) Paul J. Jones (NY) Lester H. Killingsworth...

Bishop pine (Pinus muricata) of inland Marin County, CA

Treesearch

Constance I. Millar

1986-01-01

The locations and characteristics of five, small, previously undescribed stands of bishop pine (Pinus muricata) in central Marin Co., California, are reported. Three stands lie on dry sites in the Kent Lake Drainage north of Mt. Tamalpais: San Geronimo Ridge, a spur ridge above Little Carson Cr., and Oat Hill. These stands are anomalous in occurring...

15. Photocopy of photograph (original 43/4 x 33/4 inch print ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

15. Photocopy of photograph (original 4-3/4 x 3-3/4 inch print located in the Recreation files, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N. F.). Photographer unknown, ca. 1941 SKI WARMING HUT, AUSTIN PASS, GLACIER DISTRICT. (NOTE PLANK SPANNING GAP BETWEEN KNOLL AND PORCH) - Austin Pass Warming Hut, Washington Highway 542, Glacier, Whatcom County, WA

AQUATIC STREAM INDICATOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES, PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR ARIZONA, NEVADA, AND UTAH

EPA Science Inventory

Beginning in 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a 5-year study of streams and rivers in 12 western States (AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, and V;Y) as a component of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). The objective of EMA...

Electrical tuning and transduction in short hair cells of the chicken auditory papilla.

PubMed

Tan, Xiaodong; Beurg, Maryline; Hackney, Carole; Mahendrasingam, Shanthini; Fettiplace, Robert

2013-04-01

The avian auditory papilla contains two classes of sensory receptor, tall hair cells (THCs) and short hair cells (SHCs), the latter analogous to mammalian outer hair cells with large efferent but sparse afferent innervation. Little is known about the tuning, transduction, or electrical properties of SHCs. To address this problem, we made patch-clamp recordings from hair cells in an isolated chicken basilar papilla preparation at 33°C. We found that SHCs are electrically tuned by a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current, their resonant frequency varying along the papilla in tandem with that of the THCs, which also exhibit electrical tuning. The tonotopic map for THCs was similar to maps previously described from auditory nerve fiber measurements. SHCs also possess an A-type K(+) current, but electrical tuning was observed only at resting potentials positive to -45 mV, where the A current is inactivated. We predict that the resting potential in vivo is approximately -40 mV, depolarized by a standing inward current through mechanotransducer (MT) channels having a resting open probability of ∼0.26. The resting open probability stems from a low endolymphatic Ca(2+) concentration (0.24 mM) and a high intracellular mobile Ca(2+) buffer concentration, estimated from perforated-patch recordings as equivalent to 0.5 mM BAPTA. The high buffer concentration was confirmed by quantifying parvalbumin-3 and calbindin D-28K with calibrated postembedding immunogold labeling, demonstrating >1 mM calcium-binding sites. Both proteins displayed an apex-to-base gradient matching that in the MT current amplitude, which increased exponentially along the papilla. Stereociliary bundles also labeled heavily with antibodies against the Ca(2+) pump isoform PMCA2a.

The Influence of Different Oregano Species on the Antioxidant Activity Determined Using HPLC Postcolumn DPPH Method and Anticancer Activity of Carvacrol and Rosmarinic Acid

PubMed Central

Kubiliene, Asta; Marksa, Mindaugas; Petrikaite, Vilma; Vitkevičius, Konradas; Baranauskas, Algirdas

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate concentration-dependent antioxidant and anticancer activities of CA and RA in ethanol extracts of three different Oregano species (Origanum onites L., Origanum vulgare L., and Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum). The study revealed the highest RA antioxidant activity in O. vulgare ssp. hirtum (9550 ± 95 mmol/g) and the lowest in O. vulgare L. (2605 ± 52 mmol/g) (p < 0.05). The highest CA amount was present in O. onites L., which was 1.8 and 4.7 times higher (p < 0.05) than in O. vulgare ssp. hirtum and O. vulgare L., respectively. The anticancer activity was evaluated on human glioblastoma (U87) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB231) cell lines in vitro. RA anticancer activity was negligible. CA and the extracts were about 1.5–2 times more active against MDA-MB231 cell line (p < 0.05) compared to U87 cell line. The anticancer activities of three tested extracts were similar against U87 cell line (p > 0.05) but they had different activities against MDA-MB231 cell line. PMID:29181386

The structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of the half-metallic binary alloys ZCl3 (Z=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr): A first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jun-Tao; Zhang, Jian-Min

2018-06-01

The investigations of the electronic and magnetic properties show the binary Heusler alloys ZCl3 (Z = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) are half-metallic (HM) ferromagnets with an integer magnetic moment (Mt) of 1 μB /f.u.. The alloy BeCl3 is thermodynamic meta-stable, while other alloys are thermodynamic stable according to their cohesive energies and formation energies. Moreover, wide HM regions for alloys ZCl3 (Z = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr) show their HM characters are robust when the lattices are expanded or compressed under uniform and tetragonal strains. Finally, some optical properties are analyzed in detail, such as the dielectric function, the absorption coefficient, the refractive index and the extinction coefficient.

Eudialyte-group minerals in rocks of Lovozero layered complex at Mt. Karnasurt and Mt. Kedykvyrpakhk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanyuk, G. Yu.; Pakhomovsky, Ya. A.; Yakovenchuk, V. N.

2015-12-01

Eudialyte-bearing interbeds within layers I-4 (Mt. Karnasurt) and II-4 (Mt. Kedykvyrpakhk) in the layered complex of the Lovozero Pluton are localized symmetrically relative to the loparite-bearing ijolite-malignite layer; the content of eudialyte decreases from underlying nepheline syenite to overlying foidolite. Eudialyte-group minerals fill the interstices between nepheline, sodalite, and microcline-perthite crystals in all rock types and are partially replaced with georgechaoite and minerals of the lovozerite group as a result of hydrothermal alteration. Variations in the chemical composition of the eudialyte-group minerals are mainly controlled by block substitution NaFeZrCl ↔ LnMn(Nb,Ti)S producing eudialyte proper, manganoeudialyte (sharply predominant), kentbrooksite, alluaivite, and a phase intermediate between manganoeudialyte and alluaivite. As the total Ln2O3 content increases, the relative amounts of Ce and La oxides increases linearly in the proportion Ce2O3: La2O3 = 2.5: 1. In the phases containing lower than 3 wt % La2O3, Nd becomes the next REE after Ce. It is very likely that (mangano)eudialyte was mostly formed after parakeldyshite and other anhydrous zirconium-silicate under effect of residual fluids enriched in Ca and Mn, which took part in fenitization of basalt, tuff, and tuffite of the Lovozero Formation.

Two applications of the Recently Developed UZF-MT3DMS Model for Evaluating Nonpoint-Source Fluxes (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morway, E. D.; Niswonger, R. G.; Nishikawa, T.

2013-12-01

The solute-transport model MT3DMS was modified to simulate transport in the unsaturated-zone by incorporating the additional flow terms calculated by the Unsaturated-Zone Flow (UZF) package developed for MODFLOW. Referred to as UZF-MT3DMS, the model simulates advection and dispersion of conservative and reactive solutes in unsaturated and saturated porous media. Significant time savings are realized owing to the efficiency of the kinematic -wave approximation used by the UZF1 package relative to Richards' equation-based approaches, facilitating the use of automated parameter-estimation routines wherein thousands of model runs may be required. Currently, UZF-MT3DMS is applied to two real-world applications of existing MODFLOW and MT3DMS models retro-fitted to use the UZF1 package for simulating the unsaturated component of the sub-surface system. In the first application, two regional-scale investigations located in Colorado's Lower Arkansas River Valley (LARV) are developed to evaluate the extent and severity of unsaturated-zone salinization contributing to crop yield loss. Preliminary results indicate root zone concentrations over both regions are at or above salinity-thresholds of most crop types grown in the LARV. Regional-scale modeling investigations of salinization found in the literature commonly use lumped-parameter models rather than physically-based distributed-parameter models. In the second application, located near Joshua Tree, CA, nitrate loading to the underlying unconfined aquifer from domestic septic systems is evaluated. Due to the region's thick unsaturated-zone and correspondingly long unsaturated-zone residence times (multi-decade), UZF-MT3DMS enabled direct simulation of spatially-varying concentration break-through curves at the water table.

Investigation of epigallocatechin-3-O-caffeoate and epigallocatechin-3-O-p-coumaroate in tea leaves by LC/MS-MS analysis.

PubMed

Umehara, Masahiro; Yanae, Koji; Maruki-Uchida, Hiroko; Sai, Masahiko

2017-12-01

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the major catechin present in green tea, exhibits potent antioxidant activity. We thereby investigated the presence of unknown components bearing the (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) moiety in fresh tea leaf samples. Initially, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to examine fresh tea leaves of the Yabukita, the most popular tea cultivar in Japan, which suggested the presence of the EGC phenylpropanoid derivatives, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-p-coumaroate (EGCpCA) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-caffeoate (EGCCA). The structures of the detected EGCpCA and EGCCA were then confirmed by LC-MS/MS using synthesized EGCpCA and EGCCA as standards. In addition, EGCpCA and EGCCA were evaluated for their antioxidant activity in the ORAC (oxygen radical antioxidant capacity) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assays, where EGCCA (8.60μmolTE/μmol, TE=Trolox equivalents) exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity than EGCG (5.52μmolTE/μmol) in the ORAC assay. Finally, EGCpCA and EGCCA were quantitated in several tea leaf samples using LC-MS/MS, and it was found that these compounds were present in lower quantities (EGCpCA, 16.8-345.8μg/g, EGCCA, 4.3-75.1μg/g in the dry tea leaves) than the major catechins. In this study, we found the potent antioxidant EGCCA using LC-MS/MS and revealed its wide existence in various tea leaves. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 29446 - Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-17

...), James W. McClintock, III (AR), John W. Morrison (CA), Bruce V. Oppegard (MN), Edward L. Quinones, (IL), David L. Rice (ME), Wade D. Street (MT), Charles M. Sweat (VA) and Donald E. Towne (CT) from the ITDM... applications, FMCSA exempts, Ross J. Brown (MI), Bert R. Duncan, Jr. (UT), John L. Frank (ID), DeVere E. Hansen...

Scavenging performance and antioxidant activity of γ-alumina nanoparticles towards DPPH free radical: Spectroscopic and DFT-D studies.

PubMed

Zamani, Mehdi; Moradi Delfani, Ali; Jabbari, Morteza

2018-05-03

The radical scavenging performance and antioxidant activity of γ-alumina nanoparticles towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical were investigated by spectroscopic and computational methods. The radical scavenging ability of γ-alumina nanoparticles in the media with different polarity (i.e. i-propanol and n-hexane) was evaluated by measuring the DPPH absorbance in UV-Vis absorption spectra. The structure and morphology of γ-alumina nanoparticles before and after adsorption of DPPH were studied using XRD, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. The adsorption of DPPH free radical on the clean and hydrated γ-alumina (1 1 0) surface was examined by dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) and natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations. Also, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) was used to predict the absorption spectra. The adsorption was occurred through the interaction of radical nitrogen N and NO 2 groups of DPPH with the acidic and basic sites of γ-alumina surface. The high potential for the adsorption of DPPH radical on γ-alumina nanoparticles was investigated. Interaction of DPPH with Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites of γ-alumina was more favored than Brønsted basic sites. The following order for the adsorption of DPPH over the different active sites of γ-alumina was predicted: Brønsted base < Lewis acid < Brønsted acid. These results are of great significance for the environmental application of γ-alumina nanoparticles in order to remove free radicals. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Ocean acidification modulates expression of genes and physiological performance of a marine diatom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Zhuang, S.; Wu, Y.; Ren, H.; Cheng, F.; Lin, X.; Wang, K.; Beardall, J.; Gao, K.

2015-09-01

Ocean Acidification (OA) is known to affect various aspects of the physiological performance of diatoms, but there is little information on the underlining molecular mechanisms involved. Here, we show that in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum expression of the genes related to light harvesting, carbon acquisition and carboxylation, nitrite assimilation and ATP synthesis are modulated by OA. Growth and photosynthetic carbon fixation were enhanced by elevated CO2 (1000 μatm) under both constant indoor and fluctuating outdoor light regimes. The genetic expression of nitrite reductase (NiR) was up-regulated by OA regardless of light levels and/or regimes. The transcriptional expression of fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c protein (lhcf type (FCP)) and mitochondrial ATP synthase (mtATP synthase) genes were also enhanced by OA, but only under high light intensity. OA treatment decreased the expression of β-carbonic anhydrase (β-CA) along with down-regulation of CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). Additionally, the genes for these proteins (NiR, FCP, mtATP synthase, β-CA) showed diel expressions either under constant indoor light or fluctuating sunlight. Thus, OA enhanced photosynthetic and growth rates by stimulating nitrogen assimilation and indirectly by down-regulating the energy-costly inorganic carbon acquisition process.

Variation of antioxidant activity and the levels of bioactive compounds in lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts from hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) cultivars.

PubMed

Bae, Haejin; Jayaprakasha, G K; Jifon, John; Patil, Bhimanagouda S

2012-10-15

Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. This study investigated the extraction efficiency of five solvents on antioxidant activities from cayenne (CA408 and Mesilla), jalapeño (Ixtapa) and serrano (Tuxtlas) pepper cultivars. Freeze-dried peppers were extracted using a Soxhlet extractor with five solvents: hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and methanol:water (80:20). The levels of specific bioactive compounds (phenolics, capsaicinoids, carotenoids and flavonoids) were determined by HPLC and antioxidant activities were assayed by three methods. For all pepper cultivars tested, hexane extracts had the highest levels of capsaicinoids and carotenoids, but methanol extracts had the maximum levels of flavonoids. Hexane extracts showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricrylhydrozyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and higher reducing power, and acetone extracts (from Mesilla pepper) had a high reducing power. All pepper extracts, except hexane, were effective in preventing deoxyribose degradation, and the inhibition was increased by high concentrations of extracts. The results of the present study indicated that, among the different measures of antioxidant activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity was strongly correlated with total bioactive compounds (capsaicinoids, carotenoids, flavonoids and total phenolics) in pepper cultivars. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pilot-scale testing of renewable biocatalyst for swine manure treatment and mitigation of odorous VOCs, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, Devin L.; Koziel, Jacek A.; Bruning, Kelsey; Parker, David B.

2017-02-01

Comprehensive control of odors, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with swine production is a critical need. A pilot-scale experiment was conducted to evaluate surface-applied soybean peroxidase (SBP) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) as a manure additive to mitigate emissions of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOC) including dimethyl disulfide/methanethiol (DMDS/MT), dimethyl trisulfide, n-butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, p-cresol, indole, and skatole. The secondary impact on emissions of NH3, H2S, and GHG was also measured. The SBP was tested at four treatments (2.28-45.7 kg/m2 manure) with CaO2 (4.2% by weight of SBP) over 137 days. Significant reductions in VOC emissions were observed: DMDS/MT (36.2%-84.7%), p-cresol (53.1%-89.5%), and skatole (63.2%-92.5%). There was a corresponding significant reduction in NH3 (14.6%-67.6%), and significant increases in the greenhouse gases CH4 (32.7%-232%) and CO2 (20.8%-124%). The remaining emissions (including N2O) were not statistically different. At a cost relative to 0.8% of a marketed hog it appears that SBP/CaO2 treatment could be a promising option at the lowest (2.28 kg/m2) treatment rate for reducing odorous gas and NH3 emissions at swine operations, and field-scale testing is warranted.

Ozone reactivity and free radical scavenging behavior of phenolic secondary metabolites in lichens exposed to chronic oxidant air pollution from Mexico City.

PubMed

Valencia-Islas, N; Zambrano, A; Rojas, J L

2007-08-01

Lichen secondary metabolites putatively protect lichens from a variety of environmental stress factors, but it is unknown whether these substances respond to air pollution. To assess such a possibility, the three major phenolics of two epiphytic lichen species with contrasting tolerance to chronic air pollution from Mexico City were studied by combining experimental reactivity data and measured field contents. The antioxidant activity and antiradical power of boninic (BO), 2-O-methylsekikaic (MA), and usnic (US) acids, isolated from the tolerant Ramalina asahinae and salazinic acid (SA), atranorin (AT), and chloroatranorin (CA), from the sensitive Parmotrema stuppeum, were determined in vitro by kinetic experiments with ozone and the free radical diphenyl picryl hidrazyl (DPPH*), respectively. In addition, the field contents of these phenolics in the lichens, and the potential antioxidant capacity (PAC) they provide, were compared among three forested sites exposed to urban emissions and a similar, relatively clean site. The six phenolics had antioxidant activity and antiradical power according to these trends: CA > AT > US > SA > or = BO > or = MA for O(3); and CA > AT > US > MA > SA = BO for DPPH*. The three most reactive phenolics are cortical compounds, located in the lichen portion most exposed to the surrounding environment. In contrast, the less reactive SA, BO, and MA are medullary. Such reactivity patterns indicate that some phenolics may provide antioxidative protection at the air-lichen interface. The higher antioxidant power of CA and AT may be due to the reactive hydroxyl groups at positions 2 and 4 of ring A, instead of the less reactive methoxyl at the same positions in both BO and MA. In the field comparisons, total quantified phenolics were significantly higher near Mexico City for both lichens, except for the tolerant R. asahinae at one site. Nevertheless, only the latter species had significantly increased PAC values at all sites near the city. This result is explained by species-dependent changes in individual phenolics. At the polluted sites, R. asahinae had consistently higher contents of its most reactive phenolic, US, with values approximately twice that of the control site. In contrast, P. stuppeum only increased its less reactive SA (26-35%), but this was counteracted by CA and, to a lesser extent, AT degradation. Thus, the substantial increase in US at the polluted sites appears to be associated with the current ecological success of R. asahinae near the city. On the other hand, the inability of P. stuppeum to overcome degradation of its most reactive phenolic (CA) at the same sites seems to partially explain the declining status of this lichen. These results provide evidence for a protective mechanism in lichens against air pollution based on secondary metabolites, which may eventually determine which species survive in forests stressed by oxidative air pollution.

Synthesis of the Tube Silicate Litidionite and Structural Relationships between It and Some Other Silicates.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-17

CuSi4015 Others are agrellite, NaCa2Si4O0oF, 1 6 narsarsukite, Na2TiSi4O 1 7 miserite, KCa5 i2 07 Si601 5 (OH)F,18 and probably canasite , Na4K2Ca 5...and canasite are rare. Litidionite is apparently very rare, the only reported occurrence of it being in the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. Both litidionite1...narsarsukite, miserite, and probably canasite contain, like 13-19 lititionite, tube silicate ions. The first three contain ions that are the same as that in

Evaluation of a Videodisc Delivery System for Teaching Students to Troubleshoot the AN/VRC-12 Medium-Powered Radio Series.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-31

Commaznd -- Fo,,.t Motoe, VIti ia 23651 85 8 8 030 NOTICES This report has been reviewed and is approved. FRANK E. GIUNTI F. A. NERONE Chief, Instructional...between the RT-524 antenna coaxial jack and the antenna matching network coaxial jack. 23. (6-1-5) T F Within the MT-1029, the negative side of the...1205 FRE@. SEfjITIVE NETWORKS 16.36 18.00 20.20 - CA2606 SEMrCO4OUCTORS 10.48 9.00 7.2a CR2607 T/S THE At!/GRA-39 19.60 15.00 10.20 CA42&0 SIGNAL

Simple method for determining human serum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity - possible application in clinical studies on dietary antioxidants.

PubMed

Chrzczanowicz, Jacek; Gawron, Anna; Zwolinska, Anna; de Graft-Johnson, Jeffrey; Krajewski, Wojciech; Krol, Maciej; Markowski, Jaroslaw; Kostka, Tomasz; Nowak, Dariusz

2008-01-01

2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical decomposition in alcohol solution is widely used, characterizing plant antioxidants that can rise in serum after fruit and vegetable intake. However, this test failed reproducible results with serum due to protein precipitation. We describe the application of serum deproteinization with acetonitrile relating to the DPPH test. Assay sensitivity, linearity, repeatability and storage effect were determined in serum samples deproteinized with an equal volume of acetonitrile. Associations between the DPPH test and the ferric reducing ability of serum (FRAP) method, measuring total antioxidant potential, were evaluated in sera from 78 healthy non-smoking men. The effect of a single ingestion of 1 L of cloudy apple juice on the serum DPPH radical scavenging activity in healthy volunteers was also investigated. Assay linearity was within 5-25 microL (r=0.99, p<0.01). With 25 microL-deproteinized serum, coefficient of variation was 4.2% and detection limit was 0.5% of the initial amount of decomposed DPPH radical over 30 min incubation. There was no sera activity decrease over 14 days storage at -20 degrees C. Mean values of DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP obtained in human serum were 11.2+/-3.3% and 382.0+/-88.1 micromol/L, respectively. A positive significant linear correlation was observed between these two methods (r=0.42, p<0.01). Serum supplementation with 50 micromol/L of catechin, gallic acid, ascorbic acid or uric acid enhanced DPPH test results. One brisk serving of 1 L of apple juice caused a significant increment of serum DPPH radical scavenging activity (1.9+/-1.9%, p<0.01) in 12 healthy subjects 1 h after juice ingestion. Applicability of the DPPH test to deproteinized serum with acetonitrile revealed numerous advantages, validating its practicability, simplicity and cost effectiveness as a tool in the estimation of antioxidant status in humans.

Antioxidant potential, cytotoxic activity and total phenolic content of Alpinia pahangensis rhizomes

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Alpinia pahangensis, a wild ginger distributed in the lowlands of Pahang, Malaysia, is used by the locals to treat flatulence. In this study, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the crude aqueous methanol and fractionated extracts of Alpinia pahangensis against five different cancer and one normal cell lines were investigated. The total phenolic content of each extract and its fractions were also quantified. This is the first report on the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Alpinia pahangensis extract. Methods In the current study, the crude methanol and fractionated extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia pahangensis were investigated for their antioxidant activity using four different assays namely, the DPPH scavenging activity, superoxide anion scavenging, β-carotene bleaching and reducing power assays whilst their phenolic contents were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu’s method. In vitro neutral red cytotoxicity assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity against five different cancer cell lines, colon cancer (HCT 116 and HT-29), cervical cancer (Ca Ski), breast cancer (MCF7) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines, and one normal cell line (MRC-5). The extract that showed high cytotoxic activity was further investigated for its chemical constituents by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) analysis. Results The ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging (0.35 ± 0.094 mg/ml) and SOD activities (51.77 ± 4.9%) whilst the methanol extract showed the highest reducing power and also the strongest antioxidant activity in the β-carotene bleaching assays in comparison to other fractions. The highest phenolic content was found in the ethyl acetate fraction, followed by the crude methanol extract, hexane and water fractions. The results showed a positive correlation between total phenolic content with DPPH radical scavenging capacities and SOD activities. The hexane fraction showed potent cytotoxic effect against KB, Ca Ski and HCT 116 cell lines with IC50 of 5.8 ± 0.1 and 9.1 ± 2.0 ug/ml, respectively. The major components of hexane fraction analysed by GC-MS analysis were mostly methyl esters. Conclusions The current study suggests that the methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of A. pahangensis is a potential source of natural antioxidant for protective as well as prevention of life-threatening diseases. The hexane fraction of A. pahangensis may have the potential to be developed into therapeutic option for treating cancer. PMID:24083445

Dietary Supplementation of Calendula officinalis Counteracts the Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage Resulted from Aflatoxin

PubMed Central

Hamzawy, Mohamed A.; El-Denshary, Ezzeldein S. M.; Hassan, Nabila S.; Mannaa, Fathia A.; Abdel-Wahhab, Mosaad A.

2013-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the total phenolic compounds, the antioxidant properties, and the hepatorenoprotective potential of Calendula officinalis extract against aflatoxins (AFs-) induced liver damage. Six groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 6 weeks included the control; the group fed AFs-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet); the groups treated orally with Calendula extract at low (CA1) and high (CA2) doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w); the groups treated orally with CA1 and CA2 one week before and during AFs treatment for other five weeks. The results showed that the ethanol extract contained higher phenolic compounds and posses higher 1,1-diphenyl 1-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than the aqueous extract. Animals fed AFs-contaminated diet showed significant disturbances in serum biochemical parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and the histological and histochemical pictures of the liver accompanied by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver. Calendula extract succeeded to improve the biochemical parameters, inflammatory cytokines, decreased the oxidative stress, and improved the histological pictures in the liver of rats fed AFs-contaminated diet in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that Calendula extract has potential hepatoprotective effects against AFs due to its antioxidant properties and radical scavenging activity. PMID:24959547

Suitability of DPPH spiking for antioxidant screening in natural products: the example of galloyl derivatives from red maple bark extract.

PubMed

Geoffroy, Thibaud R; Meda, Naamwin R; Stevanovic, Tatjana

2017-09-01

To investigate the antioxidant potential in natural products, radical scavenging tests (ABTS, DPPH, ORAC, etc.) are usually considered as the first approach. In addition to the standard colorimetric assays, methods using separation techniques (on-line and pre-column assays) have been developed in the past decades. Based on the peak area (PA) reductions of compounds monitored by HPLC, the pre-column spiking method allows rapid characterisation of natural matrices avoiding laborious isolation steps. However, available information about the significance of the results produced remains scarce. Here, we report, for the first time, a discussion of the potential of the pre-column DPPH spiking method to pinpoint antioxidant compounds using red maple bark extract (RMBE). First, DPPH spiking was conventionally applied to the galloyl compounds in the extract showing the inadequacy of assessing results by PA reductions. The method was then applied to pure galloyl derivatives, evaluating their molar amount reacted (MAR) for more significance. The comparison with the standard DPPH-HPLC/AE method directly monitoring DPPH • inhibition highlighted the inability to retrieve the respective antioxidant efficiencies (AE) of each compound by using DPPH spiking. Despite its limitations, the DPPH spiking method brought to light an autoxidation phenomenon and a matrix/mixture effect investigated through tertiary mixtures of galloyl compounds. Although restricted to the compounds from one natural matrix, this study questions the validity of the spiking method as usually performed and could serve as a basis for further investigations (explorations of other natural products, kinetics considerations). Graphical abstract Investigation of the pre-column DPPH spiking method through the case of galloyl derivatives.

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore: a promising target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Rasheed, Md Zeeshan; Tabassum, Heena; Parvez, Suhel

2017-01-01

Among the neurodegenerative diseases (ND), Parkinson's disease affects 6.3 million people worldwide characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mtPTP) is a non-selective voltage-dependent mitochondrial channel whose opening modifies the permeability properties of the mitochondrial inner membrane. It is recognized as a potent pharmacological target for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive cell death including ND such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Imbalance in Ca 2+ concentration, change in mitochondrial membrane potential, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or mutation in mitochondrial genome has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the opening of the mtPTP. Different proteins are released by permeability transition including cytochrome c which is responsible for apoptosis. This review aims to discuss the importance of PTP in the pathophysiology of PD and puts together different positive as well as negative aspects of drugs such as pramipexole, ropinirole, minocyclin, rasagilin, and safinamide which act as a blocker or modifier for mtPTP. Some of them may be detrimental in their neuroprotective nature.

West Flank Coso, CA FORGE Magnetotelluric Inversion

DOE Data Explorer

Doug Blankenship

2016-05-16

The Coso Magnetotelluric (MT) dataset of which the West Flank FORGE MT data is a subset, was collected by Schlumberger / WesternGeco and initially processed by the WesternGeco GeoSolutions Integrated EM Center of Excellence in Milan, Italy. The 2011 data was based on 99 soundings that were centered on the West Flank geothermal prospect. The new soundings along with previous data from 2003 and 2006 were incorporated into a 3D inversion. Full impedance tensor data were inverted in the 1-3000 Hz range. The modelling report notes several noise sources, specifically the DC powerline that is 20,000 feet west of the survey area, and may have affected data in the 0.02 to 10 Hz range. Model cell dimensions of 450 x 450 x 65 feet were used to avoid computational instability in the 3D model. The fit between calculated and observed MT values for the final model run had an RMS value of 1.807. The included figure from the WesternGeco report shows the sounding locations from the 2011, 2006 and 2003 surveys.

M1 Abrams Tank Procedure Guides

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-01

Vemp =. ... . Mheek mustlam- sitlee no"Ageper- 2. Cal.5 . . swetgh: (PAge LI) 3. CaLS . ... Zen (pag 13) BOUzSzMT M CAL. SO I.. Teak peatima. .. lafel...Cleee ,-. 13.~~ .eds a." . .ege ..... abeW "d us (P P U) :. -z KINK CAL. 50 3. vempe " .. ... .led (pg ) 2. o . .. .ad tio"ge mgety .. 1 4. IC omee .C.1

A Program for Storing Oceanographic Data on Magnetic Tape

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-03-31

PRCPeR (TMA.TNlt.TDX.X^A.YNA.x^B.YMB’.XDtVD) SCPUTES THE X-Y cesHri^ATts ra» PLSTTING BATHYMETRY PRSGBA^ER ■ LE8N LA LU- itPE - C9DE...R IBM 1130 INPUT, IDEP MT ■ OUTPUT, KCDF KCDM MTDC INTERNAL NUDF WUDF WUOM wCaR • UNCBRRECTtn nfePTH IN FATHfiMS MATTHEWS TABLE

50 CFR Table 1d to Part 660... - At-Sea Whiting Fishery Annual Set-Asides, 2011

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Set-Asides, 2011 Species of species complex Set-aside (mt) Lingcod 6 Pacific Cod 5 Pacific Whiting Allocation a Sablefish N. of 36° 50 Sablefish S. of 36° NA PACIFIC OCEAN PERCH Allocation a WIDOW ROCKFISH... California scorpionfish NA Cabezon (off CA only) NA Other Fish 520 Longnose Skate 5 Pacific Halibut 10 b a...

Age and origin of the Merrimack terrane, southeastern New England: A detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorota, Kristin

Metasedimentary rocks of the Merrimack terrane (MT) originated as a thick cover sequence on Ganderia consisting of sandstones, calcareous sandstones, pelitic rocks and turbidites. In order to investigate the age, provenance and stratigraphic order of these rocks and correlations with adjoining terranes, detrital zircon suites from 7 formations across the MT along a NNE-trending transect from east-central Massachusetts to SE New Hampshire were analyzed by U-Pb LA-ICP-MS methods on 90-140 grains per sample. The youngest detrital zircons in the western units, the Worcester, Oakdale and Paxton Formations, are ca. 438 Ma while those in the Kittery, Eliot and Berwick Formations in the northeast are ca. 426 Ma. The Tower Hill Formation previously interpreted to form the easternmost unit of the MT in MA, has a distinctly different zircon distribution with its youngest zircon population in the Cambrian. All samples except for the Tower Hill Formation have detrital zircon age distributions with significant peaks in the mid-to late Ordovician, similar abundances of early Paleozoic and late Neoproterozoic zircons, significant input from ˜1.0 to ˜1.8 Ga sources and limited Archean grains. The similarities in zircon provenance suggest that all units across the terrane, except for the Tower Hill Formation, belong to a single sequence of rocks, with similar sources and with the units in the NE possibly being somewhat younger than those in east-central Massachusetts. The continuous zircon age distributions observed throughout the Mesoproterozoic and late Paleoproterozoic are consistent with an Amazonian source. All samples, except the Tower Hill Formation, show sedimentary input from both Ganderian and Laurentian sources and suggest that Laurentian input increases as the maximum depositional age decreases.

Detection of somatic mutations in the mitochondrial DNA control region D-loop in brain tumors: The first report in Malaysian patients.

PubMed

Mohamed Yusoff, Abdul Aziz; Mohd Nasir, Khairol Naaim; Haris, Khalilah; Mohd Khair, Siti Zulaikha Nashwa; Abdul Ghani, Abdul Rahman Izaini; Idris, Zamzuri; Abdullah, Jafri Malin

2017-11-01

Although the role of nuclear-encoded gene alterations has been well documented in brain tumor development, the involvement of the mitochondrial genome in brain tumorigenesis has not yet been fully elucidated and remains controversial. The present study aimed to identify mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region D-loop in patients with brain tumors in Malaysia. A mutation analysis was performed in which DNA was extracted from paired tumor tissue and blood samples obtained from 49 patients with brain tumors. The D-loop region DNA was amplified using the PCR technique, and genetic data from DNA sequencing analyses were compared with the published revised Cambridge sequence to identify somatic mutations. Among the 49 brain tumor tissue samples evaluated, 25 cases (51%) had somatic mutations of the mtDNA D-loop, with a total of 48 mutations. Novel mutations that had not previously been identified in the D-loop region (176 A-deletion, 476 C>A, 566 C>A and 16405 A-deletion) were also classified. No significant associations between the D-loop mutation status and the clinicopathological parameters were observed. To the best of our knowledge, the current study presents the first evidence of alterations in the mtDNA D-loop regions in the brain tumors of Malaysian patients. These results may provide an overview and data regarding the incidence of mitochondrial genome alterations in Malaysian patients with brain tumors. In addition to nuclear genome aberrations, these specific mitochondrial genome alterations may also be considered as potential cancer biomarkers for the diagnosis and staging of brain cancers.

Increasing CACNA1C expression in placenta containing high Cd level: an implication of Cd toxicity.

PubMed

Phuapittayalert, Laorrat; Saenganantakarn, Phisid; Supanpaiboon, Wisa; Cheunchoojit, Supaporn; Hipkaeo, Wiphawi; Sakulsak, Natthiya

2016-12-01

Cadmium (Cd) has known to produce many adverse effects on organs including placenta. Many essential transporters are involved in Cd transport pathways such as DMT-1, ZIP as well as L-VDCC. Fourteen pregnant women participated and were divided into two groups: high and low Cd-exposed (H-Cd, L-Cd) groups on the basis of their residential areas, Cd concentrations in the blood (B-Cd), urine (U-Cd), and placenta (P-Cd). The results showed that the B-Cd and U-Cd were significantly increased in H-Cd group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the P-Cd in H-Cd group was elevated (p < 0.05) and positively related to their B-Cd and U-Cd values (p < 0.05). However, the mean cord blood Cd (C-Cd) concentration in H-Cd group was not significantly increased about 2.5-fold when comparing to L-Cd group. To determine the Cd accumulation in placental tissues, metallothionein-1A (MT-1A) and metallothionein-2A (MT-2A) expressions were used as biomarkers. The results revealed that mean MT-1A and MT-2A mRNAs and MT-1/2 proteins were up-regulated in H-Cd group (p < 0.05). In addition, the Ca channel alpha 1C (CACNA1C) mRNA and protein expressions were noticeably elevated in H-Cd group (p < 0.05). From these findings, we suggested that CACNA1C might be implicated in Cd transport in human placenta.

DPPH and oxygen free radicals as pro-oxidant of biomolecules.

PubMed

Letelier, María Eugenia; Molina-Berríos, Alfredo; Cortés-Troncoso, Juan; Jara-Sandoval, José; Holst, Marianne; Palma, Karina; Montoya, Margarita; Miranda, Dante; González-Lira, Víctor

2008-03-01

Numerous investigations exist about the alterations that oxygen free radicals can provoke on biomolecules; these modifications can be prevented and/or reversed by different antioxidants agents. On the other hand, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), a stable nitrogen synthetic radical, is used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of medicinal herbal products; however, the structural changes that this radical provoke on the herbal active principles are not clear yet. In this work, we compared the redox reactivity of oxygen free radicals and DPPH radical on phospholipids and protein thiol groups present in rat liver microsomes. Cu2+/ascorbate was used as generator system of oxygen free radical and as antioxidant, an extract of Buddleja globosa's leaves. Cu2+/ascorbate provoked microsomal lipid peroxidation, microsomal thiols oxidation and oxygen consumption; all of these phenomena were inhibited by B. globosa extract. On the other hand, DPPH was bleached in different extension by the herbal extract and phosphatidyl choline; beside, DPPH decreased microsomal thiols content, but this phenomenon were not prevented by the herbal extract. Furthermore, DPPH did not induce oxygen consumption and neither modified the oxygen consumption induced by Cu2+/ascorbate. Distinct redox mechanisms may explain the differences between the reactivity of DPPH and oxygen free radicals on biomolecules, which is discussed.

Application of micro-TLC to the total antioxidant potential (TAP) measurement.

PubMed

Głód, Bronisław K; Wantusiak, Paweł M; Piszcz, Paweł; Lewczuk, Elwira; Zarzycki, Paweł K

2015-04-15

DPPH is commonly applied for estimation of antioxidant capacity of single and complex biological samples, and changes colour from purple to yellow during reduction to DPPH-H. Importantly, for some samples, for example coloured foods, such reaction cannot be used because of interference from pigments. Therefore, the number of reported quantitative protocols involving off- or on-line sample reaction with DPPH are based on chromatographic separation of target components. In typical planar chromatographic assay, developed plates are sprayed with DPPH solution for antioxidant screening. Such approach enables simple visualisation of separated spots exhibiting antioxidant activities, but unfortunately, such procedure may also give the misleading signal for coloured spots. In the present communication we examined a new approach for measuring antioxidant capacity using quantitative analysis of DPPH and DPPH-H molecules after reaction with the sample, and then separated from the interfering compounds by micro-thin-layer chromatography. Particularly, the antioxidant capacities of coloured food samples (such as herbs and meads) were determined and the results compared with those obtained using the classical photometric assay. The main advantages of the new micro-TLC assay are (i) low cost, (ii) multiple measurements, (iii) short analysis time, (iv) simplification of sample preparation and (v) effective separation of DPPH signal from interfering compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calcium-dependent mitochondrial cAMP production enhances aldosterone secretion.

PubMed

Katona, Dávid; Rajki, Anikó; Di Benedetto, Giulietta; Pozzan, Tullio; Spät, András

2015-09-05

Glomerulosa cells secrete aldosterone in response to agonists coupled to Ca(2+) increases such as angiotensin II and corticotrophin, coupled to a cAMP dependent pathway. A recently recognized interaction between Ca(2+) and cAMP is the Ca(2+)-induced cAMP formation in the mitochondrial matrix. Here we describe that soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is expressed in H295R adrenocortical cells. Mitochondrial cAMP formation, monitored with a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent sensor (4mtH30), is enhanced by HCO3(-) and the Ca(2+) mobilizing agonist angiotensin II. The effect of angiotensin II is inhibited by 2-OHE, an inhibitor of sAC, and by RNA interference of sAC, but enhanced by an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase PDE2A. Heterologous expression of the Ca(2+) binding protein S100G within the mitochondrial matrix attenuates angiotensin II-induced mitochondrial cAMP formation. Inhibition and knockdown of sAC significantly reduce angiotensin II-induced aldosterone production. These data provide the first evidence for a cell-specific functional role of mitochondrial cAMP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Tell-Rif belt in the geodynamic frame of the West Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leprêtre, Rémi; Frizon de Lamotte, Dominique; Combier, Violaine; Gorini, Christian; Eschard, Remi

2017-04-01

The Tell-Rif (Tell in Algeria and Tunisia; Rif in Morocco) or Maghrebides is the orogenic system fringing the West Mediterranean basins to the south. This system comprises 3 major tectonic-paleogeographic zones from north to south: (1) the internal zones (AlKaPeCa for Alboran, Kabylies, Peloritan, Calabria) originated from the former northern European margin of the Maghrebian Tethys (MT); (2) the "flyschs zone" regarded as the former sedimentary cover of the MT and (3) the external zones, the former southern African passive margin of the MT. In the geodynamic frame of the West Mediterranean basins formation, the Tell-Rif is interpreted as the direct result of the progressive closure of the MT until the collision between AlKaPeCa and Africa at 17 Ma and the propagation of the deformation within Africa. Such a scenario gives a consistent explanation for the off-shore geodynamics and is now shared by almost all the authors. Nevertheless, all the geodynamic models do not integrate recent developments regarding the geology the Tell-Rif. In particular, the following points must be integrated in any models: (1) The importance of pre-Late Oligocene (pre-30 Ma) contractional events not only in the Atlas System, where they are well established, but also in the Tell-Rif system, where their effects are often ignored or minimized; (2) The existence of MP-BT metamorphic rocks associated with fragments of ophiolites in the Eastern External Rif and likely in the Western External Tell suggesting that the southern Maghrebian Tethys margin is more complicated than what could be expected for a single linear oceanic domain; (3) The presence over the Rif and western Tell of wide Miocene basins developed along with the ones of the West Mediterranean Basins. Among these basins, the Cheliff Basin occupies a large part of the western Tell in Algeria. These elements must be taken into account for a reassessment of the complex relationships between the West Mediterranean Basins and the surrounding mountain belts. Integration of these major issues allows us to re-evaluate the configuration of the African margin before the inversion and to propose a kinematic scenario for the Tell-Rif.

Influence of titanium implant surface characteristics on bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects: an experimental study in dogs.

PubMed

Schwarz, Frank; Sager, Martin; Kadelka, Ines; Ferrari, Daniel; Becker, Jürgen

2010-05-01

The aim of the present study was to compare bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects at titanium implants with chemically modified sandblasted/acid-etched (modSLA) or dual acid-etched surfaces with a calcium phosphate nanometre particle modification (DCD/CaP). Buccal dehiscence-type defects were surgically created following implant site preparation in both the upper and the lower jaws of 12 fox hounds. Both types of implants were randomly allocated in a split-mouth design and left to heal in a submerged position for 2 and 8 weeks. Dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis [e.g. new bone height (NBH), percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), area of new bone fill (BF), and area of mineralized tissue (MT) within BF]. At 2 and 8 weeks, both groups revealed comparable mean BF (2.3+/-0.6 to 2.5+/-0.6 mm(2)versus 2.0+/-0.6 to 1.4+/-0.5 mm(2)) and MT (31.1+/-14.3-83.2+/-8.2%versus 38.9+/-15.9-84.4+/-6.3%) values. However, modSLA implants revealed significantly higher mean NBH (2.4+/-0.8 to 3.6+/-0.3 mm versus 0.9+/-0.8 to 1.8+/-1.4 mm) and BIC (53.3+/-11.3-79.5+/-6.6%versus 19.3+/-16.4-47.2+/-30.7%) values than DCD/CaP implants. ModSLA implants may have a higher potential to support osseointegration in dehiscence-type defects than DCD/CaP implants.

Cost/Risk Analysis for Disk Retirement. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-03

comparing Figures 4-4, 4-5, and 4- 6 , which is similar for the other 4-8 co C)) 0 - 6 row L. 0ý ci 41C~j <o u ) 4.-1 LG)) a)L I- . > c- Ca 0. 4-)>C ~.0...4-1 M&T3B-9201 7. AUT’l)R(a) 6 . CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(&) S. W. Hopkins, P. M. Besuner, C. A. Eau, Jr.., D. W. Allison, J. W. Eischeni, J. N...Analysis Associates 2225 East Bayshore Road, P. 0. Box 51470 PE 61102F * Palo Al%’o. CA 94303 3400 00 01 I I. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS t2. REPORT

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of eneolithic trypillians from Ukraine reveals neolithic farming genetic roots.

PubMed

Nikitin, Alexey G; Potekhina, Inna; Rohland, Nadin; Mallick, Swapan; Reich, David; Lillie, Malcolm

2017-01-01

The agricultural revolution in Eastern Europe began in the Eneolithic with the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture complex. In Ukraine, the Trypillian culture (TC) existed for over two millennia (ca. 5,400-2,700 BCE) and left a wealth of artifacts. Yet, their burial rituals remain a mystery and to date almost nothing is known about the genetic composition of the TC population. One of the very few TC sites where human remains can be found is a cave called Verteba in western Ukraine. This report presents four partial and four complete mitochondrial genomes from nine TC individuals uncovered in the cave. The results of this analysis, combined with the data from previous reports, indicate that the Trypillian population at Verteba carried, for the most part, a typical Neolithic farmer package of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages traced to Anatolian farmers and Neolithic farming groups of central Europe. At the same time, the find of two specimens belonging to haplogroup U8b1 at Verteba can be viewed as a connection of TC with the Upper Paleolithic European populations. At the level of mtDNA haplogroup frequencies, the TC population from Verteba demonstrates a close genetic relationship with population groups of the Funnel Beaker/ Trichterbecker cultural complex from central and northern Europe (ca. 3,950-2,500 BCE).

The Role of Polydimethylsiloxane in the Molecular Structure of Silica Xerogels Intended for Drug Carriers

PubMed Central

Czarnobaj, Katarzyna

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to prepare and examine polymer/oxide xerogels with metronidazole (MT) as delivery systems for the local application of a drug to a bone. The nanoporous SiO2-CaO and PDMS-modified SiO2-CaO xerogel materials with different amounts of the polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were prepared by the sol-gel method. Characterization assays comprised the analysis of the composite materials by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), determining the specific surface area of solids (BET), using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques, and further monitoring in the ultraviolet and visible light regions (UV-Vis) of the in vitro release of the drug (metronidazole) over time. According to these results, the bioactive character and chemical stability of PDMS-modified silica xerogels have been proven. The release of MT from xerogels was strongly correlated with the composition of the matrix. In comparison with the pure oxide matrix, PDMS-modified matrices accelerated the release of the drug through its bigger pores, and additionally, on account of weaker interactions with the drug. The obtained results for the xerogel composites suggest that the metronidazole-loaded xerogels could be promising candidates for formulations in local delivery systems particularly to bone. PMID:26839836

Phylogeographic analyses of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocola; Carnivora, Felidae) reveal a complex demographic history

PubMed Central

da Silva Santos, Anelisie; Trigo, Tatiane Campos; de Oliveira, Tadeu Gomes; Silveira, Leandro

2018-01-01

Abstract The pampas cat is a small felid that occurs in open habitats throughout much of South America. Previous studies have revealed intriguing patterns of morphological differentiation and genetic structure among its populations, as well as molecular evidence for hybridization with the closely related L. tigrinus. Here we report phylogeographic analyses encompassing most of its distribution (focusing particularly on Brazilian specimens, which had been poorly sampled in previous studies), using a novel dataset comprising 2,143 bp of the mitogenome, along with previously reported mtDNA sequences. Our data revealed strong population strutucture and supported a west-to-east colonization process in this species’ history. We detected two population expansion events, one older (ca. 200 thousand years ago [kya]) in western South America and another more recent (ca. 60-50 kya) in eastern areas, coinciding with the expansion of savanna environments in Brazil. Analyses including L. tigrinus individuals bearing introgressed mtDNA from L. colocola showed a complete lack of shared haplotypes between species, indicating that their hybridization was ancient. Finally, we observed a close relationship between Brazilian/Uruguayan L. colocola haplotypes and those sampled in L. tigrinus, indicating that their hybridization was likely related to the demographic expansion of L. colocola into eastern South America. PMID:29668017

Interaction of gold nanoparticles with free radicals and their role in enhancing the scavenging activity of ascorbic acid.

PubMed

Razzaq, Humaira; Saira, Farhat; Yaqub, Azra; Qureshi, Rumana; Mumtaz, Misbah; Saleemi, Samia

2016-08-01

The present study investigates the interaction of citrate stabilized gold nanoparticles (12±1.5nm) (GNPs) with free radicals; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) stable and electrochemically generated superoxide, O2(-). Different experiments were designed to understand the interaction between GNPs and DPPH by employing cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis spectroscopy and computational chemistry using 6-311G basis set. The increase in heterogeneous rate constant, ksh, of DPPH upon addition of GNPs pointed towards possible complex formation, DPPH-GNPs which were further explained by a model assuming surface adsorption of DPPH on GNPs. Further, the model was validated by studying interaction of GNPs with a biologically important free radical, O2(-). Exciting result in terms of disappearance of anodic peak after GNPs addition confirmed that gold nanoparticles interacted with stable as well as unstable free radicals. Also, the stoichiometry of the most stable complex GNP-DPPH was determined from UV-vis spectroscopy by applying Job's method. The GNP-DPPH complex was found to be active with 46.0% reduction of the IC50 value of standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid (AA), indicating its role in enhancing antioxidant activity. Hence, this study presents a simple and potential approach to enhance the efficiency of natural antioxidants without modifying their structure, or involving the complex functionalization of GNPs with antioxidants. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Functions of IQD proteins as hubs in cellular calcium and auxin signaling: A toolbox for shape formation and tissue-specification in plants?

PubMed

Bürstenbinder, Katharina; Mitra, Dipannita; Quegwer, Jakob

2017-06-03

Calcium (Ca 2+ ) ions play pivotal roles as second messengers in intracellular signal transduction, and coordinate many biological processes. Changes in intracellular Ca 2+ levels are perceived by Ca 2+ sensors such as calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-like (CML) proteins, which transduce Ca 2+ signals into cellular responses by regulation of diverse target proteins. Insights into molecular functions of CaM targets are thus essential to understand the molecular and cellular basis of Ca 2+ signaling. During the last decade, IQ67-domain (IQD) proteins emerged as the largest class of CaM targets in plants with mostly unknown functions. In the March issue of Plant Physiology, we presented the first comprehensive characterization of the 33-membered IQD family in Arabidopsis thaliana. We showed, by analysis of the subcellular localization of translational green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins, that most IQD members label microtubules (MTs), and additionally often localize to the cell nucleus or to membranes, where they recruit CaM Ca 2+ sensors. Important functions at MTs are supported by altered MT organization and plant growth in IQD gain-of-function lines. Because IQD proteins share structural hallmarks of scaffold proteins, we propose roles of IQDs in the assembly of macromolecular complexes to orchestrate Ca 2+ CaM signaling from membranes to the nucleus. Interestingly, expression of several IQDs is regulated by auxin, which suggests functions of IQDs as hubs in cellular auxin and calcium signaling to regulate plant growth and development.

Biochemical characterization of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don subsp. italicum (Asteraceae) from Montenegro: phytochemical screening, chemotaxonomy, and antioxidant properties.

PubMed

Kladar, Nebojša V; Anačkov, Goran T; Rat, Milica M; Srđenović, Branislava U; Grujić, Nevena N; Šefer, Emilia I; Božin, Biljana N

2015-03-01

The chemical composition and antioxidant properties of the essential oil and EtOH extract of immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don subsp. italicum, Asteraceae) collected in Montenegro were evaluated. The essential oil was characterized by GC/MS analysis, and the content of total phenolics and flavonoids in the EtOH extract was determined using the FolinCiocalteu reagent. The free-radical-scavenging capacity (RSC) of both the essential oil and the EtOH extract was assessed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Moreover, the inhibition of hydroxyl radical ((.) OH) generation by the EtOH extract of immortelle was evaluated for the first time here. Neryl acetate (28.2%) and γ-curcumene (18.8%) were the main compounds in the essential oil, followed by neryl propionate (9.1%) and ar-curcumene (8.3%). The chemical composition of the oils of the examined and additional 16 selected Helichrysum italicum taxa described in literature were compared using principal component (PCA) and cluster (CA) analyses. The results of the statistical analyses implied the occurrence of at least four different main and three subchemotypes of essential oils. Considering the antioxidant properties, the EtOH extract of immortelle exhibited similar potential as propyl gallate and quercetin, while the essential oil exhibited relatively weak DPPH(.) -scavenging capacity. Copyright © 2015 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

Anthrax and the geochemistry of soils in the contiguous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Griffin, Dale W.; Silvestri, Erin E.; Bowling, Charlena Y.; Boe, Timothy; Smith, David B.; Nichols, Tonya L.

2014-01-01

Soil geochemical data from sample sites in counties that reported occurrences of anthrax in wildlife and livestock since 2000 were evaluated against counties within the same states (MN, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD and TX) that did not report occurrences. These data identified the elements, calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P) and strontium (Sr), as having statistically significant differences in concentrations between county type (anthrax occurrence versus no occurrence). Tentative threshold values of the lowest concentrations of each of these elements (Ca = 0.43 wt %, Mn = 142 mg/kg, P = 180 mg/kg and Sr = 51 mg/kg) and average concentrations (Ca = 1.3 wt %, Mn = 463 mg/kg, P = 580 mg/kg and Sr = 170 mg/kg) were identified from anthrax-positive counties as prospective investigative tools in determining whether an outbreak had “potential” or was “likely” at any given geographic location in the contiguous United States.

Exchange bias in multiferroic Ca3Mn2O7 effected by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahlot, Pooja; Jana, Anupam; Awasthi, A. M.

2018-04-01

Ruddlesden-Popper manganite Ca3Mn2O7 has been synthesized in single phase orthorhombic structure with Cmcm space group. Temperature dependent magnetization M(T) shows that Ca3Mn2O7 undergoes long range antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition below 123 K, with weak ferromagnetism (WFM) at lower temperatures. Field dependent magnetization M(H) confirms WFM character below ˜110 K in the AFM-base magnetic structure. Detailed analysis of the zero field cooled magnetic hysteresis loops reveals a measurable exchange bias (EB) effect in the sample. EB is attributed to the high anisotropy in the sample and the presence of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (D-M) interaction, responsible for the canted interfacial-spins that couple "FM-clusters" with the "AFM-matrix". Temperature dependence of horizontal shifts of the M(H) loops in terms of the coercive fields (Hc±) and vertical shifts in terms of the remnant magnetizations (Mr±) is presented.

SNOM and AFM microscopy techniques to study the effect of non-ionizing radiation on the morphological and biochemical properties of human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT).

PubMed

Rieti, S; Manni, V; Lisi, A; Giuliani, L; Sacco, D; D'Emilia, E; Cricenti, A; Generosi, R; Luce, M; Grimaldi, S

2004-01-01

In this study we have employed atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) techniques to study the effect of the interaction between human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and electromagnetic fields at low frequency. HaCaT cells were exposed to a sinusoidal magnetic field at a density of 50 Hz, 1 mT. AFM analysis revealed modification in shape and morphology in exposed cells with an increase in the areas of adhesion between cells. This latter finding was confirmed by SNOM indirect immunofluorescence analysis performed with a fluorescent antibody against the adhesion marker beta4 integrin, which revealed an increase of beta4 integrin segregation in the cell membrane of 50-Hz exposed cells, suggesting that a higher percentage of these cells shows a modified pattern of this adhesion marker.

Hydrogen sulfide interacts with calcium signaling to enhance the chromium tolerance in Setaria italica.

PubMed

Fang, Huihui; Jing, Tao; Liu, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Liping; Jin, Zhuping; Pei, Yanxi

2014-12-01

The oscillation of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration is a primary event in numerous biological processes in plants, including stress response. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an emerging gasotransmitter, was found to have positive effects in plants responding to chromium (Cr(6+)) stress through interacting with Ca(2+) signaling. While Ca(2+) resemblances H2S in mediating biotic and abiotic stresses, crosstalk between the two pathways remains unclear. In this study, Ca(2+) signaling interacted with H2S to produce a complex physiological response, which enhanced the Cr(6+) tolerance in foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Results indicate that Cr(6+) stress activated endogenous H2S synthesis as well as Ca(2+) signaling. Moreover, toxic symptoms caused by Cr(6+) stress were strongly moderated by 50μM H2S and 20mM Ca(2+). Conversely, treatments with H2S synthesis inhibitor and Ca(2+) chelators prior to Cr(6+)-exposure aggravated these toxic symptoms. Interestingly, Ca(2+) upregulated expression of two important factors in metal metabolism, MT3A and PCS, which participated in the biosynthesis of heavy metal chelators, in a H2S-dependent manner to cope with Cr(6+) stress. These findings also suggest that the H2S dependent pathway is a component of the Ca(2+) activating antioxidant system and H2S partially contributes Ca(2+)-activating antioxidant system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introducing Python tools for magnetotellurics: MTpy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieger, L.; Peacock, J.; Inverarity, K.; Thiel, S.; Robertson, K.

2013-12-01

Within the framework of geophysical exploration techniques, the magnetotelluric method (MT) is relatively immature: It is still not as widely spread as other geophysical methods like seismology, and its processing schemes and data formats are not thoroughly standardized. As a result, the file handling and processing software within the academic community is mainly based on a loose collection of codes, which are sometimes highly adapted to the respective local specifications. Although tools for the estimation of the frequency dependent MT transfer function, as well as inversion and modelling codes, are available, the standards and software for handling MT data are generally not unified throughout the community. To overcome problems that arise from missing standards, and to simplify the general handling of MT data, we have developed the software package "MTpy", which allows the handling, processing, and imaging of magnetotelluric data sets. It is written in Python and the code is open-source. The setup of this package follows the modular approach of successful software packages like GMT or Obspy. It contains sub-packages and modules for various tasks within the standard MT data processing and handling scheme. Besides pure Python classes and functions, MTpy provides wrappers and convenience scripts to call external software, e.g. modelling and inversion codes. Even though still under development, MTpy already contains ca. 250 functions that work on raw and preprocessed data. However, as our aim is not to produce a static collection of software, we rather introduce MTpy as a flexible framework, which will be dynamically extended in the future. It then has the potential to help standardise processing procedures and at same time be a versatile supplement for existing algorithms. We introduce the concept and structure of MTpy, and we illustrate the workflow of MT data processing utilising MTpy on an example data set collected over a geothermal exploration site in South Australia. Workflow of MT data processing. Within the structural diagram, the MTpy sub-packages are shown in red (time series data processing), green (handling of EDI files and impedance tensor data), yellow (connection to modelling/inversion algorithms), black (impedance tensor interpretation, e.g. by Phase Tensor calculations), and blue (generation of visual representations, e.g pseudo sections or resistivity models).

Surface Molecules Released by Trypanosoma cruzi Metacyclic Forms Downregulate Host Cell Invasion

PubMed Central

Clemente, Tatiana Mordente; Cortez, Cristian; Novaes, Antônio da Silva; Yoshida, Nobuko

2016-01-01

Background The question whether metacylic trypomastigote (MT) forms of different T. cruzi strains differentially release surface molecules, and how they affect host cell invasion, remains to be fully clarified. We addressed that question using T. cruzi strains that differ widely in the ability to invade cells. Methodology/Principal Findings Metacyclic forms were incubated at 37°C for 1 h in complete D10 medium or in nutrient-deprived PBS containing Ca2+ and Mg2+ (PBS++). The conditioned medium (CM), collected after parasite centrifugation, was used for cell invasion assays and Western blot analysis, using monoclonal antibodies directed to gp82 and gp90, the MT surface molecules that promote and negatively regulate invasion, respectively. CM of poorly invasive G strain (G-CM) contained high amounts of gp90 and gp82, either in vesicles or as soluble molecules. CM of highly invasive CL strain (CL-CM) contained gp90 and gp82 at very low levels. HeLa cells were incubated for 1 h with CL strain MT in D10, in absence or in the presence of G-CM or CL-CM. Parasite invasion was significantly inhibited by G-CM, but not by CL-CM. As G strain MT invasion rate in D10 is very low, assays with this strain were performed in PBS++, which induces invasion-promoting lysosome-spreading. G-CM, but not CL-CM, significantly inhibited G strain internalization, effect that was counteracted by preincubating G-CM with an anti-gp90 monoclonal antibody or anti-gp82 polyclonal antibody that do not recognize live MT. G strain CM generated in PBS++ contained much lower amounts of gp90 and gp82 as compared to CM produced in D10, and exhibited lower inhibitory effect on host cell invasion. Conclusion/Significance Our data suggest that the surface molecules spontaneously released by MT impair parasite-host cell interaction, gp82 presumably competing with the molecule expressed on MT surface for the host cell receptor, and gp90 further contributing to down modulate invasion. PMID:27483135

Alkyl Caffeates Improve the Antioxidant Activity, Antitumor Property and Oxidation Stability of Edible Oil

PubMed Central

Wang, Jun; Gu, Shuang-Shuang; Pang, Na; Wang, Fang-Qin; Pang, Fei; Cui, Hong-Sheng; Wu, Xiang-Yang; Wu, Fu-An

2014-01-01

Caffeic acid (CA) is distributed widely in nature and possesses strong antioxidant activity. However, CA has lower solubility in non-polar media, which limits its application in fat-soluble food. To increase the lipophilicity of natural antioxidant CA, a series of alkyl caffeates were synthesized and their antioxidant and antitumor activities were investigated. The antioxidant parameters, including the induction period, acid value and unsaturated fatty acid content, of the alkyl caffeates in edible oil were firstly investigated. The results indicated that alkyl caffeates had a lower DPPH IC50 (14–23 µM) compared to CA, dibutyl hydroxy toluene (BHT) and Vitamin C (24–51 µM), and significantly inhibited four human cancer cells (SW620, SW480, SGC7901 and HepG2) with inhibition ratio of 71.4–78.0% by a MTT assay. With regard to the induction period and acid value assays, methyl and butyl caffeates had higher abilities than BHT to restrain the oxidation process and improve the stability of edible oil. The addition of ethyl caffeate to oil allowed maintenance of a higher unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester content (68.53%) at high temperatures. Overall, the alkyl caffeats with short chain length (n<5) assessed better oxidative stability than those with long chain length. To date, this is the first report to the correlations among the antioxidant activity, anticancer activity and oxidative stability of alkyl caffeates. PMID:24760050

SOCCR-2, Chapter 2: A Synthesis of the North American Carbon Budget

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, D. J.; Vargas, R.; Alin, S. R.; Conant, R. T.; Hutyra, L.; Jacobson, A. R.; Kurz, W. A.; Liu, S.; McGuire, A. D.; Poulter, B.; Woodall, C. W.

2017-12-01

Scientific information quantifying and characterizing the continental-scale carbon budget is necessary for developing national and international policy on climate change. The North American continent (NA) has been considered to be a significant net source of carbon to the atmosphere, with fossil fuel emissions from the U.S., Canada and Mexico far outpacing uptake on land, inland waters and adjacent coastal oceans. As reported in the First State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR-1), the three countries combined to emit approximately 1800 MtC of carbon in 2003, or 27% of the global total fossil fuel inventory. Based on inventory data from various sectors, SOCCR-1 estimated a 500 MtC/yr natural sink that offset about 30% of emissions primarily through forest growth, storage in wood products and sequestration in agricultural soils. Here we present a synthesis of the NA carbon budget for the next report (SOCCR-2) based on updated inventory data and new research over the last decade. The North American continent— including its energy systems, land-base and coastal oceans—is very likely to have been a net source of carbon to the atmosphere over the 2004-2013 time period, having contributed on average approximately 1037 (+/- 25%) MtC/yr. At 1765 (+/-2%) MtC/yr, total fossil fuel emissions from Canada, the United States, and Mexico very likely contributed the largest source of carbon over the 2004-2013 time period - a level of magnitude similar to that reported for 2003 (1856 MtC/yr +/- 10%) in SOCCR-1. Between one-quarter and one half of the total fossil fuel emissions over the 2004 - 2013 time period were likely offset by natural sinks on North American land and adjacent coastal ocean. The strength of the natural sink was likely persistent over the 2004-2013 time period as compared to the ca. 2003 magnitude reported in SOCCR-1 (500 MtC/yr), maintained primarily by carbon uptake with forest growth and storage in wood products offsetting carbon losses from natural disturbance and land-use change. Considering the uncertainty ranges around the two approaches, the magnitude of the continental carbon sink over the last decade is not significantly different between the top-down (634 +/- 288 MtC/yr) and the synthesis of bottom-up (577 +/- 433 MtC/yr) estimates in this report.

Report: antioxidant and nutraceutical value of wild medicinal Rubus berries.

PubMed

Ahmad, Mushtaq; Masood, Saima; Sultana, Shazia; Hadda, Taibi Ben; Bader, Ammar; Zafar, Muhammad

2015-01-01

Nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of three edible wild berries (Rubus ellipticus Smith, Rubus niveus Thunb, Rubus ulmifolius L.) from Lesser Himalayan Range (LHR) were evaluated. Their edible portion was assayed for moisture, fats, ash, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, essential minerals (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Co, Ni) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity was applied to determine the antioxidant potential. The fruit of Rubus ulmifolius L. (blackberry) possessed the highest values of energy (403.29 Kcal), total protein (6.56g/100 g), Nitrogen (N) content (1500mg/100g), K (860.17mg/100g), Ca (620.56mg/100g), Zn (17.509mg/100g) and the strongest antioxidant activity (98.89% inhibition). While the raspberries (Rubus ellipticus Smith, Rubus niveus Thunb.) exhibited more significant contents of dietary fiber (5.90g/100g), carbohydrates (86.4 g/100 g) and Fe (4.249mg/100g). Significant variation was observed among the tested samples in all the investigated features. The combination of bio elements and active antioxidants clearly showed the applicability of these berries as a nutraceutical supplement.

Quality index, consumer acceptability, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of fresh-cut "ataulfo" mangoes (mangifera indica L.) as affected by low-temperature storage.

PubMed

Robles-Sánchez, R M; Islas-Osuna, M A; Astiazarán-García, H; Vázquez-Ortiz, F A; Martín-Belloso, O; Gorinstein, S; González-Aguilar, G A

2009-04-01

To measure bioactive compound losses due to minimal processing, mature green fresh-cut mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) cv. "Ataulfo" were subjected to an antioxidant treatment and stored at 5 degrees C during 15 d. Quality index, total phenols, flavonoids, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidant activity were measured during the storage period of fruits. Antioxidant capacity was estimated using ORAC(FL), TEAC, and DPPH assays. The dipping treatments with ascorbic acid (AA) + citric acid (CA) + CaCl2 affected positively quality delaying deterioration of fresh-cut mango as compared with whole fruit. However, dipping treatment affected the consumer preferences of fresh-cut mangoes. The highest vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E losses were observed after 10 d, being similar in whole and fresh-cut mangoes. The antioxidant activity was not significantly affected by storage time. We conclude that fresh-cut mangoes retained their bioactive compound content during storage and their antioxidant and nutritional properties make them a good source of these compounds.

Experimental simulation of magma-carbonate interaction beneath Mt. Vesuvius, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolis, E. M.; Freda, C.; Troll, V. R.; Deegan, F. M.; Blythe, L. S.; McLeod, C. L.; Davidson, J. P.

2013-11-01

We simulated the process of magma-carbonate interaction beneath Mt. Vesuvius in short duration piston-cylinder experiments under controlled magmatic conditions (from 0 to 300 s at 0.5 GPa and 1,200 °C), using a Vesuvius shoshonite composition and upper crustal limestone and dolostone as starting materials. Backscattered electron images and chemical analysis (major and trace elements and Sr isotopes) of sequential experimental products allow us to identify the textural and chemical evolution of carbonated products during the assimilation process. We demonstrate that melt-carbonate interaction can be extremely fast (minutes), and results in dynamic contamination of the host melt with respect to Ca, Mg and 87Sr/86Sr, coupled with intense CO2 vesiculation at the melt-carbonate interface. Binary mixing between carbonate and uncontaminated melt cannot explain the geochemical variations of the experimental charges in full and convection and diffusion likely also operated in the charges. Physical mixing and mingling driven by exsolving volatiles seems to be a key process to promote melt homogenisation. Our results reinforce hypotheses that magma-carbonate interaction is a relevant and ongoing process at Mt. Vesuvius and one that may operate not only on a geological, but on a human timescale.

Mitochondrial genomes of two Australian fishflies with an evolutionary timescale of Chauliodinae.

PubMed

Yang, Fan; Jiang, Yunlan; Yang, Ding; Liu, Xingyue

2017-06-30

Fishflies (Corydalidae: Chauliodinae) with a total of ca. 130 extant species are one of the major groups of the holometabolous insect order Megaloptera. As a group which originated during the Mesozoic, the phylogeny and historical biogeography of fishflies are of high interest. The previous hypothesis on the evolutionary history of fishflies was based primarily on morphological data. To further test the existing phylogenetic relationships and to understand the divergence pattern of fishflies, we conducted a molecule-based study. We determined the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of two Australian fishfly species, Archichauliodes deceptor Kimmins, 1954 and Protochauliodes biconicus Kimmins, 1954, both members of a major subgroup of Chauliodinae with high phylogenetic significance. A phylogenomic analysis was carried out based on 13 mt protein coding genes (PCGs) and two rRNAs genes from the megalopteran species with determined mt genomes. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses recovered the Dysmicohermes clade as the sister group of the Archichauliodes clade + the Protochauliodes clade, which is consistent with the previous morphology-based hypothesis. The divergence time estimation suggested that the divergence among the three major subgroups of fishflies occurred during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous when the supercontinent Pangaea was undergoing sequential breakup.

Comparative mitogenomic analysis of Aposthonia borneensis and Aposthonia japonica (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) reveals divergent evolution of webspinners.

PubMed

Chen, Zhi-Teng; Lü, Liang; Lu, Ming-Xing; Du, Yu-Zhou

2017-08-15

In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome, mtDNA) of Aposthonia borneensis and compare it with another sequenced webspinner, Aposthonia japonica. The A. borneensis mitogenome is smaller than A. japonica, but the size of each gene and the A + T content of protein-coding genes (PCGs) are almost identical in the two mitogenomes. Among the PCGs, atp6 shows the highest evolutionary rate and cox1 the lowest. The mtDNA map in A. borneensis is similar to Drosophila yakuba, but distinctly different from A. japonica, which has extensive rearrangement. Phylogenetic analyses dated the divergence time of the two webspinners at ca. 103 Ma. We speculate that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of A. borneensis and A. japonica was divided into several geographic groups during the Pangea breakup. Geographic isolation between the Japanese islands and the continental southeastern Asia resulted in the divergent evolution of A. borneensis and A. japonica, thus generating mtDNA structural variations between the two species. Based on the phylogenetic analyses and specific distributional features, the genus Aposthonia was supported as non-monophyly, and we speculate that both highly rearranged and relatively conserved mitogenomes exist in other webspinners.

Heterobivalent Imaging Agents Targeting Prostate Cancer Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

has been implicated as a salient player in the pathobiology of cancers of epithelial origin, e.g. prostate, cervix , ovarian, colon and...ANSI Std. Z39.18 W81XWH-10-1-0481 Heterobivalent Imaging Agents Targeting Prostate Cancer Training Aaron LeBeau University of California, San...Francisco San Francisco, CA 94103 Annual Summary 31 MAY 2010 - 1JUN 201101-06-2011 To determine the utility of imaging MT-SP1 in cancer , xenografts of

14. Photocopy of photograph (original 43/4 x 33/4 inch print ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

14. Photocopy of photograph (original 4-3/4 x 3-3/4 inch print located in the Recreation files, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie N. F.). Photographer unknown, ca. 1941 AUSTIN PASS SKI HUT (WITH BAGLEY LAKE BELOW) AT HEATHER MEADOWS RECREATION AREA. WIDE-CONED MOUNTAIN IN CENTER BACKGROUND IS MOUNT LARRABEE; CANADIAN RED MOUNTAIN IS PEAK TO LEFT. GLACIER DISTRICT. - Austin Pass Warming Hut, Washington Highway 542, Glacier, Whatcom County, WA

Elastic Behavior of a Rubber Layer Bonded between Two Rigid Spheres.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

Cracking, Composites, Compressibility, Def ormition, Dilatancy, Elasticity, Elastomers , Failure, Fracture, Particle ’,-1tr1f6rcement, Rubber, Stress...Analysis. 2.AITRACT (Ca~mmi ON VOW...lds It 񔨾Y MtE fIdnt & bp04 bo ambwe - Finite element methods ( FEM ) have been employed to calculate the stresses...deformations set up by compression or extension of the layer, using finite element methods ( FEM ) and not invoking the condition of incompressibility

Wild-type APC predicts poor prognosis in microsatellite-stable proximal colon cancer.

PubMed

Jorissen, Robert N; Christie, Michael; Mouradov, Dmitri; Sakthianandeswaren, Anuratha; Li, Shan; Love, Christopher; Xu, Zheng-Zhou; Molloy, Peter L; Jones, Ian T; McLaughlin, Stephen; Ward, Robyn L; Hawkins, Nicholas J; Ruszkiewicz, Andrew R; Moore, James; Burgess, Antony W; Busam, Dana; Zhao, Qi; Strausberg, Robert L; Lipton, Lara; Desai, Jayesh; Gibbs, Peter; Sieber, Oliver M

2015-09-15

APC mutations (APC-mt) occur in ∼70% of colorectal cancers (CRCs), but their relationship to prognosis is unclear. APC prognostic value was evaluated in 746 stage I-IV CRC patients, stratifying for tumour location and microsatellite instability (MSI). Microarrays were used to identify a gene signature that could classify APC mutation status, and classifier ability to predict prognosis was examined in an independent cohort. Wild-type APC microsatellite stable (APC-wt/MSS) tumours from the proximal colon showed poorer overall and recurrence-free survival (OS, RFS) than APC-mt/MSS proximal, APC-wt/MSS distal and APC-mt/MSS distal tumours (OS HR⩾1.79, P⩽0.015; RFS HR⩾1.88, P⩽0.026). APC was a stronger prognostic indicator than BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA, TP53, CpG island methylator phenotype or chromosomal instability status (P⩽0.036). Microarray analysis similarly revealed poorer survival in MSS proximal cancers with an APC-wt-like signature (P=0.019). APC status did not affect outcomes in MSI tumours. In a validation on 206 patients with proximal colon cancer, APC-wt-like signature MSS cases showed poorer survival than APC-mt-like signature MSS or MSI cases (OS HR⩾2.50, P⩽0.010; RFS HR⩾2.14, P⩽0.025). Poor prognosis APC-wt/MSS proximal tumours exhibited features of the sessile serrated neoplasia pathway (P⩽0.016). APC-wt status is a marker of poor prognosis in MSS proximal colon cancer.

Characterization of iron, manganese, and copper synthetic hydroxyapatites by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutter, B.; Wasowicz, T.; Howard, T.; Hossner, L. R.; Ming, D. W.

2002-01-01

The incorporation of micronutrients (e.g., Fe, Mn, Cu) into synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA) is proposed for slow release of these nutrients to crops in NASA's Advanced Life Support (ALS) program for long-duration space missions. Separate Fe3+ (Fe-SHA), Mn2+ (Mn-SHA), and Cu2+ (Cu-SHA) containing SHA materials were synthesized by a precipitation method. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to determine the location of Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ ions in the SHA structure and to identify other Fe(3+)-, Mn(2+)-, and Cu(2+)-containing phases that formed during precipitation. The EPR parameters for Fe3+ (g=4.20 and 8.93) and for Mn2+ (g=2.01, A=9.4 mT, D=39.0 mT and E=10.5 mT) indicated that Fe3+ and Mn2+ possessed rhombic ion crystal fields within the SHA structure. The Cu2+ EPR parameters (g(z)=2.488, A(z)=5.2 mT) indicated that Cu2+ was coordinated to more than six oxygens. The rhombic environments of Fe3+ and Mn2+ along with the unique Cu2+ environment suggested that these metals substituted for the 7 or 9 coordinate Ca2+ in SHA. The EPR analyses also detected poorly crystalline metal oxyhydroxides or metal-phosphates associated with SHA. The Fe-, Mn-, and Cu-SHA materials are potential slow release sources of Fe, Mn, and Cu for ALS and terrestrial cropping systems.

The isotopic and chemical evolution of Mount St. Helens

USGS Publications Warehouse

Halliday, A.N.; Fallick, A.E.; Dickin, A.P.; Mackenzie, A.B.; Stephens, W.E.; Hildreth, W.

1983-01-01

Isotopic and major and trace element analysis of nine samples of eruptive products spanning the history of the Mt. St. Helens volcano suggest three different episodes; (1) 40,000-2500 years ago: eruptions of dacite with ??{lunate}Nd = +5, ??{lunate}Sr = -10, variable ??18O, 206Pb/204Pb ??? 18.76, Ca/Sr ??? 60, Rb/Ba ??? 0.1, La/Yb ??? 18, (2) 2500-1000 years ago: eruptions of basalt, andesite and dacite with ??{lunate}Nd = +4 to +8, ??{lunate}Sr = -7 to -22, variable ??18O (thought to represent melting of differing mantle-crust reservoirs), 206Pb/204Pb = 18.81-18.87, variable Ca/Sr, Rb/Ba, La/Yb and high Zr, (3) 1000 years ago to present day: eruptions of andesite and dacite with ??{lunate}Nd = +6, ??{lunate}Sr = -13, ??18O ???6???, variable 206Pb/204Pb, Ca/Sr ??? 77, Rb/Ba = 0.1, La/Yb ??? 11. None of the products exhibit Eu anomalies and all are LREE enriched. There is a strong correlation between 87Sr/86Sr and differentiation indices. These data are interpreted in terms of a mantle heat source melting young crust bearing zircon and garnet, but not feldspar, followed by intrusion of this crustal reservoir by mantle-derived magma which caused further crustal melting and contaminated the crustal magma system with mafic components. Since 1000 years ago all the eruptions have been from the same reservoir which has displayed a much more gradual re-equilibration of Pb isotopic compositions than other components suggesting that Pb is being transported via a fluid phase. The Nd and Sr isotopic compositions lie along the mantle array and suggest that the mantle underneath Mt. St. Helens is not as depleted as MORB sources. There is no indication of seawater involvement in the source region. ?? 1983.

The impacts of anthropogenic emissions on the precipitation chemistry at an elevated site in North-eastern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yan; Wai, Ka Ming; Gao, Jian; Liu, Xiaohuan; Wang, Tao; Wang, Wenxing

Ninety precipitation samples were collected from 2004 to 2006 at the summit of the Mt. Tai in order to detect the impacts of regional sources of pollution on precipitation chemistry in the highly polluted North China Plains. The annual volume-weighted pH of the precipitation was found to be 4.7, in contrast to the less-acidic nature (pH>5.6) of precipitation in northern China reported in many past studies. Non-sea-salt (nss)-SO 42- (131.5 μeq L -1), NH 4+ (82.2 μeq L -1) and Ca 2+ (61.4 μeq L -1) were the most abundant species in precipitation. The wide range of the Cl -/Na + ratios (0.2-5.4) in precipitation implied the co-existence of Cl - enrichment and depletion. The nss-SO 42-, NO 3-, NH 4+, Ca 2+ and K + concentrations peaked in spring, but with the lowest acidity. The very strong correlations of Ca 2+ with nss-SO 42- and NO 3- suggested a significant uptake of nss-SO 42- and NO 3- on dust aerosol during spring. Samples with the lowest pH value (4.5) are associated with the stagnant air conditions. The nss-SO 42- and NH 4+ concentrations at Mt. Tai were the highest compared with those at the EANET, NADP and EMEP sites of similar elevations. With relatively high rainfall amount measured at our site, the high wet deposition of the major acidic/alkaline species exerted large loadings to the ecosystem. The associated impacts on agriculture, soil and aquatic systems should be investigated.

Using OSL to decipher past soil history in archaeological terraces, Judea Highlands, Israel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porat, Naomi; Gadot, Yuval; Davidovich, Uri; Avni, Yoav; Avni, Gideon; Golan, Dani

2015-04-01

Archaeological terraces are the most prominent feature of the agricultural sphere in the hilly landscape throughout the Mediterranean. Using terrace walls for the artificial creation of arable plots of land was a major technological innovation that has completely altered the natural terrain. As such, the dating of these simply built features is of upmost importance. Archaeological excavations and OSL dating of the soil infill of terraces were carried out in three excavation areas at Mt. Eitan in the Judea Highlands, Israel. Previous survey showed that Mt. Eitan was settled continuously at least from the Middle Bronze Age (ca 3800 years ago) and until modern times. The OSL ages shows that all extant terraces were constructed in the past 550-200 years, in the Ottoman period. Older ages are limited only to the base of a few terraces, and they range from the Roman Period (ca 1800 years ago) to Mamluk times (ca 700 years ago). Many of the soil samples contain quartz grains with older ages, indicating incomplete bleaching of the sediment at the time of terrace construction. We used the finite mixture model to find out if there are distinct age clusters to these poorly bleached grains. Analyses were carried out on a compilation of all measured De values (small aliquots) from the entire study area, and for each area separately. Results show that the unbleached grains cluster into only a few periods and highlight four synchronous episodes of terrace building in the past 800 years. The Roman and Early Islamic periods are also represented, even in area where soils with such ages were not found. The unbleached grains preserve older episodes of terrace building no longer represented in the landscape.

Phenology of Racomitrium lanuginosum growing at a seasonally snow-covered site on Mt. Fuji, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maruo, Fumino; Imura, Satoshi

2016-12-01

We investigated the seasonality of the development of the gametangia and sporophytes of Racomitrium lanuginosum growing at a seasonally snow-covered site (ca. 2200 m altitude) on Mt. Fuji, Central Honshu, Japan. Shoots of R. lanuginosum were collected every 2 weeks during the snow-free period (June-November) in 2014. The number of inflorescences and the numbers, sizes, and developmental stages of the male and female gametangia and sporophytes were recorded. Archegonia developed quickly in early spring, but antheridia took longer to develop from the previous summer. Fertilization occurred in June and July and spore dispersal occurred in June of the following year. The archegonia took 1 month to mature, the antheridia took 7-10 months, and the sporophytes took 10 months. The development of the antheridia and sporophytes stopped during the winter when the study site was covered by snow.

The in-capillary DPPH-capillary electrophoresis-the diode array detector combined with reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode for screening and quantifying major antioxidants in Cuscuta chinensis Lam.

PubMed

Liu, Jiao; Tian, Ji; Li, Jin; Azietaku, John Teye; Zhang, Bo-Li; Gao, Xiu-Mei; Chang, Yan-Xu

2016-07-01

An in-capillary 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-CE-the DAD (in-capillary DPPH-CE-DAD) combined with reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode has been developed to screen and quantify the active antioxidant components of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. The operation parameters were optimized with regard to the pH and concentration of buffer solution, SDS, β-CDs, organic modifier, as well as separation voltage and temperature. Six antioxidants including chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, hyperin, isoquercitrin, and astragalin were screened and the total antioxidant activity of the complex matrix was successfully evaluated based on the decreased peak area of DPPH by the established DPPH-CE-DAD method. Sensitivity was enhanced under reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode and 10- to 31-fold of magnitude improvement in detection sensitivity for each analyte was attained. The results demonstrated that the newly established in-capillary DPPH-CE-DAD method combined with reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode could integrate sample concentration, the oxidizing reaction, separation, and detection into one capillary to fully automate the system. It was considered a suitable technique for the separation, screening, and determination of trace antioxidants in natural products. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rapid Estimation of Tocopherol Content in Linseed and Sunflower Oils-Reactivity and Assay.

PubMed

Prevc, Tjaša; Levart, Alenka; Cigić, Irena Kralj; Salobir, Janez; Ulrih, Nataša Poklar; Cigić, Blaž

2015-08-13

The reactivity of tocopherols with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was studied in model systems in order to establish a method for quantifying vitamin E in plant oils. The method was optimized with respect to solvent composition of the assay medium, which has a large influence on the course of reaction of tocopherols with DPPH. The rate of reaction of α-tocopherol with DPPH is higher than that of γ-tocopherol in both protic and aprotic solvents. In ethyl acetate, routinely applied for the analysis of antioxidant potential (AOP) of plant oils, reactions of tocopherols with DPPH are slower and concentration of tocopherols in the assay has a large influence on their molar reactivity. In 2-propanol, however, two electrons are exchanged for both α- and γ-tocopherols, independent of their concentration. 2-propanol is not toxic and is fully compatible with polypropylene labware. The chromatographically determined content of tocopherols and their molar reactivity in the DPPH assay reveal that only tocopherols contribute to the AOP of sunflower oil, whereas the contribution of tocopherols to the AOP of linseed oil is 75%. The DPPH assay in 2-propanol can be applied for rapid and cheap estimation of vitamin E content in plant oils where tocopherols are major antioxidants.

Efficacy of magnesium chloride in the treatment of Hailey-Hailey disease: from serendipity to evidence of its effect on intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis.

PubMed

Borghi, Alessandro; Rimessi, Alessandro; Minghetti, Sara; Corazza, Monica; Pinton, Paolo; Virgili, Annarosa

2015-01-01

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), also known as familial benign chronic pemphigus, is a rare autosomal dominant inherited intraepidermal blistering genodermatosis. Mutations in the ATP2C1 gene encoding for the Golgi secretory pathway Ca(2+) /Mn(2+) -ATPasi protein 1 (SPCA1) affect the processing of desmosomal components and the epidermal suprabasal cell-cell adhesion by deregulating the keratinocyte cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. We report the unexpected, dramatic, and persistent clinical improvement of the skin lesions of a patient affected with longstanding HHD with daily intake of a solution containing magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2 ). We investigated the effect of MgCl2 on the intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and on the activity of particular Ca(2+) -effectors in HeLa cells transfected with chimeric aequorins (cytAEQ, mtAEQ, erAEQ and GoAEQ) targeted to different subcellular compartments (cytosol, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi, respectively). Experimental investigations on HeLa cells showed the effect of MgCl2 on the function of Ca(2+) -extrusor systems, resulting in increased cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca(2+) levels, without altering the mechanisms of intraluminal Ca(2+) -filling and Ca(2+) -release of stores. Based on our clinical observation and experimental results, it can be hypothesized that MgCl2 could act as an inhibitor of the Ca(2+) -extruding activity in keratinocytes favoring intracellular Ca(2+) -disponibility and Ca(2+) -dependent mechanisms in desmosome assembly. This may represent the molecular basis of the good response of the HHD clinical features with MgCl2 solution in the patient described. © 2014 The International Society of Dermatology.

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of eneolithic trypillians from Ukraine reveals neolithic farming genetic roots

PubMed Central

Potekhina, Inna; Rohland, Nadin; Mallick, Swapan; Reich, David; Lillie, Malcolm

2017-01-01

The agricultural revolution in Eastern Europe began in the Eneolithic with the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture complex. In Ukraine, the Trypillian culture (TC) existed for over two millennia (ca. 5,400–2,700 BCE) and left a wealth of artifacts. Yet, their burial rituals remain a mystery and to date almost nothing is known about the genetic composition of the TC population. One of the very few TC sites where human remains can be found is a cave called Verteba in western Ukraine. This report presents four partial and four complete mitochondrial genomes from nine TC individuals uncovered in the cave. The results of this analysis, combined with the data from previous reports, indicate that the Trypillian population at Verteba carried, for the most part, a typical Neolithic farmer package of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages traced to Anatolian farmers and Neolithic farming groups of central Europe. At the same time, the find of two specimens belonging to haplogroup U8b1 at Verteba can be viewed as a connection of TC with the Upper Paleolithic European populations. At the level of mtDNA haplogroup frequencies, the TC population from Verteba demonstrates a close genetic relationship with population groups of the Funnel Beaker/ Trichterbecker cultural complex from central and northern Europe (ca. 3,950–2,500 BCE). PMID:28235025

Reactive alteration of Mt. Simon sandstone during CO2-rich brine injection: A coupled experimental and modeling study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dávila Ordoñez, M. G.; Zahasky, C.; Crandall, D.; Druhan, J. L.

2017-12-01

Thus far, one million metric tons of CO2 have been injected into the lower Mt. Simon formation as part of the Decatur CO2 Capture and Storage Project. Micro-seismic events were observed within the CO2 plume both during and after pressurization associated with the primary injection. The Mt. Simon reservoir rock consists of 76.5 wt.% quartz, 2.1 wt.% calcite, 17.3 wt.% K-feldspar, 1.1 wt.% chlorite, 0.7 wt.% illite and lesser extents of siderite, kaolinite, dolomite and marcasite, and is thus anticipated to become geochemically altered by exposure to acidified CO2-rich brine. However, the extent to which the geochemical reactivity contributes to structural weakening is unknown. To explore relationships between the principle geochemical reactions, evolution of fluid transport properties and physical alteration, we performed a series of flow-through experiments using Mt. Simon core (5 cm diameter, ranging from 4.3 - 8.6 cm length) and fluids representative of acidified reservoir brine. Experiments were operated under P = 1450 bar, Pconfining = 1900 - 3000 bar and T = 53 ºC conditions, and flow rates varied from 0.08 to 5.00 mL h-1 over a period of 166 h. A 2D reactive transport code (Crunch-Tope) was used to simulate these experiments, constrained by measured time series aqueous concentrations of Ca, Mg, S, Si, K and Fe and pH during the CO2-rich brine interaction. The model domain was divided into 30 nodes in x at a spacing of 0.12 cm, and 40 nodes in y at a spacing of 0.22 cm, and initial permeability measured for the core was specified and allowed to evolve over the course of the simulation using measured flow rate as a constraint. All relevant kinetic and thermodynamic reaction parameters were obtained from the literature. Solute time series from both experiments and simulations indicated that the acidified brine introduced continuously into the column promoted dissolution of K-feldspar, chloride, illite, pyrite and calcite, and the precipitation of Ca-, Fe- and Si -bearing secondary phases, resulting in a net porosity increase at the inlet. Despite this opening of the inlet pore space, permeability decreased over the length of the column (kfinal/kinitial = 0.76), thus altering local resistance to fluid phase pressure gradients.

Mobility and fluxes of major, minor and trace metals during basalt weathering and groundwater transport at Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aiuppa, Alessandro; Allard, Patrick; D'Alessandro, Walter; Michel, Agnes; Parello, Francesco; Treuil, Michel; Valenza, Mariano

2000-06-01

The concentrations and fluxes of major, minor and trace metals were determined in 53 samples of groundwaters from around Mt Etna, in order to evaluate the conditions and extent of alkali basalt weathering by waters enriched in magma-derived CO 2 and the contribution of aqueous transport to the overall metal discharge of the volcano. We show that gaseous input of magmatic volatile metals into the Etnean aquifer is small or negligible, being limited by cooling of the rising fluids. Basalt leaching by weakly acidic, CO 2-charged water is the overwhelming source of metals and appears to be more extensive in two sectors of the S-SW (Paternò) and E (Zafferana) volcano flanks, where out flowing groundwaters are the richest in metals and bicarbonate of magmatic origin. Thermodynamic modeling of the results allows to evaluate the relative mobility and chemical speciation of various elements during their partitioning between solid and liquid phases through the weathering process. The facts that rock-forming minerals and groundmass dissolve at different rates and secondary minerals are formed are taken into account. At Mt. Etna, poorly mobile elements (Al, Th, Fe) are preferentially retained in the solid residue of weathering, while alkalis, alkaline earth and oxo-anion-forming elements (As, Se, Sb, Mo) are more mobile and released to the aqueous system. Transition metals display an intermediate behavior and are strongly dependent on either the redox conditions (Mn, Cr, V) or solid surface-related processes (V, Zn, Cu). The fluxes of metals discharged by the volcanic aquifer of Etna range from 7.0 × 10 -3 t/a (Th) to 7.3 × 10 4 t/a (Na). They are comparable in magnitude to the summit crater plume emissions for a series of elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, U, V, Li) with lithophile affinity, but are minor for volatile elements. Basalt weathering at Mt Etna also consumes about 2.1 × 10 5 t/a of magma-derived carbon dioxide, equivalent to ca. 7% of contemporaneous crater plume emissions. The considerable transport of some metals in Etna's aquifer reflects a particularly high chemical erosion rate, evaluated at 2.3∗10 5 t/a, enhanced by the initial acidity of magmatic CO 2-rich groundwater.

Effects of Potassium Sulfate [K2SO4] on The Element Contents, Polyphenol Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Milk Thistle [Silybum Marianum].

PubMed

Yaldiz, Gulsum

2017-01-01

Silybum marianum L. (Milk thistle) is native to the Mediterranean basin and is now widespread throughout the world. It's sprout is used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of liver disease for centuries. The seeds of milk thistle contain silymarin, an isomeric mixture of flavonolignans [silybin, silychristin, and silydianin]. Silymarin acts as a strong anti-hepatotoxic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influences of potassium sulfate [K 2 SO 4 ] fertilizer doses on polyphenol content, some nutrient elements, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of milk thistle at experimental fields of Ordu University in Turkey. The antimicrobial activities of seed ethanol extracts and seed oil were tested in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli, (E. coli) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using the disc diffusion method. Free radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extracts of milk thistle was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the disappearance of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH•) at 517 nm according to the method described by Brand-Williams et al .[17] The phenolic contents in the ethanolic extracts of milk thistle were determined according to the procedure described by Slinkard and Singleton[19] with a slight modification of using a Folin-Ciocalteu phenolic reagent. The amount of total flavonoid in the ethanolic extracts was measured by aluminum chloride [AlCl 3 ] colorimetric assay. The ions in aerosol samples were determined by using Dionex ICS 1100 Series ion chromatography. Seed and seed oils obtained from obvious doses of potassium sulfate [0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha -1 fertilizer applications showed antimicrobial activities against E. coli , A. niger and P. aeruginosa . The application of 90 kg ha -1 of K 2 SO 4 on seed oil resulted in the highest antimicrobial activities. At 100 µg mL -1 and 200 µg mL -1 , except the highest potassium application [120 kg ha -1 extract, all extracts showed high and similar DPPH scavenging activity. The highest phenolic compounds were obtained with 30 kg ha -1 of K 2 SO 4 , whereas the use of 60 kg ha -1 caused the highest total flavonoid content. This plant is a good source of K + , Ca +2 , PO4 -3 , and Cl -1 . In this study, increasing doses of potassium sulfate had significant effect on element, polyphenol content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the milk thistle. All tested extracts were active against all tested microbial species.All extracts have shown high and similar DPPH scavenging activity.There was a gradual increase in the biological properties of the milk thistle seeds with rising levels of potassium sulfate.The milk thistle seeds are rather rich sources of K + , Ca +2 , PO4 -3 and Cl -1 potentially bioavailable for human consumption. Abbreviations used: AlCl 3 : aluminum chloride, Ca +2 : calcium, Cl - : chloride, Cr: chromium CE: catechol equivalents, DPPH: 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, DAP: diamonyum fosfat, F - : fluoride, Fe: iron, K 2 SO 4 : potassium sulfate, K+ : potassium, Li+: lithium, Mg +2 : magnesium, NH 4 + : amonyum, Na + : sodium, NO 2 - : nitrite, NO 3 - : nitrate, Ni: nickel, NaNO 2 : sodium nitrite, NaOH: sodium hidroksit. ND: Not detectable, PO4 -3 : phosphorus, Zn: zinc.

Effects of Potassium Sulfate [K2SO4] on The Element Contents, Polyphenol Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Milk Thistle [Silybum Marianum

PubMed Central

Yaldiz, Gulsum

2017-01-01

Background: Silybum marianum L. (Milk thistle) is native to the Mediterranean basin and is now widespread throughout the world. It's sprout is used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of liver disease for centuries. The seeds of milk thistle contain silymarin, an isomeric mixture of flavonolignans [silybin, silychristin, and silydianin]. Silymarin acts as a strong anti-hepatotoxic. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influences of potassium sulfate [K2SO4] fertilizer doses on polyphenol content, some nutrient elements, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of milk thistle at experimental fields of Ordu University in Turkey. Methods: The antimicrobial activities of seed ethanol extracts and seed oil were tested in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli, (E. coli) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using the disc diffusion method. Free radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extracts of milk thistle was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the disappearance of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH•) at 517 nm according to the method described by Brand-Williams et al.[17] The phenolic contents in the ethanolic extracts of milk thistle were determined according to the procedure described by Slinkard and Singleton[19] with a slight modification of using a Folin-Ciocalteu phenolic reagent. The amount of total flavonoid in the ethanolic extracts was measured by aluminum chloride [AlCl3] colorimetric assay. The ions in aerosol samples were determined by using Dionex ICS 1100 Series ion chromatography. Results: Seed and seed oils obtained from obvious doses of potassium sulfate [0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha -1 fertilizer applications showed antimicrobial activities against E. coli, A. niger and P. aeruginosa. The application of 90 kg ha -1 of K2SO4 on seed oil resulted in the highest antimicrobial activities. At 100 µg mL-1 and 200 µg mL-1, except the highest potassium application [120 kg ha -1 extract, all extracts showed high and similar DPPH scavenging activity. The highest phenolic compounds were obtained with 30 kg ha -1 of K2SO4, whereas the use of 60 kg ha -1 caused the highest total flavonoid content. This plant is a good source of K+, Ca+2, PO4-3, and Cl-1. Conclusion: In this study, increasing doses of potassium sulfate had significant effect on element, polyphenol content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the milk thistle. SUMMARY All tested extracts were active against all tested microbial species.All extracts have shown high and similar DPPH scavenging activity.There was a gradual increase in the biological properties of the milk thistle seeds with rising levels of potassium sulfate.The milk thistle seeds are rather rich sources of K+, Ca+2, PO4-3 and Cl-1 potentially bioavailable for human consumption. Abbreviations used: AlCl3: aluminum chloride, Ca+2: calcium, Cl-: chloride, Cr: chromium CE: catechol equivalents, DPPH: 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, ABTS: 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, DAP: diamonyum fosfat, F-: fluoride, Fe: iron, K2SO4: potassium sulfate, K+ : potassium, Li+: lithium, Mg+2 : magnesium, NH4+ : amonyum, Na+: sodium, NO2-: nitrite, NO3-: nitrate, Ni: nickel, NaNO2: sodium nitrite, NaOH: sodium hidroksit. ND: Not detectable, PO4-3: phosphorus, Zn: zinc PMID:28216891

Melatonin potentiates glycine currents through a PLC/PKC signalling pathway in rat retinal ganglion cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Wen-Jie; Zhang, Min; Miao, Yanying; Yang, Xiong-Li; Wang, Zhongfeng

2010-07-15

In vertebrate retina, melatonin regulates various physiological functions. In this work we investigated the mechanisms underlying melatonin-induced potentiation of glycine currents in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Immunofluorescence double labelling showed that rat RGCs were solely immunoreactive to melatonin MT(2) receptors. Melatonin potentiated glycine currents of RGCs, which was reversed by the MT(2) receptor antagonist 4-P-PDOT. The melatonin effect was blocked by intracellular dialysis of GDP-beta-S. Either preincubation with pertussis toxin or application of the phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor D609, but not the phosphatidylinositol (PI)-PLC inhibitor U73122, blocked the melatonin effect. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA potentiated the glycine currents and in the presence of PMA melatonin failed to cause further potentiation of the currents, whereas application of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide IV abolished the melatonin-induced potentiation. The melatonin effect persisted when [Ca(2+)](i) was chelated by BAPTA, and melatonin induced no increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Neither cAMP-PKA nor cGMP-PKG signalling pathways seemed to be involved because 8-Br-cAMP or 8-Br-cGMP failed to cause potentiation of the glycine currents and both the PKA inhibitor H-89 and the PKG inhibitor KT5823 did not block the melatonin-induced potentiation. In consequence, a distinct PC-PLC/PKC signalling pathway, following the activation of G(i/o)-coupled MT(2) receptors, is most likely responsible for the melatonin-induced potentiation of glycine currents of rat RGCs. Furthermore, in rat retinal slices melatonin potentiated light-evoked glycine receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in RGCs. These results suggest that melatonin, being at higher levels at night, may help animals to detect positive or negative contrast in night vision by modulating inhibitory signals largely mediated by glycinergic amacrine cells in the inner retina.

Melatonin potentiates glycine currents through a PLC/PKC signalling pathway in rat retinal ganglion cells

PubMed Central

Zhao, Wen-Jie; Zhang, Min; Miao, Yanying; Yang, Xiong-Li; Wang, Zhongfeng

2010-01-01

In vertebrate retina, melatonin regulates various physiological functions. In this work we investigated the mechanisms underlying melatonin-induced potentiation of glycine currents in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Immunofluorescence double labelling showed that rat RGCs were solely immunoreactive to melatonin MT2 receptors. Melatonin potentiated glycine currents of RGCs, which was reversed by the MT2 receptor antagonist 4-P-PDOT. The melatonin effect was blocked by intracellular dialysis of GDP-β-S. Either preincubation with pertussis toxin or application of the phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor D609, but not the phosphatidylinositol (PI)-PLC inhibitor U73122, blocked the melatonin effect. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA potentiated the glycine currents and in the presence of PMA melatonin failed to cause further potentiation of the currents, whereas application of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide IV abolished the melatonin-induced potentiation. The melatonin effect persisted when [Ca2+]i was chelated by BAPTA, and melatonin induced no increase in [Ca2+]i. Neither cAMP-PKA nor cGMP-PKG signalling pathways seemed to be involved because 8-Br-cAMP or 8-Br-cGMP failed to cause potentiation of the glycine currents and both the PKA inhibitor H-89 and the PKG inhibitor KT5823 did not block the melatonin-induced potentiation. In consequence, a distinct PC-PLC/PKC signalling pathway, following the activation of Gi/o-coupled MT2 receptors, is most likely responsible for the melatonin-induced potentiation of glycine currents of rat RGCs. Furthermore, in rat retinal slices melatonin potentiated light-evoked glycine receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in RGCs. These results suggest that melatonin, being at higher levels at night, may help animals to detect positive or negative contrast in night vision by modulating inhibitory signals largely mediated by glycinergic amacrine cells in the inner retina. PMID:20519319

Effect of blanching treatments on antioxidant activity of frozen green capsicum (Capsicum annuum L. var bell pepper) using radical scavenging activity (DPPH) assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azizzuddin, Norafida; Abdullah, Aminah

2016-11-01

Blanching treatments are needed to deactivate enzymes in frozen vegetables. Antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging activity assay were evaluated in steaming, boiling water, and microwave blanching at different temperature, time and microwave power level on frozen green capsicum. Green capsicum was chosen for frozen treatment compared to other capsicum with different maturity index because of the firm texture. The objective of this study was to compare the antioxidant activity of frozen green capsicum between conventional and Oxi Count Kit® assay for DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results showed frozen green capsicum blanched using microwave at high level/90 seconds (sample J) contained higher level of DPPH in both conventional method and Oxi Count Kit® compared to other treatments. However, there were no significant differences between sample J and fresh sample (sample A). Overall, the sequences from highest to lowest in blanching treatments for both DPPH conventional method, and DPPH Oxi Count Kit® were J (microwave high level/90 seconds) > A (Fresh) > H (Microwave Medium Level/120 seconds) > D (Boiling Water 80°C/150 seconds) > K (Microwave High Level/120 seconds) > I (Microwave Medium Level/150 seconds) > F (Microwave Low Level/150 seconds)> B (Steam 100°C/150 seconds) > E (Boiling Water 100°C /120 seconds) > G (Microwave Low Level /180 seconds)> C (Steam 100°C/180 seconds). Almost all frozen green capsicum samples showed no significant differences for comparison between test using DPPH conventional method and Oxi Count Kit®. Frozen storage for 0, and 3rd months showed no significant differences which indicate no changes on antioxidant activity during frozen storage at -18°C.

Chemical composition, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory activity and antioxidant activities of few-flower wild rice (Zizania latifolia Turcz.).

PubMed

Qian, Bingjun; Luo, Yali; Deng, Yun; Cao, Linkui; Yang, Hongshun; Shen, Yongpei; Ping, Jian

2012-01-15

The chemical compositions of the stem and leaf sheath of few-flower wild rice were analysed. In addition, their extracts were evaluated for diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity, since these are important properties of sources of nutraceuticals or functional foods. The stems contained more ascorbic acid (0.06 g kg(-1) fresh weight), protein (28.18 g kg(-1) dry weight (DW)), reducing sugars (308.54 g kg(-1) DW), water-soluble pectin (20.63 g kg(-1) DW), Na(2) CO(3) -soluble pectin (44.14 g kg(-1) DW), K (8 g kg(-1) dry matter (DM), S (6 g kg(-1) DM) and P (5 g kg(-1) DM) but less starch, total dietary fibre, Si, Na and Ca than the leaf sheaths. The DPPH free radical-scavenging IC(50) values of the stem and leaf sheath extracts were 19.28 and 21.22 mg mL(-1) respectively. In addition, the ACE-inhibitory IC(50) value of the stem extracts was 38.54 mg mL(-1). Both the stem and leaf sheath extracts exhibited good antioxidant properties, while good ACE-inhibitory activity was detected only in the phosphate buffer solution extracts of the stem. Few-flower wild rice could be processed into formula feeds for fish, poultry, etc. or functional foods for persons with high blood pressure. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochar and lignite affect H+-ATPase and H+-PPase activities in root tonoplast and nutrient contents of mung bean under salt stress.

PubMed

Torabian, Shahram; Farhangi-Abriz, Salar; Rathjen, Judith

2018-05-31

This research was conducted to evaluate effects of biochar (50 and 100 g kg -1 soil) and lignite (50 and 100 g kg -1 soil) treatments on H + -ATPase and H + -PPase activity of root tonoplast, nutrient content, and performance of mung bean under salt stress. High saline conditions increased H + -ATPase and H + -PPase activities in root tonoplast, sodium (Na) content, reactive oxygen species (H 2 O 2 and O 2 - ) generation, relative electrolyte leakage (REL) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity in root and leaf, but decreased relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content index, leaf area, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) content of plant tissues, root and shoot dry weight of mung bean. Lignite and biochar treatments decreased the H + -ATPase and H + -PPase activities of root tonoplast under salt stress. Moreover, these treatments increased the cation exchange capacity of soil and nutrient values in plant tissues. Biochar and lignite diminished the generation of reactive oxygen species and DPPH activity in root and leaf cells, and these superior effects improved chlorophyll content index, leaf area and growth of mung bean under both conditions. In general, the results of this study demonstrated that biochar and lignite decreased the entry of Na ion into the cells, enriched plant cells with nutrients, and consequently improved mung bean performance under salt toxicity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Geochemistry of water and gas discharges from the Mt. Amiata silicic complex and surrounding areas (central Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minissale, A.; Magro, G.; Vaselli, O.; Verrucchi, C.; Perticone, I.

1997-12-01

The Mt. Amiata volcano in central Italy is intimately related to the post-orogenic magmatic activity which started in Pliocene times. Major, trace elements, and isotopic composition of thermal and cold spring waters and gas manifestations indicate the occurrence of three main reservoir of the thermal and cold waters in the Mt. Amiata region. The deepest one is located in an extensive carbonate reservoir buried by thick sequences of low-permeability allochthonous and neo-autochthonous formations. Thermal spring waters discharging from this aquifer have a neutral Ca-SO 4 composition due to the presence of anhydrite layers at the base of the carbonate series and, possibly, to absorption of deep-derived H 2S with subsequent oxidation to SO 42- in a system where pH is buffered by the calcite-anhydrite pair ( Marini and Chiodini, 1994). Isotopic signature of these springs and N 2-rich composition of associated gas phases suggest a clear local meteoric origin of the feeding waters, and atmospheric O 2 may be responsible for the oxidation of H 2S. The two shallower aquifers have different chemical features. One is Ca-HCO 3 in composition and located in several sedimentary formations above the Mesozoic carbonates. The other one has a Na-Cl composition and is hosted in marine sediments filling many post-orogenic NW-SE-trending basins. Strontium, Ba, F, and Br contents have been used to group waters associated with each aquifer. Although circulating to some extent in the same carbonate reservoir, the deep geothermal fluids at Latera and Mt. Amiata and thermal springs discharging from their outcropping areas have different composition: Na-Cl and Ca-SO 4 type, respectively. Considering the high permeability of the reservoir rock, the meteoric origin of thermal springs and the two different composition of the thermal waters, self-sealed barriers must be present at the boundaries of the geothermal systems. The complex hydrology of the reservoir rocks greatly affects the reliability of geothermometers in liquid phase, which understimate the real temperatures of the discovered geothermal fields. More reliable temperatures are envisaged by using gas composition-based geothermometers. Bulk composition of the 67 gas samples studied seems to be the result of a continuous mixing between a N 2-rich component of meteoric origin related to the Ca-SO 4 aquifer and a deep CO 2-rich component rising largely along the boundaries of the geothermal systems. Nitrogen-rich gas samples have nearly atmospheric N 2/Ar (=83) and 15N/ 14N ( δ=0‰) ratios whereas CO 2-rich samples show anomalously high δ15N values (up to +6.13 ‰), likely related to N 2 from metamorphic schists lying below the carbonate formations. On the basis of average 13C/ 12C isotopic ratio ( δ13C around 0‰), CO 2 seems to originate mainly from thermometamorphic reactions in the carbonate reservoir and/or in carbonate layers embedded in the underlying metamorphic basement. Distribution of 3He/ 4He isotopic ratios indicates a radiogenic origin of helium in a tectonic environment that, in spite of the presence of many post-orogenic basins and mantle-derived magmatics, can presently be considered in a compressive phase.

Antioxidant, Anti-Nephrolithe Activities and in Vitro Digestibility Studies of Three Different Cyanobacterial Pigment Extracts

PubMed Central

Paliwal, Chetan; Ghosh, Tonmoy; Bhayani, Khushbu; Maurya, Rahulkumar; Mishra, Sandhya

2015-01-01

Phycobiliprotein-containing water and carotenoid-containing methanolic extracts of three different cyanobacteria, Pseudanabaena sp., Spirulina sp. and Lyngbya sp., were studied for their DPPH scavenging, iso-bolographic studies, and anti-nephrolithe activities. The best EC50 values for DPPH scavenging were in Lyngbya water (LW, 18.78 ± 1.57 mg·mg−1 DPPH) and Lyngbya methanol (LM, 59.56 ± 37.38 mg·mg−1 DPPH) extracts. Iso-bolographic analysis revealed most of the combinations of extracts were antagonistic to each other, although LM—Spirulina methanol (SM) 1:1 had the highest synergistic rate of 86.65%. In vitro digestion studies showed that DPPH scavenging activity was considerably decreased in all extracts except for Pseudanabaena methanol (PM) and LM after the simulated digestion. All of the extracts were effective in reducing the calcium oxalate crystal size by nearly 60%–65% compared to negative control, while PM and Spirulina water (SW) extracts could inhibit both nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate by nearly 60%–80%. PMID:26308007

Characterization of calcineurin-dependent response element binding protein and its involvement in copper-metallothionein gene expression in Neurospora

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Kalari Satish; Ravi Kumar, B.; Siddavattam, Dayananda

2006-07-07

In continuation of our recent observations indicating the presence of a lone calcineurin-dependent response element (CDRE) in the -3730 bp upstream region of copper-induced metallothionein (CuMT) gene of Neurospora [K.S. Kumar, S. Dayananda, C. Subramanyam, Copper alone, but not oxidative stress, induces copper-metallothionein gene in Neurospora crassa, FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 242 (2005) 45-50], we isolated and characterized the CDRE-binding protein. The cloned upstream region of CuMT gene was used as the template to specifically amplify CDRE element, which was immobilized on CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B for use as the affinity matrix to purify the CDRE binding protein from nuclear extracts obtainedmore » from Neurospora cultures grown in presence of copper. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the affinity purified protein revealed the presence of a single 17 kDa protein, which was identified and characterized by MALDI-TOF. Peptide mass finger printing of tryptic digests and analysis of the 17 kDa protein matched with the regulatory {beta}-subunit of calcineurin (Ca{sup 2+}-calmodulin dependent protein phosphatase). Parallel identification of nuclear localization signals in this protein by in silico analysis suggests a putative role for calcineurin in the regulation of CuMT gene expression.« less

Procyon: A New Candidate for the Dynamo Clinical Trial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayres, Thomas

2015-09-01

Procyon (Alp CMi; F5IV-V) is a bright, nearby subgiant; similar in X-ray emission to the Sun, but very different in mass, luminosity, and evolutionary status. Historical Mt Wilson CaII monitoring was inconclusive whether Procyon has a solar-like 11-yr magnetic cycle, or instead is a "flat-activity" star, as might be guessed from its late-MS-age. However, CaII is a poor magnetic proxy for F-types owing to low spectral contrast. X-rays are better. In fact, Procyon - with some X-ray/UV attention over the past two decades - is an excellent candidate for the ongoing "Dynamo Clinical Trial" sponsored by Chandra, XMM, and HST; ultimately to provide a "calibration" of novel theoretical models that seek to couple the inside Dynamo with the outside corona.

High-Temperature Magnetism as a Probe for Structural and Compositional Uniformity in Ligand-Capped Magnetite Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

To investigate magnetostructural relationships in colloidal magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) at high temperature (300–900 K), we measured the temperature dependence of magnetization (M) of oleate-capped magnetite NPs ca. 20 nm in size. Magnetometry revealed an unusual irreversible high-temperature dependence of M for these NPs, with dip and loop features observed during heating–cooling cycles. Detailed characterizations of as-synthesized and annealed Fe3O4 NPs as well as reference ligand-free Fe3O4 NPs indicate that both types of features in M(T) are related to thermal decomposition of the capping ligands. The ligand decomposition upon the initial heating induces a reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and the associated dip in M, leading to more structurally and compositionally uniform magnetite NPs. Having lost the protective ligands, the NPs continually sinter during subsequent heating cycles, resulting in divergent M curves featuring loops. The increase in M with sintering proceeds not only through elimination of a magnetically dead layer on the particle surface, as a result of a decrease in specific surface area with increasing size, but also through an uncommonly invoked effect resulting from a significant change in Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio with heat treatment. The interpretation of irreversible features in M(T) indicates that reversible M(T) behavior, conversely, can be expected only for ligand-free, structurally and compositionally uniform magnetite NPs, suggesting a general applicability of high-temperature M(T) measurements as an analytical method for probing the structure and composition of magnetic nanomaterials. PMID:25506407

An Ice Core Melter System for Continuous Major and Trace Chemical Analyses of a New Mt. Logan Summit Ice Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osterberg, E. C.; Handley, M. J.; Sneed, S. D.; Mayewski, P. A.; Kreutz, K. J.; Fisher, D. A.

2004-12-01

The ice core melter system at the University of Maine Climate Change Institute has been recently modified and updated to allow high-resolution (<1-2 cm ice/sample), continuous and coregistered sampling of ice cores, most notably the 2001 Mt. Logan summit ice core (187 m to bedrock), for analyses of 34 trace elements (Sr, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Pb, Bi, U, As, Al, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, REE suite) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), 8 major ions (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3-, MSA) by ion chromatography (IC), stable water isotopes (δ 18O, δ D, d) and volcanic tephra. The UMaine continuous melter (UMCoM) system is housed in a dedicated clean room with HEPA filtered air. Standard clean room procedures are employed during melting. A Wagenbach-style continuous melter system has been modified to include a pure Nickel melthead that can be easily dismantled for thorough cleaning. The system allows melting of both ice and firn without wicking of the meltwater into unmelted core. Contrary to ice core melter systems in which the meltwater is directly channeled to online instruments for continuous flow analyses, the UMCoM system collects discrete samples for each chemical analysis under ultraclean conditions. Meltwater from the pristine innermost section of the ice core is split between one fraction collector that accumulates ICP-MS samples in acid pre-cleaned polypropylene vials under a class-100 HEPA clean bench, and a second fraction collector that accumulates IC samples. A third fraction collector accumulates isotope and tephra samples from the potentially contaminated outer portion of the core. This method is advantageous because an archive of each sample remains for subsequent analyses (including trace element isotope ratios), and ICP-MS analytes are scanned for longer intervals and in replicate. Method detection limits, calculated from de-ionized water blanks passed through the entire UMCoM system, are below 10% of average Mt. Logan values. A strong correlation (R2>0.9) between Ca and S concentrations measured on different fractions of the same sample by IC and ICP-MS validates sample coregistration. Preliminary analyses of data from the 2001 Mt. Logan summit ice core confirm subannual resolution sampling and annual scale variability of major and trace elements. Accumulation rate models and isotope data suggest that annual resolution will be possible to 1000-2000 y.b.p., with multi-annual to centennial resolution for the remainder of the Holocene and possibly including the last deglaciation. Dust proxy elements, including REEs, strongly co-vary in time-series and reveal concentration ratio fluctuations interpreted as source region changes. Volcanic eruptions are characterized by elevated concentrations of S, SO42-, Cu, Sb, Zn and other trace elements. Concentrations of potential anthropogenic contaminants are also discussed.

Application of K-Ar Dating to the Chronology of Young Volcanic Centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanphere, M. A.

2003-12-01

K-Ar dating and a derivative technique, 40Ar/39Ar dating, are methods of high-precision chronology applicable to young volcanic centers. Cascade volcanoes studied in detail by several USGS volcanologists, Duane Champion paleomagetist, and me include Mt. Baker, WA; Mt. Rainier, WA; Mt. Adams, WA; Mt. Hood, OR; Crater Lake, OR; and Medicine Lake, CA. For Mt. Adams using detailed geologic mapping by Hildreth and Fierstein and 74 K-Ar ages for 63 mapped units, Hildreth and Lanphere established a detailed chronology for the stratovolcano. Good agreement has been achieved for K-Ar ages and 40Ar/39Ar ages of rocks from Mt. Adams as young as 36 ka. A similar detailed chronology has been established for other Cascade volcanoes using andesites, in particular. These chronologies often take 10 years or more to develop. Major advantages of the 40Ar/39Ar technique are the ability to work with small sample sizes and the possibility to push the technique to very young ages. The Campanian Ignimbrite erupted from the Campi Flegrei crater near Naples, Italy is an example of the use of small samples. Nine incremental-heating ages were determined on samples of sanidine ranging in size from 47 mg to 67 mg. These samples yielded ages for the Campanian Ignimbrite ranging from 37.1 +/- 0.75 ka to 39.5 +/- 0.62 ka and averaging 38.1 +/- 0.8 ka. Other workers have proposed 40Ar/39Ar ages for the Campanian Ignimbrite of 37.1 +/- 0.4 ka and 39.3 +/- 0.1 ka. An example of the use of 40Ar/39Ar dating of very young samples is the Christian Era (CE) age of the Vesuvius eruption of year 79. Eight packets of sanidine weighing 213-296 mg from two localities, Casti Amanti in Pompeii and Villa Poppea in nearby Oplontis, yielded a weighted-mean incremental-heating age of 1924 +/- 66 years. The known age for the CE 79 eruption of Vesuvius is 1924 years. Earlier studies of Vesuvius by other workers yielded an 40Ar/39Ar age for the Villa Poppea locality of 1922 +/- 72 years.

Design of Incident Field B-Dot Sensor for the Nose Boom of NASA F-106B Aircraft.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

ip , and 0. Figures 14 to 21 show the computed cBM(t), whereas Figures 22 to 29 show the computed M(t) as well as the sensor pick-up voltage Vs...is adequate signal corresponding to the inci- dent field. 34 6. d.) .0S E4 ~ 0000091 o~ VOZ -a--W0 009 .41 CA -4 809 r-4- 48J do u L)c 35C Cj .a C9 CD

Management of MTOE Effective Dates Based on Equipment Availability. Phases I and II. MTO Dates I and MTO Dates II.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy , or decision unless so designated by other official...4) ~ I- . ) 4CJn . 0.. . C M L4- Lz 4)-3 - 4 0O -4J . cnCD 04) 4-1 4 CA C E~ e.41 .C4- . .-. .- CLLJ CL mt 4) 4-4 0o m- >,0-.04 cOL 0 4.U,. 𔃺. C

Sensitivity of Tropical Cyclone Models to the Surface Drag Coefficient in Different Boundary-Layer Schemes

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-20

altitude of about 500 m in Hurricanes Allen (1980) and Hugo (1989) by Zhang et al. (2010). In Hugo these were about 110 m2 s−1 beneath the eyewall...Marks FD Montgomery MT Lorsolo S. 2010 Estimation of turbulence characteristics of eyewall boundary layer of Hurricane Hugo (1989) Mon. Wea. Rev., in...University of Munich, Munich, Germany b Dept. of Meteorology, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA & NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division ∗Correspondence

In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of different parts of Tabebuia pallida growing in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Mahbubur; Islam, Md Badrul; Biswas, Mohitosh; Khurshid Alam, A H M

2015-10-30

In humans, many diseases are associated with the accumulation of free radicals. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and minimize their impact. Therefore, the search for naturally occurring antioxidants of plant origin is imperative. Here, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of methanolic extracts from Tabebuia pallida (T. pallida) stem bark (TPSB), root bark (TPRB), leaves (TPL), and flowers (TPF). The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity were determined by several standard methods using spectrophotomer. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay methods, respectively. Among the extracts, TPL showed the highest total antioxidant capacity followed by TPRB, TPF, and TPSB. Based on DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, TPL showed strong scavenging activity (91.05 ± 1.10 and 62.00 ± 0.57) with IC50 of 9.20 ± 0.28 and 46.00 ± 2.84 μg/mL, respectively when compared with standard BHT (IC50 of 7.00 ± 0.25 μg/mL) and CA (75.00 ± 0.14 μg/mL). These results suggest that TPL had the highest radical scavenging activity among the extractives that closely resembled the standard's. In lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, TPL exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity (83.18 ± 2.12 %) with IC50 of 12.00 ± 2.12 μg/mL, which closely resembled standard CA (IC50 of 10.50 ± 0.28 μg/mL). Also, the reducing capacity on ferrous ion was in the following order: TPL > TPRB > TF > TPSB. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of TPL were higher than other extractives. A positive correlation (p value <0.001) was observed between phenolic content and free radical (DPPH(·) and (·)OH) scavenging efficiencies and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. Methanolic extract of T. pallida leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidants and serves as an effective free radical scavenger and/or inhibitor. Hence, T. pallida might be a good plant-based pharmaceutical product for several diseases caused by free radicals.

Superconductivity in Bi-(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films made by thermal decomposition of metal carboxylates: Preparation, characterisation and magnetisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Vries, J. W. C.; Klee, M.; Marbach, G.; Stotz, S.

1989-12-01

Superconducting films in the system Bi-(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O are made by thermal decomposition of metal carboxylates. The layers are deposited by dip-coating and spin-coating on ceramic and single-crystal MgO substrates. In lead-free samples a continuous path of the high-T c phase ( Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu33O10 + δ, Tc ≈ 110 K), leading to zero-resistance at 95 K, can be obtained after firing at 878°C for 3 h. From DC magnetisation measurements in an external field of 10 mT, it followed that the relative amount of the high- Tc phase ( Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 + δ) and the low-T c phase ( Bi2 ( Sr, Ca) 3Cu2O8 + δ, Tc ≈ 80 K) is about 14:86. Substitution of 20% of bismuth by lead yields, after firing at 850°C or 860°C, the high- Tc phase as the major phase, as can be deduced both from X-ray diffraction and DC magnetisation measurements. The resistance is zero at 104 K and the relative quantity of high-T c to low-T c phase is about 60:40 to 75:25.

Chemical Composition of Diagenetic Features at Lower Aeolis Mons, Mars as Measured by Curiosity's APXS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, J. A.; Schmidt, M. E.; Gellert, R.; Boyd, N.; Campbell, J. L.; Desouza, E.; Fisk, M. R.; Perrett, G. M.; Thompson, L. M.; VanBommel, S.; Yen, A. S.

2015-12-01

Curiosity's APXS investigation of the Murray Fm. (sols 755 - 950) at lower Aeolis Mons (Mt. Sharp) in Gale Crater, Mars has revealed (Mg, Ni)-sulfate diagenetic features and dark gray Ca-rich veins. The (Mg, Ni)-sulfate features occur as ~2 cm wide dendritic and botryoidal concretions that stand out in relief ~1 cm above the mudstone surface. APXS rasters over the features (Moenkopi, Mammoth, Morrison, Rosamond, Potatoe; sols 758 - 810) resulted in 1:1 molar variation of S and Mg consistent with a MgSO4 phase. The sulfate is not pure; the features are a mixture of 10 - 15% MgSO4 with the host mudstone. This mixture suggests the sulfates precipitated within pre-existing pore spaces, or were partially dissolved and replaced by sediment, preserving the crystal morphology. The sulfate features are enriched in Ni (2000 - 4250 ppm), indicating Ni-sulfate. The Murray Fm. mudstones that host the diagenetic features range to high SiO2 (60-73 wt%) and have bulk elemental signatures that are consistent with alteration by acid leaching. Low MgO (3.0 wt%) and low Ni (100 - 300 ppm) in the most apparently altered (highest SiO2) mudstones may link the acidic alteration with the fluids that formed the (Mg, Ni)-sulfates. Diagenetic Ca-sulfate-bearing veins that were abundant across Aeolis Palus persist at lower Aeolis Mons. A new vein type containing dark gray material as a separate crystalline phase within white Ca-sulfate veins was discovered in a cluster of veins in the Murray Fm. (Coalville, Alvord Mt., Amboy; sols 930 - 948). APXS rasters of the dark-toned material indicate high CaO (20 - 30 wt%) without concomitant increases in SO3. Ge (up to 650 ppm; 6.5X surrounding bedrock) and MnO (up to 1.0 wt%; 4X surrounding bedrock) are both enriched in the dark veins. These chemical observations are consistent with fluorite, although F (L.O.D. >5%) is not detectable in APXS spectra. The diagenetic features indicate that Ca, Mg, and Ni were mobilized with S in aqueous fluids, and that F may have played a role in the acidic alteration of the Murray Fm.

Human Keratinocytes Radioprotection with Mentha Longifolia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzo, Angela Maria; Berselli, P.; Zava, S.; Negroni, M.; Corsetto, P.; Montorfano, G.; Bertolotti, A.; Ranza, E.; Ottolenghi, A.; Berra, B.

Antioxidants are suggested to act as radioprotectors, and dietary supplements based on antiox-idants have been proposed for astronauts involved in long-term space missions. Plant extracts with antioxidant properties may be used in dietetic supplements for astronauts; in fact recent nutritional guidelines suggest that "fruits and vegetables may become as important on space-going vessels as limes were on the sea-going vessels of old". Mint presents a large variety of biological properties, such as antiallergenic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, an-tiviral, gastrointestinal protective, hepatoprotective, chemopreventive activities, most of which are attributable to its antioxidant activity. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antioxidant properties and protective bio-efficacy of a phenol enriched Mentha longifolia ex-tract on gamma rays stressed human keratinocytes (NCTC2544). We assessed first the in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH), and then evaluated different stress markers in order to investigate various oxidative stress targets: cell viability (MTT); retained proliferating ca-pability (CA); DNA damage (histone H2AX) and protein damage (HSP70 induction). Results indicate that this Mint extract has a higher antioxidant activity respect to fresh extracts, that could be responsible of its really interesting radio-protective effects.

Effect of soaking, boiling, and steaming on total phenolic contentand antioxidant activities of cool season food legumes.

PubMed

Xu, Baojun; Chang, Sam K C

2008-09-01

The effects of soaking, boiling and steaming processes on the total phenolic components and antioxidant activity in commonly consumed cool season food legumes (CSFL's), including green pea, yellow pea, chickpea and lentil were investigated. As compared to original unprocessed legumes, all processing steps caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in all tested CSFL's. All soaking and atmospheric boiling treatments caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC). However, pressure boiling and pressure steaming caused significant (p<0.05) increases in ORAC values. Steaming treatments resulted in a greater retention of TPC, DPPH, and ORAC values in all tested CSFL's as compared to boiling treatments. To obtain cooked legumes with similar palatability and firmness, pressure boiling shortened processing time as compared to atmospheric boiling, resulted in insignificant differences in TPC, DPPH for green and yellow pea. However, TPC and DPPH in cooked lentils differed significantly between atmospheric and pressure boiling. As compared to atmospheric processes, pressure processes significantly increased ORAC values in both boiled and steamed CSFL's. Greater TPC, DPPH and ORAC values were detected in boiling water than that in soaking and steaming water. Boiling also caused more solid loss than steaming. Steam processing exhibited several advantages in retaining the integrity of the legume appearance and texture of the cooked product, shortening process time, and greater retention of antioxidant components and activities. Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatial and seasonal variations of elemental composition in Mt. Everest (Qomolangma) snow/firn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Shichang; Zhang, Qianggong; Kaspari, Susan; Qin, Dahe; Cong, Zhiyuan; Ren, Jiawen; Mayewski, Paul A.

In May 2005, a total of 14 surface snow (0-10 cm) samples were collected along the climbing route from the advanced base camp to the summit (6500-8844 m a.s.l.) on the northern slope of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). A 108 m firn/ice core was retrieved from the col of the East Rongbuk Glacier (28.03°N, 86.96°E, 6518 m a.s.l.) on the north eastern saddle of Mt. Everest in September 2002. Surface snow and the upper 3.5 m firn samples from the core were analyzed for major and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Measurements show that crustal elements dominated both surface snow and the firn core, suggesting that Everest snow chemistry is mainly influenced by crustal aerosols from local rock or prevalent spring dust storms over southern/central Asia. There are no clear trends for element variations with elevation due to local crustal aerosol inputs or redistribution of surface snow by strong winds during the spring. Seasonal variability in snow/firn elements show that high elemental concentrations occur during the non-monsoon season and low values during the monsoon season. Ca, Cr, Cs, and Sr display the most distinct seasonal variations. Elemental concentrations (especially for heavy metals) at Mt. Everest are comparable with polar sites, generally lower than in suburban areas, and far lower than in large cities. This indicates that anthropogenic activities and heavy metal pollution have little effect on the Mt. Everest atmospheric environment. Everest firn core REE concentrations are the first reported in the region and seem to be comparable with those measured in modern and Last Glacial Maximum snow/ice samples from Greenland and Antarctica, and with precipitation samples from Japan and the East China Sea. This suggests that REE concentrations measured at Everest are representative of the background atmospheric environment.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Dianthus Thunbergii Hooper and Hypoxis Argentea Harv Ex Baker: Plants Used for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

PubMed

Akinrinde, Akinleye Stephen; Afolayan, Anthony Jide; Bradley, Graeme

2018-01-01

Inhabitants of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa use the roots of Dianthus thunbergii and corms of Hypoxis argentea to treat diabetes mellitus and other ailments. The objective of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the roots and corms of two plants. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, tannins, and alkaloids were determined by standard methods. The scavenging activities of the extracts against 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and their ferric-reducing antioxidant potentials (FRAPs) were measured. The ethanol extract of H. argentea had the highest content of phenolics (66.71 ± 2.71 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and tannins (1.18 ± 0.07 mg TAE/g), while the ethanol extract of D. thunbergii gave higher contents of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins (62.21 ± 1.75 mg Qe/g and 432.62 ± 2.43 mg Ca/g, respectively). Flavonols were the most predominant in the aqueous extract of H. argentea (25.51 ± 1.92 mg Qe/g). We observed a concentration-dependent response in the ABTS- and H 2 O 2 -scavenging activities and FRAP values of the extracts and standards (Vitamin C, butylated hydroxytoluene, and rutin). The ethanol extracts of both plants generally demonstrated better antioxidant activities against H 2 O 2 , NO, and ABTS while also possessing better reducing power than the aqueous extracts. The aqueous extract of D. thunbergii , however, showed the best DPPH scavenging activity. The higher content of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity obtained for the ethanol extracts of D. thunbergii and H. argentea may prove to be valuable information in selecting suitable extraction solvents for the medicinal applications of both plants. Ethanol extracts of Hypoxis argentea had the highest levels of phenolics and tanninsEthanol extracts of Dianthus thunbergii had the highest levels of flavonoids and proanthocyanidinsEthanol extracts of both plants possess better antioxidant activityagainst hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and ABTS as well as higher reducingpower than the aqueous extractsAqueous extract of Dianthus thunbergii had the highest free radical scavenging activity as measured with DPPH. Abbreviations used: ABTS: 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene; DPPH: 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; DTA: Dianthus thunbergii aqueous extract (16.6%); DTE: Dianthus thunbergii ethanol extract (2.4%); Fe 3+ -TPTZ: Ferric tripyridyltriazine; FRAP: Ferric-reducing antioxidant potentials; GAE: Gallic acid equivalent; HAA: Hypoxis argentea aqueous extract (3.2%); HAE: Hypoxis argentea ethanol extract (1.8%); Qe: Quercetin equivalence; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; TBA: Thiobarbituric acid;TCA: Trichloroacetic acid.

Washington Camp-A New Site for TSU Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wade, Montanez A.

1997-02-01

The astronomy research program at Tennessee State University began in the Center of Excellence in Information Systems in 1988 with a grant from Marshall Space Flight Center. The initial research was to expand the investigation of Dr. D. S. Hall of Vanderbilt University on the behavior of chromospherically active (CA) stars utilizing automatic photometric telescopes (APT's)located in the southern Arizonan desert at the Smithsonian Institution's Mt. Hopkins Facility (Fred Whipple Observatory). The APT's were and are operated by Fairborn Observatory, a non-profit organization. Over the years the TSU program significantly expanded and by 1996 CASS astronomers managed four APT's at the Mt. Hopkins site: Fairborn 10-in, SAO/TSU 30- in, the Vanderbilt/TSU 16-in, and the TSU/SAO 32-in. In addition to CA star research, the program now includes observation of solar duplicates to better understand the Sun-climate connection, investigation of magnetic activity in cool stars, and verification of the existence of extra-solar planets. Observing schemes are programmed in Nashville and data are retrieved from the Arizona site via the Internet. With CASS funding TSU has under construction a 2-m automatic spectroscopic telescope (AST) and a 24-in automatic imaging telescope (AIT). Anticipating this expansion, Fairborn Observatory located a 40 acre site in Washington Camp, AZ to build its own expanded facility. This paper will present a brief history of the TSU astrophysics program including a cursory description of the research areas, the instrumentation utilized in data acquisition, and a description of the facilities.

Ion chemistry and individual particle analysis of atmospheric aerosols over Mt. Bogda of eastern Tianshan Mountains, Central Asia.

PubMed

Zhao, Shuhui; Li, Zhongqin; Zhou, Ping

2011-09-01

Aerosol samples were collected during the scientific expedition to Mt. Bogda in July-August, 2009. The major inorganic ions (Na( + ), NH⁺₄, K( + ), Mg(2 + ), Ca(2 + ), Cl( - ), SO²⁻₄, and NO⁻₃) of the aerosols were determined by ion chromatography. SO²⁻₄, NO⁻₃, and Ca(2 + ) were the dominate ions, with the mean concentrations of 0.86, 0.56, and 0.28 μg m⁻³, respectively. These mean ion concentrations were generally comparable with the background conditions in remote site of Xinjiang, while much lower than those in Ürümqi. Morphology and elemental compositions of 1,500 particles were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Based on the morphology and elemental compositions, particles were classed into four major groups: soot (15.1%), fly ash (4.7%), mineral particles (78.9%), and little other matters (0.8% Fe-rich particles and 0.5% unrecognized particles). Presence of soot and fly ash particles indicated the influence of anthropogenic pollutions, while abundance mineral particles suggested that natural processes were the primary source of aerosols over this region, coinciding with the ionic analysis. Backward air mass trajectory analysis suggested that Ürümqi may contribute some anthropogenic pollution to this region, while the arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia were the primary source.

A novel mutation in the MITF may be digenic with GJB2 mutations in a large Chinese family of Waardenburg syndrome type II.

PubMed

Yan, Xukun; Zhang, Tianyu; Wang, Zhengmin; Jiang, Yi; Chen, Yan; Wang, Hongyan; Ma, Duan; Wang, Lei; Li, Huawei

2011-12-20

Waardenburg syndrome type II (WS2) is associated with syndromic deafness. A subset of WS2, WS2A, accounting for approximately 15% of patients, is attributed to mutations in the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene. We examined the genetic basis of WS2 in a large Chinese family. All 9 exons of the MITF gene, the single coding exon (exon 2) of the most common hereditary deafness gene GJB2 and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 12S rRNA were sequenced. A novel heterozygous mutation c.[742_743delAAinsT;746_747delCA] in exon 8 of the MITF gene co-segregates with WS2 in the family. The MITF mutation results in a premature termination codon and a truncated MITF protein with only 247 of the 419 wild type amino acids. The deaf proband had this MITF gene heterozygous mutation as well as a c.[109G>A]+[235delC] compound heterozygous pathogenic mutation in the GJB2 gene. No pathogenic mutation was found in mtDNA 12S rRNA in this family. Thus, a novel compound heterozygous mutation, c.[742_743delAAinsT;746_747delCA] in MITF exon 8 was the key genetic reason for WS2 in this family, and a digenic effect of MITF and GJB2 genes may contribute to deafness of the proband. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The ability of Abelmoschus manihot L. leaf extract in scavenging of free radical DPPH and total flavonoid determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudewi, S.; Lolo, W. A.; Warongan, M.; Rifai, Y.; Rante, H.

2017-11-01

Abelmoschus manihot L. has reported to have flavonoids content. This study aims were to determine the ability of A. manihot extract in counteracting free radical DPPH and determine the content of total flavonoids. A. manihot leaf was taken from 2 regions in North Sulawesi, namely Tomohon and Kotamobagu. The maceration was carried out to extract the active compound in a 96% ethanol solvent. Free radical scavenging analysis was carried out by DPPH and determination of its total flavonoid in the extract was measured using spectrophotometri method. The results showed that A. manihot extract from Tomohon and Kotamobagu could counteract free radical of DPPH with value of free radical activity of 88.151 and 88.801 %, respectively. A. manihot leaf from Kotamobagu has higher total flavonoids content 61.763 mg/g compare to Tomohon 46.679 mg/g which presented as quercetin. A. manihot has antioxidant activity.

Confirmation and calibration of computer modeling of tsunamis produced by Augustine volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beget, James E.; Kowalik, Zygmunt

2006-01-01

Numerical modeling has been used to calculate the characteristics of a tsunami generated by a landslide into Cook Inlet from Augustine Volcano. The modeling predicts travel times of ca. 50-75 minutes to the nearest populated areas, and indicates that significant wave amplification occurs near Mt. Iliamna on the western side of Cook Inlet, and near the Nanwelak and the Homer-Anchor Point areas on the east side of Cook Inlet. Augustine volcano last produced a tsunami during an eruption in 1883, and field evidence of the extent and height of the 1883 tsunamis can be used to test and constrain the results of the computer modeling. Tsunami deposits on Augustine Island indicate waves near the landslide source were more than 19 m high, while 1883 tsunami deposits in distal sites record waves 6-8 m high. Paleotsunami deposits were found at sites along the coast near Mt. Iliamna, Nanwelak, and Homer, consistent with numerical modeling indicating significant tsunami wave amplification occurs in these areas. 

Exposure dating and glacial reconstruction at Mt. Field, Tasmania, Australia, identifies MIS 3 and MIS 2 glacial advances and climatic variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackintosh, A. N.; Barrows, T. T.; Colhoun, E. A.; Fifield, L. K.

2006-05-01

Tasmania is important for understanding Quaternary climatic change because it is one of only three areas that experienced extensive mid-latitude Southern Hemisphere glaciation and it lies in a dominantly oceanic environment at a great distance from Northern Hemisphere ice sheet feedbacks. We applied exposure dating using 36Cl to an extensive sequence of moraines from the last glacial at Mt. Field, Tasmania. Glaciers advanced at 41-44 ka during Marine oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 and at 18 ka during MIS 2. Both advances occurred in response to an ELA lowering greater than 1100 m below the present-day mean summer freezing level, and a possible temperature reduction of 7-8°C. Deglaciation was rapid and complete by ca. 16 ka. The overall story emerging from studies of former Tasmanian glaciers is that the MIS 2 glaciation was of limited extent and that some glaciers were more extensive during earlier parts of the last glacial cycle. Copyright

The anionic (9-methyladenine)-(1-methylthymine) base pair solvated by formic acid. A computational and photoelectron spectroscopy study.

PubMed

Storoniak, Piotr; Mazurkiewicz, Kamil; Haranczyk, Maciej; Gutowski, Maciej; Rak, Janusz; Eustis, Soren N; Ko, Yeon Jae; Wang, Haopeng; Bowen, Kit H

2010-09-02

The photoelectron spectrum for (1-methylthymine)-(9-methyladenine)...(formic acid) (1MT-9MA...FA) anions with the maximum at ca. 1.87 eV was recorded with 2.54 eV photons and interpreted through the quantum-chemical modeling carried out at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. The relative free energies of the anions and their calculated vertical detachment energies suggest that only seven anionic structures contribute to the observed PES signal. We demonstrate that electron binding to the (1MT-9MA...FA) complex can trigger intermolecular proton transfer from formic acid, leading to the strong stabilization of the resulting radical anion. The SOMO distribution indicates that an excess electron may localize not only on the pyrimidine but also on the purine moiety. The biological context of DNA-environment interactions concerning the formation of single-strand breaks induced by excess electrons has been briefly discussed.

Anticandidal, antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Calendula arvensis flowers.

PubMed

Abudunia, A-M; Marmouzi, I; Faouzi, M E A; Ramli, Y; Taoufik, J; El Madani, N; Essassi, E M; Salama, A; Khedid, K; Ansar, M; Ibrahimi, A

2017-03-01

Calendula arvensis (CA) is one of the important plants used in traditional medicine in Morocco, due to its interesting chemical composition. The present study aimed to determine the anticandidal, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and the effects of extracts of CA flowers on the growth of myeloid cancer cells. Also, to characterize the chemical composition of the plant. Flowers of CA were collected based on ethnopharmacological information from the villages around the region Rabat-Khemisset, Moroccco. The hexane and methanol extracts were obtained by soxhlet extraction, while aqueous extracts was obtained by maceration in cold water. CA extracts were assessed for antioxidant activity using four different methods (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC, β-carotene bleaching test). Furthermore, the phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured, also the antimicrobial activity has been evaluated by the well diffusion method using several bacterial and fungal strains. Finally, extracts cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT test. Phytochemical quantification of the methanolic and aqueous extracts revealed that they were rich with flavonoid and phenolic content and were found to possess considerable antioxidant activities. MIC values of methanolic extracts were 12.5-25μg/mL. While MIC values of hexanolic extracts were between 6.25-12.5μg/mL and were bacteriostatic for all bacteria while methanolic and aqueous extracts were bactericidal. In addition, the extracts exhibited no activity on Candida species except the methanolic extract, which showed antifungal activity onCandida tropicalis 1 and Candida famata 1. The methanolic and aqueous extracts also exhibited antimyeloid cancer activity (IC 50 of 31μg/mL). In our study, we conclude that the methanolic and aqueous extracts were a promising source of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Assessment of phenolic profile and antioxidant power of five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four geographical regions of Iran.

PubMed

Taghizadeh, Seyedeh Faezeh; Davarynejad, Gholamhossein; Asili, Javad; Nemati, Seyed Hossein; Karimi, Gholamreza

2018-01-01

In this study, the levels and antioxidant activities of some secondary metabolites isolated from five pistachio ( Pistacia vera ) cultivars collected from four different geographical regions of Iran, were studied. Total phenolic compounds levels were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined as AlCl 3 complex and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and total proantocyanidins content was expressed as mg of catechin equivalents (CA)/g dry extract. In order to evaluated the antioxidant activity of the compounds, DPPH and FRAP assays were used. The highest level of total phenols (156.42 mg GA/g DE), total flavonoids (130.94 mg QE/g DE) and total proantocyanidins (152.816 mg CA/g DE) were obtained in Akbari cultivar from Rafsanjan, followed by Badami-e-sefid and Ahmad aghaei. The lowest amount of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total proanthocyanidin content (TPrAC) were found in Badami-e-sefid from Feizabad (128.140 mg GA/g DE, 93.176 mg QE/g DE and 118.870 mg CA/g DE, respectively). Also, a positive correlation (r 2 =0.9834) was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. Pistachio increased their phytochemical compounds to contrast with abiotic stress. Our data could be useful for introducing special characteristics to the plants, and can be considered when planning a new breeding program or choosing a specific cultivar for a particular use.

The provenance of Archean clastic metasediments in the Narryer Gneiss Complex, western Australia: Trace element geochemistry, Nd isotopes, and U-Pb ages for detrital zircons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maas, R.; McCulloch, M.T.

1991-07-01

Clastic metasedimentary rocks of mid-Archean age from the Mt. Narryer and Jack Hills metasedimentary belts have REE patterns resembling those of mid- to late-Archean pelitic-quartzitic cratonic sequences elsewhere, and post-Archean continental rocks in general. Detrital zircons in the metasediments range in age from ca. 3,000 to 3,700 Ma. This indicates a provenance from mature cratonic sources controlled by K-rich granitic rocks. Additional minor sediment sources were identified as older, mainly chemical sedimentary sequences, ultramafic rocks, and felsic rocks characterized by low HREE contents, perhaps of tonalitic affinity. Differences between sedimentary REE patterns and those in the surrounding 3.73-3.0 Ga orthogneissmore » terrain, and between detrital zircon ages and the age distribution in the gneisses, suggest that the present association of the metasedimentary belts with the orthogneiss terrain is of tectonic origin. The occurrence of detrital zircons with U-Pb ages > 4 Ga in certain quartzites and conglomerates of the Jack Hills and Mt. Narryer metasedimentary sequences indicates a further, most likely granitic, source. {epsilon}{sub Nd}(T{sub Dep}) values in Jack Hills metasediments vary widely (+5 to {minus}12) but have a smaller range in the Mt. Narryer belt ({minus}5 to {minus}9). The lowest {epsilon}{sub Nd} values of both sequences are interpreted to reflect the presence of detritus derived from 4.1-4.2 Ga old LREE-enriched continental crust in proportions considerably larger ({ge} 10%) than estimated previously from the abundance of pre-4 Ga detrital zircons ({approx}3%). This would imply the former existence of significant volumes of pre-4 Ga continental crust in the provenance of the Mt. Narryer and Jack Hills metasediments.« less

Volcanic Tremor at Mt. Etna, Italy, Preceding and Accompanying the Eruption of July August, 2001

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falsaperla, S.; Alparone, S.; D'Amico, S.; Grazia, G.; Ferrari, F.; Langer, H.; Sgroi, T.; Spampinato, S.

2005-11-01

The July 17 August 9, 2001 flank eruption of Mt. Etna was preceded and accompanied by remarkable changes in volcanic tremor. Based on the records of stations belonging to the permanent seismic network deployed on the volcano, we analyze amplitude and frequency content of the seismic signal. We find considerable changes in the volcanic tremor which mark the transition to different styles of eruptive activity, e.g., lava fountains, phreatomagmatic activity, Strombolian explosions. In particular, the frequency content of the signal decreases from 5 Hz to 3 Hz at our reference station ETF during episodes of lava fountains, and further decreases at about 2 Hz throughout phases of intense lava emission. The frequency content and the ratios of the signal amplitude allow us to distinguish three seismic sources, i.e., the peripheral dike which fed the eruption, the reservoir which fed the lava fountains, and the central conduit. Based on the analysis of the amplitude decay of the signal, we highlight the migration of the dike from a depth of ca. 5 km to about 1 km between July 10 and 12. After the onset of the effusive phase, the distribution of the amplitude decay at our stations can be interpreted as the overall result of sources located within the first half kilometer from the surface. Although on a qualitative basis, our findings shed some light on the complex feeding system of Mt. Etna, and integrate other volcanological and geophysical studies which tackle the problem of magma replenishment for the July August, 2001 flank eruption. We conclude that volcanic tremor is fundamental in monitoring Mt. Etna, not only as a marker of the different sources which act within the volcano edifice, but also of the diverse styles of eruptive activity.

Application of Coffee Silverskin in cosmetic formulations: physical/antioxidant stability studies and cytotoxicity effects.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Francisca; Gaspar, Carlos; Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Ana; Sarmento, Bruno; Helena Amaral, M; P P Oliveira, M Beatriz

2016-01-01

Currently, there is an increasing interest of cosmetic industry on natural extracts. The inclusion of antioxidants in topical formulations can contribute to minimize oxidative stress in the skin, which has been associated with aging. Also, questions of sustainability are leading to the study of new cosmetic ingredients obtained from food by-products. Coffee Silverskin (CS) is a food by-product with established antioxidant activity that has not yet been incorporated into a topical formulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and microbiological stabilities and antioxidant activity of a hand cream formulation containing 2.5% (w/w) of CS extract upon production and after 6 months of shelf-life and in vitro safety/cytotoxicity on skin cell lines after production. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated with MTS and LDH assays, at different concentrations, in HaCaT and HFF-1 cells. Formulations were stored at 25 °C/65% RH and 40 °C/75% RH. Physical, microbiological, and antioxidant stabilities were evaluated by centrifugation, viscosity, total colony count, DPPH and total phenolic content (TPC). The hand cream containing 2.5% (w/w) of CS extract showed stable physical characteristics independently of the storage conditions. The DPPH activity and TPC of the CS formulation were significantly higher compared with those of the base formulation. However, during storage, the antioxidant activity decreases slightly. Microbiological quality was also confirmed. No cytotoxic effects were observed. It is possible to suggest that this formulation is stable under extreme conditions and safe for topical use.

Can leaf wax n-alkane δ²H and GDGTs be used conjointly to reconstruct past environmental changes along altitudinal transects in East Africa?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coffinet, Sarah; Huguet, Arnaud; Pedentchouk, Nikolai; Omuombo, Christine; Williamson, David; Bergonzini, Laurent; Wagner, Thomas; Derenne, Sylvie

2016-04-01

Leaf wax n-alkanes (C27-C31) and branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (br GDGTs) are increasingly being used as molecular proxies to investigate past environmental conditions. Indices were previously developed to relate the br GDGT distribution to temperature and pH in soils. Furthermore, the δ²Hwax of leaf wax n-alkanes in soils was shown to track the 'altitude effect', suggesting it could be used to reconstruct paleoelevation. Combination of these two proxies could bring information on both past uplift elevation and past temperature changes, as illustrated by the pioneer paleostudy of Hren et al. (2010) in the Sierra Nevada. In the present study, δ²Hwax and br GDGTs were analysed in ca. 60 surface soils collected along Mt. Rungwe (Southwest Tanzania) and Mt. Kenya (Central Kenya). A weak link was identified between δ²Hwax and altitude (R² = 0.33) along Mt. Kenya, whereas no trend was observed along Mt. Rungwe, as also previously shown by Peterse et al. (2009) for Mt. Kilimanjaro. This shows that the strength of the relationship between soil δ²Hwax and elevation depends on which mountain is considered in East Africa and can be overprinted by numerous poorly understood environmental and/or physiological parameters. In contrast, br GDGT-derived mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and temperature lapse rate (5 °C/1000 m) were in agreement with values recorded along both Mt. Rungwe and Mt. Kenya, highlighting the robustness of this proxy for paleotemperature reconstruction in East Africa. Moreover, the combination of these br GDGT data with previous results obtained from East African surface soils (along Mts. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Sinninghe Damsté et al., 2008; Rwenzori (Uganda), Loomis et al., 2011; Rungwe (Tanzania), Coffinet et al., 2014), allowed the establishment of a regional soil calibration between br GDGT distribution and MAAT. This new East African calibration, based on 105 samples, leads to a substantial improvement of both the R2 (0.75) and RMSE (2.4 °C) of brGDGT-derived MAAT with respect to the global soil calibration by Peterse et al. (2012; R2 0.61 and RMSE 5° C). References: Coffinet, S. et al., 2014. Org. Geochem. 68, 82-89. Hren, M.T. et al., 2010. Geology 38, 7-10. Loomis, S.E., et al., 2011. Org. Geochem. 42, 739-751. Peterse, F. et al., 2009. Biogeosciences 6, 2799-2807. Peterse, F. et al., 2012. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 96, 215-229. Sinninghe Damsté, J.S. et al., 2008. Org. Geochem. 39, 1072-1076.

Composition-dependent properties and phase stability of Fe-Pd ferromagnetic shape memory alloys: A first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chun-Mei; Hu, Yan-Fei

2017-12-01

The composition-dependent properties and their correlation with the phase stability of Fe75+xPd25-x (- 10.0 ≤x ≤10.0 ) alloys are systematically investigated by using first-principles exact muffin-tin orbitals (EMTO)-coherent potential approximation (CPA) calculations. It is shown that the martensitic transformation (MT) from L 12 to body-centered-tetragonal (bct) occurs in the ordered alloys with about -5.0 ≤x ≤10.0 . In both the L 12 and bct phases, the evaluated a and c/a agree well with the available experimental data; the average magnetic moment per atom increases whereas the local magnetic moments of Fe atoms, dependent on both their positions and the structure of the alloy, decrease with increasing x. The tetragonal shear elastic constant of the L 12 phase ( C ' ) decreases whereas that of the bct phase (Cs) increases with x. The tetragonality of the martensite ( |1 -c /a | ) increases whereas its energy relative to the austenite with a negative value decreases with Fe addition. All these effects account for the increase of MT temperature (TM) with x. The MT from L 12 to bct is finally confirmed originating from the splitting of Fe 3d Eg and T2 g bands upon tetragonal distortion due to the Jahn-Teller effect.

Effects of cadmium and zinc on solar-simulated light-irradiated cells: potential role of zinc-metallothionein in zinc-induced genoprotection.

PubMed

Jourdan, Eric; Emonet-Piccardi, Nathalie; Didier, Christine; Beani, Jean-Claude; Favier, Alain; Richard, Marie-Jeanne

2002-09-15

Zinc is an essential oligoelement for cell growth and cell survival and has been demonstrated to protect cells from oxidative stress induced by UVA or from genotoxic stress due to UVB. In a recent work we demonstrated that the antioxidant role of zinc could be related to its ability to induce metallothioneins (MTs). In this study we identified the mechanism of zinc protection against solar-simulated light (SSL) injury. Cultured human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were used to examine MTs expression and localization in response to solar-simulated radiation. We found translocation to the nucleus, with overexpression of MTs in irradiated cells, a novel observation. The genoprotective effect of zinc was dependent on time and protein synthesis. DNA damage was significantly decreased after 48 h of ZnCl(2) (100 microM) treatment and is inhibited by actinomycin D. ZnCl(2) treatment (100 microM) led to an intense induction, redistribution, and accumulation of MT in the nucleus of irradiated cells. MT expression correlated with the time period of ZnCl(2) treatment. CdCl(2), a potent MT inducer, did not show any genoprotection, although the MTs were expressed in the nucleus. Overall our findings demonstrate that MTs could be a good candidate for explaining the genoprotection mediated by zinc on irradiated cells.

OPERATION CASTLE. Radiological Safety. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

d.’ That, orcopt as noted sbovo, a radiolocical safety program similar to that of CaSTIS, bo planned for future operations» e. That research and...sane manner as that for liONGEL’iT, indicated l60 nr/hr at 1830M, 3 March« The infinity dose of the UTHUK natives was computed at 58r« The decision...status of /JLUK mt pot up f o» .. consideratioa aprroxlmatoly 200CM, 2 March. This atoll ha» a reported. ^ population of 401; The infinity dose wa

8. PARK AVENUE EAST OF CEDAR STREET (400 Block). THE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. PARK AVENUE EAST OF CEDAR STREET (400 Block). THE MARCHION HARDWARE BUILDING WAS DESIGNED BY W.W. HISLOP, AND BUILT IN 1895. THE GROUND FLOOR WAS RENOVATED SOME TIME IN THE 1930s. IN THE CENTER IS THE IMPERIAL BLOCK (ca. 1920), AND THE FULLER DRUG COMPANY (1918-1932).THE FULLER SITE WAS OCCUPIED BY THE HIGHLAND THEATER FROM 1932 TO 1972, AND RETAINS MUCH OF THE INTERIOR DECORATION FROM THAT PERIOD - Anaconda Historic District, Park & Commercial Streets, Main Street vicinity, Anaconda, Deer Lodge County, MT

AMSAHTS 󈨞: Advances in Materials Science and Applications of High Temperature Superconductors Held in Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD on April 2-6, 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

Millhn, I. Rasines* Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales , CSIC Serrano 113, 28006 Madrid, Spain. J.A. Camps, Facultad de Ciencias Geol6gicas, UCM Ciudad...L2080-L2081, 1987. 28. J. Amador, M.T. Casais, C. Cascales, A. Castro and I. Rasines, "Sintesis y ca- racterizaci6n de nuevos 6xidos superconductores...Ciencia de Materiales (Spain) REICK, Franklin Fluoramics, Inc. REILEY, Don PTO/Mech/Gen Classification Gp ROMANOFSKY, Robert NASA Headquarters ROYTBURD, A

Job Language Performance Requirements for MOS 11H. Heavy Antiarmor Weapons Crewman. Reference Soldier’s Manual Dated 16 November 1979.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-16

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Control Technology for Depainting Operations: Estimation of Life-Cycle Costs of Controlling Methylene Chloride in Aircraft-Depainting Operations Versus Alternative Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-11-24

2343 Calle Del Mundo Santa Clara, CA 95054-1008 Tel.: (408)727-8282 POC: J. A. Gotterba Durr Industries Environmental Systems Division 40600...1) LESS THAN 1 IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA FLASH POINT (TEST METHOD) ABOVE 200*P AUTO IGNITION ABOVE TEMPERATURE iJfJO’P...IST METHOD, ?oo.._r T,CCT CxriNOUISHINO Mt 01A WATER AUTO IGNITION ABOVB I rLAM**BLt »•’•’"’• TEMPERATURE ^QQly | IN AIR

Development and Adaptation of A Control System for Optimization of Single and Multiple Operation Machining

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-06-01

015C 0151 015*: 0152 0154 0155 015* 0157 015C 015S OUC 2010 2011 2012 2006 2^li «14 2ol5 2016 2017 C c c lul3 2018 2019 20*1...AHN: AMXPE-MT Rock Island Arsenal Rock Island, IL 61201 2 Director USAMC Intern Training Center AHN: AMXMC-ITC-PPE Red River Army Depot Texarkana ...River Army Depot ATTN: AMXRR-KM Texarkana , TX 75501 1 Commander Sacramento Army Depot ATTN: AMXSA-MME-LB Sacramento, CA 95813 1 Commander

DNA profiling, telomere analysis and antioxidant properties as tools for monitoring ex situ seed longevity

PubMed Central

Donà, M.; Balestrazzi, A.; Mondoni, A.; Rossi, G.; Ventura, L.; Buttafava, A.; Macovei, A.; Sabatini, M. E.; Valassi, A.; Carbonera, D.

2013-01-01

Background and Aims The germination test currently represents the most used method to assess seed viability in germplasm banks, despite the difficulties caused by the occurrence of seed dormancy. Furthermore, seed longevity can vary considerably across species and populations from different environments, and studies related to the eco-physiological processes underlying such variations are still limited in their depth. The aim of the present work was the identification of reliable molecular markers that might help in monitoring seed deterioration. Methods Dry seeds were subjected to artificial ageing and collected at different time points for molecular/biochemical analyses. DNA damage was measured using the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) approach while the seed antioxidant profile was obtained using both the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl, 2-picrylhydrazyl) assay and the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) provided profiles of free radicals. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was used to assess the expression profiles of the antioxidant genes MT2 (type 2 metallothionein) and SOD (superoxide dismutase). A modified QRT-PCR protocol was used to determine telomere length. Key Results The RAPD profiles highlighted different capacities of the two Silene species to overcome DNA damage induced by artificial ageing. The antioxidant profiles of dry and rehydrated seeds revealed that the high-altitude taxon Silene acaulis was characterized by a lower antioxidant specific activity. Significant upregulation of the MT2 and SOD genes was observed only in the rehydrated seeds of the low-altitude species. Rehydration resulted in telomere lengthening in both Silene species. Conclusions Different seed viability markers have been selected for plant species showing inherent variation of seed longevity. RAPD analysis, quantification of redox activity of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds and gene expression profiling provide deeper insights to study seed viability during storage. Telomere lengthening is a promising tool to discriminate between short- and long-lived species. PMID:23532044

Mineral changes in cement-sandstone matrices induced by biocementation

DOE PAGES

Verba, C.; Thurber, A. R.; Alleau, Y.; ...

2016-04-01

Prevention of wellbore CO 2 leakage is a critical component of any successful carbon capture, utilization, and storage program. Sporosarcina pasteurii is a bacterium that has demonstrated the potential ability to seal a compromised wellbore through the enzymatic precipitation of CaCO 3. In this paper, we investigate the growth of S. pasteurii in a synthetic brine that mimics the Illinois Basin and on Mt. Simon sandstone encased in Class H Portland cement under high pressure and supercritical CO 2 (P CO2) conditions. The bacterium grew optimum at 30 °C compared to 40 °C under ambient and high pressure (10 MPa)more » conditions; and growth was comparable in experiments at high P CO2. Sporosarcina pasteurii actively induced the biomineralization of CaCO 3 polymorphs and MgCa(CO 3) 2 in both ambient and high pressure conditions as observed in electron microscopy. In contrast, abiotic (non-biological) samples exposed to CO 2 resulted in the formation of surficial vaterite and calcite. Finally, the ability of S. pasteurii to grow under subsurface conditions may be a promising mechanism to enhance wellbore integrity.« less

The remarkable occurrence of large rainfall-induced debris flows at two different locations on July 12, 2008, Southern Sierra Nevada, CA, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeGraff, J.V.; Wagner, D.L.; Gallegos, A.J.; DeRose, M.; Shannon, C.; Ellsworth, T.

2011-01-01

On July 12, 2008, two convective cells about 155 km apart produced a brief period of intense rainfall triggering large debris flows in the southern Sierra Nevada. The northernmost cell was centered over Oak Creek Canyon, an east-flowing drainage, and its tributaries near Independence, CA, USA. About 5:00 P.M., debris flows passed down the South Fork and North Fork of Oak Creek to merge into a large single feature whose passage affected the historic Mt. Whitney Fish hatchery and blocked California State Highway 395. At about the same time, the southernmost cell was largely centered over Erskine Creek, a main tributary of the west-flowing Kern River. Debris flows issued from several branches to coalesce into a large debris flow that passed along Erskine Creek, through the town of Lake Isabella, CA, USA and into the Kern River. It was observed reaching Lake Isabella about 6:30 P.M. Both debris flows caused significant disruption and damage to local communities. ?? 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Cytoskeletal perturbation induced by herbicides, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T).

PubMed

Zhao, Y; Li, W; Chou, I N

1987-01-01

To understand the mechanisms of toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), we have studied their effects on the cytoskeletal organization, particularly microtubules (MT) and microfilaments (MF), DNA synthesis, and the synthesis and composition of cytoskeletal proteins in mouse 3T3 cells. Exposure of cells to 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of DNA synthesis; 50% inhibition occurred at 2.21 mM and 0.90 mM for 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, respectively. Furthermore, a strong synergistic inhibition of DNA synthesis was produced by mixtures (each having a total concentration of 1.25 mM) of 2,4-D with 2,4,5-T. Similarly, 2,4,5-T is more potent than 2,4-D in causing cytoskeletal perturbation as revealed by fluorescence microscopy. Treatment of cells with 2,4-D (2.5 mM) or 2,4,5-T (1.25 mM) for 20 h resulted in severe MT aggregation and the appearance of large bundles, which were organized in a rope-like structure in the former and a dramatic octopus-like pattern in the latter. Further, MT bundling is particularly severe in the cell center. Under these conditions, marked changes in MF organization also occurred as evidenced by clustering and crisscrossing of MF in the perinuclear region. A 1:1 mixture (final = 1.25 mM) of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, a formulation equivalent to Agent Orange composition, also induced a dramatic perturbation to the organization of MT and MF, resulting in the formation of ring-like structures. MT bundling is still apparent, especially around the outer edge of the "rings." MF are localized predominantly along the cell periphery, where they appear to be aggregated tightly forming patches. Surprisingly, the synthesis and composition of cytoskeletal proteins, which are resistant to detergent extraction but released by CaCl2, are essentially unaffected by 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T. These results suggest that the dramatic perturbation of the cytoskeletal morphology caused by these herbicides probably only results from a structural reorganization and redistribution of MT and MF.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of polyphenols and their distribution in whole mung bean, hull and cotyledon.

PubMed

Singh, Barinderjit; Singh, Narpinder; Thakur, Sheetal; Kaur, Amritpal

2017-03-01

In this study, extraction of polyphenols using different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol and water) with ultrasound and conventional method from whole mung bean (WMB), hull and cotyledon was conducted. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), total antioxidant activities (TAA), ferric reducing power (FRP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity were determined. Ultrasound treated extracts exhibited higher TPC, TFC, TAA, FRP and DPPH in different mung bean fractions than CSE. Among the solvents, acetone showed better TPC, TFC, TAA, FRP and DPPH. Hull had significantly higher TPC, TFC, TAA, FRP and DPPH than WMB and cotyledon. Sinapic acid (SA) was the major polyphenol in different fractions. Acetone extract of hull showed high polyphenol content. SA, ferulic acid, catechin, p-coumaric acid, resveratrol, quercetin and luteolin were the major contributors to antioxidant activity of acetone extract. Mung bean hull contained the maximum polyphenols and acetone was observed to be the best extraction medium for polyphenols in combination with ultrasound.

Screening of various botanical extracts for antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical method.

PubMed

Waqas, Muhammad Khurram; Saqib, Najam-Us; Rashid, Saeed-Ur; Shah, Pervaiz Akhtar; Akhtar, Naveed; Murtaza, Ghulam

2013-01-01

Aiming at the exploration of herbal use by society, crude extracts of the seeds of some commonly used medicinal plants (Vitis vinifera, Tamarindus indica and Glycin max) were screened for their free radical scavenging properties using ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The overall antioxidant activity of grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) was the strongest, followed in descending order by soybean (Glycin max) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica). The seeds extract of Vitis vinifera, Glycin max and Tamarindus indica showed 85.61%, 83.45% and 79.26%, DPPH scavenging activity respectively.

Analysis of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Enzymatic Hydrolysate from High Purity Oleuropein and DPPH Radical Scavenging Capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Jiaojiao; Li, Bing; Qin, Frank G. F.; Tu, Junling

2018-01-01

High purify oleuropein (81.04% OL) was hydrolyzed by hemicellulase and phenols was existed in the ethyl acetate extract of enzymatic hydrolysate (EAE). The results presented that there were hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol, caffeic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy phenylacetic acid in EAE by HPLC, and HT content was 19.36%. Antioxidant activities (DPPH radical scavenging capacity) were all added as the samples concentration increased, and dose-effect relationships also existed. HT possessed the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity, followed by Vc, and eugenol, OL, caffeic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy phenylacetic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.

Bioactive metabolites from the mycelia of the basidiomycete Hericium erinaceum.

PubMed

Lu, Qiang-Qiang; Tian, Jun-Mian; Wei, Jing; Gao, Jin-Ming

2014-01-01

Seven known compounds, three diketopiperazine alkaloids, 12β-hydroxyverruculogen TR-2 (1), fumitremorgin C (2) and methylthiogliotoxin (5), two hetero-spirocyclic γ-lactam alkaloids, pseurotin A (3) and FD-838 (4), and cerevisterol (6) and herierin IV (7), were isolated from the mycelia of the basidiomycete Hericium erinaceum and identified by spectroscopic analyses. The antioxidant and antifungal activities of compounds 1-6 were evaluated. The results indicated that compounds 1, 3 and 6 exhibited potential antioxidant activity against DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical with their IC50 data of ca. 12 μM, compared with positive control tertiary butylhydroquinone. In addition, compound 4 significantly inhibited the growth of two plant fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Glomerella cingulata with an minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.25 μM for each, similar to that of the positive fungicide, carbendazim. Compounds 1-5 were isolated from the genus Hericium for the first time.

Magnetodielectric behaviour in La0.53Ca0.47MnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Suchita; Kumar, Jitender; Awasthi, A. M.

2014-10-01

We explore magneto-dielectricity in La0.53Ca0.47MnO3 across its paramagnetic (PMI) to ferromagnetic (FMM) isostructural transition at TC ˜ 253 K, by magnetic (M), caloric (W), dielectric (ɛ‧), magnetoresistive (MR), and magnetocapacitance (MC) investigations. A skew-broadened first-order transition character is confirmed via heating/cooling hystereses in M(T) and W(T), with a superheating temperature T** next to TC and supercooling temperature T* exhibiting kinetics. Above TC, linearly related MC and MR reflect purely a magnetoresistance effect. Near TC, the high-frequency MC (5 Tesla (T)), far exceeds the magneto-losses, and is uncorrelated with dc MR (5 T) in the FM-ordered state. The intrinsic magneto-dielectricity manifest below TC and above ˜kHz is traced to an intra-granular Maxwell-Wagner-type effect at the interface region of PMI-FMM phase coexistence.

Magnetocaloric effect and its modulation by electric field in La0.325Pr0.3Ca0.375MnO3 films grown on (0 1 1)-PMN-PT substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, K. M.; Li, J.; Liu, Y.; Kuang, H.; Wang, J.; Hu, F. X.; Sun, J. R.; Shen, B. G.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we have investigated the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and its modulation by electric field in La0.325Pr0.3Ca0.375MnO3 (LPCMO) films grown on (0 1 1)-oriented PMN-PT substrates. As a typical perovskite manganite with phase separation, the LPCMO bulk shows a considerable MCE, but the MCE of the LPCMO films has never been investigated. We found that the LPCMO films exhibit a MCE over a wide temperature range. A modulation of magnetization by electric field has been observed in the temperature dependent (M-T) and magnetic field dependent (M-H) curves. As a result, enhanced magnetic entropy change and refrigeration capacity by about 4% under an electric field of +6 kV/cm has been demonstrated.

mTOR Activation by PI3K/Akt and ERK Signaling in Short ELF-EMF Exposed Human Keratinocytes

PubMed Central

Patruno, Antonia; Pesce, Mirko; Grilli, Alfredo; Speranza, Lorenza; Franceschelli, Sara; De Lutiis, Maria Anna; Vianale, Giovina; Costantini, Erica; Amerio, Paolo; Muraro, Raffaella; Felaco, Mario; Reale, Marcella

2015-01-01

Several reports suggest that ELF-EMF exposures interact with biological processes including promotion of cell proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ELF-EMF controls cell growth are not completely understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ELF-EMF on keratinocytes proliferation and molecular mechanisms involved. Effect of ELF-EMF (50 Hz, 1 mT) on HaCaT cell cycle and cells growth and viability was monitored by FACS analysis and BrdU assay. Gene expression profile by microarray and qRT-PCR validation was performed in HaCaT cells exposed or not to ELF-EMF. mTOR, Akt and MAPKs expressions were evaluated by Western blot analysis. In HaCaT cells, short ELF-EMF exposure modulates distinct patterns of gene expression involved in cell proliferation and in the cell cycle. mTOR activation resulted the main molecular target of ELF-EMF on HaCaT cells. Our data showed the increase of the canonical pathway of mTOR regulation (PI3K/Akt) and activation of ERK signaling pathways. Our results indicate that ELF-EMF selectively modulated the expression of multiple genes related to pivotal biological processes and functions that play a key role in physio-pathological mechanisms such as wound healing. PMID:26431550

Studies on the in vivo sensitivity of spindle microtubules to calcium ions and evidence for a vesicular calcium-sequestering system

PubMed Central

1981-01-01

I microinjected calcium ions into echinoderm eggs during mitosis to determine the calcium sensitivity of microtubules (Mts) in vivo. Spindle birefringence (BR), a measure of the number of aligned Mts in the spindle, is locally, rapidly, and reversibly abolished by small volumes of microinjected CaCl2 (1 mM). Rapid return of BR is followed by anaphase, and subsequent divisions are normal. Similar doses of MgCl2, BaCl2, KCl, NaCl, pH buffers, distilled water, or vegetable oil have no effect on spindle BR, whereas large doses of such agents sometimes cause slow, uniform loss in BR over the course of a minute or more. Of the ions tested, only Sr++ causes effects comparable to Ca++. Ca-EGTA buffers, containing greater than micromolar free Ca++, abolishes BR in a manner similar to millimolar concentrations of injected CaCl2. Caffeine, a potent uncoupler of the Ca++-pump/ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum, causes a local, transient depression in spindle BR in the injected region. Finally, injection of potassium oxalate results in the formation of small, highly BR crystals, presumably CA- oxalate, in Triton-sensitive compartments in the cytoplasm. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that spindle Mts are sensitive to levels of free Ca++ in the physiological range, provide evidence for the existence of a strong cytoplasmic Ca++-sequestering system, and support the notion that Mt assembly and disassembly in local regions of the spindle may be orchestrated by local changes in the cytoplasmic free Ca++ concentration during mitosis. An appendix offers the design of a new chamber for immobilizing echinoderm eggs for injection, a new method for determining the volume of the injected solution, and a description of the microinjection technique, which was designed, but never fully described, by Hiramoto (Y. Hiramoto, Exp. Cell. Res., 1962, 27:416-426.). PMID:7194345

Citrate-capped superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4-CA) nanocatalyst for synthesis of pyrimidine derivative compound as antioxidative agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cahyana, A. H.; Pratiwi, D.; Ardiansah, B.

2017-04-01

The development of a recyclable catalyst based on magnetic nanoparticles has attracted an increasing interest as the emerging application in the heterogeneous catalyst field. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle with citric acid as capping agent was successfully obtained from iron (III) chloride solution via two steps synthesis. The first step involving the formation of magnetite nanoparticle by bioreduction using Sargassum Sp, then its surface was modified by adding citric acid solution in the second step. The structural, surface morphology and magnetic properties of the nanocatalyst were investigated by various instrumentations such as scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive (SEM-EDS), and particle size analyser (PSA). Fe3O4-CA was then applied as reusable catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation of barbituric acid and cinnamaldehyde to produce (E)-5-(3-phenylallylidene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione. The optimum condition of this reaction was achieved by using 7.5% mole of catalyst at 50°C for 6 h to give 83% yield. Some spectroscopy techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, LC-MS and 1H-NMR were used to confirm the product’s structure. Furthermore, the synthesized compound has an attractive antioxidant activity based on the in-vitro analysis using DPPH method.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Dianthus Thunbergii Hooper and Hypoxis Argentea Harv Ex Baker: Plants Used for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern Cape, South Africa

PubMed Central

Akinrinde, Akinleye Stephen; Afolayan, Anthony Jide; Bradley, Graeme

2018-01-01

Background: Inhabitants of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa use the roots of Dianthus thunbergii and corms of Hypoxis argentea to treat diabetes mellitus and other ailments. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the roots and corms of two plants. Materials and Methods: Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, tannins, and alkaloids were determined by standard methods. The scavenging activities of the extracts against 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and their ferric-reducing antioxidant potentials (FRAPs) were measured. Results: The ethanol extract of H. argentea had the highest content of phenolics (66.71 ± 2.71 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and tannins (1.18 ± 0.07 mg TAE/g), while the ethanol extract of D. thunbergii gave higher contents of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins (62.21 ± 1.75 mg Qe/g and 432.62 ± 2.43 mg Ca/g, respectively). Flavonols were the most predominant in the aqueous extract of H. argentea (25.51 ± 1.92 mg Qe/g). We observed a concentration-dependent response in the ABTS- and H2O2-scavenging activities and FRAP values of the extracts and standards (Vitamin C, butylated hydroxytoluene, and rutin). The ethanol extracts of both plants generally demonstrated better antioxidant activities against H2O2, NO, and ABTS while also possessing better reducing power than the aqueous extracts. The aqueous extract of D. thunbergii, however, showed the best DPPH scavenging activity. Conclusion: The higher content of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity obtained for the ethanol extracts of D. thunbergii and H. argentea may prove to be valuable information in selecting suitable extraction solvents for the medicinal applications of both plants. SUMMARY Ethanol extracts of Hypoxis argentea had the highest levels of phenolics and tanninsEthanol extracts of Dianthus thunbergii had the highest levels of flavonoids and proanthocyanidinsEthanol extracts of both plants possess better antioxidant activityagainst hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and ABTS as well as higher reducingpower than the aqueous extractsAqueous extract of Dianthus thunbergii had the highest free radical scavenging activity as measured with DPPH. Abbreviations used: ABTS: 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); BHT: Butylated hydroxytoluene; DPPH: 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; DTA: Dianthus thunbergii aqueous extract (16.6%); DTE: Dianthus thunbergii ethanol extract (2.4%); Fe3+-TPTZ: Ferric tripyridyltriazine; FRAP: Ferric-reducing antioxidant potentials; GAE: Gallic acid equivalent; HAA: Hypoxis argentea aqueous extract (3.2%); HAE: Hypoxis argentea ethanol extract (1.8%); Qe: Quercetin equivalence; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; TBA: Thiobarbituric acid;TCA: Trichloroacetic acid. PMID:29720831

Paleomagnetism and Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility study of the Miocene Jack Springs Tuff (Nevada, USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, S.; Petronis, M. S.; Pluhar, C. J.; Gordon, L.

2014-12-01

The mid-Miocene Jack Springs Tuff (JST) outcrops across the western Mina Deflection accommodation zone, west-central Nevada and into eastern California. Previously, the source location for the JST was unknown, yet recent studies northwest of Mono Lake, CA have identified a relatively un-rotated structural block in which to reference the paleomagnetic data. Although new studies have indicated that this block may be rotated up to 13º, we argue that the probable source area is located near the Bodie Hills, CA. At this site, the paleomagnetic reference direction is D = 353°, I = 43°, α95 = 7.7° (Carlson et al, 2013). Based on these data, the JST can be used to measure absolute vertical-axis rotation as well as enable reconstruction of the paleo-topography using the corrected anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data. A total of 19 sites were sampled to constrain Cenozoic to recent vertical axis rotation within the region and AMS experiments were conducted to determine the flow direction of the JST. Curie point estimates indicate that the JST ranges in titanium concentration from 0.042 to 1.10, indicating a low to moderate titanomagnetite phase (Akimoto, 1962). Demagnetization experiments reveal mean destructive fields of the NRM ranging between 15mT and 40mT suggesting that both multi-domain to pseudo-single domain grains are the dominant ferromagnetic phases that carry the remanence and AMS fabric. Preliminary paleomagnetic data yield stable single component demagnetization behavior for most sites that, after structural correction, indicate clockwise vertical axis rotation ranging from +20°± 10° to +60°± 11° between multiple fault blocks. The uncorrected AMS data yield oblate magnetic fabrics that can be used to infer the transport direction, source region, and paleovalley geometry of the JST. These data are tentatively interpreted to indicate west to east transport of the JST across the Mono Basin region into the Mina Deflection that was erupted and flowed into a paleovalley off the Sierra Nevada Mountain front. Based on the new paleomagnetic data, we hypothesize that the JST experienced clockwise vertical axis rotation associated with transtensional faulting east of Mono Lake, CA. Our paleomagnetic data support this hypothesis and we argue that deformation likely occurred between ca. 9.5 Ma to as late as 3 Ma.

Assessment of phenolic profile and antioxidant power of five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four geographical regions of Iran

PubMed Central

Taghizadeh, Seyedeh Faezeh; Davarynejad, Gholamhossein; Asili, Javad; Nemati, Seyed Hossein; Karimi, Gholamreza

2018-01-01

Objective: In this study, the levels and antioxidant activities of some secondary metabolites isolated from five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four different geographical regions of Iran, were studied. Materials and Methods: Total phenolic compounds levels were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined as AlCl3 complex and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and total proantocyanidins content was expressed as mg of catechin equivalents (CA)/g dry extract. In order to evaluated the antioxidant activity of the compounds, DPPH and FRAP assays were used. Results: The highest level of total phenols (156.42 mg GA/g DE), total flavonoids (130.94 mg QE/g DE) and total proantocyanidins (152.816 mg CA/g DE) were obtained in Akbari cultivar from Rafsanjan, followed by Badami-e-sefid and Ahmad aghaei. The lowest amount of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total proanthocyanidin content (TPrAC) were found in Badami-e-sefid from Feizabad (128.140 mg GA/g DE, 93.176 mg QE/g DE and 118.870 mg CA/g DE, respectively). Also, a positive correlation (r2=0.9834) was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Pistachio increased their phytochemical compounds to contrast with abiotic stress. Our data could be useful for introducing special characteristics to the plants, and can be considered when planning a new breeding program or choosing a specific cultivar for a particular use. PMID:29387572

Synthesis of mono Mannich bases of 2-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydroinden-1-one and evaluation of their cytotoxicities.

PubMed

Tugrak, Mehtap; Yamali, Cem; Sakagami, Hiroshi; Gul, Halise Inci

2016-10-01

Chalcones and Mannich bases are a group of compounds known for their cytotoxicities. In this study restricted chalcone analogue, compound 2-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,3-dihydroinden-1-one MT1, was used as a starting compound to synthesize new mono Mannich bases since Mannich bases may induce more cytotoxicity than chalcone analogue that they are derived from by producing additional alkylating center for cellular thiols. In this study, cyclic and acyclic amines were used to synthesize Mannich bases. All compounds were tested against Ca9-22 (gingival carcinoma), HSC-2, HSC-3 and HSC-4 (oral squamous cell carcinoma) as tumour cell lines and HGF (gingival fibroblasts), HPC (pulp cells) and HPLF (periodontal ligament fibroblasts) human normal oral cells as non tumour cell lines. Cytotoxicity, selectivity index (SI) values and potency selectivity expression (PSE) values expressed as a percentage were determined for the compounds. According to data obtained, the compound MT8 with the highest PSE value bearing N-methylpiperazine moiety seems to be a good candidate to develop new cytotoxic compounds and is suited for further investigation.

Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Imaging of the Cascadia Subduction Zone with an Amphibious Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egbert, G. D.; Yang, B.; Bedrosian, P.; Kelbert, A.; Key, K.; Livelybrooks, D.; Parris, B. A.; Schultz, A.

2017-12-01

We present results from three-dimensional inversion of an amphibious magnetotelluric (MT) array consisting of 71 offshore and 75 onshore sites in the central part of Cascadia, to image down-dip and along strike variations of electrical conductivity, and to constrain the 3D distribution of fluids and melt in the subduction zone. The array is augmented by EarthScope TA MT data and legacy 2D profiles providing sparser coverage of western WA, OR, and northern CA. The prior model for the inversion includes ocean bathymetry, conductive marine sediments, and a resistive subducting plate, with geometry derived from the model of McCrory et al. (2012) and seismic tomography. Highly conductive features appear just above the interface with the a priori resistive plate in three zones. (1) In the area with marine MT data a conductive layer, which we associate with fluid-rich decollement and subduction channel sediments, extends eastward from the trench to underthrust the seaward edge of Siletzia, which is clearly seen as a thick crustal resistor. The downdip extent of the underthrust conductive layer is a remarkably uniform 35 km. (2) High conductivities, consistent with metamorphic fluids associated with eclogitization, occur near the forearc mantle corner. Conductivity is highly variable along strike, organized in a series of E-W to diagonal elongated conductive/resistive structures, whose significance remains enigmatic. (3) High conductivities associated with fluids and melts are found in the backarc, again exhibiting substantial along strike variability.

Major impact of volcanic gases on the chemical composition of precipitation in Iceland during the 2014-2015 Holuhraun eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefánsson, Andri; Stefánsson, Gerdur; Keller, Nicole S.; Barsotti, Sara; Sigurdsson, Árni; Thorláksdóttir, Svava Björk; Pfeffer, Melissa Anne; Eiríksdóttir, Eydís. S.; Jónasdóttir, Elín. Björk; von Löwis, Sibylle; Gíslason, Sigurdur R.

2017-02-01

The Holuhraun eruption in 2014-2015 was the largest in Iceland for more than 200 years. It resulted in emissions of large quantities of volcanic gases into the atmosphere (11 megaton (Mt) SO2, 0.1 Mt HCl, and 0.05 Mt HF). During the eruption the volcanic gases had major effects on F, SO4 and to a lesser extent Cl concentrations in precipitaxtion throughout Iceland, effects not observed in recent decades. The concentrations of F, Cl, and SO4 (n = 705) reached values of 444 µm 12,270 µm, and 17,324 µm during the eruption and were on average 20 times higher for F and SO4 and much lower for Cl compared to preeruption times. The concentrations of major cations (Si, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe) (n = 151) in the precipitation were taken as having originated from seawater spray and dissolution of rock dust and aerosol. Based on the mixing model developed here, it is demonstrated that the source of the enrichment of F and SO4 was indeed the volcanic gas emissions with >60-100 mol % of SO4 and F in the precipitation originated from volcanic gas, whereas the Cl originated mostly from seawater spray, making the volcanic gas input of Cl relatively less important than for F and SO4. The results showed that large volcanic eruptions can have major effects on atmospheric chemistry and impact the composition of precipitation.

Phosphate Stability in Diagenetic Fluids Constrains the Acidic Alteration Model for Lower Mt. Sharp Sedimentary Rocks in Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berger, J. A.; Schmidt, M. E.; Izawa, M. R. M.; Gellert, R.; Ming, D. W.; Rampe, E. B.; VanBommel, S. J.; McAdam, A. C.

2016-01-01

The Mars rover Curiosity has encountered silica-enriched bedrock (as strata and as veins and associated halos of alteration) in the largely basaltic Murray Fm. of Mt. Sharp in Gale Crater. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) investigations of the Murray Fm. revealed decreasing Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Al, and higher S, as silica increased (Fig. 1). A positive correlation between SiO2 and TiO2 (up to 74.4 and 1.7 wt %, respectively) suggests that these two insoluble elements were retained while acidic fluids leached more soluble elements. Other evidence also supports a silica-retaining, acidic alteration model for the Murray Fm., including low trace element abundances consistent with leaching, and the presence of opaline silica and jarosite determined by CheMin. Phosphate stability is a key component of this model because PO4 3- is typically soluble in acidic water and is likely a mobile ion in diagenetic fluids (pH less than 5). However, the Murray rocks are not leached of P; they have variable P2O5 (Fig. 1) ranging from average Mars (0.9 wt%) up to the highest values in Gale Crater (2.5 wt%). Here we evaluate APXS measurements of Murray Fm. bedrock and veins with respect to phosphate stability in acidic fluids as a test of the acidic alteration model for the Lower Mt. Sharp rocks.

Antioxidant properties of selected fruit cultivars grown in Sri Lanka.

PubMed

Silva, K D R R; Sirasa, M S F

2018-01-01

Extracts of twenty locally available Sri Lankan fruits were analysed for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and vitamin C content. The results showed that gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica 'local') exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (111.25mg ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (AEAC)/g), FRAP (1022.05μmol FeSO 4 /g), TPC (915.7mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100g), TFC (873.2mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100g) and vitamin C (136.8mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100g), respectively. Sugar apple (Annona squamosa 'local') and star fruit (Averrhoa carambola 'Honey Sweet') obtained the second and third highest antioxidant activities in terms of rankings of FRAP, DPPH activities, TPC, TFC and vitamin C content. Strong correlation between vitamin C, TPC and TFC with FRAP and DPPH showed their contribution to antioxidant capacity. Among the selected fruits, underutilized fruit cultivar gooseberry showed the highest overall antioxidant potential. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Screening natural antioxidants in peanut shell using DPPH-HPLC-DAD-TOF/MS methods.

PubMed

Qiu, Jiying; Chen, Leilei; Zhu, Qingjun; Wang, Daijie; Wang, Wenliang; Sun, Xin; Liu, Xiaoyong; Du, Fangling

2012-12-15

Peanut shell, a byproduct in oil production, is rich in natural antioxidants. Here, a rapid and efficient method using DPPH-HPLC-DAD-TOF/MS was used for the first time to screen antioxidants in peanut shell. The method is based on the hypothesis that upon reaction with 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the peak areas of compounds with potential antioxidant activities in the HPLC chromatogram will be significantly reduced or disappeared, and the identity confirmation could be achieved by HPLC-DAD-TOF/MS technique. With this method, three compounds possessing potential antioxidant activities were found abundantly in the methanolic extract of peanut shell. They were identified as 5,7-dihydroxychromone, eriodictyol, and luteolin. The contents of these compounds were 0.59, 0.92, and 2.36 mg/g, respectively, and luteolin possessed the strongest radical scavenging capacity. DPPH-HPLC-DAD-TOF/MS assay facilitated rapid identification and determination of natural antioxidants in peanut shell, which may be helpful for value-added utilization of peanut processing byproducts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On-line HPLC-DPPH screening method for evaluation of radical scavenging phenols extracted from apples (Malus domestica L.).

PubMed

Bandoniene, Donata; Murkovic, Michael

2002-04-24

An on-line HPLC-DPPH screening method for phenolic antioxidants in apple methanol/water (80:20, v/v) extracts was applied. The determination of antioxidants was based on a decrease in absorbance at 515 nm after postcolumn reaction of HPLC-separated antioxidants with the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH*). Each of the antioxidants separated by the HPLC column was observed as a negative peak corresponding to its antioxidative activity. The on-line method was applied for quantitative analysis of the antioxidants. A linear dependence of negative peak area on concentration of the reference antioxidants was observed. For validation of the on-line method the limit of detection, LOD (microg/mL), and the limit of quantification, LOQ (microg/mL), of the phenolic compounds were determined. Comparison of the UV and DPPH radical quenching chromatograms with authentic compounds identified catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, and phloridzin in the apple cultivars (Lobo, Golden Delicious, and Boskoop), and the distribution of total antioxidant activity was calculated.

Fractionation and antioxidant activity potency of the extract of Garcinia lateriflora Blume var. javanica Boerl leaf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahayasih, Putu Gita Maya Widyaswari; Elya, Berna; Hanafi, Muhammad

2018-02-01

Garcinia lateriflora leaves extract of the family Guttiferae has been known to have excellent antioxidant activity. The objective of the study was to determine the antioxidant effect of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of G. lateriflora leaves extract. The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods and Feric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) to determine the antioxidant properties. The extracts were fractionated by using column chromatography. The Methanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity with EC50 values are 13.95 and 19.65 µg/mL by DPPH and FRAP methods respectively. E13 fraction was the most active fraction from ethyl acetate extract with EC50 value for DPPH scavenging method was 37.14 µg/mL and 34.46 µg/mL for reducing power by the FRAP method. Meanwhile M3 fraction was the most active fraction in methanol extract with EC50 value for DPPH scavenging method was 50.02 µg/mL and 37.32 µg/mL for reducing power by the FRAP method.

Absorption rates and free radical scavenging values of vitamin C-lipid metabolites in human lymphoblastic cells.

PubMed

Weeks, Benjamin S; Perez, Pedro P

2007-10-01

In this study we investigated the cellular absorption rates, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of vitamin C-lipid metabolites. The absorption was measured in a human lymphoblastic cell line using a spectrophotometric technique. Cellular vitamin C levels in the human lymphoblastic H9 cell line were measured using the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine spectrophotometric technique. Free radical scavenging activity of vitamin C-lipid metabolites was measured by the reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine. Vitamin C-lipid metabolite scavenging of peroxyl radical oxygen reactive species (ORAC) was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Compared to ascorbic acid (AA), calcium ascorbate (CaA), and calcium ascorbate-calcium threonate-dehydroascorbate (Ester-C), vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C) were more rapidly absorbed by the H9 human T-lymphocytes. The vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C) also reduced pesticide-induced T-lymphocyte aggregation by 84%, while calcium ascorbate-calcium threonate-dehydroascorbate (Ester-C) reduced aggregation by only 34%. The vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C) demonstrated free radical scavenging activity of nearly 100% reduction of DPPH at 20 microg/ml and oxygen radical scavenging of over 1200 micro Trolox equivalents per gram. These data demonstrate that the vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C) are more rapidly taken-up and absorbed by cells than other forms of vitamin C, including Ester-C. This increased rate of absorption correlates with an increased protection of the T-lymphocytes from pesticide toxicities. Further, vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C) are a potent antioxidant and have significant free radical scavenging capabilities.

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from Vernonia cinerea attenuate selenite induced cataract formation in Sprague Dawley rat pups.

PubMed

Asha, Radha; Gayathri Devi, V; Abraham, Annie

2016-02-05

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of active component isolated from flavonoid fraction of Vernonia cinerea (FVC), lupeol on selenite induced cataract formation. Previous reports suggest that phytochemicals or natural plant products retard the process of cataractogenesis by scavenging free oxygen radicals. Hence, the present study sought to assess the potential of lupeol on in vivo selenite induced cataract models. Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of Vernonia cinerea, follows standard chromatographic techniques. Structural elucidation of the compound was carried out using (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, Mass spectrometry together with other complementary techniques (UV and IR). From these, the isolated compound was identified as Lupeol (3'-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene). The antioxidant activity was comparatively studied using DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assay. Lupeol exhibited higher DPPH radical scavenging activity as well as reducing power assay. In this study, cataract was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (4 μg/g body weight) on rat pups. Lupeol was administered orally from 8th day upto 21st day at a concentration 25 μg/g body weight. Cataract was visualized on 16th day with the help of an ophthalmoscope and later on with the naked eye. On the 30th day, rats were euthanized by sodium pentothal injection, lenses were excised and the biochemical parameters such as activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Ca(2+) ATPase, glutathione content (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde) were estimated and found effective in the treatment of cataract by lupeol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variation in minerals, phenolics and antioxidant activity of peel and pulp of different varieties of peach (Prunus persica L.) fruit from Pakistan.

PubMed

Manzoor, Maleeha; Anwar, Farooq; Mahmood, Zahed; Rashid, Umer; Ashraf, Muhammad

2012-05-30

Peach (Prunus persica L.), being a potential source of bioactive compounds, has been demonstrated to have medicinal benefits. In this study variation of minerals and antioxidant characteristics (total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, reducing power, inhibition of peroxidation using linoleic acid system and DPPH free radical scavenging activity) between peel and pulp parts of different peach varieties, namely Golden, Shireen, and Shahpasand were investigated. The peel and pulp extracts, derived from the varieties analyzed, exhibited an appreciable amount of total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF), ranging from 1,209.3-1,354.5, 711.7-881.3 mg GAE/100 g and 599.7-785.5, 301.3-499.7 mg CE/100 g on a dry weight basis, respectively. Reducing power of peel and pulp extracts (12.5 mg/mL concentration) ranged from 2.57-2.77 and 1.54-1.99.The inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and DPPH scavenging activity of the extracts varied from 70.8-80.9% and 66.8-76.5% in peels, and 51.9-60.1% and 43.4-49.1% in pulps. The mineral analysis revealed that the content of K was highest in both parts of the peach fruit followed by Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn. The results of our present study indicate that peach peel had significantly higher levels of minerals, antioxidant capacity and phenolics than those of the pulp, suggesting the intake of unpeeled peach as a potential source of high-value components. The peach peel can be a useful as a viable source of natural antioxidants for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

Phytochemicals Analysis and Medicinal Potentials of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Curtisia dentata (Burm.f) C.A. Sm Stem Bark

PubMed Central

Oyedemi, Sunday Oyewole; Oyedemi, Blessing Ogochukwuamaka; Arowosegbe, Sunday; Afolayan, Anthony Jide

2012-01-01

Curtisia dentata (CD) is a vulnerable medicinal plant used for the treatment of stomach ailments in South Africa. However, there is a lack of sufficient data on its phytochemical components and medicinal properties. The phytochemical analysis of the extract was estimated using standard assay methods while its antibacterial activity was determined by the agar dilution method against selected bacteria. The antioxidant activity of the extract was done using ferric reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The cytotoxicity assay of the extract was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test with LC50 value of 0.302 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity of the extract demonstrated an appreciable broad spectrum activity against the tested bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges between 5000 and 0.5 mg/L. Both phenol and flavonoid concentrations were 14.86 mg tannic acid equivalent/g and 13.64 mg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The percentage composition of saponins (13.26) was highest, followed by steroids (1.42), while alkaloids and tannins had the same value of 0.51. Similarly, IC50 values of the extract against DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, LPO and NO were 0.017, 0.018, 0.159, 0.06 and 0.052 mg/mL, respectively. The reducing power of the extract was found to be concentration dependent. Our data suggest that the 70% ethanol extract from the CD extract has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to the presence of bio-active compounds and thus support its folkloric use in the treatment of diseases. PMID:22754358

Antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities of Slovak honeys - An electron paramagnetic resonance study.

PubMed

Zalibera, Michal; Staško, Andrej; Šlebodová, Anna; Jančovičová, Viera; Čermáková, Tatiana; Brezová, Vlasta

2008-09-15

The antioxidant properties of 15 honey samples from different floral sources and various Slovak regions were investigated by means of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cation radical of ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) diammonium salt), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and hydroxyl radicals generated by the photochemical decomposition of hydrogen peroxide were used as oxidants. The antioxidant activities found with ABTS(+), expressed as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ranged from 0.15 to 1.14mmolkg(-1), and those determined with DPPH, from 0.04 to 0.32mmolkg(-1). TEAC values correlated well with results found by elimination of DPPH, and both values revealed a linear relationship with the concentration of phenolics obtained with the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol test (expressed as gallic acid equivalents, GAE). The colour coordinates (CIE L(∗)a(∗)b(∗)), as well as reflectance spectra determined for original honeys using a white background, demonstrated that the colour difference (ΔE(∗)) and coordinate b(∗) interrelate with TEAC values. The radical-scavenging capacities (RSC) of the honey samples determined in the experiments with photochemically decomposed hydrogen peroxide, generating reactive OH radicals in the presence of spin trapping agent, differ from those found with ABTS(+) and DPPH. Here, probably, the reactive OH radicals, having higher redox potential, are scavenged by a variety of compounds not effective with ABTS(+) and DPPH (e.g., saccharides, proteins). Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antioxidant action of 3-mercapto-5H-1,2,4-triazino[5,6-b]indole-5-acetic acid, an efficient aldose reductase inhibitor, in a 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and in the cellular system of isolated erythrocytes exposed to tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

PubMed

Prnova, Marta Soltesova; Ballekova, Jana; Majekova, Magdalena; Stefek, Milan

2015-01-01

The subject of this study was 3-mercapto-5H-1,2,4-triazino[5,6-b]indole-5-acetic acid (compound 1), an efficient aldose reductase inhibitor of high selectivity. The antioxidant action of 1 was investigated in greater detail by employing a 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and in the system of isolated rat erythrocytes. First, the compound was subjected to the DPPH test. Second, the overall antioxidant action of the compound was studied in the cellular system of isolated rat erythrocytes oxidatively stressed by free radicals derived from the lipophilic tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The uptake kinetics of 1 was studied and osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes was evaluated. The DPPH test revealed significant antiradical activity of 1. One molecule of 1 was found to quench 1.48 ± 0.06 DPPH radicals. In the system of isolated erythrocytes, the compound was readily taken up by the cells followed by their protection against free radical-initiated hemolysis. Osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes was not affected by 1. The results demonstrated the ability of 1 to scavenge DPPH and to protect intact erythrocytes against oxidative damage induced by peroxyl radicals. By affecting both the polyol pathway and oxidative stress, the compound represents an example of a promising agent for multi-target pharmacology of diabetic complications.

Technology Insertion-Engineering Services Process Characterization, Task Order Number 1 (Block 1) Database Documentation Book, MANPGB

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-14

General Information > MANPGB is a Resource Control Center under the MANPG section of the Industrial W Products Division (MAN) at WR-ALC/ MANPGB is located...zo a N 1 I- I- LU ~a U) La ~ca LU P- 1= .: - "~0. ujN La7N LU 0 U 1I. DATE WORK CONTROL DOCUMENT . . . * ~:0IA~ r JOB ORDER NUMBER. 31J~ANTITY 4. N...30834A ---1.-- Cicleappropriate control number Clean iniao-xenlsrae. 02. Functional analysis - B- f 3 Deseal -Mt___ 04 Internal cleaning & visual. 05

Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil and its Major Terpenes of Satureja macrostema (Moc. and Sessé ex Benth.) Briq.

PubMed

Torres-Martínez, Rafael; García-Rodríguez, Yolanda Magdalena; Ríos-Chávez, Patricia; Saavedra-Molina, Alfredo; López-Meza, Joel Edmundo; Ochoa-Zarzosa, Alejandra; Garciglia, Rafael Salgado

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Satureja macrostema (Moc. and Sessé ex Benth.) Briq. (Lamiaceae) essential oil, a Mexican medicinal plant known as nurite. Fresh aerial parts of S. macrostema plants cultivated in greenhouse for 3 months were subjected to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus to obtain essential oil. Volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry. Antioxidant effectiveness of essential oil and its major terpenes of S. macrostema was examined by three different radical scavenging methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The concentrations tested were 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL. The major volatile compounds were caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, pulegone, menthone, and thymol. S. macrostema essential oil showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with DPPH and ABTS methods (53.10% and 92.12%, respectively) at 1 mg/mL and 98% with TAC method at 0.1 mg/mL. Thymol exerted the highest antioxidant capacity with 0.1 mg/mL, reaching 83.38%, 96.96%, and 98.57% by DPPH, ABTS, and TAC methods. Caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, pulegone, and menthone exhibited an antioxidant capacity <25% with the DPPH and ABTS methods; however, limonene showed a TAC of 85.41% with 0.01 mg/mL. The essential oil of S. macrostema and thymol showed a free radical scavenging activity close to that of the synthetic butylated hydroxytoluene. The major volatile compounds of essential oil of Satureja macrostema were caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, pulegone, menthone and thymolThe essential oil of S. macrostema showed a high free radical scavengingThymol exerted the highest antioxidant capacity by DPPH, ABTS and TAC methods. Abbreviations used: GC: Gas Chromatography; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid; TAC: Total antioxidant capacity.

The elevation effect on water-soluble polysaccharides and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of Ganoderma lucidum K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darsih, C.; Apriyana, W.; Nur Hayati, S.; Taufika Rosyida, V.; Hernawan; Dewi Poeloengasih, C.

2017-02-01

Water soluble polysaccharide is one of the important phytochemical in Ganoderma lucidum K. Phytochemicals in the plants, microorganisms, and plants were affected by internal and external factors. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of elevation on the water-soluble polysaccharides and its DPPH radical scavenging activity. We found that the water-polysaccharides in mushroom from Godean (elevation <100 mamsl) (35.28 ± 0.31%) higher than Kaliurang (elevation 800 mamsl) (25.17 ± 1.85%). The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of Ganoderma lucidum K from Godean (IC50 11.5 ± 0.29 mg/mL) higher than Kaliurang (IC50 14.4 ± 0.27%).

Effects of melatonin on rat pial arteriolar diameter in vivo

PubMed Central

Régrigny, Olivier; Delagrange, Philippe; Scalbert, Elizabeth; Lartaud-Idjouadiene, Isabelle; Atkinson, Jeffrey; Chillon, Jean-Marc

1999-01-01

Based on our finding that melatonin decreased the lower limit of cerebral blood flow autoregulation in rat, we previously suggested that melatonin constricts cerebral arterioles. The goal of this study was to demonstrate this vasoconstrictor action and investigate the mechanisms involved.The effects of cumulative doses of melatonin (10−10 to 10−6 M) were examined in cerebral arterioles (30–50 μM) of male Wistar rats using an open skull preparation. Cerebral arterioles were exposed to two doses of melatonin (3×10−9 and 3×10−8 M) in the absence and presence of the mt1 and/or MT2 receptor antagonist, luzindole (2×10−6 M) and the Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA+, 10−4 M). The effect of L-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10−8 M) was examined on arterioles after TEA+ superfusion. Cerebral arterioles were also exposed to the BKCa activator, NS1619 (10−5 M), and to sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10−8 M) in the absence and presence of melatonin (3×10−8 M).Melatonin induced a dose-dependent constriction with an EC50 of 3.0±0.1 nM and a maximal constriction of −15±1%. Luzindole abolished melatonin-induced vasoconstriction. TEA+ induced significant vasoconstriction (−10±2%). No additional vasoconstriction was observed when melatonin was added to the aCSF in presence of TEA+, whereas L-NAME still induced vasoconstriction (−10±1%). NS1619 induced vasodilatation (+11±1%) which was 50% less in presence of melatonin. Vasodilatation induced by SNP (+12±2%) was not diminished by melatonin.Melatonin directly constricts small diameter cerebral arterioles in rats. This vasoconstrictor effect is mediated by inhibition of BKCa channels following activation of mt1 and/or MT2 receptors. PMID:10455324

Biochemical analysis of human POLG2 variants associated with mitochondrial disease

PubMed Central

Young, Matthew J.; Longley, Matthew J.; Li, Fang-Yuan; Kasiviswanathan, Rajesh; Wong, Lee-Jun; Copeland, William C.

2011-01-01

Defects in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance comprise an expanding repertoire of polymorphic diseases caused, in part, by mutations in the genes encoding the p140 mtDNA polymerase (POLG), its p55 accessory subunit (POLG2) or the mtDNA helicase (C10orf2). In an exploration of nuclear genes for mtDNA maintenance linked to mitochondrial disease, eight heterozygous mutations (six novel) in POLG2 were identified in one control and eight patients with POLG-related mitochondrial disease that lacked POLG mutations. Of these eight mutations, we biochemically characterized seven variants [c.307G>A (G103S); c.457C>G (L153V); c.614C>G (P205R); c.1105A>G (R369G); c.1158T>G (D386E); c.1268C>A (S423Y); c.1423_1424delTT (L475DfsX2)] that were previously uncharacterized along with the wild-type protein and the G451E pathogenic variant. These seven mutations encode amino acid substitutions that map throughout the protein, including the p55 dimer interface and the C-terminal domain that interacts with the catalytic subunit. Recombinant proteins harboring these alterations were assessed for stimulation of processive DNA synthesis, binding to the p140 catalytic subunit, binding to dsDNA and self-dimerization. Whereas the G103S, L153V, D386E and S423Y proteins displayed wild-type behavior, the P205R and R369G p55 variants had reduced stimulation of processivity and decreased affinity for the catalytic subunit. Additionally, the L475DfsX2 variant, which possesses a C-terminal truncation, was unable to bind the p140 catalytic subunit, unable to bind dsDNA and formed aberrant oligomeric complexes. Our biochemical analysis helps explain the pathogenesis of POLG2 mutations in mitochondrial disease and emphasizes the need to quantitatively characterize the biochemical consequences of newly discovered mutations before classifying them as pathogenic. PMID:21555342

Temporal and diurnal variations of carbonaceous aerosols and major ions in biomass burning influenced aerosols over Mt. Tai in the North China Plain during MTX2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boreddy, Suresh K. R.; Kawamura, Kimitaka; Okuzawa, Kazuhiro; Kanaya, Yugo; Wang, Zifa

2017-04-01

To better understand the impact of agricultural waste burning on the air quality of free troposphere over the North China Plain (NCP), we collected total suspended particles (TSP) at the summit of Mt. Tai, located in the NCP using a high volume air sampler during 29 May to 28 June 2006, when the field burning of agricultural residue was intense. Temporal variations of all measured species showed that their concentration increases from late May to mid June (major BB period), peaking during 12-14 June, and then significantly decreased towards late June (minor BB period). We noticed that a significant reduction in the concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols during the period of 8-11 June, when the wind direction shifted from southerly to northerly. We found that concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols and some major ions showed several times higher during major BB period than those of minor BB period. We also found that nighttime concentrations are higher than daytime during major BB period, suggesting that a long-range atmospheric transport of biomass burning plumes in the free troposphere, which arrived at the summit of Mt. Tai. In contrast, daytime concentrations are higher than nighttime during minor BB period. We found higher concentrations of secondary organic carbon (SOC) during major BB period, suggesting that formation of secondary organic aerosols through aqueous phase chemistry under high NOx conditions during a long-range atmospheric transport. nss-K+ showed about four times higher concentrations during major BB than those of minor BB. Concentrations of nss-Ca2+ are higher in nighttime during major BB period, implying that a significant long-range atmospheric transport of mineral dust over the sampling site. These results are further supported by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis, which showed that biomass burning was a major source for the carbonaceous aerosols followed by mineral dust sources over the summit of Mt. Tai.

A Recombinant Fragment of Human Surfactant Protein D induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines via Fas-Mediated Pathway

PubMed Central

Kaur, Anuvinder; Riaz, Muhammad Suleman; Murugaiah, Valarmathy; Varghese, Praveen Mathews; Singh, Shiv K.; Kishore, Uday

2018-01-01

Human surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a potent innate immune molecule, which is emerging as a key molecule in the recognition and clearance of altered and non-self targets. Previous studies have shown that a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) induced apoptosis via p53-mediated apoptosis pathway in an eosinophilic leukemic cell line, AML14.3D10. Here, we report the ability of rfhSP-D to induce apoptosis via TNF-α/Fas-mediated pathway regardless of the p53 status in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma using Panc-1 (p53mt), MiaPaCa-2 (p53mt), and Capan-2 (p53wt) cell lines. Treatment of these cell lines with rfhSP-D for 24 h caused growth arrest in G1 cell cycle phase and triggered transcriptional upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors such as TNF-α and NF-κB. Translocation of NF-κB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of pancreatic cancer cell lines was observed via immunofluorescence microscopy following treatment with rfhSP-D as compared to the untreated cells. The rfhSP-D treatment caused upregulation of pro-apoptotic marker Fas, as analyzed via qPCR and western blot, which then triggered caspase cascade, as evident from cleavage of caspase 8 and 3 analyzed via western blot at 48 h. The cell number following the rfhSP-D treatment was reduced in the order of Panc-1 (~67%) > MiaPaCa-2 (~60%) > Capan-2 (~35%). This study appears to suggest that rfhSP-D can potentially be used to therapeutically target pancreatic cancer cells irrespective of their p53 phenotype.

A Recombinant Fragment of Human Surfactant Protein D induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines via Fas-Mediated Pathway.

PubMed

Kaur, Anuvinder; Riaz, Muhammad Suleman; Murugaiah, Valarmathy; Varghese, Praveen Mathews; Singh, Shiv K; Kishore, Uday

2018-01-01

Human surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a potent innate immune molecule, which is emerging as a key molecule in the recognition and clearance of altered and non-self targets. Previous studies have shown that a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) induced apoptosis via p53-mediated apoptosis pathway in an eosinophilic leukemic cell line, AML14.3D10. Here, we report the ability of rfhSP-D to induce apoptosis via TNF-α/Fas-mediated pathway regardless of the p53 status in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma using Panc-1 (p53 mt ), MiaPaCa-2 (p53 mt ), and Capan-2 (p53 wt ) cell lines. Treatment of these cell lines with rfhSP-D for 24 h caused growth arrest in G1 cell cycle phase and triggered transcriptional upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors such as TNF-α and NF-κB. Translocation of NF-κB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of pancreatic cancer cell lines was observed via immunofluorescence microscopy following treatment with rfhSP-D as compared to the untreated cells. The rfhSP-D treatment caused upregulation of pro-apoptotic marker Fas, as analyzed via qPCR and western blot, which then triggered caspase cascade, as evident from cleavage of caspase 8 and 3 analyzed via western blot at 48 h. The cell number following the rfhSP-D treatment was reduced in the order of Panc-1 (~67%) > MiaPaCa-2 (~60%) > Capan-2 (~35%). This study appears to suggest that rfhSP-D can potentially be used to therapeutically target pancreatic cancer cells irrespective of their p53 phenotype.

Conservation Agriculture Improves Soil Quality, Crop Yield, and Incomes of Smallholder Farmers in North Western Ghana

PubMed Central

Naab, Jesse B.; Mahama, George Y.; Yahaya, Iddrisu; Prasad, P. V. V.

2017-01-01

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are being widely promoted in many areas in sub-Saharan Africa to recuperate degraded soils and improve ecosystem services. This study examined the effects of three tillage practices [conventional moldboard plowing (CT), hand hoeing (MT) and no-tillage (NT)], and three cropping systems (continuous maize, soybean–maize annual rotation, and soybean/maize intercropping) on soil quality, crop productivity, and profitability in researcher and farmer managed on-farm trials from 2010 to 2013 in northwestern Ghana. In the researcher managed mother trial, the CA practices of NT, residue retention and crop rotation/intercropping maintained higher soil organic carbon, and total soil N compared to conventional tillage practices after 4 years. Soil bulk density was higher under NT than under CT soils in the researcher managed mother trails or farmers managed baby trials after 4 years. In the researcher managed mother trial, there was no significant difference between tillage systems or cropping systems in maize or soybean yields in the first three seasons. In the fourth season, crop rotation had the greatest impact on maize yields with CT maize following soybean increasing yields by 41 and 49% compared to MT and NT maize, respectively. In the farmers’ managed trials, maize yield ranged from 520 to 2700 kg ha-1 and 300 to 2000 kg ha-1 for CT and NT, respectively, reflecting differences in experience of farmers with NT. Averaged across farmers, CT cropping systems increased maize and soybean yield ranging from 23 to 39% compared with NT cropping systems. Partial budget analysis showed that the cost of producing maize or soybean is 20–29% cheaper with NT systems and gives higher returns to labor compared to CT practice. Benefit-to-cost ratios also show that NT cropping systems are more profitable than CT systems. We conclude that with time, implementation of CA practices involving NT, crop rotation, intercropping of maize and soybean along with crop residue retention presents a win–win scenario due to improved crop yield, increased economic return, and trends of increasing soil fertility. The biggest challenge, however, remains with producing enough biomass and retaining same on the field. PMID:28680427

A conducive bioceramic/polymer composite biomaterial for diabetic wound healing.

PubMed

Lv, Fang; Wang, Jie; Xu, Peng; Han, Yiming; Ma, Hongshi; Xu, He; Chen, Shijie; Chang, Jiang; Ke, Qinfei; Liu, Mingyao; Yi, Zhengfang; Wu, Chengtie

2017-09-15

Diabetic wound is a common complication of diabetes. Biomaterials offer great promise in inducing tissue regeneration for chronic wound healing. Herein, we reported a conducive Poly (caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin nanofibrous composite scaffold containing silicate-based bioceramic particles (Nagelschmidtite, NAGEL, Ca 7 P 2 Si 2 O 16 ) for diabetic wound healing. NAGEL bioceramic particles were well distributed in the inner of PCL/gelatin nanofibers via co-electrospinning process and the Si ions maintained a sustained release from the composite scaffolds during the degradation process. The nanofibrous scaffolds significantly promoted the adhesion, proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) in vitro. The in vivo study demonstrated that the scaffolds distinctly induced the angiogenesis, collagen deposition and re-epithelialization in the wound sites of diabetic mice model, as well as inhibited inflammation reaction. The mechanism for nanofibrous composite scaffolds accelerating diabetic wound healing is related to the activation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) pathway in vivo and in vitro. Our results suggest that the released Si ions and nanofibrous structure of scaffolds have a synergetic effect on the improved efficiency of diabetic wound healing, paving the way to design functional biomaterials for tissue engineering and wound healing applications. In order to stimulate tissue regeneration for chronic wound healing, a new kind of conducive nanofibrous composite scaffold containing silicate-based bioceramic particles (Nagelschmidtite, NAGEL, Ca 7 P 2 Si 2 O 16 ) were prepared via co-electrospinning process. Biological assessments revealed that the NAGEL bioceramic particles could active epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) pathway in vitro and in vivo. The new composite scaffold had potential as functional biomaterials for tissue engineering and wound healing applications. The strategy of introducing controllable amount of therapeutic ions instead of loading expensive drugs/growth factors on nanofibrous composite scaffold provides new options for bioactive biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extracts and Constituents of Rubus chingii with 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Free Radical Scavenging Activity

PubMed Central

Ding, Hsiou-Yu

2011-01-01

The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of the fruits of Rubus chingii was studied in vitro. Ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions from dried R. chingii fruits revealed strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 17.9, 3.4 and 4.0 μg/mL, respectively. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were further purified by a combination of silica gel chromatography, Lobar RP-8 chromatography, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Nine compounds were isolated, where methyl (3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindol-3-yl)-acetate (2), vanillic acid (5), kaempferol (7), and tiliroside (9) showed stronger DPPH free radical scavenging activity than that of ascorbic acid (131.8 μM) with IC50 values of 45.2, 34.9, 78.5, and 13.7 μM, respectively. In addition, rubusine (1) is a new compound discovered in the present study and methyl (3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindol-3-yl)-acetate (2), methyl dioxindole-3-acetate (3), and 2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylic acid (4) were isolated from the fruits for the first time. PMID:21747716

Multi-elemental composition and antioxidant properties of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey from the coastal region of Croatia: Risk-benefit analysis.

PubMed

Tariba Lovaković, Blanka; Lazarus, Maja; Brčić Karačonji, Irena; Jurica, Karlo; Živković Semren, Tanja; Lušić, Dražen; Brajenović, Nataša; Pelaić, Zdenka; Pizent, Alica

2018-01-01

The concentration of 23 major and trace elements, total phenolic content (TPC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were determined in nine samples of strawberry tree honey and compared to other types of unifloral honeys. The most abundant elements in strawberry tree honey were potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, ranging between 1276 and 2367, 95.2-154, 14.4-74.4 and 13.4-64.3mg/kg, respectively. Strawberry tree honey had generally higher TPC (range: 0.314-0.522g GA/kg) and DPPH (1.94-4.45mM TE/kg) compared to other analysed unifloral honeys. A strong positive relationship was found between TPC and DPPH, TPC and concentration of homogentisic acid (HGA), chemical marker of strawberry tree honey, and between DPPH and HGA. Regarding daily intake of essential elements, strawberry tree honey can be considered nutritionally richer than the majority of unifloral honeys available in Croatia, while contribution to tolerable intake set for potentially toxic elements was very low, corresponding to pristine areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Free radical scavengers and antioxidants from Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.).

PubMed

Cheel, José; Theoduloz, Cristina; Rodríguez, Jaime; Schmeda-Hirschmann, Guillermo

2005-04-06

Methanol, MeOH/water extracts, infusion, and decoction of Cymbopogon citratus were assessed for free radical scavenging effects measured by the bleaching of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, scavenging of the superoxide anion, and inhibition of the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The extracts presented effect in the DPPH and superoxide anion assay, with values ranging between 40 and 68% and 15-32% at 33 and 50 microg/mL, respectively, inhibited lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes by 19-71% at 500 microg/mL and were inactive toward the XO at 50 microg/mL. Isoorientin, isoscoparin, swertiajaponin, isoorientin 2' '-O-rhamnoside, orientin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. Isoorientin and orientin presented similar activities toward the DPPH (IC(50): 9-10 microM) and inhibited lipid peroxidation by 70% at 100 microg/mL. Caffeic and chlorogenic acid were active superoxide anion scavengers with IC(50) values of 68.8 and 54.2 microM, respectively, and a strong effect toward DPPH. Caffeic acid inhibited lipid peroxidation by 85% at 100 microg/mL.

Component analysis and free radicals scavenging activity of Cicer arietinum L. husk pectin.

PubMed

Urias-Orona, Vania; Huerta-Oros, Joselina; Carvajal-Millán, Elizabeth; Lizardi-Mendoza, Jaime; Rascón-Chu, Agustin; Gardea, Alfonso A

2010-10-11

A pectin (CAP) was extracted from the husk of Cicer arietinum L. Monosaccharide analysis of CAP revealed the dominance of galacturonic acid and smaller amounts of galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucose, xylose and mannose. Viscosimetric analysis showed that the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and the molecular weight (MW) of CAP were 296 mL/g and 105 kDa, respectively. The degree of esterification (DE = 10%) was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. CAP exhibited a dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity, as shown by its DPPH radical inhibition. At 1.0 mg/mL CAP exhibited a scavenging rate of 29% on DPPH radicals. The evaluation of antioxidant activity suggested that CAP had good potential for DPPH radical scavenging activity and should be explored as a novel potential antioxidant.

Electromagnetic field pretreatment of Sinapis alba seeds improved cadmium phytoextraction.

PubMed

Bulak, Piotr; Lata, Lesia; Plak, Andrzej; Wiącek, Dariusz; Strobel, Wacław; Walkiewicz, Anna; Pietruszewski, Stanisław; Bieganowski, Andrzej

2018-03-21

It was hypothesized that electromagnetic field (EMF) pretreatment of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seeds could increase the accumulation of non-essential, pollutant heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) in shoots. Seeds of white mustard were treated with either 60 or 120 mT of alternating EMF (50 Hz) for 1 minute and then grown in a Petri dish in the presence of Cd, in comparison to the control (seeds grown without EMF pretreatment). Biomass production and content of calcium (Ca) and Cd in seedling shoots were measured. The Cd content in shoots from the EMF-treated seeds was higher in both variants than in the control (by 73% and 78%, respectively; p < 0.05). In plants treated with 60 mT, the Ca content was slightly, but significantly, lower (3%) than in the control. EMF stimulation did not affect the biomass production. The results have shown potential benefits of this physical seed pretreatment method in the context of cadmium phytoextraction, but more research is needed.

Changing fluxes of carbon and other solutes from the Mekong River

PubMed Central

Li, Siyue; Bush, Richard T.

2015-01-01

Rivers are an important aquatic conduit that connects terrestrial sources of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and other elements with oceanic reservoirs. The Mekong River, one of the world’s largest rivers, is firstly examined to explore inter-annual fluxes of dissolved and particulate constituents during 1923–2011 and their associated natural or anthropogenic controls. Over this period, inter-annual fluxes of dissolved and particulate constituents decrease, while anthropogenic activities have doubled the relative abundance of SO42−, Cl− and Na+. The estimated fluxes of solutes from the Mekong decrease as follows (Mt/y): TDS (40.4) > HCO3− (23.4) > Ca2+ (6.4) > SO42− (3.8) > Cl− (1.74)~Na+ (1.7) ~ Si (1.67) > Mg2+ (1.2) > K+ (0.5). The runoff, land cover and lithological composition significantly contribute to dissolved and particulate yields globally. HCO3− and TDS yields are readily predicted by runoff and percent of carbonate, while TSS yield by runoff and population density. The Himalayan Rivers, including the Mekong, are a disproportionally high contributor to global riverine carbon and other solute budgets, and are of course underlined. The estimated global riverine HCO3− flux (Himalayan Rivers included) is 34014 × 109 mol/y (0.41 Pg C/y), 3915 Mt/y for solute load, including HCO3−, and 13553 Mt/y for TSS. Thereby this study illustrates the importance of riverine solute delivery in global carbon cycling. PMID:26522820

Species boundaries, phylogeography, and conservation genetics of the red-legged frog (Rana aurora/draytonii) complex

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shaffer, H. Bradley; Fellers, Gary M.; Voss, S. Randal; Oliver, J. C.; Pauly, Gregory B.

2004-01-01

The red-legged frog, Rana aurora, has been recognized as both a single, polytypic species and as two distinct species since its original description 150 years ago. It is currently recognized as one species with two geographically contiguous subspecies, aurora and draytonii; the latter is protected under the US Endangered Species Act. We present the results of a survey of 50 populations of red-legged frogs from across their range plus four outgroup species for variation in a phylogenetically informative, ∼400 base pairs (bp) fragment of the mitochondrial cytochromeb gene. Our mtDNA analysis points to several major results. (1) In accord with several other lines of independent evidence, aurora and draytonii are each diagnosably distinct, evolutionary lineages; the mtDNA data indicate that they do not constitute a monophyletic group, but rather that aurora and R. cascadae from the Pacific northwest are sister taxa; (2) the range of thedraytonii mtDNA clade extends about 100 km further north in coastal California than was previously suspected, and corresponds closely with the range limits or phylogeographical breaks of several codistributed taxa; (3) a narrow zone of overlap exists in southern Mendocino County between aurora and draytonii haplotypes, rather than a broad intergradation zone; and (4) the critically endangered population of draytonii in Riverside County, CA forms a distinct clade with frogs from Baja California, Mexico. The currently available evidence favours recognition of auroraand draytonii as separate species with a narrow zone of overlap in northern California.

Changing fluxes of carbon and other solutes from the Mekong River.

PubMed

Li, Siyue; Bush, Richard T

2015-11-02

Rivers are an important aquatic conduit that connects terrestrial sources of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and other elements with oceanic reservoirs. The Mekong River, one of the world's largest rivers, is firstly examined to explore inter-annual fluxes of dissolved and particulate constituents during 1923-2011 and their associated natural or anthropogenic controls. Over this period, inter-annual fluxes of dissolved and particulate constituents decrease, while anthropogenic activities have doubled the relative abundance of SO4(2-), Cl(-) and Na(+). The estimated fluxes of solutes from the Mekong decrease as follows (Mt/y): TDS (40.4) > HCO3(-) (23.4) > Ca(2+) (6.4) > SO4(2-) (3.8) > Cl(-) (1.74)~Na(+) (1.7) ~ Si (1.67) > Mg(2+) (1.2) > K(+ 0.5). The runoff, land cover and lithological composition significantly contribute to dissolved and particulate yields globally. HCO3(-) and TDS yields are readily predicted by runoff and percent of carbonate, while TSS yield by runoff and population density. The Himalayan Rivers, including the Mekong, are a disproportionally high contributor to global riverine carbon and other solute budgets, and are of course underlined. The estimated global riverine HCO3(-) flux (Himalayan Rivers included) is 34,014 × 10(9) mol/y (0.41 Pg C/y), 3915 Mt/y for solute load, including HCO3(-), and 13,553 Mt/y for TSS. Thereby this study illustrates the importance of riverine solute delivery in global carbon cycling.

Evaluation of antiurolithiatic and antioxidant potential of Lepidagathis prostrata: A Pashanbhed plant.

PubMed

Devkar, Raviraj Anand; Chaudhary, Shilpee; Adepu, Sahithi; Xavier, Seena Kanniparambil; Chandrashekar, Kodangala Subraya; Setty, Manganahalli Manjunath

2016-07-01

Oxidative stress acts as an essential mediator in the pathophysiology of urolithiasis. Lepidagathis prostrata Dalz. (Acanthaceae) is a Pashanbhed plant that is recommended for the management of urolithiasis; however, no scientific validation has been reported. To evaluate the antiurolithiatic and antioxidant potential of L. prostrata. Methanol extract (LPM) and fractions; petroleum ether (LPPE), ethyl acetate (LPEA), n-butanol (LPBU) and aqueous (LPAQ) were prepared. In vitro antiurolithiatic activity was evaluated by the capacity to inhibit calcium oxalate (CaOx) nucleation and aggregation at different concentrations of extract/fractions (0.04-3 mg/mL) for 30 min. Total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant potential were determined. A validated HPTLC method was performed to quantify lupeol and β-sitosterol. LPEA exhibited the highest dose-dependent inhibition of CaOx nucleation (IC50: 336.23 ± 30.79 µg/mL) and aggregation (IC50: 149.63 ± 10.31 µg/mL), which was significantly (p < 0.05) better than standard Cystone®. The polar LPBU fraction was enriched with phenols (47.34 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (20.38 ± 0.05 mg QE/g), which correlates with its highest antioxidant potential in DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide scavenging and iron chelating activities (IC50: 1.18-87.34 µg/mL). To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the presence of lupeol and β-sitosterol in L. prostrata. The antiurolithiatic activity of L. prostrata is probably mediated through the inhibition of CaOx crystallization. In addition to its free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, it would act as an excellent agent for the prevention of urolithiasis.

Isolation of 8-hydroxyglycitein and 6-hydroxydaidzein from soybean miso.

PubMed

Hirota, Akira; Inaba, Miyuki; Chen, Yu-Chi; Abe, Naoki; Taki, Shoji; Yano, Masamichi; Kawaii, Satoru

2004-06-01

We isolated from soybean miso 8-hydroxyglycitein and 6-hydroxydaidzein as DPPH-radical scavengers, and elucidated their chemical structures by mass spectrometric, and (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectrosopic analyses. These compounds showed DPPH-radical scavenging activity as high as that of alpha-tocopherol, 8-hydroxygenistein and 8-hydroxydaidzein. This is the first report of the isolation of 8-hydroxyglycitein from a natural source.

Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil and its Major Terpenes of Satureja macrostema (Moc. and Sessé ex Benth.) Briq.

PubMed Central

Torres-Martínez, Rafael; García-Rodríguez, Yolanda Magdalena; Ríos-Chávez, Patricia; Saavedra-Molina, Alfredo; López-Meza, Joel Edmundo; Ochoa-Zarzosa, Alejandra; Garciglia, Rafael Salgado

2017-01-01

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Satureja macrostema (Moc. and Sessé ex Benth.) Briq. (Lamiaceae) essential oil, a Mexican medicinal plant known as nurite. Materials and Methods: Fresh aerial parts of S. macrostema plants cultivated in greenhouse for 3 months were subjected to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus to obtain essential oil. Volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry. Antioxidant effectiveness of essential oil and its major terpenes of S. macrostema was examined by three different radical scavenging methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The concentrations tested were 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL. Results: The major volatile compounds were caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, pulegone, menthone, and thymol. S. macrostema essential oil showed the highest free radical scavenging activity with DPPH and ABTS methods (53.10% and 92.12%, respectively) at 1 mg/mL and 98% with TAC method at 0.1 mg/mL. Thymol exerted the highest antioxidant capacity with 0.1 mg/mL, reaching 83.38%, 96.96%, and 98.57% by DPPH, ABTS, and TAC methods. Caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, pulegone, and menthone exhibited an antioxidant capacity <25% with the DPPH and ABTS methods; however, limonene showed a TAC of 85.41% with 0.01 mg/mL. Conclusion: The essential oil of S. macrostema and thymol showed a free radical scavenging activity close to that of the synthetic butylated hydroxytoluene. SUMMARY The major volatile compounds of essential oil of Satureja macrostema were caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, pulegone, menthone and thymolThe essential oil of S. macrostema showed a high free radical scavengingThymol exerted the highest antioxidant capacity by DPPH, ABTS and TAC methods. Abbreviations used: GC: Gas Chromatography; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS: 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid; TAC: Total antioxidant capacity. PMID:29491647

Reticulate Pleistocene evolution of Ethiopian rodent genus along remarkable altitudinal gradient.

PubMed

Bryja, Josef; Kostin, Danila; Meheretu, Yonas; Šumbera, Radim; Bryjová, Anna; Kasso, Mohammed; Mikula, Ondřej; Lavrenchenko, Leonid A

2018-01-01

The Ethiopian highlands are the most extensive complex of mountainous habitats in Africa. The presence of the Great Rift Valley (GRV) and the striking elevational ecological gradients inhabited by recently radiated Ethiopian endemics, provide a wide spectrum of model situations for evolutionary studies. The extant species of endemic rodents, often markedly phenotypically differentiated, are expected to possess complex genetic features which evolved asa consequence of the interplay between geomorphology and past climatic changes. In this study, we used the largest available multi-locus genetic dataset of the murid genus Stenocephalemys (347 specimens from ca 40 localities across the known distributional area of all taxa) to investigate the relative importance of disruptive selection, temporary geographic isolation and introgression in their adaptive radiations in the Pleistocene. We confirmed the four main highly supported mitochondrial (mtDNA) clades that were proposed as four species in a previous pilot study: S. albipes is a sister species of S. griseicauda (both lineages are present on both sides of the GRV), while the second clade is formed by two Afro-alpine species, S. albocaudata (east of GRV) and the undescribed Stenocephalemys sp. A (west of GRV). There is a clear elevational gradient in the distribution of the Stenocephalemys taxa with two to three species present at different elevations of the same mountain range. Surprisingly, the nuclear species tree corresponded only a little to the mtDNA tree. Multispecies coalescent models based on six nuclear markers revealed the presence of six separate gene pools (i.e. candidate species), with different topology. Phylogenetic analysis, together with the geographic distribution of the genetic groups, suggests a complex reticulate evolution. We propose a scenario that involves (besides classical allopatric speciation) two cases of disruptive selection along the elevational ecological gradient, multiple crosses of GRV in dry and cold periods of the Pleistocene, followed by hybridization and mtDNA introgression on imperfect reproductive barriers. Spatial expansion of the currently most widespread "albipes" mtDNA clade was followed by population fragmentation, lineage sorting and again by hybridization and mtDNA introgression. Comparison of this genetic structure to other Ethiopian endemic taxa highlight the geographical areas of special conservation concern, where more detailed biodiversity studies should be carried out to prevent many endemic taxa from going extinct even before they are recognized. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anthrax and the Geochemistry of Soils in the Contiguous ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Journal Article Soil geochemical data from sample sites located in counties that reported cases or outbreaks of anthrax since 2000 were evaluated against counties within the same states (MN, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD and TX) that did not report cases or outbreaks. These data identified the elements Ca, Mn, P and Sr as having statistically significant differences in concentrations between county type (anthrax occurrence versus no occurrence) within the total data set or in a majority of the states. Preliminary elemental threshold values present prospective investigative tools that can be refined through future high-resolution studies and present a path forward for understanding the geochemical constraints of other pathogens.

Metallothionein Isoform Expression in Benign and Malignant Thyroid Lesions.

PubMed

Wojtczak, Beata; Pula, Bartosz; Gomulkiewicz, Agnieszka; Olbromski, Mateusz; Podhorska-Okolow, Marzena; Domoslawski, Paweł; Bolanowski, Marek; Daroszewski, Jacek; Dziegiel, Piotr

2017-09-01

Metallothioneins (MTs) are involved in numerous cell processes such as binding and transport of zinc and copper ions, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, therefore contributing to carcinogenesis. Scarce data exist on their expression in benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid. mRNA expression of functional isoforms of MT genes (MT1A, MT1B, MT1E, MT1F, MT1G, MT1H, MT1X, MT2A, MT4) was studied in 17 nodular goiters (NG), 12 follicular adenomas (FA) and 26 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in mRNA expression levels of MT1A (p<0.05), MT1E (p<0.005), MT1F (p<0.0001), MT1G (p<0.005), MT1X (p<0.0005) and MT2A (p<0.005) in the analyzed samples. Post hoc analysis confirmed a significantly lower expression of MT1A mRNA in PTC compared to NG (p<0.05). Significant down-regulation was also noted for other MT isoforms in PTC in comparison to NG: MT1E (p<0.05), MT1F (p<0.0001), MT1G (p<0.005), MT1X (p<0.0005) and MT2A (p<0.05). In addition, significant down-regulation of MT1F and MT1G in FA compared to NG was observed (p<0.005 and p<0.05, respectively). Expression of functional MT isoforms may contribute to thyroid carcinogenesis and potentially serve as a diagnostic marker in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

[Comparison of the antioxidant properties of selected parts of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

PubMed

Zielonka-Brzezicka, Joanna; Nowak, Anna; Zielińska, Magdalena; Klimowicz, Adam

Antioxidants contained in plant raw materials prevent oxidative stress, and reduce the degenerative effects of free radical reactions and damage caused by UV radiation. Antioxidant activity is exhibited, for example, in raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), which have a high content of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins and minerals. The raw plant material consisted of fresh and dried leaves and fruits of raspberries and blackberries harvested in 2014. This material was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus and by an ultrasound-assisted technique. To evaluate antioxidant activity DPPH and FRAP methods were used in the first year and DPPH and ABTS methods in the second year of the study. The highest antioxidant activity, evaluated by the DPPH method in 2015, was demonstrated by both raspberry and blackberry fresh leaf extracts, whereas the highest reductive ability, assessed by FRAP, was demonstrated in fresh and dried blackberry leaves. In the next year of the study (2016), the activity of samples evaluated using the DPPH method did not differ significantly, with the exception of fresh raspberry leaf. In this year, the highest antioxidant properties, assessed using the ABTS method, were shown by extracts made of fresh blackberry leaves and fruits, and dried blackberry leaves. All the studied material, both ethanolic leaves and fruit extracts of raspberry and blackberry, reduced free radicals, which was examined using three methods of evaluation of the antioxidative properties (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS). The storage of ethanolic extracts at ambient temperature had no significant impact on the activity reduction of the evaluated plant material. The antioxidant activity of most examined extracts remained consistently high, which may be reflected in the use of the studied materials as sources of antioxidants in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries.

Characterization of Brazilian lager and brown ale beers based on color, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity using chemometrics.

PubMed

Granato, Daniel; Branco, Gabriel Favalli; Faria, José de Assis Fonseca; Cruz, Adriano Gomes

2011-02-01

Epidemiological studies have shown that beer has positive effects on inhibiting atherosclerosis, decreasing the content of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, by acting as in vivo free radical scavenger. In this research, the antioxidant activity of commercial Brazilian beers (n = 29) was determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(·) ) assays and results were analyzed by chemometrics. The brown ale samples (n = 11) presented higher (P < 0.05) flavonoids (124.01 mg L(-1) ), total phenolics (362.22 mg L(-1) ), non-flavonoid phenolics (238.21 mg L(-1) ), lightness (69.48), redness (35.75), yellowness (55.71), color intensity (66.86), hue angle (59.14), color saturation (0.9620), DPPH(·) values (30.96% inhibition), and ORAC values (3, 659.36 µmol Trolox equivalents L(-1) ), compared to lager samples (n = 18). Brown ale beers presented higher antioxidant properties (P < 0.05) measured by ORAC (1.93 times higher) and DPPH (1.65 times higher) compared to lager beer. ORAC values correlated well with the content of flavonoids (r = 0.47; P = 0.01), total phenolic compounds (r = 0.44; P < 0.01) and DPPH (r = 0.67; P < 0.01). DPPH values also correlated well to the content of flavonoids (r = 0.69; P < 0.01), total phenolic compounds (r = 0.60; P < 0.01), and non-flavonoid compounds (r = 0.46; P = 0.01). The results suggest that brown ale beers, and less significantly lager beers, could be sources of bioactive compounds with suitable free radical scavenging properties. 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparative study of the antihyaluronidase, antiurease, antioxidant, antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of different unifloral degrees of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) honeys.

PubMed

Kolayli, Sevgi; Can, Zehra; Yildiz, Oktay; Sahin, Huseyin; Karaoglu, Sengul Alpay

2016-01-01

This study was planned to investigate some physicochemical and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties of three different degrees of unifloral characters of chestnut honeys. Antihyaluronidase, antiurease and antimicrobial activities were evaluated as anti-inflammatory characteristics. Total phenolic contents, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic profiles, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), scavenging activities of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS + ) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were evaluated as antioxidant properties. Color, optical rotation, conductivity, moisture, pH and ash content were evaluated as physicochemical parameters, and some sugars content, prolin, diastase, HMF and minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn) were evaluated as chemical and biochemical parameters. All studied physicochemical and biological active properties were changed in line with the unifloral character of the chestnut honeys. A higher unifloral character was found associated with greater apitherapeutic capacity of the honey, as well as biological active compounds.

Atrazine sorption by hydroxy-interlayered clays and their organic complexes.

PubMed

Indraratne, Srimathie P; Farenhorst, Annemieke; Goh, Tee Boon

2008-01-01

This study examined the sorption of atrazine by hydroxy-Fe interlayered montmorillonite (FeMt) and its hydroquinone (FeMtHQ), citrate (FeMtCt) and catechol (FeMtCC) complexes as well as by hydroxy-Al interlayered montmorillonite (AlMt) and its hydroquinone (AlMtHQ) and citrate (AlMtCt) complexes. Found among the clays were sorption distribution coefficients (K(d)) ranging from 24 to 123 mL g(-1) and maximum sorption (M) ranging from 2.2 to 16.8 microg g(-1). Both K(d) and M decreased in the order of FeMtCC > FeMtHQ > AlMtHQ > (AlMt = FeMt) > (AlMtCt = FeMtCt). The pH was negatively correlated with both K(d) (r = -0.90, p < 0.001) and M (r = -0.81, p < 0.001). When interlayered clays were associated with humified material (FeMtCC, FeMtHQ, AlMtHQ), both K(d) (r > 0.96, p < 0.01) and M (r > 0.94, p < 0.01) were highly positively correlated with total organic C and alkali-soluble C. However, clays with non-humified organic compounds (FeMtCt and AlMtCt) sorbed less atrazine than clays without any organic C (FeMt and AlMt). This suggests that functional groups of Fe-OH and Al-OH in FeMt and AlMt reduced the available sorption sites for atrazine by making complexes with citrate ions while forming FeMtCt and AlMtCt. The atrazine was sorbed through the hydrophobic interactions with organic compound surfaces as well as through H-bonding and ionic bonding with clay-mineral surfaces.

Genetic polymorphisms of 54 mitochondrial DNA SNP loci in Chinese Xibe ethnic minority group

PubMed Central

Shen, Chun-Mei; Hu, Li; Yang, Chun-Hua; Yin, Cai-Yong; Li, Zhi-Dan; Meng, Hao-Tian; Guo, Yu-Xin; Mei, Ting; Chen, Feng; Zhu, Bo-Feng

2017-01-01

We analyzed the genetic polymorphisms of 54 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants in Chinese Xibe ethnic minority group. A total of 137 unrelated healthy volunteers from Chinese Xibe group were the objects of our study. Among the selected loci, there were 51 variable positions including transitions and transversions, and single nucleotide transitions were common (83.93%) versus transversions. These variations defined 64 different mtDNA haplotypes exclusive of (CA)n and 9 bp deletion variation. The haplotype diversity and discrimination power in Xibe population were 0.9800 ± 0.004 and 0.9699, respectively. Besides, we compared Xibe group with 18 other populations and reconstructed a phylogenetic tree using Neighbor-Joining method. The result revealed that Xibe group was a close to Xinjiang Han and Yanbian Korean groups. Our data also indicated that Xibe group has a close relationship with Daur and Ewenki groups, which is reflected by the history that Xibe was influenced by Daur and Ewenki groups during the development of these groups. In conclusion, the variants we studied are polymorphic and could be used as informative genetic markers for forensic and population genetic application. PMID:28327596

Characteristics of Honey from Serpentine Area in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt., Bulgaria.

PubMed

Atanassova, Juliana; Pavlova, Dolja; Lazarova, Maria; Yurukova, Lilyana

2016-09-01

Honey samples collected during 2007-2010 from serpentine and non-serpentine localities in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt. (Bulgaria) were characterized on the basis of their pollen content by qualitative melissopalynological analysis and physicochemical composition. Water content, pH, electrical conductivity, macroelements-K, Ca, Mg, P, and microelements-As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined after the Harmonised Methods of the International Honey Commission and ICP-AES method. The results from serpentine honey samples were compared with data from bee pollen collected from the same serpentine area. Different elements have different concentrations in honey from the same botanical type even collected from the same geographical region, same locality, and same beehive but in different vegetation season. The elements Mg, Mn, Ni, and P contribute mostly for separation of the serpentine honey samples based on measured elemental concentrations and performed principal component analysis. The element concentrations were higher in bee pollen and above the permissible limits for the toxic metals Cd and Pb. No specific indicator plant species was found for identification of the geographical origin of serpentine honey in relation to the forage of bees.

The MtDMI2-MtPUB2 Negative Feedback Loop Plays a Role in Nodulation Homeostasis1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Deng, Jie; Zhu, Fugui; Lu, Zheng

2018-01-01

DOES NOT MAKE INFECTION 2 (MtDMI2) is a Leu rich repeat-type receptor kinase required for signal transduction in the Medicago truncatula/Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis pathway. However, the mechanisms through which MtDMI2 participates in nodulation homeostasis are poorly understood. In this study, we identified MtPUB2—a novel plant U-box (PUB)–type E3 ligase—and showed that it interacts with MtDMI2. MtDMI2 and MtPUB2 accumulation were shown to be similar in various tissues. Roots of plants in which MtPUB2 was silenced by RNAi (MtPUB2-RNAi plants) exhibited impaired infection threads, fewer nodules, and shorter primary root lengths compared to those of control plants transformed with empty vector. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we showed that MtDMI2 phosphorylates MtPUB2 at Ser-316, Ser-421, and Thr-488 residues. When MtPUB2-RNAi plants were transformed with MtPUB2S421D, which mimics the phosphorylated state, MtDMI2 was persistently ubiquitinated and degraded by MtPUB2S421D, resulting in fewer nodules than observed in MtPUB2/MtPUB2-RNAi-complemented plants. However, MtPUB2S421A/MtPUB2-RNAi-complemented plants showed no MtPUB2 ubiquitination activity, and their nodulation phenotype was similar to that of MtPUB2-RNAi plants transformed with empty vector. Further studies demonstrated that these proteins form a negative feedback loop of the prey (MtDMI2)-predator (MtPUB2) type. Our results suggest that the MtDMI2-MtPUB2 negative feedback loop, which displays crosstalk with the long-distance autoregulation of nodulation via MtNIN, plays an important role in nodulation homeostasis. PMID:29440269

Low Birth Weight: A Descriptive Study of Risk Factors

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-07

abruption Dx on admit MT Placenta previa Yes Placenta previa Dx complete/partial MT Smoking Yes Tobacco use this pregnancy MT Heavy alcohol use Yes...Multiple Gestation MT Urinary tract infection MT *Anemia MT Fetal anomalies MT Abruptio placentae MT Placenta previa MT Smoking MT Alcohol use...categories: (a) problems with the placenta , (b) problems with the pregnant woman herself, (c) problems with the fetus itself, or (d) any

A 1H NMR Investigation of the Interaction between Phenolic Acids Found in Mango (Manguifera indica cv Ataulfo) and Papaya (Carica papaya cv Maradol) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Free Radicals

PubMed Central

López-Martínez, Luis M.; Santacruz-Ortega, Hisila; Navarro, Rosa-Elena; Sotelo-Mundo, Rogerio R.; González-Aguilar, Gustavo A.

2015-01-01

The benefits of phenolic acids on human health are very often ascribed to their potential to counteract free radicals to provide antioxidant protection. This potential has been attributed to their acidic chemical structure, which possesses hydroxyl groups in different positions. Phenolic acids can interact between themselves and exhibit an additive, antagonistic or synergistic effect. In this paper, we used 1H NMR to analyze the interactions and mechanisms that are present in major phenolic acids found in mango (gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and papaya (caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids), and the DPPH radical was used to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant mixtures. The interactions were found to occur via hydrogen bonds between the -OH and -COOH groups. Moreover, the phenolic acids exhibit two types of mechanisms for the neutralization of the DPPH radical. According to the results, these two mechanisms are Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) and Single Electron Transfer (SET). The ability of the phenolic acid to neutralize the DPPH radical decreases in the following order in mango: gallic > chlorogenic > protocatechuic > vanillic. Moreover, within the acids found in papaya, the order was as follows: caffeic > p-coumaric > ferulic. PMID:26559189

A ¹H NMR Investigation of the Interaction between Phenolic Acids Found in Mango (Manguifera indica cv Ataulfo) and Papaya (Carica papaya cv Maradol) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Free Radicals.

PubMed

López-Martínez, Luis M; Santacruz-Ortega, Hisila; Navarro, Rosa-Elena; Sotelo-Mundo, Rogerio R; González-Aguilar, Gustavo A

2015-01-01

The benefits of phenolic acids on human health are very often ascribed to their potential to counteract free radicals to provide antioxidant protection. This potential has been attributed to their acidic chemical structure, which possesses hydroxyl groups in different positions. Phenolic acids can interact between themselves and exhibit an additive, antagonistic or synergistic effect. In this paper, we used 1H NMR to analyze the interactions and mechanisms that are present in major phenolic acids found in mango (gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and papaya (caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids), and the DPPH radical was used to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant mixtures. The interactions were found to occur via hydrogen bonds between the -OH and -COOH groups. Moreover, the phenolic acids exhibit two types of mechanisms for the neutralization of the DPPH radical. According to the results, these two mechanisms are Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) and Single Electron Transfer (SET). The ability of the phenolic acid to neutralize the DPPH radical decreases in the following order in mango: gallic > chlorogenic > protocatechuic > vanillic. Moreover, within the acids found in papaya, the order was as follows: caffeic > p-coumaric > ferulic.

Antioxidant activities of different solvent extracts of Piper retrofractum Vahl. using DPPH assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadid, Nurul; Hidayati, Dewi; Hartanti, Sylviana Rosyda; Arraniry, Byan Arasyi; Rachman, Rizka Yuanita; Wikanta, Wiwi

2017-06-01

Piper retrofractum Vahl., which belongs to the family Piperaceae, is geographically dispersed in tropical region including Indonesia. They are well-known spice possessing high medicinal properties. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of P. retrofractum fruit, extracted with different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane) using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. This research was carried out using different concentrations of methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts, (0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60 ppm). Ascorbic acid was also used as positive antioxidant control. The percentage of inhibition and IC50 were measured. The results showed that the DPPH free radicals were scavenged by all plant extracts in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, the IC50 values for DPPH radicals with methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract of the P. retrofractum Vahl. were found to be 101.74; 66.12 and 57.66 ppm, respectively. Interestingly, the IC50 value of n-hexane extract (57.66 ppm) was lower than ascorbic acid (66.12 ppm), indicating that n-hexane extract was a more potent scavenger of free radicals than methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Taken together, our results suggested that n-hexane extract of P. Retrofractum Vahl. might contain potential antioxidant compounds.

Applicability of the DPPH assay for evaluating the antioxidant capacity of food additives - inter-laboratory evaluation study -.

PubMed

Shimamura, Tomoko; Sumikura, Yoshihiro; Yamazaki, Takeshi; Tada, Atsuko; Kashiwagi, Takehiro; Ishikawa, Hiroya; Matsui, Toshiro; Sugimoto, Naoki; Akiyama, Hiroshi; Ukeda, Hiroyuki

2014-01-01

An inter-laboratory evaluation study was conducted in order to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of food additives by using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Four antioxidants used as existing food additives (i.e., tea extract, grape seed extract, enju extract, and d-α-tocopherol) and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox) were used as analytical samples, and 14 laboratories participated in this study. The repeatability relative standard deviation (RSD(r)) of the IC50 of Trolox, four antioxidants, and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were 1.8-2.2%, 2.2-2.9%, and 2.1-2.5%, respectively. Thus, the proposed DPPH assay showed good performance within the same laboratory. The reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSD(R)) of IC50 of Trolox, four antioxidants, and TEAC were 4.0-7.9%, 6.0-11%, and 3.7-9.3%, respectively. The RSD(R)/RSD(r) values of TEAC were lower than, or nearly equal to, those of IC50 of the four antioxidants, suggesting that the use of TEAC was effective for reducing the variance among the laboratories. These results showed that the proposed DPPH assay could be used as a standard method to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of food additives.

Antioxidant activities of chick embryo egg hydrolysates

PubMed Central

Sun, Hao; Ye, Ting; Wang, Yuntao; Wang, Ling; Chen, Yijie; Li, Bin

2014-01-01

Chick embryo egg hydrolysates (CEEH) were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of chick embryo egg in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The antioxidant activities of CEEH were investigated by employing three in vitro assays, including the 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate)/1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (ABTS/DPPH)/hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays. The radical-scavenging effect of CEEH (1.0 mg/mL) was in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity for ABTS, DPPH, and that of hydroxyl radicals found to be 569, 2097, and 259.6 μmol/L, respectively; whereas the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of unhatched egg for ABTS, DPPH, and that of hydroxyl radicals were found to be 199, 993, and 226.5 μmol/L, respectively. CEEH showed stronger scavenging activity than the hydrolysates of unhatched egg against free radicals such as ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals. The antioxidant amino acid analysis indicated that the 14-day CEEH possess more antioxidant amino acids than that of the unhatched egg. In addition, essential amino acids analysis showed that the 14-day CEEH have the highest nutritional value. Combined with the results of the amino acid profiles, CEEH were believed to have higher nutritive value in addition to antioxidant activities than the unhatched egg. PMID:24804065

Correlating melting and collapse of charge ordering with magnetic transitions in La{sub 0.5-x}Pr{sub x}Ca{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nadeem, M., E-mail: mnadeemsb@gmail.com; Iqbal, M. Javid; Farhan, M. Arshad

2016-08-15

Highlights: • Concept of normalized magnetization is introduced to explain relative magnetic transitions. • Coexistence of two magnetic modes is correlated with the magnetic transitions and MIT. • Field induced melting and collapse of charge ordered antiferromagnetic (CO-AFM) state into ferromagnetic (FM) state is conferred. - Abstract: The magnetic properties of polycrystalline La{sub 0.5-x}Pr{sub x}Ca{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3} material are investigated at different temperatures. The existence of magnetically diverse phases associated with various relaxation modes and their modulation with temperature and doping is analyzed. La{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3} exhibited field induced melting and collapse of charge ordered antiferromagnetic (CO-AFM) phase intomore » ferromagnetic (FM) state. This phenomenon results in lowering of Neel’s temperature (T{sub N}) along with changes in the slope of magnetic moment with temperature. Using normalized M(T) curves, the variation and interplay of charge ordered temperature (T{sub CO}), Curie temperature (T{sub C}) and T{sub N} is conferred. The coexistence of two magnetic modes is explained as major ingredient for the magnetic transitions as well as metal to insulator transition (MIT); where melting and collapse of charge ordering is conversed as basic feature in these Praseodymium (Pr) doped La{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}MnO{sub 3} materials.« less

Rapid Removal of Atmospheric CO2 by Urban Soils.

PubMed

Washbourne, Carla-Leanne; Lopez-Capel, Elisa; Renforth, Phil; Ascough, Philippa L; Manning, David A C

2015-05-05

The measured calcium carbonate content of soils to a depth of 100 mm at a large urban development site has increased over 18 months at a rate that corresponds to the sequestration of 85 t of CO2/ha (8.5 kg of CO2 m(-2)) annually. This is a consequence of rapid weathering of calcium silicate and hydroxide minerals derived from the demolition of concrete structures, which releases Ca that combines with CO2 ultimately derived from the atmosphere, precipitating as calcite. Stable isotope data confirm an atmospheric origin for carbonate carbon, and 14C dating indicates the predominance of modern carbon in the pedogenic calcite. Trial pits show that carbonation extends to depths of ≥1 m. Work at other sites shows that the occurrence of pedogenic carbonates is widespread in artificially created urban soils containing Ca and Mg silicate minerals. Appropriate management of fewer than 12000 ha of urban land to maximize calcite precipitation has the potential to remove 1 million t of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. The maximal global potential is estimated to be approximately 700-1200 Mt of CO2 per year (representing 2.0-3.7% of total emissions from fossil fuel combustion) based on current rates of production of industry-derived Ca- and Mg-bearing materials.

Total antioxidant potential of resinous exudates from Heliotropium species, and a comparison of the ABTS and DPPH methods.

PubMed

Lissi, E A; Modak, B; Torres, R; Escobar, J; Urzua, A

1999-06-01

Total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) of resinous exudates from Heliotropium species was evaluated by measuring the bleaching of stable free radicals. The antioxidant capacity of the resinous exudates in Trolox equivalents, evaluated from the bleaching of ABTS derived radical cations, ranged from 2.0 M (H. huascoense) to 5.2 M (H. stenophyllum), indicating a very high concentration of phenolic compounds. Considerably smaller values were obtained by measuring the bleaching of DPPH radicals. The ratio between the values obtained employing ABTS derived radicals and DPPH, ranged from 37 (H. megalanthum) to 4.5 (H. chenopodiaceum variety typica). The magnitude of the difference can be considered as an indication of the relative reactivity of the antioxidants present in the exudates. Similar ratios were observed when stoichiometric coefficients were evaluated for representative purified flavonoids obtained from the resinous exudates.

Experimental and theoretical study on DPPH radical scavenging mechanism of some chalcone quinoline derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamlaoui, Ikram; Bencheraiet, Reguia; Bensegueni, Rafik; Bencharif, Mustapha

2018-03-01

In this study, the antioxidant capacity of three chalcone derivatives was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging. Experimental data showed low antioxidant activity (IC50±SD) of these molecules in comparison with BHT. The mechanism of DPPH radical scavenging elucidated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The tested compounds and their corresponding radicals and anions were optimized using B3LYP functional with 6-31G (d,p) basis set in the gas phase. The C-PCM model was used to perform solvent medium calculations. On the basis of theoretical calculations, it was shown that HAT mechanism was predominant in the gas phase, whereas SET-PT and SPLET mechanisms were favored in the presence of the solvent. Moreover, the HOMO orbitals and spin density distribution was evaluated to predict the probable sites for free radical attack.

Antioxidant Activities of Functional Beverage Concentrates Containing Herbal Medicine Extracts.

PubMed

Park, Seon-Joo; Kim, Mi-Ok; Kim, Jung Hoan; Jeong, Sehyun; Kim, Min Hee; Yang, Su-Jin; Lee, Jongsung; Lee, Hae-Jeung

2017-03-01

This study investigated the antioxidant activity of functional beverage concentrates containing herbal medicine extracts (FBCH) using various antioxidant assays, such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay. The total polyphenolic content of FBCH (81.45 mg/100 g) was higher than Ssanghwa tea (SHT, 37.56 mg/100 g). The antioxidant activities of FBCH showed 52.92% DPPH and 55.18% ABTS radical scavenging activities at 100 mg/mL, respectively. FBCH showed significantly higher antioxidant activities compared to the SHT (DPPH, 23.43%; ABTS, 22.21%; reducing power optical density; 0.23, P <0.05). In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner following FBCH treatment. These results suggest that the addition of herbal medicine extract contributes to the improved functionality of beverage concentrates.

Medical Entomology Studies - X. A Revision of the Subgenus Pseudoficalbia of the Genus Uranotaenia in Southeast Asia (Diptera: Culicidae) (Contributions of the American Entomological Institute. Volume 14, Number 3)

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-01-01

rindo, Mt. Goza, Shirahama, Sonai , Yashigawa, Uehara. Ishigaki Island: Arakawa, Kabira, Mt. Banna, Mt. Maeshi, Yarabu, Yoshiwara. Bohart (1959...Mt. Goza, Shirahama, Sonai , Uehara. Ishiga ki Island: Arakawa, Mt. Banna, Mt. Kawara, Mt. Maeshi, Mt. Omoto, Yarabu Peninsula, Yoshiwara. Bohart

2. BUILDING MT76A AND MT76B FROM STREET, BUILDING MT76A IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. BUILDING MT-76-A AND MT-76-B FROM STREET, BUILDING MT-76-A IN FOREGROUND - Fort Keogh, Livestock & Range Research Station, 3 miles west of Miles City on U.S. Highway 10, Miles City, Custer County, MT

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) influences the gene expression of metallothioneins in human glioblastoma cells.

PubMed

Falnoga, Ingrid; Zelenik Pevec, Andreja; Šlejkovec, Zdenka; Žnidarič, Magda Tušek; Zajc, Irena; Mlakar, Simona Jurković; Marc, Janja

2012-12-01

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3); ATO, TRISENOX®) is used to treat patients with refractory or relapsed acute promyelocytic leukaemia while its application for treatment of solid cancers like glioblastoma is still under evaluation. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of arsenic trioxide with metallothionein (MT) isoforms as a possible (protective response) resistance of glioblastoma cells to arsenic-induced cytotoxicity. Special attention was focused on MT3, the isoform expressed mainly in the brain. MT3 has low metal inducibility, fast metal binding/releasing properties and outstanding neuronal inhibitory activity. The human astrocytoma (glioblastoma) cell line U87 MG was treated with 0.6, 2 and 6-7 μM arsenic (equivalent to 0.3, 1 and 3-3.5 μM As(2)O(3)) for 12, 24 or 48 h and gene expression for different MT isoforms, namely MT2A, MT1A, MT1F, MT1X, MT1E and MT3, was measured by real time qPCR using SYBR Green I and Taqman® gene expression assays. TfR, 18S rRNA, GAPDH and AB were tested as reference genes, and the last two evaluated to be appropriate in conditions of low (GAPDH) and high (AB) arsenic exposure. The gene expression of MT3 gene was additionally tested and confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis with PvuII. In the given conditions the mRNAs of six MT isoforms were identified in human glioblastoma cell line U87 MG. Depending on arsenic exposure conditions, an increase or decrease of MT gene expression was observed for each isoform, with the highest increase for isoforms MT1X, MT1F and MT2A mRNA (up to 13-fold) and more persistent decreases for MT1A, MT1E and MT3 mRNA. Despite the common assumption of the noninducibility of MT3, the evident MT3 mRNA increase was observed during high As exposure (up to 4-fold). In conclusion, our results clearly demonstrate the influence of As on MT isoform gene expression. The MT1X, MT1F and MT2A increase could represent brain tumour acquired resistance to As cytotoxicity while the MT3 increase is more enigmatic, with its possible involvement in arsenic-related induction of type II cell death.

Atmospheric soluble dust records from a Tibetan ice core: Possible climate proxies and teleconnection with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigholm, B.; Mayewski, P. A.; Kang, S.; Zhang, Y.; Kaspari, S.; Sneed, S. B.; Zhang, Q.

2009-10-01

In autumn 2005, a joint expedition between the University of Maine and the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research recovered three ice cores from Guoqu Glacier (33°34'37.8″N, 91°10'35.3″E, 5720 m above sea level) on the northern side of Mt. Geladaindong, central Tibetan Plateau. Isotopes (δ18O), major soluble ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-), and radionuclide (β-activity) measurements from one of the cores revealed a 70-year record (1935-2005). Statistical analysis of major ion time series suggests that atmospheric soluble dust species dominate the chemical signature and that background dust levels conceal marine ion species deposition. The soluble dust time series have interspecies relations and common structure (empirical orthogonal function (EOF) 1), suggesting a similar soluble dust source or transport route. Annual and seasonal correlations between the EOF 1 time series and National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis climate variables (1948-2004) suggest that the Mt. Geladaindong ice core record provides a proxy for local and regional surface pressure. An approximately threefold decrease of soluble dust concentrations in the middle to late 1970s, accompanied by regional increases in pressure and temperature and decreases in wind velocity, coincides with the major 1976-1977 shift of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) from a negative to a positive state. This is the first ice core evidence of a potential teleconnection between central Asian atmospheric soluble dust loading and the PDO. Analysis of temporally longer ice cores from Mt. Geladaindong may enhance understanding of the relationship between the PDO and central Asian atmospheric circulation and subsequent atmospheric soluble dust loading.

Structural investigation of cellobiose dehydrogenase IIA: Insights from small angle scattering into intra- and intermolecular electron transfer mechanisms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bodenheimer, Annette M.; O'Dell, William B.; Oliver, Ryan C.

Background: Cellobiose dehydrogenases have gained interest due to their potential applications in sectors from biofuel production to biomedical devices. The CDHIIA variant is comprised of a cytochrome domain (CYT), a dehydrogenase domain (DH), and a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) that are connected by two flexible linkers. Upon cellobiose oxidation at the DH, intramolecular electron transfer (IaET) occurs from the DH to the CYT. In vivo, CDHIIA CYT subsequently performs intermolecular electron transfer (IeET) to a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO). The relevant solution-state CDH domain conformations for IaET and IeET have not been fully characterized.Methods: Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering measurements ofmore » oxidized CDHIIA from Myriococcum thermophilum and Neurospora crassa were performed to investigate the structural landscape explored in solution by MtCDHIIA and NcCDHIIA in response to cations, pH, and the presence of an electron acceptor, LPMO9D from N. crassa.Results: The scattering data complemented by modeling show that, under oxidizing conditions, MtCDHIIA undergoes global conformational rearrangement in the presence of Ca2+. Oxidized NcCDHIIA exhibits conformational changes upon pH variation and, in the presence of NcLPMO9D, primarily adopts a compact conformation.Conclusions: These results demonstrate different conformational responses of oxidized MtCDHIIA and NcCDHIIA to changes in environment. The results also reveal a shift in the oxidized NcCDHIIA conformational landscape toward interdomain compaction upon co-incubation with NcLPMO9D.General significance: The present study is the first report on the structural landscapes explored in solution by oxidized cellobiose dehydrogenases under various cation concentrations, pH conditions and in the presence of an electron-accepting LPMO.« less

Structural investigation of cellobiose dehydrogenase IIA: Insights from small angle scattering into intra- and intermolecular electron transfer mechanisms

DOE PAGES

Bodenheimer, Annette M.; O'Dell, William B.; Oliver, Ryan C.; ...

2018-01-31

Background: Cellobiose dehydrogenases have gained interest due to their potential applications in sectors from biofuel production to biomedical devices. The CDHIIA variant is comprised of a cytochrome domain (CYT), a dehydrogenase domain (DH), and a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) that are connected by two flexible linkers. Upon cellobiose oxidation at the DH, intramolecular electron transfer (IaET) occurs from the DH to the CYT. In vivo, CDHIIA CYT subsequently performs intermolecular electron transfer (IeET) to a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO). The relevant solution-state CDH domain conformations for IaET and IeET have not been fully characterized.Methods: Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering measurements ofmore » oxidized CDHIIA from Myriococcum thermophilum and Neurospora crassa were performed to investigate the structural landscape explored in solution by MtCDHIIA and NcCDHIIA in response to cations, pH, and the presence of an electron acceptor, LPMO9D from N. crassa.Results: The scattering data complemented by modeling show that, under oxidizing conditions, MtCDHIIA undergoes global conformational rearrangement in the presence of Ca2+. Oxidized NcCDHIIA exhibits conformational changes upon pH variation and, in the presence of NcLPMO9D, primarily adopts a compact conformation.Conclusions: These results demonstrate different conformational responses of oxidized MtCDHIIA and NcCDHIIA to changes in environment. The results also reveal a shift in the oxidized NcCDHIIA conformational landscape toward interdomain compaction upon co-incubation with NcLPMO9D.General significance: The present study is the first report on the structural landscapes explored in solution by oxidized cellobiose dehydrogenases under various cation concentrations, pH conditions and in the presence of an electron-accepting LPMO.« less

C-reactive protein in the hemolymph of Achatina fulica: interrelationship with sex steroids and metallothionein.

PubMed

Bose, R; Bhattacharya, S

2000-04-01

C-reactive protein in Achatina fulica (ACRP) is a normal component of the hemolymph. Its concentration varied from 1mg/ml in the newly hatched male, 3-5 mg/ml in the most active hermaphrodite and 1.5-2.8 mg/ml in the sedentary female showing a direct relationship of the protein with the active phase of the animal. ACRP has a molecular mass of 400 kDa and showed high absorbance in the region of 200-230 nm. It has four subunits with relative molecular masses of 110, 90, 62 and 60 kDa, respectively. Interestingly, rat platelet aggregation in vitro was significantly enhanced by ACRP in presence of 10 microM ADP and 2 mM Ca(2+) suggesting a probable role of ACRP in the aggregation of amoebocytes during the formation of plug in injured tissue. Like other vertebrate CRPs, ACRP also acts as a scavenger of chromatin fragments as evidenced by its binding to poly-L-arginine. Among the sex steroids, 4-androstenedione induces ACRP synthesis in the newly hatched male reaching the level found in the most active hermaphrodite phase (4 mg/ml). A very high molar ratio (5) of mercury binding to ACRP confirmed its sequestration property of heavy metals as observed in vertebrates. The level of metallothionein (MT) in the hemolymph gradually increased from the male to the hermaphrodite to the female, a pattern distinctly different from that of the ACRP titer. Since both MT and ACRP can sequester inorganic mercury, the high level of MT compensates functionally for the low titer of ACRP in the sedentary female.

Contrasting expression of membrane metalloproteinases, MT1-MMP and MT3-MMP, suggests distinct functions in skeletal development.

PubMed

Yang, Maozhou; Zhang, Bingbing; Zhang, Liang; Gibson, Gary

2008-07-01

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is the most ubiquitous and widely studied of the membrane-type metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs). It was thus surprising to find no published data on chicken MT1-MMP. We report here the characterization of the chicken gene. Its low sequence identity with the MT1-MMP genes of other species, high GC content, and divergent catalytic domain explains the absence of data and our difficulties in characterizing the gene. The absence of structural features in the chicken gene that have been suggested to be critical for the activation of MMP-2 by MT1-MMP; for the effect of MT1-MMP on cell migration and for the recycling of MT1-MMP suggest these features are either not essential or that MT1-MMP does not perform these functions in chickens. Comparison of the expression of chicken MT1-MMP with MT3-MMP and with MMP-2 and MMP-13 has confirmed the previously recognized co-expression of MT1-MMP with MMP-2 and MMP-13 in fibrous and vascular tissues, particularly those surrounding the developing long bones in other species. By contrast, MT3-MMP expression differs markedly from that of MT1-MMP and of both MMP-2 and MMP-13. MT3-MMP is expressed by chondrocytes of the developing articular surface. Similar expression patterns of this group of MT-MMPs and MMPs have been observed in mouse embryos and suggest distinct and specific functions for MT1-MMP and MT3-MMP in skeletal development.

Two extreme types of mixing of dust with urban aerosols observed in Kosa particles: ‘After’ mixing and ‘on-the-way’ mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Issei; Igarashi, Yasuhito; Dokiya, Yukiko; Akagi, Tasuku

2010-02-01

Besides well-known episodic Kosa during spring, high concentrations of Ca 2+ in aerosols were observed early in summer as well as in the semi-continuous data of the aerosols at the summit of Mt. Fuji. We further analysed the data to study the chemical characteristics of the high calcium event during early summer. The back trajectory analyses of the event indicated that Ca was transported from arid and semi-arid regions (e.g. the Taklamakan desert) through the westerly-dominated troposphere higher than the height of the summit of Fuji. The amount of SO 42- was always equivalent to that of NH 4+ unlike the case of the normal Kosa period where SO 42- is in excess with respect to NH 4+. This shows the 'after' mixing of unreacted CaCO 3 of Kosa origin with (NH 4) 2SO 4, which was only realized by the downward injection of Kosa particles from higher altitudes to the air masses of different origin. In the case of normal Kosa, the air bearing Kosa particles passed through the polluted area to absorb unneutralized acids ('on-the-way' mixing), whereas in the case of the Kosa-like phenomena in summer, the acids from the polluted area have been neutralized by NH 4+ and become inactive before mixing with CaCO 3 ("after" mixing). We have simplified the chemistry of aerosols using their three major components, Ca 2+, SO 42- and NH 4+, and introduced a new triangle diagram with the three assumed end-members of CaCO 3, CaSO 4 and (NH 4) 2SO 4 to quantify the contribution of the 'after' mixing to the aerosols (AMI; 'after' mixing index). Based on the back trajectories of some high AMI cases, CaCO 3 in Kosa particles was transported through the middle troposphere (5000-7000 m) and descended to meet another air mass where SO 42- had been already neutralized by NH 3.

Cytoplasmic transfer of heritable elements other than mtDNA from SAMP1 mice into mouse tumor cells suppresses their ability to form tumors in C57BL6 mice.

PubMed

Shimizu, Akinori; Tani, Haruna; Takibuchi, Gaku; Ishikawa, Kaori; Sakurazawa, Ryota; Inoue, Takafumi; Hashimoto, Tetsuo; Nakada, Kazuto; Takenaga, Keizo; Hayashi, Jun-Ichi

2017-11-04

In a previous study, we generated transmitochondrial P29mtSAMP1 cybrids, which had nuclear DNA from the C57BL6 (referred to as B6) mouse strain-derived P29 tumor cells and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exogenously-transferred from the allogeneic strain SAMP1. Because P29mtSAMP1 cybrids did not form tumors in syngeneic B6 mice, we proposed that allogeneic SAMP1 mtDNA suppressed tumor formation of P29mtSAMP1 cybrids. To test this hypothesis, current study generated P29mt(sp)B6 cybrids carrying all genomes (nuclear DNA and mtDNA) from syngeneic B6 mice by eliminating SAMP1 mtDNA from P29mtSAMP1 cybrids and reintroducing B6 mtDNA. However, the P29mt(sp)B6 cybrids did not form tumors in B6 mice, even though they had no SAMP1 mtDNA, suggesting that SAMP1 mtDNA is not involved in tumor suppression. Then, we examined another possibility of whether SAMP1 mtDNA fragments potentially integrated into the nuclear DNA of P29mtSAMP1 cybrids are responsible for tumor suppression. We generated P29 H (sp)B6 cybrids by eliminating nuclear DNA from P29mt(sp)B6 cybrids and reintroducing nuclear DNA with no integrated SAMP1 mtDNA fragment from mtDNA-less P29 cells resistant to hygromycin in selection medium containing hygromycin. However, the P29 H (sp)B6 cybrids did not form tumors in B6 mice, even though they carried neither SAMP1 mtDNA nor nuclear DNA with integrated SAMP1 mtDNA fragments. Moreover, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bacterial infection were not involved in tumor suppression. These observations suggest that tumor suppression was caused not by mtDNA with polymorphic mutations or infection of cytozoic bacteria but by hypothetical heritable cytoplasmic elements other than mtDNA from SAMP1 mice. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neoglacial fluctuations of Deming Glacier, Mt. Baker, Washington USA.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osborn, G.; Menounos, B.; Scott, K.; Clague, J. J.; Tucker, D.; Riedel, J.; Davis, P.

2007-12-01

Deming Glacier flows from the upper west slopes of Mt. Baker, a stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of Washington, USA. The north and south lateral moraines of Deming Glacier are composed of at least four tills separated by layers of detrital wood and sheared stumps in growth position. The stratigraphy records fluctuations of the glacier during the Holocene. The outer ten rings of an in situ stump from the middle wood layer, which is about 40 m below the north lateral moraine crest and 1.2 km downvalley from the present glacier terminus, yielded an age of 1750 ± 50~~ 14C yr BP [1810-1550 cal yr BP]. The stump revealed at least 300 rings and thus records a period of landscape stability and relatively restricted glaciation for several hundred years prior to ca. 1750 14C yr BP . Samples from the lowest wood layer also have been submitted for radiocarbon dating. Outer rings of detrital wood samples collected from two wood mats exposed in the south lateral moraine, 2.3 km downvalley of the glacier terminus, returned radiocarbon ages of 1600 ± 30~~ 14C yr BP [1550- 1410 cal yr BP] and 430 ± 30~~ 14C yr BP [AD 1420-1620]. These data indicate that Deming Glacier advanced over a vegetated moraine sometime after 1810 cal yr BP to a position less extensive that it achieved at the peak of the Little Ice Age. The glacier then receded before it began its final and most extensive Holocene advance after AD 1420. The older advance is correlative with the 'First Millennium AD' advance, recently recognized throughout western North America. The younger advance coincides with an advance of Mt. Baker's Easton Glacier [AD 1430-1630], and advances of many alpine glaciers elsewhere in western North America. Our data suggest that glaciers on Mt. Baker fluctuated in a similar manner to alpine glaciers in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and in other mountain ranges of northwest North America during Neoglaciation.

New Constraints on the Deposition and Alteration History of Mt. Sharp in Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rice, M. S.; Horgan, B. H. N.; Fraeman, A.; Ackiss, S. E.

2015-12-01

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover is currently investigating the lower stratigraphy of northwestern Mt. Sharp, the 5 km thick stack of layered rock that makes up the central mound of Gale Crater. Previous near-infrared spectral investigations from orbit using CRISM have shown that this portion of the mound exhibits a diverse mineralogy that may indicate changing aqueous environments on early Mars. The relationship of these mineralogic units to stratigraphic units across the full extent of Mt. Sharp is not well understood, although such relationships are key to interpreting the depositional and digenetic history. Here we present new mineral maps derived from CRISM data, as well as detailed stratigraphic columns from around the mound, and we use these new results to constrain hypotheses for the modes of aqueous alteration. Our new CRISM mineral maps are projected and co-registered to HiRISE imagery and DEMs, and include Fe/Mg-smectites, poly- and mono-hydrated sulfates, iron oxides, high-Ca pyroxene, and a ferrous phase with a strong red spectral slope between 1.1-1.8 μm, which is consistent with ferrous alteration phases like ferrous clays. This latter unit consistently overlies Fe/Mg-smectites in NW and SW Mt. Sharp, and is located in topographic benches that are either immediately stratigaphically above hematite-bearing ridges. The presence of ferrous alteration phases supports previous interpretations that hematite formed when an Fe2+-bearing fluid encountered an oxidizing environment. In this scenario, the reducing fluids were created by long-term oxygen limited alteration of Fe-bearing minerals in the near-surface. Downward movement of these fluids may have been limited by the underlying clay layer, forcing lateral flow. On emergence at the surface, the iron was oxidized by photochemical or other redox reactions. On Earth, similar pedogenic processes form hematite ironpans on slopes surrounding poorly-drained hilltops, as well as ancient banded iron formations in shallow coastal waters. The reducing environment inferred from the ferrous phases could be a site of high organic preservation potential, and the redox gradient inferred from the ferric/ferrous mineral relationship could have served as an energy source for chemolithotrophic microbes.

Direct transformation and plant regeneration of the haploid liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L.

PubMed

Takenaka, M; Yamaoka, S; Hanajiri, T; Shimizu-Ueda, Y; Yamato, K T; Fukuzawa, H; Ohyama, K

2000-06-01

Thalli of the haploid liverwort Marchantial polymorpha were successfully used for direct particle bombardment with plasmid pMT, which carries a hygromycin phosphotransferase gene (hpt) controlled by the CaMV 35S promoter and the NOS polyadenylation region. Hygromycin-resistant cell masses arose from the thallus surface and developed directly into hygromycin-resistant thalli. Southern blot analyses indicated that these thalli carried at least 1-4 copies of the hpt gene, which were stably transmitted to their asexual thallus progenies via gemma propagation for three generations. This transformation and direct plant regeneration protocol is expected to be a valuable tool for the molecular analysis of this lower land plant.

Measures and Trends U.S. and U.S.S.R. Strategic Force Effectiveness. (Sanitized)

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-07-01

is limited by the uncer- tainties and inaccracies present in the data which are used to develop the moasure. In the main body of the text the...alplizan1e to the prvostwu noas;urO5 arc ar;ici~to tn; ~~z~ ’i.r 2ctwo mt- azurer i-rmores tne fact that t Cftl4t.0 av’curacy -f I tnk~ atv :a;r le... azured in aitica1 nilios, of all thv straregic nuclear weaorjzf in CaC!. forCe iS CO c~aztd. V. (U) in order to utlijZe .he stanl1ard qra:pl.ic re

Examining the specific contributions of individual Arabidopsis metallothioneins to copper distribution and metal tolerance.

PubMed

Guo, Woei-Jiun; Meetam, Metha; Goldsbrough, Peter B

2008-04-01

Metallothioneins (MTs) are small cysteine-rich proteins found in various eukaryotes. Plant MTs are classified into four types based on the arrangement of cysteine residues. To determine whether all four types of plant MTs function as metal chelators, six Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) MTs (MT1a, MT2a, MT2b, MT3, MT4a, and MT4b) were expressed in the copper (Cu)- and zinc (Zn)-sensitive yeast mutants, Deltacup1 and Deltazrc1 Deltacot1, respectively. All four types of Arabidopsis MTs provided similar levels of Cu tolerance and accumulation to the Deltacup1 mutant. The type-4 MTs (MT4a and MT4b) conferred greater Zn tolerance and higher accumulation of Zn than other MTs to the Deltazrc1 Deltacot1 mutant. To examine the functions of MTs in plants, we studied Arabidopsis plants that lack MT1a and MT2b, two MTs that are expressed in phloem. The lack of MT1a, but not MT2b, led to a 30% decrease in Cu accumulation in roots of plants exposed to 30 mum CuSO(4). Ectopic expression of MT1a RNA in the mt1a-2 mt2b-1 mutant restored Cu accumulation in roots. The mt1a-2 mt2b-1 mutant had normal metal tolerance. However, when MT deficiency was combined with phytochelatin deficiency, growth of the mt1a-2 mt2b-1 cad1-3 triple mutant was more sensitive to Cu and cadmium compared to the cad1-3 mutant. Together these results provide direct evidence for functional contributions of MTs to plant metal homeostasis. MT1a, in particular, plays a role in Cu homeostasis in the roots under elevated Cu. Moreover, MTs and phytochelatins function cooperatively to protect plants from Cu and cadmium toxicity.

Dedicated Pediatricians in Emergency Department: Shorter Waiting Times and Lower Costs

PubMed Central

Melo, Manuel Rocha; Ferreira-Magalhães, Manuel; Flor-Lima, Filipa; Rodrigues, Mariana; Severo, Milton; Almeida-Santos, Luis; Caldas-Afonso, Alberto; Barros, Pedro Pita; Ferreira, António

2016-01-01

Background Dedicated pediatricians in emergency departments (EDs) may be beneficial, though no previous studies have assessed the related costs and benefits/harms. We aimed to evaluate the net benefits and costs of dedicated emergency pediatricians in a pediatric ED. Methods Cost-consequences analysis of visits to a pediatric ED of a tertiary hospital. Two pediatric ED Medical Teams (MT) were compared: MT-A (May–September 2012), with general pediatrics physicians only; and MT-B (May–September 2013), with emergency dedicated pediatricians. The main outcomes analyzed were relevant clinical outcomes, patient throughput time and costs. Results We included 8,694 children in MT-A and 9,417 in MT-B. Medication use in the ED increased from 42.3% of the children in MT-A to 49.6% in MT-B; diagnostic tests decreased from 24.2% in MT-A to 14.3% in MT-B. Hospitalization increased from 1.3% in MT-A to 3.0% in MT-B; however, there was no significant difference in diagnosis-related group relative weight of hospitalized children in MT-A and MT-B (MT-A, 0.979; MT-B, 1.075). No differences were observed in ED readmissions or in patients leaving without being seen by a physician. The patient throughput time was significantly shorter in MT-B, with faster times to first medical observation. Within the cost domains analyzed, the total expenditures per children observed in the ED were 16% lower in MT-B: 37.87 euros in MT-A; 31.97 euros in MT-B. Conclusion The presence of dedicated emergency pediatricians in a pediatric ED was associated with significantly lower waiting times in the ED, reduced costs, and similar clinical outcomes. PMID:27564093

In-Situ Cosmogenic 36Cl Production Rate Calibration from Basaltic Flows of Mount Etna (Sicily, 38° N)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schimmelpfennig, I.; Benedetti, L.; Pik, R.; Burnard, P.; Blard, P. H.; Bourles, D.

2007-12-01

One of the CRONUS-EU goals is to provide high quality calibration sites from independently dated surfaces. Several previous studies have been conducted on 36Cl production rate calibration (e.g. Stone et al. 1996, Phillips et al. 2001), which, however, used different protocols and yielded 36Cl production rates with up to 40% discrepancies. The objectives of this study are 1- to understand the source of these discrepancies and 2- to calibrate 36Cl production rates from its target elements Ca and K. As a first step we focused on testing the chemical protocol by performing a sequential 36Cl extraction experiment on whole rock grains and Ca-rich plagioclase from the same sample. The sample was collected at Mt. Etna on a pahoehoe flow, which has a K-Ar fossil exposure time of (10±3) kyr. Cosmogenic 3He was also precisely measured within cogenetic olivine phenocrysts of this sample (Blard et al. 2005) and yields an exposure time of (10.4±1.5) kyr. Both, total Cl and 36Cl concentrations from the first dissolution steps are high, 5800 ppm (whole rock) and 450 ppm (plagioclase) Cl, and 107 - 106 atoms 36Cl/g of rock dissolved. After about 20% dissolution of the plagioclase sample, Cl is almost completely removed (1-3ppm) and 36Cl concentrations reach a plateau value of 2*105 atoms/g of rock. Using the Stone et al. (1996) and Evans et al. (1997) 36Cl production rates for the target elements Ca and K, respectively, this plateau concentration yields an exposure age which is in excellent agreement with K-Ar dating and cosmogenic 3He ages. On the contrary, in the whole rock sample total Cl concentrations remain high (>330ppm) resulting in a considerable 36Cl production from capture of low-energy neutrons by 35Cl, an additional and still not well-constrained 36Cl production mechanism. The resulting exposure ages from the whole rock are 35-45% higher than the independent 3He ages. For 36Cl production rate calibration from Ca, we will use separated Ca-rich plagioclase from various Mt. Etna lava flows of different elevation and independently determined ages between 400 yr and 41 kyr. To better constrain the 36Cl production rate from K, separated sanidine (K-rich feldspar) from a 15 kyr old lava flow of volcano Payun-Matru (Argentina, 36° S) will be used. Stone J.O., et al. (1996), Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 60 679-692; Phillips F.M., et al. (2001), Chem. Geol. 175 689-701; Blard P.H., et al. (2005), EPSL 236 613-631; Evans J.M. et al. (1997), Nucl. Instr. and Meth. in Phys. Res. B 123 334-340

In vitro evaluation of the comprehensive antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Curtisia dentata (Burm.f) C.A. Sm: toxicological effect on the Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines

PubMed Central

Fadipe, VO; Mongalo, NI; Opoku, AR

2015-01-01

Curtisia dentata is used in African traditional medicine to treat variety of infections. C. dentata leaves were collected from Buffelskloof Nature Reserve, South Africa. The ethanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial activity using micro dilution assay against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Candida albicans and some clinical isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from HIV patient. Acetone extract exhibited lowest MIC of 0.01 mg/ml against Candida albicans compared to other extracts. Besides lupeol, betulinic acid and ursolic acid, β-sitosterol was isolated for the first time from C. dentata leaves and exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.20 to 6.25 mg/ml. Furthermore, the ethanol extract and the four isolated compounds revealed microbicidal effect, with MIC index of less than 4. Ethanol extract revealed the best total activity of 2400 ml/g against Mycoplasma hominis. Cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was further investigated against the Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines using the MTT assay. Ursolic acid exhibited the lowest LD50 of 122.4 µg/ml against HEK293 cell line while lupeol exhibited LD50 of 278.8 and 289.4 µg/ml against HEK293 and HepG2 respectively. Lupeol exhibited low selectivity index. Ethyl acetate and acetone extracts were further investigated for antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The acetone extract exhibited potent inhibition of DPPH compared to ethyl acetate extract. The findings of the current work validate the use of the plant species in the treatment of various human infections. PMID:27065768

75 FR 43556 - TA-W-73,381, MT Rail Link, Inc., Missoula, MT; TA-W-73,381A, Billings, MT; TA-W-73,381B, Laurel...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-26

... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration TA-W-73,381, MT Rail Link, Inc., Missoula, MT; TA-W-73,381A, Billings, MT; TA-W-73,381B, Laurel, MT; TA-W-73,381C, Livingston, MT; TA-W-73... Helena, Montana. The amended notice applicable to TA-W-73,381 is hereby issued as follows: All workers of...

Remote Control by Inter-Enzyme Allostery: A Novel Paradigm for Regulation of the Shikimate Pathway.

PubMed

Munack, Steffi; Roderer, Kathrin; Ökvist, Mats; Kamarauskaite, Jurate; Sasso, Severin; van Eerde, André; Kast, Peter; Krengel, Ute

2016-03-27

DAHP synthase and chorismate mutase catalyze key steps in the shikimate biosynthetic pathway en route to aromatic amino acids. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, chorismate mutase (MtCM; Rv0948c), located at the branch point toward phenylalanine and tyrosine, has poor activity on its own. However, it is efficiently activated by the first enzyme of the pathway, DAHP synthase (MtDS; Rv2178c), through formation of a non-covalent MtCM-MtDS complex. Here, we show how MtDS serves as an allosteric platform for feedback regulation of both enzymes, using X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, size-exclusion chromatography, and multi-angle light scattering. Crystal structures of the fully inhibited MtDS and the allosterically down-regulated MtCM-MtDS complex, solved at 2.8 and 2.7Å, respectively, reveal how effector binding at the internal MtDS subunit interfaces regulates the activity of MtDS and MtCM. While binding of all three metabolic end products to MtDS shuts down the entire pathway, the binding of phenylalanine jointly with tyrosine releases MtCM from the MtCM-MtDS complex, hence suppressing MtCM activation by 'inter-enzyme allostery'. This elegant regulatory principle, invoking a transient allosteric enzyme interaction, seems to be driven by dynamics and is likely a general strategy used by nature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

mtDNAmanager: a Web-based tool for the management and quality analysis of mitochondrial DNA control-region sequences

PubMed Central

Lee, Hwan Young; Song, Injee; Ha, Eunho; Cho, Sung-Bae; Yang, Woo Ick; Shin, Kyoung-Jin

2008-01-01

Background For the past few years, scientific controversy has surrounded the large number of errors in forensic and literature mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data. However, recent research has shown that using mtDNA phylogeny and referring to known mtDNA haplotypes can be useful for checking the quality of sequence data. Results We developed a Web-based bioinformatics resource "mtDNAmanager" that offers a convenient interface supporting the management and quality analysis of mtDNA sequence data. The mtDNAmanager performs computations on mtDNA control-region sequences to estimate the most-probable mtDNA haplogroups and retrieves similar sequences from a selected database. By the phased designation of the most-probable haplogroups (both expected and estimated haplogroups), mtDNAmanager enables users to systematically detect errors whilst allowing for confirmation of the presence of clear key diagnostic mutations and accompanying mutations. The query tools of mtDNAmanager also facilitate database screening with two options of "match" and "include the queried nucleotide polymorphism". In addition, mtDNAmanager provides Web interfaces for users to manage and analyse their own data in batch mode. Conclusion The mtDNAmanager will provide systematic routines for mtDNA sequence data management and analysis via easily accessible Web interfaces, and thus should be very useful for population, medical and forensic studies that employ mtDNA analysis. mtDNAmanager can be accessed at . PMID:19014619

Molecular, dynamic, and structural origin of inhomogeneous magnetization transfer in lipid membranes.

PubMed

Swanson, Scott D; Malyarenko, Dariya I; Fabiilli, Mario L; Welsh, Robert C; Nielsen, Jon-Fredrik; Srinivasan, Ashok

2017-03-01

To elucidate the dynamic, structural, and molecular properties that create inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) contrast. Amphiphilic lipids, lamellar phospholipids with cholesterol, and bovine spinal cord (BSC) specimens were examined along with nonlipid systems. Magnetization transfer (MT), enhanced MT (eMT, obtained with double-sided radiofrequency saturation), ihMT (MT - eMT), and dipolar relaxation, T 1D , were measured at 2.0 and 11.7 T. The amplitude of ihMT ratio (ihMTR) is positively correlated with T 1D values. Both ihMTR and T 1D increase with increasing temperature in BSC white matter and in phospholipids and decrease with temperature in other lipids. Changes in ihMTR with temperature arise primarily from alterations in MT rather than eMT. Spectral width of MT, eMT, and ihMT increases with increasing carbon chain length. Concerted motions of phospholipids in white matter decrease proton spin diffusion leading to increased proton T 1D times and increased ihMT amplitudes, consistent with decoupling of Zeeman and dipolar spin reservoirs. Molecular specificity and dynamic sensitivity of ihMT contrast make it a suitable candidate for probing myelin membrane disorders. Magn Reson Med 77:1318-1328, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Combining Afferent Stimulation and Mirror Therapy for Improving Muscular, Sensorimotor, and Daily Functions After Chronic Stroke: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

PubMed

Lee, Ya-yun; Lin, Keh-chung; Wu, Ching-yi; Liao, Ching-hua; Lin, Jui-chi; Chen, Chia-ling

2015-10-01

Mirror therapy (MT) combined with mesh glove (MG) afferent stimulation (MT + MG) has been suggested as an effective intervention for motor recovery in patients with stroke. This study aimed to further determine the treatment effects of the MT + MG approach on muscular properties, sensorimotor functions, and daily function. This was a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Forty-eight participants with chronic stroke were recruited from medical centers and were randomly assigned to the MT, MT + MG, and MT with sham MG stimulation (MT + sham) groups. The intervention consisted of 1.5 hrs/day, 5 days/wk for 4 wks. Primary outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and muscular properties (muscle tone and stiffness). Secondary outcomes included measures of sensorimotor and daily functions. Compared with the MT and MT + sham groups, the MT + MG group demonstrated improved muscular properties. The MT + MG and MT + sham groups showed greater improvement in manual dexterity and daily function than the MT group did. No beneficial effects on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and other sensorimotor outcomes were found for the MT + MG group. Although no significant group differences were found in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MT + MG induced distinctive effects on muscular properties, manual dexterity, and daily function.

The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for treating non-specific neck pain: A systematic review.

PubMed

Hidalgo, Benjamin; Hall, Toby; Bossert, Jean; Dugeny, Axel; Cagnie, Barbara; Pitance, Laurent

2017-11-06

To review and update the evidence for different forms of manual therapy (MT) and exercise for patients with different stages of non-specific neck pain (NP). MEDLINE, Cochrane-Register-of-Controlled-Trials, PEDro, EMBASE. A qualitative systematic review covering a period from January 2000 to December 2015 was conducted according to updated-guidelines. Specific inclusion criteria only on RCTs were used; including differentiation according to stages of NP (acute - subacute [ASNP] or chronic [CNP]), as well as sub-classification based on type of MT interventions: MT1 (HVLA manipulation); MT2 (mobilization and/or soft-tissue-techniques); MT3 (MT1 + MT2); and MT4 (Mobilization-with-Movement). In each sub-category, MT could be combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care. Initially 121 studies were identified for potential inclusion. Based on qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria, 23 RCTs were identified for review. Evidence for ASNP: MODERATE-evidence: In favour of (i) MT1 to the cervical spine (Cx) combined with exercises when compared to MT1 to the thoracic spine (Tx) combined with exercises; (ii) MT3 to the Cx and Tx combined with exercise compared to MT2 to the Cx with exercise or compared to usual medical care for pain and satisfaction with care from short to long-term. Evidence for CNP: STRONG-evidence: Of no difference of efficacy between MT2 at the symptomatic Cx level(s) in comparison to MT2 on asymptomatic Cx level(s) for pain and function. MODERATE to STRONG-evidence: In favour of MT1 and MT3 on Cx and Tx with exercise in comparison to exercise or MT alone for pain, function, satisfaction with care and general-health from short to moderate-terms. MODERATE-evidence: In favour (i) of MT1 as compared to MT2 and MT4, all applied to the Cx, for neck mobility, and pain in the very short term; (ii) of MT2 using sof-tissue-techniques to the Cx and Tx or MT3 to the Cx and Tx in comparison to no-treatment in the short-term for pain and disability. This systematic review updates the evidence for MT combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for different stages of NP and provides recommendations for future studies. Two majors points could be highlighted, the first one is that combining different forms of MT with exercise is better than MT or exercise alone, and the second one is that mobilization need not be applied at the symptomatic level(s) for improvements of NP patients. These both points may have clinical implications for reducing the risk involved with some MT techniques applied to the cervical spine.

Antioxidant, anticholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition activities, and fatty acids of Crocus mathewii - A forgotten endemic angiosperm of Turkey.

PubMed

Yildiztekin, Fatma; Nadeem, Said; Erol, Ebru; Yildiztekin, Mahmut; Tuna, Atilla L; Ozturk, Mehmet

2016-09-01

Context We report the first ever chemical/biochemical study on Crocus mathewii Kerndorff (Iridaceae) - a Turkish endemic angiosperm. This plant has never been explored for its phytochemistry and bioactivities. Objective This study explores C. mathewii corm and aerial parts for the chemical and biological properties of hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water fractions of the extracts. Material and methods Plant material (20 g) was extracted by methanol (250 mL × 5, 3 days each) and fractioned into hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. All fractions were subjected to β-carotene-linoleic acid, DPPH(·), ABTS(·)(+), CUPRAC, metal chelating and tyrosinase inhibition activities. Hexane fractions were submitted to GC-MS analysis. Results Ethyl acetate fractions showed excellent IC50 values in DPPH(·) (aerial 36.21 ± 0.76 and corm 33.87 ± 0.02 mg/L) and ABTS(·)(+) (aerial 33.01 ± 0.79 and bulb 27.87 ± 0.33 mg/L); higher than the IC50 of the standard α-tocopherol (DPPH 116.25 ± 1.97; ABTS 52.64 ± 0.37 mg/L), higher than BHA in DPPH (57.31 ± 0.25 mg/L), but slightly lower in ABTS (19.86 ± 2.73 mg/L). Methanol extract of aerial parts also showed higher activity than α-tocopherol in DPPH (85.56 ± 11.51 mg/L) but slightly less (72.90 ± 3.66 mg/L) than both the standards in ABTS. Linoleic (aerial 53.9%, corm 43.9%) and palmitic (aerial 22.2%, corm 18%) were found as the major fatty acids. Discussion and conclusion Some fractions of C. mathewii showed higher antioxidant activities than the standards. There is a need to explore more about this plant.

Holocene Tsunami Deposits From Large Tsunamis Along the Kuril Subduction Zone, Northeast Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nanayama, F.; Furukawa, R.; Satake, K.; Soeda, Y.; Shigeno, K.

2003-12-01

Holocene tsunami deposits in eastern Hokkaido between Nemuro and Tokachi show that the Kuril subduction zone repeatedly produced earthquakes and tsunamis larger than those recorded in this region since AD 1804 (Nanayama et al., Nature, 424, 660-663, 2003). Twenty-two postulated tsunami sand layers from the past 9500 years are preserved on lake bottom near Kushiro City, and about ten postulated tsunami sand layers from the past 3000 years are preserved in peat layers on the coastal marsh of Kiritappu. We dated these ten tsunami deposits (named Ts1 to Ts10 from shallower to deeper) in peat layers by radiocarbon and tephrochronology, correlated them with historical earthquakes and tsunamis, and surveyed their spatial distribution to estimate the tsunamisO inland inundation limits. Ts10 and Ts9 are under regional tephra Ta-c2 (ca. 2.5 ka) and represent prehistorical events. Ts8 to Ts5 are between two regional tephra layers Ta-c2 and B-Tm (ca. 9th century). In particular, Ts5 is found just below B-Tm, so it is dated 9th century (Heian era). Ts4 is dated ca 13th century (Kamakura era), while Ts3, found just below Us-b and Ta-b (AD 1667-1663), is dated 17th century (Edo era). Ts2 is dated 19th century (Edo era) and may correspond to the AD 1843 Tempo Tokachi-oki earthquake (Mt 8.0) recorded in a historical document Nikkanki of Kokutai-ji temple at Akkeshi. Ts1 is inferred 20th century and may correspond to the tsunami from the AD 1960 Chilean earthquake (M 9.5) or the AD 1952 Tokachi-oki earthquake (Mt 8.2). Our detailed surveys indicate that Ts3 and Ts4 can be traced more than 3 km from the present coast line in Kirittapu marsh, much longer than the limits (< 1 km) of recent deposits Ts1 and Ts2 or documented inundation of the 19th and 20th century tsunamis. The recurrence intervals of great tsunami inundation are about 400 to 500 years, longer than that of typical interplate earthquakes along the Kuril subduction zone. The longer interval and the apparent large tsunami inundation indicate unusual origin of these tsunamis.

Opposing Control by Transcription Factors MYB61 and MYB3 Increases Freezing Tolerance by Relieving C-Repeat Binding Factor Suppression1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yunqin; Miao, Zhenyan; Xie, Can; Meng, Xiangzhao; Deng, Jie; Mysore, Kirankumar S.; Frugier, Florian; Wang, Tao

2016-01-01

Cold acclimation is an important process by which plants respond to low temperature and enhance their winter hardiness. C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR1 (CBF1), CBF2, and CBF3 genes were shown previously to participate in cold acclimation in Medicago truncatula. In addition, MtCBF4 is transcriptionally induced by salt, drought, and cold stresses. We show here that MtCBF4, shown previously to enhance drought and salt tolerance, also positively regulates cold acclimation and freezing tolerance. To identify molecular factors acting upstream and downstream of the MtCBF4 transcription factor (TF) in cold responses, we first identified genes that are differentially regulated upon MtCBF4 overexpression using RNAseq Digital Gene Expression Profiling. Among these, we showed that MtCBF4 directly activates the transcription of the COLD ACCLIMATION SPECIFIC15 (MtCAS15) gene. To gain insights into how MtCBF4 is transcriptionally regulated in response to cold, an R2R3-MYB TF, MtMYB3, was identified based on a yeast one-hybrid screen as binding directly to MYB cis-elements in the MtCBF4 promoter, leading to the inhibition of MtCBF4 expression. In addition, another MYB TF, MtMYB61, identified as an interactor of MtMYB3, can relieve the inhibitory effect of MtMYB3 on MtCBF4 transcription. This study, therefore, supports a model describing how MtCBF4 is regulated by antagonistic MtMYB3/MtMYB61 TFs, leading to the up-regulation of downstream targets such as MtCAS15 acting in cold acclimation in M. truncatula. PMID:27578551

The role of sodium hydrosulfide in attenuating the aging process via PI3K/AKT and CaMKKβ/AMPK pathways.

PubMed

Chen, Xubo; Zhao, Xueyan; Cai, Hua; Sun, Haiying; Hu, Yujuan; Huang, Xiang; Kong, Wen; Kong, Weijia

2017-08-01

Age-related dysfunction of the central auditory system, known as central presbycusis, is characterized by defects in speech perception and sound localization. It is important to determine the pathogenesis of central presbycusis in order to explore a feasible and effective intervention method. Recent work has provided fascinating insight into the beneficial function of H 2 S on oxidative stress and stress-related disease. In this study, we investigated the pathogenesis of central presbycusis and tried to explore the mechanism of H 2 S action on different aspects of aging by utilizing a mimetic aging rat and senescent cellular model. Our results indicate that NaHS decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in an aging model via CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Moreover, we found that NaHS restored the decreased activity of antioxidants such as GSH, SOD and CAT in the aging model in vivo and in vitro by regulating CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT. Mitochondria function was preserved by NaHS, as indicated by the following: DNA POLG and OGG-1, the base excision repair enzymes in mitochondrial, were upregulated; OXPHOS activity was downregulated; mitochondrial membrane potential was restored; ATP production was increased; and mtDNA damage, indicated by the common deletion (CD), declined. These effects were also achieved by activating CaMKKβ/AMPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Lastly, protein homeostasis, indicated by HSP90 alpha, was strengthened by NaHS via CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT. Our findings demonstrate that the ability to resist oxidative stress and mitochondria function are both decreased as aging developed; however, NaHS, a novel free radical scavenger and mitochondrial protective agent, precludes the process of oxidative damage by activating CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT. This study might provide a therapeutic target for aging and age-related disease. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Interactive Computer Program for the Preliminary Design and Analysis of Marine Reduction Gears.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

4 E-4 c 043 04 4 E- PQ = 24 0 0 E- m 2054 4a =44 Env)2 d0 a b43 09 0 4 I6.4 44 = w. 0k2. . U)3c m 00 I= =C * 4 0 . O)U ad i 0 0~P In3 U= 4 40:M = 4 m...pa *Q4 2 c4~ .~ co N ra a9.* o H 00a = = :b4 H~ H U (3 C) U- of *4= t. E- H)40 UUO *n04 043 q N. W E-4 E-4 1.4-0 31 H 000 oi-4. H4 - M0 2I 2 04 E- HU...aO o %-c ’. %D in0 o f 3W -+V E4pa a noM pa pa pCa 0 pa H14 . pa H 1.4 pa ~00 MtH x 4 -4 U 4E4E4 0 E-4 H E ~ CaM N4 -40 0 UE- E.UE- u 0 c E4 0 9 E-4

Did the Middlesboro, Kentucky, bolide impact event influence coal rank?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hower, J.C.; Greb, S.F.; Kuehn, K.W.; Eble, C.F.

2009-01-01

The Middlesboro Basin, southeastern Kentucky, occurs on the Cumberland Overthrust Sheet and includes a ca. 5.5-km diameter impact structure. The Lower and Middle Pennsylvanian coal-bearing strata are faulted, with some evidence for shock metamorphism. The event post-dated the latest-Pennsylvanian-early-Permian thrusting and was likely prior to late-Mesozoic entrenchment of drainages. The impact of a 0.5-km meteor traveling at ca. 60,000??km/h would release about 1??EJ, the approximate equivalent of the instantaneous combustion of 30??Mt of coal. The coal rank, while increased slightly above the regional level, still is within the upper portion of the high volatile A bituminous rank range. This helps to constrain the depth of burial at the time of the impact. The coal would have had to have been at a depth of a few kilometers to have avoided a more substantial rank increase. In addition, it is possible that some of the coal rank increase might be attributable to movements along the cross-cutting Rocky Face fault, unrelated to the impact. ?? 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessment of metallothionein and antibodies to metallothionein in normal and autistic children having exposure to vaccine-derived thimerosal.

PubMed

Singh, Vijendra K; Hanson, Jeff

2006-06-01

Allergic autoimmune reaction after exposure to heavy metals such as mercury may play a causal role in autism, a developmental disorder of the central nervous system. As metallothionein (MT) is the primary metal-detoxifying protein in the body, we conducted a study of the MT protein and antibodies to metallothionein (anti-MT) in normal and autistic children whose exposure to mercury was only from thimerosal-containing vaccines. Laboratory analysis by immunoassays revealed that the serum level of MT did not significantly differ between normal and autistic children. Furthermore, autistic children harboured normal levels of anti-MT, including antibodies to isoform MT-I (anti-MT-I) and MT-II (anti-MT-II), without any significant difference between normal and autistic children. Our findings indicate that because autistic children have a normal profile of MT and anti-MT, the mercury-induced autoimmunity to MT may not be implicated in the pathogenesis of autism.

Development and validation of a D-loop mtDNA SNP assay for the screening of specimens in forensic casework.

PubMed

Chemale, Gustavo; Paneto, Greiciane Gaburro; Menezes, Meiga Aurea Mendes; de Freitas, Jorge Marcelo; Jacques, Guilherme Silveira; Cicarelli, Regina Maria Barretto; Fagundes, Paulo Roberto

2013-05-01

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is usually a last resort in routine forensic DNA casework. However, it has become a powerful tool for the analysis of highly degraded samples or samples containing too little or no nuclear DNA, such as old bones and hair shafts. The gold standard methodology still constitutes the direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products or cloned amplicons from the HVS-1 and HVS-2 (hypervariable segment) control region segments. Identifications using mtDNA are time consuming, expensive and can be very complex, depending on the amount and nature of the material being tested. The main goal of this work is to develop a less labour-intensive and less expensive screening method for mtDNA analysis, in order to aid in the exclusion of non-matching samples and as a presumptive test prior to final confirmatory DNA sequencing. We have selected 14 highly discriminatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on simulations performed by Salas and Amigo (2010) to be typed using SNaPShot(TM) (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The assay was validated by typing more than 100 HVS-1/HVS-2 sequenced samples. No differences were observed between the SNP typing and DNA sequencing when results were compared, with the exception of allelic dropouts observed in a few haplotypes. Haplotype diversity simulations were performed using 172 mtDNA sequences representative of the Brazilian population and a score of 0.9794 was obtained when the 14 SNPs were used, showing that the theoretical prediction approach for the selection of highly discriminatory SNPs suggested by Salas and Amigo (2010) was confirmed in the population studied. As the main goal of the work is to develop a screening assay to skip the sequencing of all samples in a particular case, a pair-wise comparison of the sequences was done using the selected SNPs. When both HVS-1/HVS-2 SNPs were used for simulations, at least two differences were observed in 93.2% of the comparisons performed. The assay was validated with casework samples. Results show that the method is straightforward and can be used for exclusionary purposes, saving time and laboratory resources. The assay confirms the theoretic prediction suggested by Salas and Amigo (2010). All forensic advantages, such as high sensitivity and power of discrimination, as also the disadvantages, such as the occurrence of allele dropouts, are discussed throughout the article. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging compounds from soybean miso and antiproliferative activity of isoflavones from soybean miso toward the cancer cell lines.

PubMed

Hirota, A; Taki, S; Kawaii, S; Yano, M; Abe, N

2000-05-01

Guided by their DPPH radical-scavenging activity, nine compounds were isolated from soybean miso. Of these, 8-hydroxydaidzein, 8-hydroxygenistein and syringic acid had as high DPPH radical-scavenging activity as that of alpha-tocopherol. The antiproliferative activity of four of the isolated isoflavones toward three cancer cell lines was examined. 8-Hydroxygenistein showed the highest activity (IC50=5.2 microM) toward human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60).

Electrical Conductivity Model of the Mantle Lithosphere of the Slave Craton (NW Canada) and its tectonic interpretation in the context of Geochemical Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lezaeta, P.; Chave, A.; Evans, R.; Jones, A. G.; Ferguson, I.

2002-12-01

The Slave Craton, northwestern Canada, contains the oldest known rocks on Earth, with exposed outcrop over an area of about 600x400 km2. The discovery of economic diamondiferous kimberlite pipes during the early 1990s motivated extensive research in the region. Over the last six years, four types of deep-probing magnetotelluric (MT) surveys were conducted within the framework of diverse geoscientific programs, aimed at determining the regional-scale electrical structures of the craton. Two of the surveys involved novel acquisition; one through frozen lake ice along ice roads during winter, and the second deploying ocean-bottom instrumentation from float planes during summer. The latter surveys required one year of recording between summers, thus allowing long period transfer functions that lead to mantle penetration depths of over 300 km. Two-dimensional modeling of the MT data from along the winter road showed the existence of a high conductivity zone at depths of 80-120 km beneath the central Slave craton. This anomalous region is spatially coincident with an ultradepleted harzburgitic layer in the upper mantle that was interpreted by others to be related to a subducted slab emplaced during the mid-Archean. A 3-D electrical conductivity model of the Slave lithosphere has been obtained, by trial and error, to fit the magnetic transfer and MT response functions from the lake experiments. This 3-D model traces the central Slave conductor as a NE-SW oriented mantle structure. Its NE-SW orientation coincides with that of a late fold belt system, with the first phase of craton-wide plutonism at ca 2630-2590 Ma, three-part subdivision of the craton based on SKS results, and with a G10 (garnet) geochemical mantle boundaries. All of these highlight a NE-SW structural grain to the lithospheric mantle of the craton, in sharp contrast to the N-S grain of the crust. Constraints on the depth range and lateral extension of the electrical conductive structure are obtained through a sensitivity analysis to verify a recent hypothesis about tectonic imbrication of lithosphere emplaced at ca 2.6 Ga in which SE-NW subduction is proposed. If such subduction has taken place, and arc-related or oceanic lithosphere has been trapped in the system, then an enhanced conductivity in the mantle deepening to NW supports the tectonic model.

mtDNA, Metastasis, and the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt).

PubMed

Kenny, Timothy C; Germain, Doris

2017-01-01

While several studies have confirmed a link between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and cancer cell metastasis, much debate remains regarding the nature of the alternations in mtDNA leading to this effect. Meanwhile, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR mt ) has gained much attention in recent years, with most studies of this pathway focusing on its role in aging. However, the UPR mt has also been studied in the context of cancer. More recent work suggests that rather than a single mutation or alternation, specific combinatorial mtDNA landscapes able to activate the UPR mt may be those that are selected by metastatic cells, while mtDNA landscapes unable to activate the UPR mt do not. This review aims at offering an overview of the confusing literature on mtDNA mutations and metastasis and the more recent work on the UPR mt in this setting.

What cost mitochondria? The maintenance of functional mitochondrial DNA within and across generations

PubMed Central

Aanen, Duur K.; Spelbrink, Johannes N.; Beekman, Madeleine

2014-01-01

The peculiar biology of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) potentially has detrimental consequences for organismal health and lifespan. Typically, eukaryotic cells contain multiple mitochondria, each with multiple mtDNA genomes. The high copy number of mtDNA implies that selection on mtDNA functionality is relaxed. Furthermore, because mtDNA replication is not strictly regulated, within-cell selection may favour mtDNA variants with a replication advantage, but a deleterious effect on cell fitness. The opportunities for selfish mtDNA mutations to spread are restricted by various organism-level adaptations, such as uniparental transmission, germline mtDNA bottlenecks, germline selection and, during somatic growth, regular alternation between fusion and fission of mitochondria. These mechanisms are all hypothesized to maintain functional mtDNA. However, the strength of selection for maintenance of functional mtDNA progressively declines with age, resulting in age-related diseases. Furthermore, organismal adaptations that most probably evolved to restrict the opportunities for selfish mtDNA create secondary problems. Owing to predominantly maternal mtDNA transmission, recombination among mtDNA from different individuals is highly restricted or absent, reducing the scope for repair. Moreover, maternal inheritance precludes selection against mtDNA variants with male-specific effects. We finish by discussing the consequences of life-history differences among taxa with respect to mtDNA evolution and make a case for the use of microorganisms to experimentally manipulate levels of selection. PMID:24864309

mtDNA lineage analysis of mouse L-cell lines reveals the accumulation of multiple mtDNA mutants and intermolecular recombination

PubMed Central

Fan, Weiwei; Lin, Chun Shi; Potluri, Prasanth; Procaccio, Vincent; Wallace, Douglas C.

2012-01-01

The role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and mtDNA recombination in cancer cell proliferation and developmental biology remains controversial. While analyzing the mtDNAs of several mouse L cell lines, we discovered that every cell line harbored multiple mtDNA mutants. These included four missense mutations, two frameshift mutations, and one tRNA homopolymer expansion. The LA9 cell lines lacked wild-type mtDNAs but harbored a heteroplasmic mixture of mtDNAs, each with a different combination of these variants. We isolated each of the mtDNAs in a separate cybrid cell line. This permitted determination of the linkage phase of each mtDNA and its physiological characteristics. All of the polypeptide mutations inhibited their oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. However, they also increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the level of ROS production was proportional to the cellular proliferation rate. By comparing the mtDNA haplotypes of the different cell lines, we were able to reconstruct the mtDNA mutational history of the L–L929 cell line. This revealed that every heteroplasmic L-cell line harbored a mtDNA that had been generated by intracellular mtDNA homologous recombination. Therefore, deleterious mtDNA mutations that increase ROS production can provide a proliferative advantage to cancer or stem cells, and optimal combinations of mutant loci can be generated through recombination. PMID:22345519

Pharmacological characterization of human recombinant melatonin mt1 and MT2 receptors

PubMed Central

Browning, Christopher; Beresford, Isabel; Fraser, Neil; Giles, Heather

2000-01-01

We have pharmacologically characterized recombinant human mt1 and MT2 receptors, stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-mt1 and CHO-MT2), by measurement of [3H]-melatonin binding and forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) production. [3H]-melatonin bound to mt1 and MT2 receptors with pKD values of 9.89 and 9.56 and Bmax values of 1.20 and 0.82 pmol mg−1 protein, respectively. Whilst most melatonin receptor agonists had similar affinities for mt1 and MT2 receptors, a number of putative antagonists had substantially higher affinities for MT2 receptors, including luzindole (11 fold), GR128107 (23 fold) and 4-P-PDOT (61 fold). In both CHO-mt1 and CHO-MT2 cells, melatonin inhibited forskolin-stimulated accumulation of cyclic AMP in a concentration-dependent manner (pIC50 9.53 and 9.74, respectively) causing 83 and 64% inhibition of cyclic AMP production at 100 nM, respectively. The potencies of a range of melatonin receptor agonists were determined. At MT2 receptors, melatonin, 2-iodomelatonin and 6-chloromelatonin were essentially equipotent, whilst at the mt1 receptor these agonists gave the rank order of potency of 2-iodomelatonin>melatonin>6-chloromelatonin. In both CHO-mt1 and CHO-MT2 cells, melatonin-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole, with pA2 values of 5.75 and 7.64, respectively. Melatonin-mediated responses were abolished by pre-treatment of cells with pertussis toxin, consistent with activation of Gi/Go G-proteins. This is the first report of the use of [3H]-melatonin for the characterization of recombinant mt1 and MT2 receptors. Our results demonstrate that these receptor subtypes have distinct pharmacological profiles. PMID:10696085

In vivo-folded metal-metallothionein 3 complexes reveal the Cu-thionein rather than Zn-thionein character of this brain-specific mammalian metallothionein.

PubMed

Artells, Ester; Palacios, Oscar; Capdevila, Mercè; Atrian, Sílvia

2014-03-01

Metallothionein-3 (MT3) is one of the four mammalian metallothioneins (MT), and is constitutively synthesized in the brain. MT3 acts both intracellularly and extracellularly in this organ, performing functions related to neuronal growth and physiological metal (Zn and Cu) handling. It appears to be involved in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders caused by insoluble Cu-peptide aggregates, as it triggers a Zn-Cu swap that may counteract the deleterious presence of copper in neural tissues. The literature data on MT3 coordination come from studies either on apo-MT3 reconstitution or the reaction of Zn-MT3 with Cu(2+) , an ion that is hardly present inside cells. To ascertain the MT3 metal-binding features in a scenario closer to the reductive cell cytoplasm, a study of the recombinant Zn(2+) , Cd(2+) and Cu(+) complexes of MT3, βMT3, and αMT3, as well as the in vitro Zn(2+) -Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) -Cu(+) replacement processes, is presented here. We conclude that MT3 has a Cu-thionein character that is stronger than that of the MT1 and MT2 isoforms - also present in the mammalian brain - which is mainly contributed by its β domain. In contrast, the α domain retains a high capacity to bind Zn(2+) ions, and, consequently, the entire MT3 peptide shows a peculiar dual ability to handle both metal ions. The nature of the formed Cu(+) -MT3 complexes oscillates from heterometallic Cu6 Zn4 -MT3 to homometallic Cu10 -MT3 major species, in a narrow Cu concentration range. Therefore, the entire MT3 peptide shows a high capacity to bind Cu(+) , provided that this occurs in a nonoxidative milieux. This reflects a peculiar property of this MT isoform, which accurately senses different Cu contents in the environment in which it is synthesized. © 2014 FEBS.

The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for treating non-specific neck pain: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Hidalgo, Benjamin; Hall, Toby; Bossert, Jean; Dugeny, Axel; Cagnie, Barbara; Pitance, Laurent

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To review and update the evidence for different forms of manual therapy (MT) and exercise for patients with different stages of non-specific neck pain (NP). Data sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane-Register-of-Controlled-Trials, PEDro, EMBASE. METHOD: A qualitative systematic review covering a period from January 2000 to December 2015 was conducted according to updated-guidelines. Specific inclusion criteria only on RCTs were used; including differentiation according to stages of NP (acute – subacute [ASNP] or chronic [CNP]), as well as sub-classification based on type of MT interventions: MT1 (HVLA manipulation); MT2 (mobilization and/or soft-tissue-techniques); MT3 (MT1 + MT2); and MT4 (Mobilization-with-Movement). In each sub-category, MT could be combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care. RESULTS: Initially 121 studies were identified for potential inclusion. Based on qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria, 23 RCTs were identified for review. Evidence for ASNP: MODERATE-evidence: In favour of (i) MT1 to the cervical spine (Cx) combined with exercises when compared to MT1 to the thoracic spine (Tx) combined with exercises; (ii) MT3 to the Cx and Tx combined with exercise compared to MT2 to the Cx with exercise or compared to usual medical care for pain and satisfaction with care from short to long-term. Evidence for CNP: STRONG-evidence: Of no difference of efficacy between MT2 at the symptomatic Cx level(s) in comparison to MT2 on asymptomatic Cx level(s) for pain and function. MODERATE to STRONG-evidence: In favour of MT1 and MT3 on Cx and Tx with exercise in comparison to exercise or MT alone for pain, function, satisfaction with care and general-health from short to moderate-terms. MODERATE-evidence: In favour (i) of MT1 as compared to MT2 and MT4, all applied to the Cx, for neck mobility, and pain in the very short term; (ii) of MT2 using sof-tissue-techniques to the Cx and Tx or MT3 to the Cx and Tx in comparison to no-treatment in the short-term for pain and disability. CONCLUSION: This systematic review updates the evidence for MT combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for different stages of NP and provides recommendations for future studies. Two majors points could be highlighted, the first one is that combining different forms of MT with exercise is better than MT or exercise alone, and the second one is that mobilization need not be applied at the symptomatic level(s) for improvements of NP patients. These both points may have clinical implications for reducing the risk involved with some MT techniques applied to the cervical spine. PMID:28826164

Response of the Miliolid Archaias angulatus to simulated ocean acidification

USGS Publications Warehouse

Knorr, Paul O.; Robbins, Lisa L.; Harries, Peter J.; Hallock, Pamela; Wynn, Jonathan

2015-01-01

A common, but not universal, effect of ocean acidification on benthic foraminifera is a reduction in the growth rate. The miliolid Archaias angulatus is a high-Mg (>4 mole% MgCO3), symbiont-bearing, soritid benthic foraminifer that contributes to Caribbean reef carbonate sediments. A laboratory culture study assessed the effects of reduced pH on the growth of A. angulatus. We observed a statistically significant 50% reduction in the growth rate (p < 0.01), calculated from changes in maximum diameter, from 160 μm/28 days in the pH 8.0/pCO2air 480 ppm control group to 80 μm/28 days at a treatment level of pH 7.6/pCO2air 1328 ppm. Additionally, pseudopore area, δ18O values, and Mg/Ca ratio all increased, albeit slightly in the latter two variables. The reduction in growth rate indicates that under a high-CO2 setting, future A. angulatus populations will consist of smaller adults. A model using the results of this study estimates that at pH 7.6 A. angulatus carbonate production in the South Florida reef tract and Florida Bay decreases by 85%, from 0.27 Mt/yr to 0.04 Mt/yr, over an area of 9,000 km2.

Ag Nanoparticles (Ag NM300K) in the Terrestrial Environment: Effects at Population and Cellular Level in Folsomia candida (Collembola)

PubMed Central

Mendes, Luís André; Maria, Vera L.; Scott-Fordsmand, Janeck J.; Amorim, Mónica J. B.

2015-01-01

The effects of nanomaterials have been primarily assessed based on standard ecotoxicity guidelines. However, by adapting alternative measures the information gained could be enhanced considerably, e.g., studies should focus on more mechanistic approaches. Here, the environmental risk posed by the presence of silver nanoparticles (Ag NM300K) in soil was investigated, anchoring population and cellular level effects, i.e., survival, reproduction (28 days) and oxidative stress markers (0, 2, 4, 6, 10 days). The standard species Folsomia candida was used. Measured markers included catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), total glutathione (TG), metallothionein (MT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results showed that AgNO3 was more toxic than AgNPs at the population level: reproduction EC20 and EC50 was ca. 2 and 4 times lower, respectively. At the cellular level Correspondence Analysis showed a clear separation between AgNO3 and AgNP throughout time. Results showed differences in the mechanisms, indicating a combined effect of released Ag+ (MT and GST) and of AgNPs (CAT, GR, TG, LPO). Hence, clear advantages from mechanistic approaches are shown, but also that time is of importance when measuring such responses. PMID:26473892

The Multipartite Mitochondrial Genome of Liposcelis bostrychophila: Insights into the Evolution of Mitochondrial Genomes in Bilateral Animals

PubMed Central

Yuan, Ming-Long; Dou, Wei; Barker, Stephen C.; Wang, Jin-Jun

2012-01-01

Booklice (order Psocoptera) in the genus Liposcelis are major pests to stored grains worldwide and are closely related to parasitic lice (order Phthiraptera). We sequenced the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Liposcelis bostrychophila and found that the typical single mt chromosome of bilateral animals has fragmented into and been replaced by two medium-sized chromosomes in this booklouse; each of these chromosomes has about half of the genes of the typical mt chromosome of bilateral animals. These mt chromosomes are 8,530 bp (mt chromosome I) and 7,933 bp (mt chromosome II) in size. Intriguingly, mt chromosome I is twice as abundant as chromosome II. It appears that the selection pressure for compact mt genomes in bilateral animals favors small mt chromosomes when small mt chromosomes co-exist with the typical large mt chromosomes. Thus, small mt chromosomes may have selective advantages over large mt chromosomes in bilateral animals. Phylogenetic analyses of mt genome sequences of Psocodea (i.e. Psocoptera plus Phthiraptera) indicate that: 1) the order Psocoptera (booklice and barklice) is paraphyletic; and 2) the order Phthiraptera (the parasitic lice) is monophyletic. Within parasitic lice, however, the suborder Ischnocera is paraphyletic; this differs from the traditional view that each suborder of parasitic lice is monophyletic. PMID:22479490

Parallel loss of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and mtDNA-encoded tRNAs in Cnidaria.

PubMed

Haen, Karri M; Pett, Walker; Lavrov, Dennis V

2010-10-01

Unlike most animal mitochondrial (mt) genomes, which encode a set of 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) sufficient for mt protein synthesis, those of cnidarians have only retained one or two tRNA genes. Whether the missing cnidarian mt-tRNA genes relocated outside the main mt chromosome or were lost remains unclear. It is also unknown what impact the loss of tRNA genes had on other components of the mt translational machinery. Here, we explored the nuclear genome of the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis for the presence of mt-tRNA genes and their corresponding mt aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mt-aaRS). We detected no candidates for mt-tRNA genes and only two mt-aaRS orthologs. At the same time, we found that all but one cytosolic aaRS appear to be targeted to mitochondria. These results indicate that the loss of mt-tRNAs in Cnidaria is genuine and occurred in parallel with the loss of nuclear-encoded mt-aaRS. Our phylogenetic analyses of individual aaRS revealed that although the nearly total loss of mt-aaRS is rare, aaRS gene deletion and replacement have occurred throughout the evolution of Metazoa.

Effects of the soil-forming factors climate and time on soils of Mount Cameroon (Central Africa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauer, Daniela; Nguetnkam, Jean Pierre; Tenzer, Selina; Herrmann, Ludger; Rennert, Thilo

2017-04-01

Knowledge on rates of soil-forming processes in humid-tropical climate is limited, mainly because objects that are suitable for studying soil chronosequences are rare in tropical regions. Mt. Cameroon, located at the Gulf of Guinea in SW Cameroon, between latitudes 4°00' to 4°20'N, is an ideal object for this purpose. Its volcanic activity started 11 Ma ago and still continues today, providing lava flows of different ages and rather uniform basaltic composition. The climate of the area is humid-tropical, characterised by a distinct gradient in mean annual precipitation (MAP). MAP amounts to > 9000 mm on the SW flank, near the coast, decreasing to < 2000 mm on the opposite flank, in the rain shadow of Mt. Cameroon's peak. Eight soil profiles, including six on historical lava flows of different ages and two on older (Holocene) lava flows characterised by contrasting MAP, were described and analysed. Soil formation proceeds from Nudilithic Leptosol (on a 13 year-old lava flow) to Skeletic Mollic Leptic Vitric Silandic Andosol (54 years), Umbric Leptic Silandic Andosol (91 and 104 years), and finally to Umbric Silandic Andosol (Holocene, MAP 2400 mm) or Umbric Amphisilandic Endoaluandic Andosol (Holocene, MAP 8000 mm). The general trends of Fed/Fet and (Ca+Mg+K+Na)/Al molar ratios over time indicate progressive weathering, formation of pedogenic iron oxides, and leaching of Ca, Mg, K and Na. Irregular uppermost parts of the depth curves of these ratios in some soils suggest addition of fresh ash or dust. Organic matter (OM) contents are remarkably high in the 104 year-old soils that are located at 3000 m a.s.l., compared to all other analysed soils. A possible explanation is that biomass production and thus OM input are still high at this elevation, whereas the altitudinal temperature decline leads to decreased OM decomposition compared to the lower slope.

Potential role of alpha-synuclein and metallothionein in lead-induced inclusion body formation.

PubMed

Zuo, Peijun; Qu, Wei; Cooper, Ryan N; Goyer, Robert A; Diwan, Bhalchandra A; Waalkes, Michael P

2009-09-01

Lead (Pb) produces aggresome-like inclusion bodies (IBs) in target cells as a toxic response. Our prior work shows metallothionein (MT) is required for this process. We used MT-I/II double knockout (MT-null) and parental wild-type (WT) cell lines to further explore the formation process of Pb-induced IBs. Unlike WT cells, MT-null cells did not form IBs after Pb exposure. Western blot of cytosol showed soluble MT protein in WT cells was lost during Pb exposure as IBs formed. Transfection of MT-I into MT-null cells allowed IBs formation after Pb exposure. Considering Pb-induced IBs may be like disease-related aggresomes, which often contain alpha-synuclein (Scna), we investigated Scna expression in cells capable (WT) and incapable (MT-null) of producing IBs after Pb exposure. Scna protein showed poor basal expression in MT-null cells. Pb exposure increased Scna expression only in WT cells. MT transfection increased Scna transcript to WT levels. In WT or MT-transfected MT-null cells, Pb-induced Scna expression rapidly increased and then decreased over 48 h as Pb-induced IBs were formed. A direct interaction between Scna and MT was confirmed ex vivo by antibody pulldown assay where the proteins coprecipitated with an antibody to MT. Pb exposure caused increased colocalization of MT and Scna proteins with time only in WT cells. In WT mice after chronic Pb exposure Scna was localized in renal cells containing forming IBs, whereas MT-null mice did not form IBs. Thus, Scna could be component of Pb-induced IBs and, with MT, may play a role in IBs formation.

Mitochondrial ATPase Subunit 6 and Cytochrome B Gene Variations in Obese Turkish Children

PubMed Central

Demir, Durkadın; Türkkahraman, Doğa; Samur, Anıl Aktaş; Lüleci, Güven; Akçurin, Sema; M. Alper, Özgül

2014-01-01

Objective: Due to the importance of energy metabolism in mitochondria, mitochondrial genome variations are evaluated in energy-related diseases such as obesity. To date, several nuclear genes were found to be related to obesity. Our aim in this study was to investigate the presence of polymorphisms in mitochondrial ATPase subunit 6 (mt-ATP6) and cytochrome b (mt-CytB) genes that may be associated with childhood obesity. Methods: The mt-ATP6 and mt-CytB genes were amplified and entirely sequenced in a series of 100 obese and in an equal number of healthy Turkish children aged between 6-14 years. Results: A total of 118 synonymous and nonsynonymous variations were detected in the obese and control groups. Only two previously reported synonymous substitutions (mt.8614T>C and mt.8994G>A) in the mt-ATP6 gene were found to be significantly higher in the obese group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the mt-ATP6 gene, one novel nonsynonymous substitution (mt.8726C>T) and one novel synonymous substitution (mt.9108A>T) were found. In the mt-CytB gene, one nonsynonymous substitution (mt.14880T>C) and two synonymous substitutions (mt.14891C>T and mt.15091C>T) were novel substitutions. Conclusion: Two synonymous substitutions (mt.8614T>C and mt.8994G>A) in the mt-ATP6 gene may be associated with childhood obesity. Our study provides the first data about mitochondrial genome variations in a Turkish obese population and also the first in obese children. More cases should be screened in obese groups in order to understand the effects of mitochondrial polymorphisms in the development of obesity. PMID:25541891

Identification of three signaling molecules required for calcineurin-dependent monopolar growth induced by the DNA replication checkpoint in fission yeast.

PubMed

Kume, Kazunori; Hashimoto, Tomoyo; Suzuki, Masashi; Mizunuma, Masaki; Toda, Takashi; Hirata, Dai

2017-09-30

Cell polarity is coordinately regulated with the cell cycle. Growth polarity of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe transits from monopolar to bipolar during G2 phase, termed NETO (new end take off). Upon perturbation of DNA replication, the checkpoint kinase Cds1/CHK2 induces NETO delay through activation of Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN). CN in turn regulates its downstream targets including the microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking CLIP170 homologue Tip1 and the Casein kinase 1γ Cki3. However, whether and which Ca 2+ signaling molecules are involved in the NETO delay remains elusive. Here we show that 3 genes (trp1322, vcx1 and SPAC6c3.06c encoding TRP channel, antiporter and P-type ATPase, respectively) play vital roles in the NETO delay. Upon perturbation of DNA replication, these 3 genes are required for not only the NETO delay but also for the maintenance of cell viability. Trp1322 and Vcx1 act downstream of Cds1 and upstream of CN for the NETO delay, whereas SPAC6c3.06c acts downstream of CN. Consistently, Trp1322 and Vcx1, but not SPAC6c3.06c, are essential for activation of CN. Interestingly, we have found that elevated extracellular Ca 2+ per se induces a NETO delay, which depends on CN and its downstream target genes. These findings imply that Ca 2+ -CN signaling plays a central role in cell polarity control by checkpoint activation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A reduced number of mtSNPs saturates mitochondrial DNA haplotype diversity of worldwide population groups.

PubMed

Salas, Antonio; Amigo, Jorge

2010-05-03

The high levels of variation characterising the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule are due ultimately to its high average mutation rate; moreover, mtDNA variation is deeply structured in different populations and ethnic groups. There is growing interest in selecting a reduced number of mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs) that account for the maximum level of discrimination power in a given population. Applications of the selected mtSNP panel range from anthropologic and medical studies to forensic genetic casework. This study proposes a new simulation-based method that explores the ability of different mtSNP panels to yield the maximum levels of discrimination power. The method explores subsets of mtSNPs of different sizes randomly chosen from a preselected panel of mtSNPs based on frequency. More than 2,000 complete genomes representing three main continental human population groups (Africa, Europe, and Asia) and two admixed populations ("African-Americans" and "Hispanics") were collected from GenBank and the literature, and were used as training sets. Haplotype diversity was measured for each combination of mtSNP and compared with existing mtSNP panels available in the literature. The data indicates that only a reduced number of mtSNPs ranging from six to 22 are needed to account for 95% of the maximum haplotype diversity of a given population sample. However, only a small proportion of the best mtSNPs are shared between populations, indicating that there is not a perfect set of "universal" mtSNPs suitable for all population contexts. The discrimination power provided by these mtSNPs is much higher than the power of the mtSNP panels proposed in the literature to date. Some mtSNP combinations also yield high diversity values in admixed populations. The proposed computational approach for exploring combinations of mtSNPs that optimise the discrimination power of a given set of mtSNPs is more efficient than previous empirical approaches. In contrast to precedent findings, the results seem to indicate that only few mtSNPs are needed to reach high levels of discrimination power in a population, independently of its ancestral background.

Metallothionein deficiency aggravates depleted uranium-induced nephrotoxicity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hao, Yuhui; Huang, Jiawei; Gu, Ying

Depleted uranium (DU) has been widely used in both civilian and military activities, and the kidney is the main target organ of DU during acute high-dose exposures. In this study, the nephrotoxicity caused by DU in metallothionein-1/2-null mice (MT −/−) and corresponding wild-type (MT +/+) mice was investigated to determine any associations with MT. Each MT −/− or MT +/+ mouse was pretreated with a single dose of DU (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) or an equivalent volume of saline. After 4 days of DU administration, kidney changes were assessed. After DU exposure, serum creatinine and serum urea nitrogen in MTmore » −/− mice significantly increased than in MT +/+ mice, with more severe kidney pathological damage. Moreover, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased, and generation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde increased in MT −/− mice. The apoptosis rate in MT −/− mice significantly increased, with a significant increase in both Bax and caspase 3 and a decrease in Bcl-2. Furthermore, sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) and sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-II) were significantly reduced after DU exposure, and the change of SGLT was more evident in MT −/− mice. Finally, exogenous MT was used to evaluate the correlation between kidney changes induced by DU and MT doses in MT −/− mice. The results showed that, the pathological damage and cell apoptosis decreased, and SOD and SGLT levels increased with increasing dose of MT. In conclusion, MT deficiency aggravated DU-induced nephrotoxicity, and the molecular mechanisms appeared to be related to the increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, and decreased SGLT expression. - Highlights: • MT −/− and MT +/+ mice were used to evaluate nephrotoxicity of DU. • Renal damage was more evident in the MT −/− mice after exposure to DU. • Exogenous MT also protects against DU-induced nephrotoxicity. • MT deficiency induced more ROS and apoptosis after exposure to DU. • MT deficiency down-regulated SGLT expression after exposure to DU.« less

A Reduced Number of mtSNPs Saturates Mitochondrial DNA Haplotype Diversity of Worldwide Population Groups

PubMed Central

Salas, Antonio; Amigo, Jorge

2010-01-01

Background The high levels of variation characterising the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule are due ultimately to its high average mutation rate; moreover, mtDNA variation is deeply structured in different populations and ethnic groups. There is growing interest in selecting a reduced number of mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs) that account for the maximum level of discrimination power in a given population. Applications of the selected mtSNP panel range from anthropologic and medical studies to forensic genetic casework. Methodology/Principal Findings This study proposes a new simulation-based method that explores the ability of different mtSNP panels to yield the maximum levels of discrimination power. The method explores subsets of mtSNPs of different sizes randomly chosen from a preselected panel of mtSNPs based on frequency. More than 2,000 complete genomes representing three main continental human population groups (Africa, Europe, and Asia) and two admixed populations (“African-Americans” and “Hispanics”) were collected from GenBank and the literature, and were used as training sets. Haplotype diversity was measured for each combination of mtSNP and compared with existing mtSNP panels available in the literature. The data indicates that only a reduced number of mtSNPs ranging from six to 22 are needed to account for 95% of the maximum haplotype diversity of a given population sample. However, only a small proportion of the best mtSNPs are shared between populations, indicating that there is not a perfect set of “universal” mtSNPs suitable for all population contexts. The discrimination power provided by these mtSNPs is much higher than the power of the mtSNP panels proposed in the literature to date. Some mtSNP combinations also yield high diversity values in admixed populations. Conclusions/Significance The proposed computational approach for exploring combinations of mtSNPs that optimise the discrimination power of a given set of mtSNPs is more efficient than previous empirical approaches. In contrast to precedent findings, the results seem to indicate that only few mtSNPs are needed to reach high levels of discrimination power in a population, independently of its ancestral background. PMID:20454657

Drosophila nuclear factor DREF regulates the expression of the mitochondrial DNA helicase and mitochondrial transcription factor B2 but not the mitochondrial translation factor B1

PubMed Central

Fernández-Moreno, Miguel A.; Hernández, Rosana; Adán, Cristina; Roberti, Marina; Bruni, Francesco; Polosa, Paola Loguercio; Cantatore, Palmiro; Matsushima, Yuichi; Kaguni, Laurie S.; Garesse, Rafael

2016-01-01

DREF [DRE (DNA replication-related element)-binding factor] controls the transcription of numerous genes in Drosophila, many involved in nuclear DNA (nDNA) replication and cell proliferation, three in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and two in mtDNA transcription termination. In this work, we have analysed the involvement of DREF in the expression of the known remaining genes engaged in the minimal mtDNA replication (d-mtDNA helicase) and transcription (the activator d-mtTFB2) machineries and of a gene involved in mitochondrial mRNA translation (d-mtTFB1). We have identified their transcriptional initiation sites and DRE sequences in their promoter regions. Gel-shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that DREF interacts in vitro and in vivo with the d-mtDNA helicase and d-mtTFB2, but not with the d-mtTFB1 promoters. Transient transfection assays in Drosophila S2 cells with mutated DRE motifs and truncated promoter regions show that DREF controls the transcription of d-mtDNA helicase and d-mtTFB2, but not that of d-mtTFB1. RNA interference of DREF in S2 cells reinforces these results showing a decrease in the mRNA levels of d-mtDNA helicase and d-mtTFB2 and no changes in those of the d-mtTFB1. These results link the genetic regulation of nuclear DNA replication with the genetic control of mtDNA replication and transcriptional activation in Drosophila. PMID:23916463

DPPH radical scavenging activity of a mixture of fatty acids and peptide-containing compounds in a protein hydrolysate of Jatropha curcas seed cake.

PubMed

Phengnuam, Thanyarat; Goroncy, Alexander K; Rutherfurd, Shane M; Moughan, Paul J; Suntornsuk, Worapot

2013-12-04

Jatropha curcas, a tropical plant, has great potential commercial relevance as its seeds have high oil content. The seeds can be processed into high-quality biofuel producing seed cake as a byproduct. The seed cake, however, has not gotten much attention toward its potential usefulness. This work was aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of different fractions of a protein hydrolysate from J. curcas seed cake and to elucidate the molecular structures of the antioxidants. Seed cake was first processed into crude protein isolate and the protein was hydrolyzed by Neutrase. The hydrolysate obtained from 1 h of Neutrase hydrolysis showed the strongest antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). After a purification series of protein hydrolysate by liquid chromatography, chemicals acting as DPPH radical inhibitors were found to be a mixture of fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, and a small amount of peptides characterized by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Chemical compositions, chromatographic fingerprints and antioxidant activities of Andrographis Herba.

PubMed

Zhao, Yang; Kao, Chun-Pin; Wu, Kun-Chang; Liao, Chi-Ren; Ho, Yu-Ling; Chang, Yuan-Shiun

2014-11-10

This paper describes the development of an HPLC-UV-MS method for quantitative determination of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide in Andrographis Herba and establishment of its chromatographic fingerprint. The method was validated for linearity, limit of detection and quantification, inter- and intra-day precisions, repeatability, stability and recovery. All the validation results of quantitative determination and fingerprinting methods were satisfactory. The developed method was then applied to assay the contents of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide and to acquire the fingerprints of all the collected Andrographis Herba samples. Furthermore, similarity analysis and principal component analysis were used to reveal the similarities and differences between the samples on the basis of the characteristic peaks. More importantly, the DPPH free radical-scavenging and ferric reducing capacities of the Andrographis Herba samples were assayed. By bivariate correlation analysis, we found that six compounds are positively correlated to DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing capacities, and four compounds are negatively correlated to DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing capacities.

Simplification of the DPPH assay for estimating the antioxidant activity of wine and wine by-products.

PubMed

Carmona-Jiménez, Yolanda; García-Moreno, M Valme; Igartuburu, Jose M; Garcia Barroso, Carmelo

2014-12-15

The DPPH assay is one of the most commonly employed methods for measuring antioxidant activity. Even though this method is considered very simple and efficient, it does present various limitations which make it complicated to perform. The range of linearity between the DPPH inhibition percentage and sample concentration has been studied with a view to simplifying the method for characterising samples of wine origin. It has been concluded that all the samples are linear in a range of inhibition below 40%, which allows the analysis to be simplified. A new parameter more appropriate for the simplification, the EC20, has been proposed to express the assay results. Additionally, the reaction time was analysed with the object of avoiding the need for kinetic studies in the method. The simplifications considered offer a more functional method, without significant errors, which could be used for routine analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Red/Green Currant and Sea Buckthorn Berry Press Residues as Potential Sources of Antioxidants for Food Use.

PubMed

Puganen, Anna; Kallio, Heikki P; Schaich, Karen M; Suomela, Jukka-Pekka; Yang, Baoru

2018-04-04

The potential for using extracts of press residues from black, green, red, and white currants and from sea buckthorn berries as sources of antioxidants for foods use was investigated. Press residues were extracted with ethanol in four consecutive extractions, and total Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) reactive material and authentic phenolic compounds were determined. Radical quenching capability and mechanisms were determined from total peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant capacity (TRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays and from diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) kinetics, respectively; specific activities were normalized to F-C reactive concentrations. Levels of total F-C reactive materials in press residue extracts were higher than in many fruits and showed significant radical quenching activity. Black currant had the highest authentic phenol content and ORAC, TRAP, and DPPH reactivity. Sea buckthorn grown in northern Finland showed extremely high total specific DPPH reactivity. These results suggest that berry press residues offer attractive value-added products that can provide antioxidants for use in stabilizing and fortifying foods.

A comparative assessment of antioxidant properties, total phenolic content of einkorn, wheat, barley and their malts.

PubMed

Fogarasi, Attila-Levente; Kun, Szilárd; Tankó, Gabriella; Stefanovits-Bányai, Eva; Hegyesné-Vecseri, Beáta

2015-01-15

Two einkorn wheat, one barley, three optional winter cultivation wheat and five winter cultivation wheat samples harvested in Hungary in 2011, and their malts were evaluated for their DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation scavenging activity, ferric reduction capacity (FRAP) and total phenolic content (TPC). All einkorn and barley samples exhibited significant antioxidant activities determined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. The einkorn samples show higher polyphenol content than the other wheat samples. In all cases the barley sample had the highest antioxidant potential and polyphenol content. The einkorn malts had high DPPH and ABTS radical cation scavenging activities, but the phenolic content was lower against wheat samples. There was significant difference between the antioxidant potential of optional and winter cultivation wheat samples except on ABTS scavenging activities. Einkorn wheat is potentially a new raw material to produce organic beer that might have beneficial effects with its increased antioxidant potential. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies on the self-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation, characterization, DPPH radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity, and molecular properties of 5-arylidene-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones using single crystal XRD and DFT techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh Kumar, G. S.; Antony Muthu Prabhu, A.; Bhuvanesh, N.

2014-10-01

We have studied the self-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation, spectral characterization, DPPH radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity, and molecular properties of 5-arylidene-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones using single crystal XRD and DFT techniques. In the absence of any catalyst, a series of novel 5-arylidene-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones were synthesized using Meldrum’s acid and formylphenoxyaliphatic acid(s) in water. These molecules are arranged in the dimer form through intermolecular H-bonding in the single crystal XRD structure. Compounds have better DPPH radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity against A431 cancer cell line. The optimized molecular structure, natural bond orbital analysis, electrostatic potential map, HOMO-LUMO energies, molecular properties, and atomic charges of these molecules have been studied by performing DFT/B3LYP/3-21G(*) level of theory in gas phase.

Studies on the antioxidant activities of natural vanilla extract and its constituent compounds through in vitro models.

PubMed

Shyamala, B N; Naidu, M Madhava; Sulochanamma, G; Srinivas, P

2007-09-19

Vanilla extract was prepared by extraction of cured vanilla beans with aqueous ethyl alcohol (60%). The extract was profiled by HPLC, wherein major compounds, viz., vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin, could be identified and separated. Extract and pure standard compounds were screened for antioxidant activity using beta-carotene-linoleate and DPPH in vitro model systems. At a concentration of 200 ppm, the extract showed 26% and 43% of antioxidant activity by beta-carotene-linoleate and DPPH methods, respectively, in comparison to corresponding values of 93% and 92% for BHA. Interestingly, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol exhibited antioxidant activity of 65% and 45% by beta-carotene-linoleate method and 90% and 50% by DPPH methods, respectively. In contrast, pure vanillin exhibited much lower antioxidant activity. The present study points toward the potential use of vanilla extract components as antioxidants for food preservation and in health supplements as nutraceuticals.

Antioxidant Properties of Crude Extract, Partition Extract, and Fermented Medium of Dendrobium sabin Flower

PubMed Central

Abu, Farahziela; Mohd Akhir, Sobri

2017-01-01

Antioxidant properties of crude extract, partition extract, and fermented medium from Dendrobium sabin (DS) flower were investigated. The oven-dried DS flower was extracted using 100% methanol (w/v), 100% ethanol (w/v), and 100% water (w/v). The 100% methanolic crude extract showed the highest total phenolic content (40.33 ± mg GAE/g extract) and the best antioxidant properties as shown by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. A correlation relationship between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content showed that phenolic compounds were the dominant antioxidant components in this flower extract. The microbial fermentation on DS flower medium showed a potential in increasing the phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity. The TPC of final fermented medium showed approximately 18% increment, while the DPPH of fermented medium increased significantly to approximately 80% at the end of the fermentation. Dendrobium sabin (DS) flower showed very good potential properties of antioxidant in crude extract and partition extract as well as better antioxidant activity in the flower fermented medium. PMID:28761496

Contributions of phenolics and added vitamin C to the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate and grape juices: synergism and antagonism among constituents†

PubMed Central

Bolling, Bradley W.; Chen, Ya-Yen; Chen, C-Y. Oliver

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of sugar, organic acid, neutral phenol, and anthocyanin fractions and added ascorbic acid to grape and pomegranate-nectarine juice total phenol, ORAC, FRAP, and DPPH values. Neutral phenol and anthocyanin fractions contributed ≥75% of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) for both juices. Intrinsic synergy and antagonism among the fractionated constituents occurred inconsistently in each assay. Sugars and organic acids antagonized pomegranate juice neutral phenols and anthocyanins in the DPPH assay by 50% and the grape juice ORAC value by 21%, but were synergistic to the grape juice FRAP value. The added ascorbic acid was dose-dependently synergistic with pomegranate and grape juice total phenol, DPPH, and FRAP assays, but less so in the ORAC assay. Thus, the interactions between grape and pomegranate juice constituents determine TAC and total phenol values, and synergy in these assays could not be attributed solely to polyphenols. PMID:24187439

2,4,6-Trichlorophenylhydrazine Schiff bases as DPPH radical and super oxide anion scavengers.

PubMed

Khan, Khalid Mohammed; Shah, Zarbad; Ahmad, Viqar Uddin; Khan, Momin; Taha, Muhammad; Rahim, Fazal; Ali, Sajjad; Ambreen, Nida; Perveen, Shahnaz; Choudhary, M Iqbal; Voelter, Wolfgang

2012-05-01

Syntheses of thirty 2,4,6-trichlorophenylhydrazine Schiff bases 1-30 were carried out and evaluated for their in vitro DPPH radical and super oxide anion scavenging activities. Compounds 1-30 have shown a varying degree of DPPH radical scavenging activity and their IC50 values range between 4.05-369.30 µM. The compounds 17, 28, 18, 14, 8, 15, 12, 2, 29, and 7 exhibited IC50 values ranging between 4.05±0.06-24.42±0.86 µM which are superior to standard n-propylgallate (IC50=30.12±0.27 µM). Selected compounds have shown a varying degree of superoxide anion radical scavenger activity and their IC50 values range between 91.23-406.90 µM. The compounds 28, 8, 17, 15, and 14, showed IC50 values between 91.23±1.2-105.31±2.29 µM which are superior to standard n-propylgallate (IC50=106.34±1.6 µM).

mtDNA recombination in a natural population.

PubMed

Saville, B J; Kohli, Y; Anderson, J B

1998-02-03

Variation in mtDNA has been used extensively to draw inferences in phylogenetics and population biology. In the majority of eukaryotes investigated, transmission of mtDNA is uniparental and clonal, with genotypic diversity arising from mutation alone. In other eukaryotes, the transmission of mtDNA is biparental or primarily uniparental with the possibility of "leakage" from the minority parent. In these cases, heteroplasmy carries the potential for recombination between mtDNAs of different descent. In fungi, such mtDNA recombination has long been documented but only in laboratory experiments and only under conditions in which heteroplasmy is ensured. Despite this experimental evidence, mtDNA recombination has not been to our knowledge documented in a natural population. Because evidence from natural populations is prerequisite to understanding the evolutionary impact of mtDNA recombination, we investigated the possibility of mtDNA recombination in an organism with the demonstrated potential for heteroplasmy in laboratory matings. Using nucleotide sequence data, we report here that the genotypic structure of mtDNA in a natural population of the basidiomycete fungus Armillaria gallica is inconsistent with purely clonal mtDNA evolution and is fully consistent with mtDNA recombination.

Characterization and expression of a metallothionein gene in the aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides under heavy metal stress.

PubMed

Schor-Fumbarov, Tamar; Goldsbrough, Peter B; Adam, Zach; Tel-Or, Elisha

2005-12-01

A cDNA encoding a type 2 metallothionein (MT) was isolated from Azolla filiculoides, termed AzMT2, accession no. AF482470. The AzMT2 transcript was expressed in sterile A. filiculoides that were free of the cyanobiont Anabaena azollae after erythromycin treatment, proving that AzMT2 is encoded by the fern genome. AzMT2 RNA expression was enhanced by the addition of Cd(+2), Cu(+2), Zn(+2) and Ni(+2) to the growth medium. The transcript level of AzMT2 correlated with the metal content in the plants. Temporal analysis of AzMT2 expression demonstrated that Cd(2+) and Ni(2+) induction of AzMT2 RNA expression occurred within 48 h. AzMT2-enhanced expression responded more intensely to the toxic Cd and Ni ions in A. filiculoides suggesting that AzMT2 may participate in detoxification mechanism. The more moderate response of AzMT2 to Zn and Cu ions, which are essential micronutrients, suggest a role for AzMT2 in metal homeostasis.

Metallothionein blocks oxidative DNA damage induced by acute inorganic arsenic exposure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qu, Wei, E-mail: qu@niehs.nih.gov; Waalkes, Michael P.

We studied how protein metallothionein (MT) impacts arsenic-induced oxidative DNA damage (ODD) using cells that poorly express MT (MT-I/II double knockout embryonic cells; called MT-null cells) and wild-type (WT) MT competent cells. Arsenic (as NaAsO{sub 2}) was less cytolethal over 24 h in WT cells (LC{sub 50} = 11.0 ± 1.3 μM; mean ± SEM) than in MT-null cells (LC{sub 50} = 5.6 ± 1.2 μM). ODD was measured by the immuno-spin trapping method. Arsenic (1 or 5 μM; 24 h) induced much less ODD in WT cells (121% and 141% of control, respectively) than in MT-null cells (202% andmore » 260%). In WT cells arsenic caused concentration-dependent increases in MT expression (transcript and protein), and in the metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1), which is required to induce the MT gene. In contrast, basal MT levels were not detectable in MT-null cells and unaltered by arsenic exposure. Transfection of MT-I gene into the MT-null cells markedly reduced arsenic-induced ODD levels. The transport genes, Abcc1 and Abcc2 were increased by arsenic in WT cells but either showed no or very limited increases in MT-null cells. Arsenic caused increases in oxidant stress defense genes HO-1 and GSTα2 in both WT and MT-null cells, but to much higher levels in WT cells. WT cells appear more adept at activating metal transport systems and oxidant response genes, although the role of MT in these responses is unclear. Overall, MT protects against arsenic-induced ODD in MT competent cells by potential sequestration of scavenging oxidant radicals and/or arsenic. - Highlights: • Metallothionein blocks arsenic toxicity. • Metallothionein reduces arsenic-induced DNA damage. • Metallothionein may bind arsenic or radicals produced by arsenic.« less

Protective role of zinc against the neurotoxicity induced by exposure to cadmium during gestation and lactation periods on hippocampal volume of pups tested in early adulthood.

PubMed

Ben Mimouna, Safa; Chemek, Marouane; Boughammoura, Sana; Haouas, Zohra; Messaoudi, Imed

2018-05-03

The present study was conducted to assess the possible effect of cadmium (Cd) throughout gestation and lactation on the volume of the subregion of the hippocampus as well as the potential protective role of zinc (Zn) against Cd neurotoxicity. For this purpose, female rats received either tap water, Cd, Zn or Cd + Zn in their drinking water during gestation and lactation. At postnatal day 35 (PND35), the male pups were sacrificed, and their brains were taken for histologic, chemical, and biochemical analysis. Hippocampal volume was measured in histologic brain slices using Cavalieri's principle. Zn depletion was observed in the brains of pups issued from mothers exposed to Cd. Biochemical analysis further revealed that Cd exposure significantly increases the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as the metallothionein (MT) level. During histologic investigation, our results showed that gestational and lactational exposure to Cd significantly altered and decreased the volume of CA1, CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the dentate gyrus. However, there were no marked differences shown in CA2 subfield. Compared to Cd group, co-treatment with Cd and Zn provided correction of the changes induced by the Cd exposure. These results highlight the protective role of Zn against Cd-induced alteration in the hippocampus which is a crucial structure implicated in learning and memory processes.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of three common potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars in Iran

PubMed Central

Hesam, Faride; Balali, Gholam Reza; Tehrani, Reza Taheri

2012-01-01

Objectives: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), as a whole food, contains high levels of vitamins and important antioxidants including phenolic acids, carotenoids and flavonoids. The objective of this study was to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of three common potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars in Iran i.e., Savalan, Agria and Sante. Materials and Methods: Phenolic compound extraction of samples was done with methanol and total phenolic on the basis of folin-ciocalteu assay was estimated as 16.58 to 36.24 mg GAE/100g dry sample. The antioxidant activities of potato extracts on the basis of inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and DPPH assay were compared with a commercially available antioxidant, α -tocopherol. Results: Savalan had the highest phenolic content and the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with EC50 value of 41.815±mg/ml (DB). Also Savalan had the best inhibitory action against linoleic acid oxidation at 94.10±1.89% at 50 mg/ml sample concentration. Methanolic potato extracts had better antioxidant activity than α-tocopherol. Significant (p<0.01) negative correlation was observed between total phenolic content and the EC50 for DPPH radical scavenging activity(R=-0.877), but there was no correlation between total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Metanolic extracts of three potato cultivars are able to inhibit the oxidation process. The correlation between total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity indicates that phenolic compounds are responsible for antiradical activity. PMID:25050234

Effect of ultraviolet irradiation on free radical scavenging activity of immunosuppressants used in lung transplantation and comparative electron paramagnetic resonance study of kinetics of their interactions with model free radicals.

PubMed

Stanjek-Cichoracka, A; Żegleń, S; Ramos, P; Pilawa, B; Wojarski, J

2018-06-01

The immunosuppressive drugs used in solid organ transplantation or autoimmunological processes were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to estimate their free radical scavenging activity. The interactions of immunosuppressants with free radicals were examined by an X-band (9.3 GHz) EPR spectroscopy and a model of DPPH free radicals. The EPR spectra of DPPH and DPPH interacting with individual drugs were compared. Kinetic studies were performed, and the effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the free radical scavenging activity of the tested drugs was determined. The free radical scavenging activity of non-irradiated drugs decreased in the order: rapamycin > mycophenolate mofetil > ciclosporin > tacrolimus. UV irradiation increased the free radical scavenging activity of all the tested immunosuppressive drugs, and the effect was highest for tacrolimus. For the non-irradiated samples, the speed of free radical interactions decreased in the order: ciclosporin > tacrolimus > mycophenolate mofetil > rapamycin. UV irradiation only slightly affected the speed of interactions of the immunosuppressive drugs with the model DPPH free radicals. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is useful for obtaining information on interactions of immunosuppressive drugs with free radicals. We hypothesized that the long-term immunosuppressive effects of these drugs after transplantation or during autoimmune disorders may be mediated by anti-inflammatory action in addition to the known receptor/cell cycle inhibition. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Application of an online post-column derivatization HPLC-DPPH assay to detect compounds responsible for antioxidant activity in Sonchus oleraceus L. leaf extracts.

PubMed

Ou, Zong-Quan; Schmierer, David M; Rades, Thomas; Larsen, Lesley; McDowell, Arlene

2013-02-01

To use an online assay to identify key antioxidants in Sonchus oleraceus leaf extracts and to investigate the effect of leaf position and extraction conditions on antioxidant concentration and activity. Separation of phytochemicals and simultaneous assessment of antioxidant activity were performed online using HPLC and post-column reaction with a free-radical reagent (2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, DPPH). Active compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. We applied the online HPLC-DPPH radical assay to evaluate antioxidants in leaves from different positions on the plant and to assess the effect of pre-treatment of leaves with liquid N(2) before grinding, extraction time, extraction temperature and method of concentrating extracts. Key antioxidants identified in S. oleraceus leaf extracts were caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid and chicoric acid. Middle leaves contained the highest total amount of the three key antioxidant compounds, consisting mainly of chicoric acid. Pre-treatment with liquid N(2), increasing the extraction temperature and time and freeze-drying the extract did not enhance the yield of the key antioxidants. The online HPLC-DPPH radical assay was validated as a useful screening tool for investigating individual antioxidants in leaf extracts. Optimized extraction conditions were middle leaves pre-treated with liquid N(2), extraction at 25°C for 0.5 h and solvent removal by rotary evaporation. © 2012 The Authors. JPP © 2012. Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Pathogenic role of mtDNA duplications in mitochondrial diseases associated with mtDNA deletions.

PubMed

Odoardi, Francesca; Rana, Michele; Broccolini, Aldobrando; Mirabella, Massimiliano; Modoni, Anna; D'Amico, Adele; Papacci, Manuela; Tonali, Pietro; Servidei, Serenella; Silvestri, Gabriella

2003-04-30

We estimated the frequency of multiple mtDNA rearrangements by Southern blot in 32 patients affected by mitochondrial disorders associated with single deletions in order to assess genotype-phenotype correlations and elucidate the pathogenic significance of mtDNA duplications. Muscle in situ hybridization studies were performed in patients showing mtDNA duplications at Southern blot. We found multiple rearrangements in 12/32 (37.5%) patients; in particular, mtDNA duplications were detected in 4/4 Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS), in 1 Pearson's syndrome, in 1/3 encephalomyopathies with progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO), and in 2/23 PEO. In situ studies documented an exclusive accumulation of deleted mtDNAs in cytochrome c oxidase negative fibers of patients with mtDNA duplications. The presence of mtDNA duplications significantly correlated with onset of symptoms before age 15 and occurrence of clinical multisystem involvement. Analysis of biochemical data documented a predominant reduction of complex III in patients without duplications compared to patients with mtDNA duplications. Our data indicate that multiple mtDNA rearrangements are detectable in a considerable proportion of patients with single deletions and that mtDNA duplications do not cause any oxidative impairment. They more likely play a pathogenic role in the determination of clinical expression of mitochondrial diseases associated with single mtDNA deletions, possibly generating deleted mtDNAs in embryonic tissues by homologous recombination. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Continuation, south of Oaxaca City (southern Mexico) of the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary and of the Oaxaca Fault. Based in MT, gravity and magnetic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campos-Enriquez, J. O.; Corbo, F.; Arzate-Flores, J.; Belmonte-Jimenez, S.; Arango-Galván, C.

2010-12-01

The Oaxaca Fault represents Tertiary extensional reactivation of the Juarez shear zone constituting the boundary-suture between the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes (southern Mexico). South of Oaxaca City, the fault trace disappears and there are not clear evidences for its southward continuation at depth. The crust in southern México has been studied through seismic refraction, and seismological and magnetotelluric (MT) studies. The refraction studies did not image the Oaxaca Fault. However, previous regional MT studies suggest that the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary lies to the east of the Zaachila and Mitla sub-basins, which implies sinistral displacement along the Donaji Fault. Campos-Enriquez et al. (2009) established the shallow structure of the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary based in detailed gravity and magnetic studies. This study enabled: 1) to establish the shallow structure of the composite depression comprising three N-S sub-basins: the northern Etla and southern Zaachila sub-basins separated by the Atzompa sub-basin. According to the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary is displaced sinistrally ca. 20 km along the E-W Donají Fault, which defines the northern boundary of the Zaachila sub-basin. At the same time,, the Oaxaca Fault may either continue unbroken southwards along the western margin of a horst in the Zaachila sub-basin or be offset along with the terrane boundary. This model implies that originally the suture was continuous south of the Donaji Fault. A constraint for the accreation of the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes. Thirty MT soundings were done in the area of the Central Valleys, Oaxaca City (southern Mexico). In particular we wanted to image the possible southward continuation of the Oaxaca Fault. 22 Mt sounding are located along two NE-SW profiles to the northern and to the south of the City of Oaxaca. To the north of Oaxaca City, the electrical resistivity distribution obtained show a clear discontinuity across the superficial trace of the Oaxaca Fault that can be associated to the contact between the Oaxaca and Juarez terranes. The most conspicuous conductive feature is associated with the Juarez terrane, while the resistivity high observed to the SW of the northern profile is associated with the Oaxaca terrane. South of Oaxaca City (on the southern profile), the Oaxaca Fault is still observed but here it does not reach deep crustal levels. But contrastingly, a conspicuous resistivity low is observed dipping to the east and affecting crust at deep levels, that is being interpreted as the suture of the above mentioned terranes. Also the suture between the Oaxaca and Acatlan complexes (i.e., between the Oaxaca and Mixteco terranes) are also observed on the MT images. As a main result we have that the Oaxacan Complex continues eastward across the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary

Adjusting MtDNA Quantification in Whole Blood for Peripheral Blood Platelet and Leukocyte Counts.

PubMed

Hurtado-Roca, Yamilee; Ledesma, Marta; Gonzalez-Lazaro, Monica; Moreno-Loshuertos, Raquel; Fernandez-Silva, Patricio; Enriquez, Jose Antonio; Laclaustra, Martin

2016-01-01

Alterations of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in the blood (mitochondrial to nuclear DNA ratio) appear associated with several systemic diseases, including primary mitochondrial disorders, carcinogenesis, and hematologic diseases. Measuring mtDNAcn in DNA extracted from whole blood (WB) instead of from peripheral blood mononuclear cells or buffy coat may yield different results due to mitochondrial DNA present in platelets. The aim of this work is to quantify the contribution of platelets to mtDNAcn in whole blood [mtDNAcn(WB)] and to propose a correction formula to estimate leukocytes' mtDNAcn [mtDNAcn(L)] from mtDNAcn(WB). Blood samples from 10 healthy adults were combined with platelet-enriched plasma and saline solution to produce artificial blood preparations. Aliquots of each sample were combined with five different platelet concentrations. In 46 of these blood preparations, mtDNAcn was measured by qPCR. MtDNAcn(WB) increased 1.07 (95%CI 0.86, 1.29; p<0.001) per 1000 platelets present in the preparation. We proved that leukocyte count should also be taken into account as mtDNAcn(WB) was inversely associated with leukocyte count; it increased 1.10 (95%CI 0.95, 1.25, p<0.001) per unit increase of the ratio between platelet and leukocyte counts. If hematological measurements are available, subtracting 1.10 the platelets/leukocyte ratio from mtDNAcn(WB) may serve as an estimation for mtDNAcn(L). Both platelet and leukocyte counts in the sample are important sources of variation if comparing mtDNAcn among groups of patients when mtDNAcn is measured in DNA extracted from whole blood. Not taking the platelet/leukocyte ratio into account in whole blood measurements, may lead to overestimation and misclassification if interpreted as leukocytes' mtDNAcn.

Feasibility study of a combined treatment of electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation and mirror therapy in stroke patients: a randomized crossover trial.

PubMed

Kojima, Kosuke; Ikuno, Koki; Morii, Yuta; Tokuhisa, Kentaro; Morimoto, Shigeru; Shomoto, Koji

2014-01-01

Mirror therapy (MT) and electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (ETMS) are both effective treatments for impaired upper limbs following stroke. A combination of these two treatments (ETMS-MT) may result in greater gain than either treatment alone. The feasibility and possible effects of ETMS-MT upon upper extremity function were investigated in stroke patients. Thirteen post-acute stroke patients were randomly assigned to an immediate ETMS-MT group or a delayed ETMS-MT group and then underwent an 8-week training program. The immediate ETMS-MT group received ETMS-MT in addition to physical and occupational therapy (PT+OT) for 4 weeks. They then received only PT+OT for the next 4 weeks. In the delayed ETMS-MT group, interventions were provided in the reverse order. The main outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). The immediate ETMS-MT group showed significantly greater gain in FMA in the first 4 weeks. The delayed ETMS-MT group showed significantly greater gain in active range of motion during the latter 4 weeks. No adverse effects were reported following ETMS-MT. ETMS-MT might be as effective as independent MT or ETMS without causing any side effects. Future research should focus upon the direct comparisons between independent and combined interventions.

Genome sequence of two members of the chloroaromatic-degrading MT community: Pseudomonas reinekei MT1 and Achromobacter xylosoxidans MT3.

PubMed

Gutierrez-Urrutia, Izabook; Miossec, Matthieu J; Valenzuela, Sandro L; Meneses, Claudio; Dos Santos, Vitor A P Martins; Castro-Nallar, Eduardo; Poblete-Castro, Ignacio

2018-06-10

We describe the genome sequence of Pseudomonas reinekei MT1 and Achromobacter xylosoxidans MT3, the most abundant members of a bacterial community capable of degrading chloroaromatic compounds. The MT1 genome contains open reading frames encoding enzymes responsible for the catabolism of chlorosalicylate, methylsalicylate, chlorophenols, phenol, benzoate, p-coumarate, phenylalanine, and phenylacetate. On the other hand, the MT3 strain genome possesses no ORFs to metabolize chlorosalicylates; instead the bacterium is capable of metabolizing nitro-phenolic and phenolic compounds, which can be used as the only carbon and energy source by MT3. We also confirmed that MT3 displays the genetic machinery for the metabolism of chlorocathecols and chloromuconates, where the latter are toxic compounds secreted by MT1 when degrading chlorosalicylates. Altogether, this work will advance our fundamental understanding of bacterial interactions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of decolourized and partially purified polygalacturonase and α-amylase in apple juice clarification.

PubMed

Dey, Tapati Bhanja; Banerjee, Rintu

2014-01-01

Polygalacturonase and α-amylase play vital role in fruit juice industry. In the present study, polygalacturonase was produced by Aspergillus awamori Nakazawa MTCC 6652 utilizing apple pomace and mosambi orange (Citrus sinensis var mosambi) peels as solid substrate whereas, α-amylase was produced from A. oryzae (IFO-30103) using wheat bran by solid state fermentation (SSF) process. These carbohydrases were decolourized and purified 8.6-fold, 34.8-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively by activated charcoal powder in a single step with 65.1%, 69.8% and 60% recoveries, respectively. Apple juice was clarified by these decolourized and partially purified enzymes. In presence of 1% polygalacturonase from mosambi peels (9.87 U/mL) and 0.4% α-amylase (899 U/mL), maximum clarity (%T(660 nm) = 97.0%) of juice was attained after 2 h of incubation at 50 °C in presence of 10 mM CaCl2. Total phenolic content of juice was reduced by 19.8% after clarification, yet with slightly higher %DPPH radical scavenging property.

Comparative study of spasmolytic properties, antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Arbutus unedo from Montenegro and Greece.

PubMed

Pavlović, Dragana R; Branković, Suzana; Kovačević, Nada; Kitić, Dušanka; Veljković, Slavimir

2011-05-01

Arbutus unedo leaf is used traditionally for gastrointestinal complaints. Ethanol extracts from Arbutus unedo collected in both Montenegro (AuM) and Greece (AuG) were found to decrease the ileal basal tonus, with AuG producing a significantly higher (p < 0.05) reduction in contractile response to acetylcholine. AuM and AuG relaxed 80 mM K(+) induced contractions and shifted the Ca(++) concentration-response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil, suggesting that the spasmolytic effect was induced through calcium channel inhibition. The antioxidant activity of AuM and AuG and the phenolic content of the extracts and dry plant material were studied, and both extracts were found to possess considerable antioxidant properties. AuG showed a stronger in vitro antioxidative activity in the DPPH assay and in the TBA test. Polyphenol, tannin and flavonoid levels were higher in AuG, supporting the more potent spasmolytic and antioxidative effects, whereas the arbutin content was higher in dry plant material collected in Montenegro. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Application of decolourized and partially purified polygalacturonase and α-amylase in apple juice clarification

PubMed Central

Dey, Tapati Bhanja; Banerjee, Rintu

2014-01-01

Polygalacturonase and α-amylase play vital role in fruit juice industry. In the present study, polygalacturonase was produced by Aspergillus awamori Nakazawa MTCC 6652 utilizing apple pomace and mosambi orange (Citrus sinensis var mosambi) peels as solid substrate whereas, α-amylase was produced from A. oryzae (IFO-30103) using wheat bran by solid state fermentation (SSF) process. These carbohydrases were decolourized and purified 8.6-fold, 34.8-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively by activated charcoal powder in a single step with 65.1%, 69.8% and 60% recoveries, respectively. Apple juice was clarified by these decolourized and partially purified enzymes. In presence of 1% polygalacturonase from mosambi peels (9.87 U/mL) and 0.4% α-amylase (899 U/mL), maximum clarity (%T660nm = 97.0%) of juice was attained after 2 h of incubation at 50 °C in presence of 10 mM CaCl2. Total phenolic content of juice was reduced by 19.8% after clarification, yet with slightly higher %DPPH radical scavenging property. PMID:24948919

Combining afferent stimulation and mirror therapy for rehabilitating motor function, motor control, ambulation, and daily functions after stroke.

PubMed

Lin, Keh-chung; Huang, Pai-chuan; Chen, Yu-ting; Wu, Ching-yi; Huang, Wen-ling

2014-02-01

Mirror therapy (MT) and mesh glove (MG) afferent stimulation may be effective in reducing motor impairment after stroke. A hybrid intervention of MT combined with MG (MT + MG) may broaden aspects of treatment benefits. To demonstrate the comparative effects of MG + MT, MT, and a control treatment (CT) on the outcomes of motor impairments, manual dexterity, ambulation function, motor control, and daily function. Forty-three chronic stroke patients with mild to moderate upper extremity impairment were randomly assigned to receive MT + MG, MT, or CT for 1.5 hours/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and muscle tone measured by Myoton-3 for motor impairment and the Box and Block Test (BBT) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10 MWT) for motor function. Secondary outcomes included kinematic parameters for motor control and the Motor Activity Log and ABILHAND Questionnaire for daily function. FMA total scores were significantly higher and synergistic shoulder abduction during reach was less in the MT + MG and MT groups compared with the CT group. Performance on the BBT and the 10 MWT (velocity and stride length in self-paced task and velocity in as-quickly-as-possible task) were improved after MT + MG compared with MT. MT + MG improved manual dexterity and ambulation. MT + MG and MT reduced motor impairment and synergistic shoulder abduction more than CT. Future studies may integrate functional task practice into treatments to enhance functional outcomes in patients with various levels of motor severity. The long-term effects of MG + MT remain to be evaluated.

Metallothionein turnover in mammalian cell lines: implications in drug resistance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Monia, B.P.; Butt, T.R.; Ecker, D.J.

1986-05-01

Metallothioneins (MT) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins believed to participate in metal detoxification. A wide variety of cells in culture have been shown to accumulate MT in response to metal administration. These metal-induced increases in MT levels result from an increased rate of MT gene transcription, MT mRNA accumulation, and MT synthesis. Turnover of Cd-, Zn- and Au-induced MT was studied in a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line which was resistant to Cd and the Au-containing drug Auranofin (AF). Cd, Zn and Au were potent inducers of MT mRNA and accumulated approximately equal amounts of mRNA under themore » conditions employed in this study. Pulse-chase studies utilizing (/sup 35/S)cysteine revealed that the half-life of Au-, Zn- and Cd-induced MT was 0.75, 10 and 24 hrs. respectively. The reported differences in the tertiary structure of Au-MT from that of Cd-MT lead us to propose that the differences in half-lives observed reflect differences in subceptibility to intracellular proteolysis, which in turn, may effect the ability of MT to confer resistance to various metals.« less

Multi scale modeling of 2450MHz electric field effects on microtubule mechanical properties.

PubMed

Setayandeh, S S; Lohrasebi, A

2016-11-01

Microtubule (MT) rigidity and response to 2450MHz electric fields were investigated, via multi scale modeling approach. For this purpose, six systems were designed and simulated to consider all types of feasible interactions between α and β monomers in MT, by using all atom molecular dynamics method. Subsequently, coarse grain modeling was used to design different lengths of MT. Investigation of effects of external 2450MHz electric field on MT showed MT less rigidity in the presence of such field, which may perturb its functions. Moreover, an additional computational setup was designed to study effects of 2450MHz field on MT response to AFM tip. It was found, more tip velocity led to MT faster transformation and less time was required to change MT elastic response to plastic one, applying constant radius. Moreover it was observed smaller tip caused to increase required time to change MT elastic response to plastic one, considering constant velocity. Furthermore, exposing MT to 2450MHz field led to no significant changes in MT response to AFM tip, but quick change in MT elastic response to plastic one. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluating use and outcomes of mobility technology: a multiple stakeholder analysis.

PubMed

Hammel, Joy; Southall, Kenneth; Jutai, Jeffrey; Finlayson, Marcia; Kashindi, Gabriel; Fok, Daniel

2013-07-01

This qualitative, multi-site study compared and contrasted the outcomes of mobility technology (MT) and the factors influencing these outcomes from the perspective of MT users, caregivers, and professionals involved in MT service delivery. Qualitative focus groups were held in the USA and Canada with multiple stakeholder groups (consumer: n = 45, caregiver: n = 10, service provider: n = 10). Data were analyzed thematically. MT outcomes were conceptualized by participants as a match between expectations for MT and the actual outcomes experienced. Several factors influenced the match including a) MT features, b) environmental factors (e.g. built/physical environment, societal context of acceptance, MT delivery systems/policies), and c) the ability to self-manage the interaction across person, technology and environment, which involved constant negotiation and strategizing. Stakeholders identified MT outcomes that corresponded to ICF levels including body structure and function, activity, and participation across environments; however, varied on their importance and influence on MT impact. The conceptual fit model and factors related to self-management of MT represent new knowledge and provide a framework for stakeholder-based evaluation of MT outcomes. Implications for MT assessment, service delivery, outcomes research, and interventions are discussed.

Deoxynucleoside salvage enzymes and tissue specific mitochondrial DNA depletion.

PubMed

Wang, L

2010-06-01

Adequate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies are required for normal mitochondria function and reductions in mtDNA copy number due to genetic alterations cause tissue-specific mtDNA depletion syndrome (MDS). There are eight nuclear genes, directly or indirectly involved in mtDNA replication and mtDNA precursor synthesis, which have been identified as the cause of MDS. However, the tissue specific pathology of these nuclear gene mutations is not well understood. Here, mtDNA synthesis, mtDNA copy number control, and mtDNA turnover, as well as the synthesis of mtDNA precursors in relation to the levels of salvage enzymes are discussed. The question why MDS caused by TK2 and p53R2 mutations are predominantly muscle specific while dGK deficiency affected mainly liver will be addressed.

Advanced Contract Administration. First Week

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-14

34 ... ... ...... V =3’ -/ -- /........... A- z : I "LU I- I 0~i L-U 0-. I- > C c *t 71. w* a~ 74 9- 2: 0 3l 43 V ) X 04 P,4 0:,3 1.3. I 0.1 t4.1 IA -6 App A...caI ci cc JD = -2 Mt E; C.3c - - CC- C: LIC a ~ LDU cc LLJC- L I 8 000 A-9I I..P CP 1144 04 ~ of Lii- wYlz u4 41.4 v CD LL f lI LL I rti.--Du u 0 ~ in...of Costs, Public Vouchers 2 Amended Shipping Instructions (ASIs) 2 Anticipated or Actual Late Delivery or Performance 3 Assignment of Claims 3 Audit

Gateway to Care Management Analysis Series. Department of Army Health Services Command, Champus Catastrophic Payments for First Quarter, Fiscal Year 1993. Gateway Catchment Areas

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-26

CDU *~ IA C, Mt ac ca~ ;-§ = WEBS ~ 2WW -J OWO W W w U .41w 991o 2. Z 9. .J4NUIW fu -W gW atZ W ~~4 uu U~jW * WO W~I WI u at N. 0 0 W W 43I M c MCW4 - IA...t Z --w A -~ 4 -ti LUW C- o.nfl$I-V Pd . - K ~~~s- 5o. In U N U, I.-W cB w o S. -.-Bg a U I N N E % J N*B 0 u ra wz -It- ! - %n .~ *4- De IW. WIx -C

Magnetic properties of electrospun non-woven superconducting fabrics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koblischka, Michael R.; Zeng, Xian Lin; Karwoth, Thomas

2016-03-15

Non-woven superconducting fabrics were prepared by the electrospinning technique, consisting of Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCuO{sub 8} (Bi-2212) nanowires. The individual nanowires have a diameter of ∼150-200 nm and lengths of up to 100 μm. A non-woven fabric forming a network with a large number of interconnects results, which enables the flow of transport currents through the entire network. We present here magnetization data [M(T) and M(H)-loops] of this new class of superconducting material. The magnetic properties of these nanowire networks are discussed including the irreversibility line and effects of different field sweep rates, regarding the microstructure of the nanowire networks investigatedmore » by electron microscopy.« less

Analysis of Strain Dependent Damping in Materials via Modeling of Material Point Hysteresis

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-07-01

Read input quantities fromi input files. C RBAD(9:5STIi’LE RM(q.A)-)’)SY READ (9, -’(X)’-) RP.AD(9,’jA) ’)SN RFPD(9, ’(A)’ ) SALP 5 FOR.%MT(A) REA" (9...IBSN,IESK) CALL ShLRLN( SALP , IBSAL?, IESALP?) CALL SThLEN( BA, ThSA, IESA) CALL STRLEN(SYT,ZBSFT,J:ESFT) CA*LL STRLEN (Sa~l, IBSARI, IMSAM~) CALL STRI2N...CHAP.ACTER-󈨊 TITLE,SYS,SG,SN, SALP ,SGO,SGP,SA,SI’T CU1RXCT2R- ( ) SARI, SAýR2 ,SAR3, SAR4, SARS, SARI, SAR7,SARP PARAMETER (SARl-’g0-’) PARAMETPR (SAR2""Ys

The mitochondrial genome of Moniliophthora roreri, the frosty pod rot pathogen of cacao.

PubMed

Costa, Gustavo G L; Cabrera, Odalys G; Tiburcio, Ricardo A; Medrano, Francisco J; Carazzolle, Marcelo F; Thomazella, Daniela P T; Schuster, Stephen C; Carlson, John E; Guiltinan, Mark J; Bailey, Bryan A; Mieczkowski, Piotr; Pereira, Gonçalo A G; Meinhardt, Lyndel W

2012-05-01

In this study, we report the sequence of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of the Basidiomycete fungus Moniliophthora roreri, which is the etiologic agent of frosty pod rot of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). We also compare it to the mtDNA from the closely-related species Moniliophthora perniciosa, which causes witches' broom disease of cacao. The 94 Kb mtDNA genome of M. roreri has a circular topology and codes for the typical 14 mt genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. It also codes for both rRNA genes, a ribosomal protein subunit, 13 intronic open reading frames (ORFs), and a full complement of 27 tRNA genes. The conserved genes of M. roreri mtDNA are completely syntenic with homologous genes of the 109 Kb mtDNA of M. perniciosa. As in M. perniciosa, M. roreri mtDNA contains a high number of hypothetical ORFs (28), a remarkable feature that make Moniliophthoras the largest reservoir of hypothetical ORFs among sequenced fungal mtDNA. Additionally, the mt genome of M. roreri has three free invertron-like linear mt plasmids, one of which is very similar to that previously described as integrated into the main M. perniciosa mtDNA molecule. Moniliophthora roreri mtDNA also has a region of suspected plasmid origin containing 15 hypothetical ORFs distributed in both strands. One of these ORFs is similar to an ORF in the mtDNA gene encoding DNA polymerase in Pleurotus ostreatus. The comparison to M. perniciosa showed that the 15 Kb difference in mtDNA sizes is mainly attributed to a lower abundance of repetitive regions in M. roreri (5.8 Kb vs 20.7 Kb). The most notable differences between M. roreri and M. perniciosa mtDNA are attributed to repeats and regions of plasmid origin. These elements might have contributed to the rapid evolution of mtDNA. Since M. roreri is the second species of the genus Moniliophthora whose mtDNA genome has been sequenced, the data presented here contribute valuable information for understanding the evolution of fungal mt genomes among closely-related species. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expression of metallothionein protein in the lungs of Wistar rats and C57 and DBA mice exposed to cadmium oxide fumes.

PubMed

McKenna, I M; Gordon, T; Chen, L C; Anver, M R; Waalkes, M P

1998-12-01

Chronic exposure to inhaled cadmium (Cd) has been shown to induce lung tumors in rats (Wistar strain) but not in mice (NMRI strain). The protein metallothionein (MT) plays an important role in Cd detoxification, and it has been suggested that differential inducibility of pulmonary MT may lead to interspecies susceptibility differences to inhaled Cd. Interstrain differences in the pulmonary response of the MT gene to Cd stimuli have not been examined in rats or mice. We compared pulmonary MT expression in Wistar Furth (WF) rats with that in DBA and C57 mice, following a single 3-h exposure to CdO fumes containing 1 mg Cd/m3. Induction of the MT gene was assessed by the levels of MT-I and MT-II transcripts, MT-protein content, and number of MT-labeled alveolar and bronchiolar epithelial cells immediately after Cd exposure and 1, 3, and 5 days later. Control animals were exposed to air/argon furnace gases. We observed differential intra- and interspecies inducibility of the MT gene in the lung following Cd inhalation. DBA mice exhibited greater levels of MT-mRNA, mainly for the MT-I isoform, MT-protein content, and number of MT positive cells relative to C57 mice. WF rats showed lower transcription and translation responses of the MT gene upon Cd stimuli than C57 mice. The present results, in concert with our previous findings of higher lung cell proliferation in Cd-exposed C57 relative to DBA mice, predict greater susceptibility of C57 to the carcinogenic effects of inhaled Cd. Furthermore, the low transcriptional and translation responses of the MT gene to Cd stimuli in WF rats might explain the higher susceptibility of this rat strain to develop malignant lung tumors after chronic exposure to Cd via inhalation. Parallel to our findings in mice, differences in the responsiveness of lung MT gene may exist across rat strains. Thus intraspecies genetic variability in pulmonary MT may influence the susceptibility of rats or mice to lung carcinogenesis induced by inhalation of Cd compounds. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Transcription profiling suggests that mitochondrial topoisomerase IB acts as a topological barrier and regulator of mitochondrial DNA transcription.

PubMed

Dalla Rosa, Ilaria; Zhang, Hongliang; Khiati, Salim; Wu, Xiaolin; Pommier, Yves

2017-12-08

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is essential for cell viability because it encodes subunits of the respiratory chain complexes. Mitochondrial topoisomerase IB (TOP1MT) facilitates mtDNA replication by removing DNA topological tensions produced during mtDNA transcription, but it appears to be dispensable. To test whether cells lacking TOP1MT have aberrant mtDNA transcription, we performed mitochondrial transcriptome profiling. To that end, we designed and implemented a customized tiling array, which enabled genome-wide, strand-specific, and simultaneous detection of all mitochondrial transcripts. Our technique revealed that Top1mt KO mouse cells process the mitochondrial transcripts normally but that protein-coding mitochondrial transcripts are elevated. Moreover, we found discrete long noncoding RNAs produced by H-strand transcription and encompassing the noncoding regulatory region of mtDNA in human and murine cells and tissues. Of note, these noncoding RNAs were strongly up-regulated in the absence of TOP1MT. In contrast, 7S DNA, produced by mtDNA replication, was reduced in the Top1mt KO cells. We propose that the long noncoding RNA species in the D-loop region are generated by the extension of H-strand transcripts beyond their canonical stop site and that TOP1MT acts as a topological barrier and regulator for mtDNA transcription and D-loop formation.

Mirror-Touch Synaesthesia Is Not Associated with Heightened Empathy, and Can Occur with Autism

PubMed Central

Baron-Cohen, Simon; Robson, Emma; Lai, Meng-Chuan; Allison, Carrie

2016-01-01

Research has linked Mirror-Touch (MT) synaesthesia with enhanced empathy. We test the largest sample of MT synaesthetes to date to examine two claims that have been previously made: that MT synaesthetes (1) have superior empathy; and (2) only ever experience their MT synaesthesia in response to viewing a person being touched. Given that autism has been suggested to involve deficits in cognitive empathy, we also test two predictions: that MT synaesthetes should (3) be less likely than general population individuals without MT synaesthesia to have an autism spectrum condition (ASC), if MT is characterized by superior empathy; and (4) have fewer autistic traits. We selected three groups: a pure MT synaesthesia group (N = 46), a pure grapheme-colour (GC) synaesthesia group (N = 36), and a typical control group without synaesthesia (N = 46). Participants took three measures of empathy and one measure of autistic traits. MT synaesthetes did not show enhanced empathy. In addition, 30% of all MT synaesthetes recruited into this study (N = 135) reported also having ASC, and MT synaesthetes showed higher autistic trait scores than controls. Finally, some MT experiences were reported in response to viewing objects being touched. Our findings dispute the views that MT synaesthesia is linked with enhanced empathy, is less likely to occur with ASC or elevated autistic traits, and is specific to seeing a person being touched. PMID:27490947

Mirror-Touch Synaesthesia Is Not Associated with Heightened Empathy, and Can Occur with Autism.

PubMed

Baron-Cohen, Simon; Robson, Emma; Lai, Meng-Chuan; Allison, Carrie

2016-01-01

Research has linked Mirror-Touch (MT) synaesthesia with enhanced empathy. We test the largest sample of MT synaesthetes to date to examine two claims that have been previously made: that MT synaesthetes (1) have superior empathy; and (2) only ever experience their MT synaesthesia in response to viewing a person being touched. Given that autism has been suggested to involve deficits in cognitive empathy, we also test two predictions: that MT synaesthetes should (3) be less likely than general population individuals without MT synaesthesia to have an autism spectrum condition (ASC), if MT is characterized by superior empathy; and (4) have fewer autistic traits. We selected three groups: a pure MT synaesthesia group (N = 46), a pure grapheme-colour (GC) synaesthesia group (N = 36), and a typical control group without synaesthesia (N = 46). Participants took three measures of empathy and one measure of autistic traits. MT synaesthetes did not show enhanced empathy. In addition, 30% of all MT synaesthetes recruited into this study (N = 135) reported also having ASC, and MT synaesthetes showed higher autistic trait scores than controls. Finally, some MT experiences were reported in response to viewing objects being touched. Our findings dispute the views that MT synaesthesia is linked with enhanced empathy, is less likely to occur with ASC or elevated autistic traits, and is specific to seeing a person being touched.

Retroviral gene transfer of an antisense construct against membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase reduces the invasiveness of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

PubMed

Rutkauskaite, Edita; Volkmer, Dagmar; Shigeyama, Yukio; Schedel, Jörg; Pap, Geza; Müller-Ladner, Ulf; Meinecke, Ingmar; Alexander, Dorothea; Gay, Renate E; Drynda, Susanne; Neumann, Wolfram; Michel, Beat A; Aicher, Wilhelm K; Gay, Steffen; Pap, Thomas

2005-07-01

Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is expressed prominently in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs), but the specific contribution of MT1-MMP to fibroblast-mediated destruction of articular cartilage is incompletely understood. This study used gene transfer of an antisense expression construct to assess the effects of MT1-MMP inhibition on the invasiveness of RASFs. Retroviral gene transfer of a pLXIN vector-based antisense RNA expression construct (MT1-MMPalphaS) to MT1-MMP was used to stably transduce RASFs. Levels of MT1-MMP RNA and protein were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry in MT1-MMPalphaS-transduced RASFs as well as in control cells, with monitoring for 60 days. The effects of MT1-MMPalphaS on the invasiveness of RASFs were analyzed in the SCID mouse co-implantation model of RA. MT1-MMPalphaS-transduced RASFs produced high levels of antisense RNA that exceeded endogenous levels of MT1-MMP messenger RNA by 15-fold and resulted in a down-regulation of MT1-MMP at the protein level. Inhibition of MT1-MMP production was maintained for 60 days and significantly reduced the invasiveness of RASFs in the SCID mouse model. Whereas prominent invasion into cartilage by non-transduced and mock-transduced RASFs was observed (mean invasion scores 3.0 and 3.1, respectively), MT1-MMPalphaS-transduced cells showed only moderate invasiveness (mean invasion score 1.8; P < 0.05). The data demonstrate that an antisense RNA expression construct against MT1-MMP can be generated and expressed in RASFs for at least 60 days. Inhibition of MT1-MMP significantly reduces the cartilage degradation by RASFs.

Barley Metallothioneins: MT3 and MT4 Are Localized in the Grain Aleurone Layer and Show Differential Zinc Binding1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Hegelund, Josefine Nymark; Schiller, Michaela; Kichey, Thomas; Hansen, Thomas Hesselhøj; Pedas, Pai; Husted, Søren; Schjoerring, Jan Kofod

2012-01-01

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich proteins believed to play a role in cytosolic zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) homeostasis. However, evidence for the functional properties of MTs has been hampered by methodological problems in the isolation and characterization of the proteins. Here, we document that barley (Hordeum vulgare) MT3 and MT4 proteins exist in planta and that they differ in tissue localization as well as in metal coordination chemistry. Combined transcriptional and histological analyses showed temporal and spatial correlations between transcript levels and protein abundance during grain development. MT3 was present in tissues of both maternal and filial origin throughout grain filling. In contrast, MT4 was confined to the embryo and aleurone layer, where it appeared during tissue specialization and remained until maturity. Using state-of-the-art speciation analysis by size-exclusion chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry on recombinant MT3 and MT4, their specificity and capacity for metal ion binding were quantified, showing a strong preferential Zn binding relative to Cu and cadmium (Cd) in MT4, which was not the case for MT3. When complementary DNAs from barley MTs were expressed in Cu- or Cd-sensitive yeast mutants, MT3 provided a much stronger complementation than did MT4. We conclude that MT3 may play a housekeeping role in metal homeostasis, while MT4 may function in Zn storage in developing and mature grains. The localization of MT4 and its discrimination against Cd make it an ideal candidate for future biofortification strategies directed toward increasing food and feed Zn concentrations. PMID:22582132

Barley metallothioneins: MT3 and MT4 are localized in the grain aleurone layer and show differential zinc binding.

PubMed

Hegelund, Josefine Nymark; Schiller, Michaela; Kichey, Thomas; Hansen, Thomas Hesselhøj; Pedas, Pai; Husted, Søren; Schjoerring, Jan Kofod

2012-07-01

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich proteins believed to play a role in cytosolic zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) homeostasis. However, evidence for the functional properties of MTs has been hampered by methodological problems in the isolation and characterization of the proteins. Here, we document that barley (Hordeum vulgare) MT3 and MT4 proteins exist in planta and that they differ in tissue localization as well as in metal coordination chemistry. Combined transcriptional and histological analyses showed temporal and spatial correlations between transcript levels and protein abundance during grain development. MT3 was present in tissues of both maternal and filial origin throughout grain filling. In contrast, MT4 was confined to the embryo and aleurone layer, where it appeared during tissue specialization and remained until maturity. Using state-of-the-art speciation analysis by size-exclusion chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry on recombinant MT3 and MT4, their specificity and capacity for metal ion binding were quantified, showing a strong preferential Zn binding relative to Cu and cadmium (Cd) in MT4, which was not the case for MT3. When complementary DNAs from barley MTs were expressed in Cu- or Cd-sensitive yeast mutants, MT3 provided a much stronger complementation than did MT4. We conclude that MT3 may play a housekeeping role in metal homeostasis, while MT4 may function in Zn storage in developing and mature grains. The localization of MT4 and its discrimination against Cd make it an ideal candidate for future biofortification strategies directed toward increasing food and feed Zn concentrations.

Association of metallothionein-III with oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions in multiple system atrophy.

PubMed

Pountney, D L; Dickson, T C; Power, J H T; Vickers, J C; West, A J; Gai, W P

2011-01-01

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterised by Parkinsonian and autonomic symptoms and by widespread intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in oligodendrocytes. These glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) are comprised of 9-10 nm filaments rich in the protein alpha-synuclein, also found in neuronal inclusion bodies associated with Parkinson's disease. Metallothioneins (MTs) are a class of low-molecular weight (6-7 kDa), cysteine-rich metal-binding proteins the expression of which is induced by heavy metals, glucocorticoids, cytokines and oxidative stress. Recent studies have shown a role for the ubiquitously expressed MT-I/II isoforms in the brain following a variety of stresses, whereas, the function of the brain-specific MT isoform, MT-III, is less clear. MT-III and MT-I/II immunostaining of post-mortem tissue in MSA and normal control human brains showed that the number of MT-III-positive cells is significantly increased in MSA in visual cortex, whereas MT-I/II isoforms showed no significant difference in the distribution of immunopositive cells in MSA compared to normal tissue. GCIs were immunopositive for MT-III, but were immunonegative for the MT-I/II isoforms. Immunofluorescence double labelling showed the co-localisation of alpha-synuclein and MT-III in GCIs in MSA tissue. In isolated GCIs, transmission electron microscopy demonstrated MT-III immunogold labelling of the amorphous material surrounding alpha-synuclein filaments in GCIs. High-molecular weight MT-III species in addition to MT-III monomer were detected in GCIs by Western analysis of the detergent-solubilised proteins of purified GCIs. These results show that MT-III, but not MT-I/II, is a specific component of GCIs, present in abnormal aggregated forms external to the alpha-synuclein filaments.

Cattle phenotypes can disguise their maternal ancestry.

PubMed

Srirattana, Kanokwan; McCosker, Kieren; Schatz, Tim; St John, Justin C

2017-06-26

Cattle are bred for, amongst other factors, specific traits, including parasite resistance and adaptation to climate. However, the influence and inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are not usually considered in breeding programmes. In this study, we analysed the mtDNA profiles of cattle from Victoria (VIC), southern Australia, which is a temperate climate, and the Northern Territory (NT), the northern part of Australia, which has a tropical climate, to determine if the mtDNA profiles of these cattle are indicative of breed and phenotype, and whether these profiles are appropriate for their environments. A phylogenetic tree of the full mtDNA sequences of different breeds of cattle, which were obtained from the NCBI database, showed that the mtDNA profiles of cattle do not always reflect their phenotype as some cattle with Bos taurus phenotypes had Bos indicus mtDNA, whilst some cattle with Bos indicus phenotypes had Bos taurus mtDNA. Using D-loop sequencing, we were able to contrast the phenotypes and mtDNA profiles from different species of cattle from the 2 distinct cattle breeding regions of Australia. We found that 67 of the 121 cattle with Bos indicus phenotypes from NT (55.4%) had Bos taurus mtDNA. In VIC, 92 of the 225 cattle with Bos taurus phenotypes (40.9%) possessed Bos indicus mtDNA. When focusing on oocytes from cattle with the Bos taurus phenotype in VIC, their respective oocytes with Bos indicus mtDNA had significantly lower levels of mtDNA copy number compared with oocytes possessing Bos taurus mtDNA (P < 0.01). However, embryos derived from oocytes with Bos indicus mtDNA had the same ability to develop to the blastocyst stage and the levels of mtDNA copy number in their blastocysts were similar to blastocysts derived from oocytes harbouring Bos taurus mtDNA. Nevertheless, oocytes originating from the Bos indicus phenotype exhibited lower developmental potential due to low mtDNA copy number when compared with oocytes from cattle with a Bos taurus phenotype. The phenotype of cattle is not always related to their mtDNA profiles. MtDNA profiles should be considered for breeding programmes as they also influence phenotypic traits and reproductive capacity in terms of oocyte quality.

Mouse models of mitochondrial DNA defects and their relevance for human disease

PubMed Central

Tyynismaa, Henna; Suomalainen, Anu

2009-01-01

Qualitative and quantitative changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been shown to be common causes of inherited neurodegenerative and muscular diseases, and have also been implicated in ageing. These diseases can be caused by primary mtDNA mutations, or by defects in nuclear-encoded mtDNA maintenance proteins that cause secondary mtDNA mutagenesis or instability. Furthermore, it has been proposed that mtDNA copy number affects cellular tolerance to environmental stress. However, the mechanisms that regulate mtDNA copy number and the tissue-specific consequences of mtDNA mutations are largely unknown. As post-mitotic tissues differ greatly from proliferating cultured cells in their need for mtDNA maintenance, and as most mitochondrial diseases affect post-mitotic cell types, the mouse is an important model in which to study mtDNA defects. Here, we review recently developed mouse models, and their contribution to our knowledge of mtDNA maintenance and its role in disease. PMID:19148224

MtDNA depleted PC3 cells exhibit Warburg effect and cancer stem cell features

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoran; Zhong, Yali; Lu, Jie; Axcrona, Karol; Eide, Lars; Syljuåsen, Randi G.; Peng, Qian; Wang, Junbai; Zhang, Hongquan; Goscinski, Mariusz Adam; Kvalheim, Gunnar; Nesland, Jahn M.; Suo, Zhenhe

2016-01-01

Reducing mtDNA content was considered as a critical step in the metabolism restructuring for cell stemness restoration and further neoplastic development. However, the connections between mtDNA depletion and metabolism reprograming-based cancer cell stemness in prostate cancers are still lack of studies. Here, we demonstrated that human CRPC cell line PC3 tolerated high concentration of the mtDNA replication inhibitor ethidium bromide (EtBr) and the mtDNA depletion triggered a universal metabolic remodeling process. Failure in completing that process caused lethal consequences. The mtDNA depleted (MtDP) PC3 cells could be steadily maintained in the special medium in slow cycling status. The MtDP PC3 cells contained immature mitochondria and exhibited Warburg effect. Furthermore, the MtDP PC3 cells were resistant to therapeutic treatments and contained greater cancer stem cell-like subpopulations: CD44+, ABCG2+, side-population and ALDHbright. In conclusion, these results highlight the association of mtDNA content, mitochondrial function and cancer cell stemness features. PMID:27248169

Mitochondrial RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme in erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum.

PubMed

Ke, Hangjun; Morrisey, Joanne M; Ganesan, Suresh M; Mather, Michael W; Vaidya, Akhil B

2012-09-01

We have shown that transgenic Plasmodium falciparum parasites expressing the yeast DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) are independent of the mtETC (mitochondrial electron transport chain), suggesting that they might not need the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), since it only encodes three protein subunits belonging to the mtETC and fragmentary ribosomal RNA molecules. Disrupting the mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP), which is critical for mtDNA replication and transcription, might then cause the generation of a ρ(0) parasite line lacking mtDNA. We made multiple attempts to disrupt the mtRNAP gene by double crossover recombination methods in parasite lines expressing yDHODH either episomally or integrated in the genome, but were unable to produce the desired knockout. We verified that the mtRNAP gene was accessible to recombination by successfully integrating a triple HA tag at the 3' end via single cross-over recombination. These studies suggest that mtRNAP is essential even in mtETC-independent P. falciparum parasites. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vivo conformation of mitochondrial DNA revealed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in the true slime mold, Physarum polycephalum.

PubMed

Sakurai, R; Sasaki, N; Takano, H; Abe, T; Kawano, S

2000-04-28

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to examine the in vivo and in vitro conformations of Physarum polycephalum mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We used plugs containing isolated mitochondria, isolated mitochondrial nucleoids (mt-nuclei), and isolated mtDNA, in addition to whole cells. The mtDNA contained in the myxamoebae, plasmodia, isolated mitochondria, and isolated mt-nuclei was circular, but most of the isolated mtDNA had been site-specifically fragmented and linearized during DNA preparation and storage under low ionic strength conditions. Restriction mapping of Physarum mtDNA by the direct digestion of the isolated mt-nuclei from two different strains, DP89 x AI16 and KM88 x AI16, resulted in the circular form. A linear mitochondrial plasmid, mF, is known to promote mitochondrial fusion and integration of itself into the mtDNA in Physarum. Linearization of mtDNA by the integration of the mF plasmid was demonstrated when we used PFGE to analyze isolated mitochondria from the plasmodial strain DP89 x NG7 carrying the mF plasmid (mF+). The PFGE system can be used not only to determine whether the form of mtDNA is linear or circular but also to analyze the dynamic conformational changes of mtDNA.

Mindfulness training attenuates the increase in salivary cortisol concentration associated with competition in highly trained wheelchair-basketball players.

PubMed

MacDonald, Luke A; Minahan, Clare L

2018-02-01

This study determined the effect of 8 wk of mindfulness training (MT) on salivary cortisol (sCort) and rate of salivary Immunoglobulin-A (sIgA) secretion in wheelchair-basketball players during a competition period. The mindful group completed 8 weeks of MT in addition to training and competition. sCort and rate of sIgA secretion were measured at baseline, at 2-week intervals, the end and 2 weeks following the intervention. A significant time and group interaction was observed for sCort (F = 3.297, P = 0.040, ES = 0.191); sCort increased in the control group from MT-BL to MT-2wk (P = 0.001) and remained significantly elevated at MT-4wk (P = 0.013) and MT-6wk (P = 0.002). sCort decreased from MT-6wk to MT-8wk (P < 0.001) and concentrations were not different at MT-8wk and Post-2wk to MT-BL (P > 0.05). Mindful group sCort increased from MT-BL to MT-2wk (P = 0.042) but decreased to concentrations no different to MT-BL for the rest of the intervention period (P > 0.05). There were no group differences in rate of sIgA secretion during the intervention (P = 0.810). It was concluded that 8 weeks of MT attenuated the increase in sCort associated with the competition period.

Differential Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Melatonin Receptor Subtype-Signaling in the Adult Murine Brain.

PubMed

Fredrich, Michaela; Christ, Elmar; Korf, Horst-Werner

2018-06-27

Background/Aims: Zeitgeber time (ZT)-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis are regulated by melatonin receptor (MT)-mediated signaling in the adult hippocampus and hypothalamic-hypophyseal system. There are two G-protein-coupled MT-subtypes, MT1 and MT2. Therefore, the present study examined which MT-subtype is required for regulation of ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation and/or apoptosis in the adult murine brain and pituitary. Adult melatonin-proficient (C3H) mice with targeted deletion of MT1 (MT1 KO) or MT2 (MT2 KO) were adapted to a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark photoperiod and sacrificed at ZT00, ZT06, ZT12, and ZT18. Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 or activated caspase-3 served to quantify proliferating and apoptotic cells in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) and granule cell layer, the hypothalamic median eminence (ME), and the hypophyseal pars tuberalis. ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation were found exclusively in the SGZ and ME of MT1 KO mice, while apoptosis showed no ZT-dependent changes in the regions analyzed, neither in MT1 nor in MT2 KO mice. Comparison with our previous studies in C3H mice with functional MTs and MT1/2 KO mice revealed that MT2-mediated signaling is required and sufficient for ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation in the SGZ and ME, while ZT-dependent changes in apoptosis require signaling from both MT-subtypes. Our results indicate that generation and timing of ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis by melatonin require different MT-subtype-constellations and emphasize the importance to shed light on the specific function of each receptor-subtype in different tissues and physiological conditions.
. ©2018S. Karger AG, Basel.

Inhibition of key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and sodium nitroprusside-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas by water extractable phytochemicals from some tropical spices.

PubMed

Adefegha, Stephen Adeniyi; Oboh, Ganiyu

2012-07-01

Spices have been used as food adjuncts and in folklore for ages. Inhibition of key enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) involved in the digestion of starch and protection against free radicals and lipid peroxidation in pancreas could be part of the therapeutic approach towards the management of hyperglycemia and dietary phenolics have shown promising potentials. This study investigated and compared the inhibitory properties of aqueous extracts of some tropical spices: Xylopia aethiopica [Dun.] A. Rich (Annonaceae), Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal (Annonaceae), Syzygium aromaticum [L.] Merr. et Perry (Myrtaceae), Piper guineense Schumach. et Thonn (Piperaceae), Aframomum danielli K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) and Aframomum melegueta (Rosc.) K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas--in vitro using different spectrophotometric method. Aqueous extract of the spices was prepared and the ability of the spice extracts to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPPH radicals and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas--in vitro was investigated using various spectrophotometric methods. All the spice extracts inhibited α-amylase (IC(50) = 2.81-4.83 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC(50) = 2.02-3.52 mg/mL), DPPH radicals (EC(50) = 15.47-17.38 mg/mL) and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation (14.17-94.38%), with the highest α-amylase & α-glucosidase inhibitory actions and DPPH radical scavenging ability exhibited by X. aethiopica, A. danielli and S. aromaticum, respectively. Also, the spices possess high total phenol (0.88-1.3 mg/mL) and flavonoid (0.24-0.52 mg/mL) contents with A. melegueta having the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The inhibitory effects of the spice extracts on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPPH radicals and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in pancreas (in vitro) could be attributed to the presence of biologically active phytochemicals such as phenolics and some non-phenolic constituents of the spices. Furthermore, these spices may exert their anti-diabetic properties through the mechanism of enzyme inhibition, free radicals scavenging ability and prevention of lipid peroxidation.

ORAC and DPPH assay comparison to assess antioxidant capacity of tea infusions: relationship between total polyphenol and individual catechin content.

PubMed

Roy, Molay K; Koide, Motoki; Rao, Theertham P; Okubo, Tsutomu; Ogasawara, Yutaka; Juneja, Lekh R

2010-03-01

Commercially available tea infusions are the major source of catechins for preparing bottled tea beverages and tea supplements available in the market today. In the present study, we analyzed five tea infusions to measure the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity (DRSC) assays, total polyphenol content by the colorimetric method and individual catechin content by high-performance liquid chromatography. Four major tea catechins were also analyzed for their TAC to reveal differential antioxidant behavior of the tea infusions, resulting in the ORAC and DRSC methods. The correlation coefficients between DRSC and the total polyphenol or total catechin content of the tea infusions were 1.0 and 0.99. However, the values fall to 0.73 and 0.69, respectively, while the ORAC activity was correlated with total polyphenol and total catechin content. Determining the TAC of individual tea catechins showed that ORAC of epicatechin was seven-fold higher than that of epigallocatechin gallate; on the contrary, epigallocatechin gallate showed significantly (P < 0.05) stronger DRSC activity than epicatechin. By evaluating the structure-activity relationship, this study further revealed that OH substitution at the 3' position in pyrogallol moieties contributes to the lower ORAC value of epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate comparing with their non-3'-OH counterparts, such as epicatechin and epicatechin gallate, respectively. Also, numbers of OH substitutions were poorly correlated with the observed ORAC value unlike the DRSC. Overall, results of this study enabled us to hypothesize that substances having a lower TAC value in the ORAC assay compared with that in DPPH assays may pertain to a pro-oxidant effect by generating reactive oxygen species in an aqueous buffer, at a physiological pH. We also propose that substances exhibiting lower TAC value in the ORAC assay compared with that in the DPPH assay are powerful pro-oxidants compared with the substances showing a higher TAC value in the ORAC assay than that in the DPPH assay.

44 CFR 15.3 - Access to Mt. Weather.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Access to Mt. Weather. 15.3... HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.3 Access to Mt. Weather. Mt. Weather contains classified material and areas...

44 CFR 15.3 - Access to Mt. Weather.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2012-10-01 2011-10-01 true Access to Mt. Weather. 15.3... HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.3 Access to Mt. Weather. Mt. Weather contains classified material and areas...

44 CFR 15.3 - Access to Mt. Weather.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Access to Mt. Weather. 15.3... HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.3 Access to Mt. Weather. Mt. Weather contains classified material and areas...

44 CFR 15.3 - Access to Mt. Weather.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Access to Mt. Weather. 15.3... HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.3 Access to Mt. Weather. Mt. Weather contains classified material and areas...

44 CFR 15.3 - Access to Mt. Weather.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 44 Emergency Management and Assistance 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Access to Mt. Weather. 15.3... HOMELAND SECURITY GENERAL CONDUCT AT THE MT. WEATHER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CENTER AND AT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTER § 15.3 Access to Mt. Weather. Mt. Weather contains classified material and areas...

Heteromeric MT1/MT2 Melatonin Receptors Modulate Photoreceptor Function

PubMed Central

Baba, Kenkichi; Benleulmi-Chaachoua, Abla; Journé, Anne-Sophie; Kamal, Maud; Guillaume, Jean-Luc; Dussaud, Sébastien; Gbahou, Florence; Yettou, Katia; Liu, Cuimei; Contreras-Alcantara, Susana; Jockers, Ralf; Tosini, Gianluca

2013-01-01

The formation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromers elicits signaling diversification and holds great promise for improved drug selectivity. Most studies have been conducted in heterologous expression systems; however, in vivo validation is missing from most cases thus questioning the physiological significance of GPCR heteromerization. Melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors have been shown to exist as homo- and heteromers in vitro. We show here that the effect of melatonin on rod photoreceptor light sensitivity is mediated by melatonin MT1/MT2 receptor heteromers. This effect involves activation of the heteromer-specific PLC/PKC pathway and is abolished in MT1−/− and MT2−/− mice as well as in mice overexpressing a non-functional MT2 receptor mutant that competes with the formation of functional MT1/MT2 heteromers in photoreceptor cells. This study establishes the essential role of melatonin receptor heteromers in retinal function and supports the physiological importance of GPCR heteromerization. Finally, our work may have important therapeutic implications, as the heteromer complex may provide a unique pharmacological target to improve photoreceptor functioning and to extend the viability of photoreceptors during aging. PMID:24106342

A tethering mechanism controls the processivity and kinetochore-microtubule plus-end enrichment of the kinesin-8 Kif18A

PubMed Central

Stumpff, Jason; Du, Yaqing; English, Chauca A.; Maliga, Zoltan; Wagenbach, Michael; Asbury, Charles L.; Wordeman, Linda; Ohi, Ryoma

2011-01-01

Summary Metaphase chromosome positioning depends on Kif18A, a kinesin-8 that accumulates at and suppresses the dynamics of K-MT plus ends. By engineering Kif18A mutants that suppress MT dynamics but fail to concentrate at K-MT plus-ends, we identify a mechanism that allows Kif18A to accumulate at K-MT plus ends to a level required to suppress chromosome movements. Enrichment of Kif18A at K-MT plus-ends depends on its C-terminal tail domain, while the ability of Kif18A to suppress MT growth is conferred by the N-terminal motor domain. The Kif18A tail contains a second MT-binding domain that diffuses along the MT lattice, suggesting that it tethers the motor to the MT track. Consistently, the tail enhances Kif18A processivity and is crucial for it to accumulate at K-MT plus-ends. The heightened processivity of Kif18A, conferred by its tail domain, thus promotes concentration of Kif18A at K-MT plus-ends, where it suppresses their dynamics to control chromosome movements. PMID:21884977

Drosophila mitochondrial transcription factor B1 modulates mitochondrial translation but not transcription or DNA copy number in Schneider cells.

PubMed

Matsushima, Yuichi; Adán, Cristina; Garesse, Rafael; Kaguni, Laurie S

2005-04-29

We report the cloning and molecular analysis of Drosophila mitochondrial transcription factor (d-mtTF) B1. An RNA interference (RNAi) construct was designed that reduces expression of d-mtTFB1 to 5% of its normal level in Schneider cells. In striking contrast with our previous study on d-mtTFB2, we found that RNAi knock-down of d-mtTFB1 does not change the abundance of specific mitochondrial RNA transcripts, nor does it affect the copy number of mitochondrial DNA. In a corollary manner, overexpression of d-mtTFB1 did not increase either the abundance of mitochondrial RNA transcripts or mitochondrial DNA copy number. Our data suggest that, unlike d-mtTFB2, d-mtTFB1 does not have a critical role in either transcription or regulation of the copy number of mitochondrial DNA. Instead, because we found that RNAi knockdown of d-mtTFB1 reduces mitochondrial protein synthesis, we propose that it serves its primary role in modulating translation. Our work represents the first study to document the role of mtTFB1 in vivo and establishes clearly functional differences between mtTFB1 and mtTFB2.

Crosstalk between mitochondrial stress signals regulates yeast chronological lifespan.

PubMed

Schroeder, Elizabeth A; Shadel, Gerald S

2014-01-01

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exists in multiple copies per cell and is essential for oxidative phosphorylation. Depleted or mutated mtDNA promotes numerous human diseases and may contribute to aging. Reduced TORC1 signaling in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, extends chronological lifespan (CLS) in part by generating a mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) signal that epigenetically alters nuclear gene expression. To address the potential requirement for mtDNA maintenance in this response, we analyzed strains lacking the mitochondrial base-excision repair enzyme Ntg1p. Extension of CLS by mtROS signaling and reduced TORC1 activity, but not caloric restriction, was abrogated in ntg1Δ strains that exhibited mtDNA depletion without defects in respiration. The DNA damage response (DDR) kinase Rad53p, which transduces pro-longevity mtROS signals, is also activated in ntg1Δ strains. Restoring mtDNA copy number alleviated Rad53p activation and re-established CLS extension following mtROS signaling, indicating that Rad53p senses mtDNA depletion directly. Finally, DDR kinases regulate nucleus-mitochondria localization dynamics of Ntg1p. From these results, we conclude that the DDR pathway senses and may regulate Ntg1p-dependent mtDNA stability. Furthermore, Rad53p senses multiple mitochondrial stresses in a hierarchical manner to elicit specific physiological outcomes, exemplified by mtDNA depletion overriding the ability of Rad53p to transduce an adaptive mtROS longevity signal. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential Expression of Metallothionein Isoforms in Terrestrial Snail Embryos Reflects Early Life Stage Adaptation to Metal Stress

PubMed Central

Baurand, Pierre-Emmanuel; Pedrini-Martha, Veronika; de Vaufleury, Annette; Niederwanger, Michael; Capelli, Nicolas; Scheifler, Renaud; Dallinger, Reinhard

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of three metallothionein (MT) isoform genes (CdMT, CuMT and Cd/CuMT), already known from adults, in the Early Life Stage (ELS) of Cantareus aspersus. This was accomplished by detection of the MT isoform-specific transcription adopting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and quantitative Real Time (qRT)-PCR of the three MT genes. Freshly laid eggs were kept for 24 hours under control conditions or exposed to three cadmium (Cd) solutions of increasing concentration (5, 10, and 15 mg Cd/L). The transcription of the three MT isoform genes was detected via PCR in 1, 6 and 12-day-old control or Cd-exposed embryos. Moreover, the transcription of this isoform genes during development was followed by qRT-PCR in 6 and 12-day-old embryos. Our results showed that the CdMT and Cd/CuMT genes, but not the CuMT gene, are expressed in embryos at the first day of development. The transcription of the 3 MT genes in control embryos increased with development time, suggesting that the capacities of metal regulation and detoxification may have gradually increased throughout embryogenesis. However in control embryos, the most highly expressed MT gene was that of the Cd/CuMT isoform, whose transcription levels greatly exceeded those of the other two MT genes. This contrasts with the minor significance of this gene in adult snails and suggests that in embryos, this isoform may play a comparatively more important role in metal physiology compared to adult individuals. This function in adult snails appears not to be related to Cd detoxification. Instead, snail embryos responded to Cd exposure by over-expression of the CdMT gene in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the expression of the Cd/CuMT gene remained unaffected. Moreover, our study demonstrates the ability of snail embryos to respond very early to Cd exposure by up-regulation of the CdMT gene. PMID:25706953

In vivo imaging of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase with a novel activatable near-infrared fluorescence probe.

PubMed

Shimizu, Yoichi; Temma, Takashi; Hara, Isao; Makino, Akira; Kondo, Naoya; Ozeki, Ei-Ichi; Ono, Masahiro; Saji, Hideo

2014-08-01

Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a protease activating MMP-2 that mediates cleavage of extracellular matrix components and plays pivotal roles in tumor migration, invasion and metastasis. Because in vivo noninvasive imaging of MT1-MMP would be useful for tumor diagnosis, we developed a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence probe that can be activated following interaction with MT1-MMP in vivo. MT1-hIC7L is an activatable fluorescence probe comprised of anti-MT1-MMP monoclonal antibodies conjugated to self-assembling polymer micelles that encapsulate NIR dyes (IC7-1, λem : 858 nm) at concentrations sufficient to cause fluorescence self-quenching. In aqueous buffer, MT1-hIC7L fluorescence was suppressed to background levels and increased approximately 35.5-fold in the presence of detergent. Cellular uptake experiments revealed that in MT1-MMP positive C6 glioma cells, MT1-hIC7L showed significantly higher fluorescence that increased with time as compared to hIC7L, a negative control probe lacking the anti-MT1-MMP monoclonal antibody. In MT1-MMP negative MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells, both MT1-hIC7L and hIC7L showed no obvious fluorescence. In addition, the fluorescence intensity of C6 cells treated with MT1-hIC7L was suppressed by pre-treatment with an MT1-MMP endocytosis inhibitor (P < 0.05). In vivo optical imaging using probes intravenously administered to tumor-bearing mice showed that MT1-hIC7L specifically visualized C6 tumors (tumor-to-background ratios: 3.8 ± 0.3 [MT1-hIC7L] vs 3.1 ± 0.2 [hIC7L] 48 h after administration, P < 0.05), while the probes showed similarly low fluorescence in MCF-7 tumors. Together, these results show that MT1-hIC7L would be a potential activatable NIR probe for specifically detecting MT1-MMP-expressing tumors. © 2014 The Authors. Cancer Science published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

Oral health in young women having a low calcium and vitamin D nutritional status.

PubMed

Antonenko, O; Bryk, G; Brito, G; Pellegrini, G; Zeni, S N

2015-07-01

Oral health plays an important role in an individual's eating choices, which in turn ensure good nutrition throughout life. The deterioration in diet quality may partially explain the association between tooth loss and several systemic diseases, including osteoporosis. The study evaluated the association between oral health and calcium (Ca) and vitamin D nutritional status. The effect of several dietary and lifestyle habits was also evaluated. One hundred six women aged 23.7 ± 0.4 years were evaluated. Ca intake (CaI) and protein intake were recorded, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was evaluated. Dental status and caries risk were assessed by determining the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth and DMFT index, Löe Silness plaque index (PI), and sugar intake (SI). Deficient CaI was observed in 59% of women; 71% had 25OHD <30 ng/mL and 72% consumed soft drinks daily. M/T score was 3%, D/T score was 28.4%, and F/T score was 0%. Thirty-nine percent of women were missing at least one tooth. PI and SI were 2.0 ± 0.1 and 5.2 ± 0, respectively, and DMFT score was 6.6 ± 0.4. CaI adjusted by other risk factors was associated with higher percentage of caries (p < 0.0001), DMFT (p < 0.001), and PI (p < 0.007). One hundred percent of women presented gingivitis. When considering the one third of the studied group with the highest caries scores, DMFT reached 10.6 ± 0.5. This group had significantly lower CaI and 25OHD levels (p < 0.05) and significantly higher protein intake, daily consumption of soft drinks, and PI and SI values compared to the rest of the women (p < 0.05). The results of this cross-sectional report evidenced an association between high cariogenic risk and great severity of oral disease in the studied group of young women and low CaI. Although caries progression is a complex process involving multiple factors, an adequate nutritional status of Ca and vitamin D could be an additional factor that may help preserve a good oral health.

Screening and Identifying Antioxidative Components in Ginkgo biloba Pollen by DPPH-HPLC-PAD Coupled with HPLC-ESI-MS2

PubMed Central

Netrusov, A. I.; Zhou, Qingxin; Guo, Danyang; Liu, Xiaoyong; He, Hailun; Xin, Xue; Wang, Yifen; Chen, Leilei

2017-01-01

The Ginkgo biloba is one of ancient trees that exists from billions of years ago, its leaf and nut are used as herbs and foods in China, while so far its pollen does not have any application except pollination. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba pollen, and rapidly screen its antioxidative components, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability, total flavonoid, total phenol, and proanthocyanidin of Ginkgo biloba pollen were determined and compared with those of Ginkgo biloba leaf and nut, and the off-line DPPH-HPLC-PAD and HPLC-ESI-MS2 were applied for screening and identifying the antioxidant flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba pollen. The results showed that the DPPH scavenging ability of Ginkgo biloba pollen was much higher than Ginkgo biloba nut, but lower than Ginkgo biloba leaf, while the total content of flavonoid in Ginkgo biloba pollen was approximately 4.37 times higher than in Ginkgo biloba leaf. Further studies found that the major flavonol aglycone in Ginkgo biloba pollen was kaempferol, which accounted for 96.71% of the total aglycones (includes quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin), and the main flavonoid components in Ginkgo biloba pollen were flavonoid glycosides. Finally, ten antioxidant peaks were screened and identified to be flavonoids (including kaempferol and nine flavonoid glycosides), so flavonoids were likely to be the main antioxidant components in GP, and among them, three novel kaempferol glycosides (peaks 1, 2, and 3) were found in Ginkgo biloba pollen for the first time, which had never been found in Ginkgo biloba. PMID:28095510

Screening and Identifying Antioxidative Components in Ginkgo biloba Pollen by DPPH-HPLC-PAD Coupled with HPLC-ESI-MS2.

PubMed

Qiu, Jiying; Chen, Xiangyan; Netrusov, A I; Zhou, Qingxin; Guo, Danyang; Liu, Xiaoyong; He, Hailun; Xin, Xue; Wang, Yifen; Chen, Leilei

2017-01-01

The Ginkgo biloba is one of ancient trees that exists from billions of years ago, its leaf and nut are used as herbs and foods in China, while so far its pollen does not have any application except pollination. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba pollen, and rapidly screen its antioxidative components, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability, total flavonoid, total phenol, and proanthocyanidin of Ginkgo biloba pollen were determined and compared with those of Ginkgo biloba leaf and nut, and the off-line DPPH-HPLC-PAD and HPLC-ESI-MS2 were applied for screening and identifying the antioxidant flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba pollen. The results showed that the DPPH scavenging ability of Ginkgo biloba pollen was much higher than Ginkgo biloba nut, but lower than Ginkgo biloba leaf, while the total content of flavonoid in Ginkgo biloba pollen was approximately 4.37 times higher than in Ginkgo biloba leaf. Further studies found that the major flavonol aglycone in Ginkgo biloba pollen was kaempferol, which accounted for 96.71% of the total aglycones (includes quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin), and the main flavonoid components in Ginkgo biloba pollen were flavonoid glycosides. Finally, ten antioxidant peaks were screened and identified to be flavonoids (including kaempferol and nine flavonoid glycosides), so flavonoids were likely to be the main antioxidant components in GP, and among them, three novel kaempferol glycosides (peaks 1, 2, and 3) were found in Ginkgo biloba pollen for the first time, which had never been found in Ginkgo biloba.

Antioxidant potential, tannin and polyphenol contents of seed and pericarp of three Coffea species.

PubMed

Patay, Éva Brigitta; Sali, Nikolett; Kőszegi, Tamás; Csepregi, Rita; Balázs, Viktória Lilla; Németh, Tibor Sebastian; Németh, Tibor; Papp, Nóra

2016-04-01

To investigate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total tannin content of the pericarp and the seed of Coffea benghalensis (C. benghalensis) and Coffea liberica compared to Coffea arabica (C. arabica). The antioxidant potential, total tannin and polyphenol contents of the immature and mature seed and pericarp of C. benghalensis and Coffea liberica were quantified and compared to C. arabica. Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity, Folin-Ciocalteau method and total tannin content assays were used. Trolox equivalent (TE/g plant material) values obtained by ECL and DPPH methods showed loose correlation (r(2) = 0.587) while those measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay were higher without correlation in each plant. A closer correlation was detected between the ECL method and the percentage antioxidant activity of the DPPH technique (r(2) = 0.610 7) in each species, however the immature pericarp of C. benghalensis showed much higher DPPH scavenging potential than was seen in the ECL assay. The immature pericarp of C. benghalensis expressed the highest tannin and polyphenol content, and a high polyphenol level was also detected in the immature seed of C. arabica. The immature pericarp of Bengal and Liberian coffees showed the largest amount of phenolic contents. The obtained data highlight the potential role of C. benghalensis as a new source of natural antioxidants and polyphenols compared to C. arabica. Copyright © 2016 Hainan Medical College. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phenolic profiles and their contribution to the antioxidant activity of selected chickpea genotypes from Mexico and ICRISAT collections.

PubMed

Quintero-Soto, Maria F; Saracho-Peña, Ana G; Chavez-Ontiveros, Jeanett; Garzon-Tiznado, Jose A; Pineda-Hidalgo, Karen V; Delgado-Vargas, Francisco; Lopez-Valenzuela, Jose A

2018-06-01

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, nine kabuli from Mexico and 9 desi from other countries, were investigated for their phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity (AA). Phenolics in methanol extracts (ME) were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS), whereas the AA was measured as Trolox equivalents (TE) by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP methods. Twenty phenolic compounds were identified in the ME and their levels showed a great variability among the chickpea genotypes. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were the most abundant compounds in kabuli and desi genotypes, respectively. The AA values (μmol TE/ 100 g dw) by ABTS (278-2417), DPPH (52-1650), and FRAP (41-1181) were mainly associated with the content of sinapic acid hexoside, gallic acid, myricetin, quercetin, catechin, and isorhamnetin, suggesting they are the main compounds responsible for the AA. The sum of the AA obtained for standards of these compounds evaluated at the concentration found in the extracts accounted for 34.3, 69.8, and 47.0% of the AA in the extract by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP, respectively. In the AA by DPPH, most of the mixtures of these compounds resulted in synergistic interactions. Three desi genotypes with black seeds (ICC 4418, ICC 6306, and ICC 3761) showed the highest AA and flavonoids content, whereas the most promising kabuli genotypes were Surutato 77, Bco. Sin. 92, and Blanoro that showed the highest values of phenolic acids. These genotypes represent good sources of antioxidants for the improvement of nutraceutical properties in chickpea.

The mitochondrial genome of the gymnosperm Cycas taitungensis contains a novel family of short interspersed elements, Bpu sequences, and abundant RNA editing sites.

PubMed

Chaw, Shu-Miaw; Shih, Arthur Chun-Chieh; Wang, Daryi; Wu, Yu-Wei; Liu, Shu-Mei; Chou, The-Yuan

2008-03-01

The mtDNA of Cycas taitungensis is a circular molecule of 414,903 bp, making it 2- to 6-fold larger than the known mtDNAs of charophytes and bryophytes, but similar to the average of 7 elucidated angiosperm mtDNAs. It is characterized by abundant RNA editing sites (1,084), more than twice the number found in the angiosperm mtDNAs. The A + T content of Cycas mtDNA is 53.1%, the lowest among known land plants. About 5% of the Cycas mtDNA is composed of a novel family of mobile elements, which we designated as "Bpu sequences." They share a consensus sequence of 36 bp with 2 terminal direct repeats (AAGG) and a recognition site for the Bpu 10I restriction endonuclease (CCTGAAGC). Comparison of the Cycas mtDNA with other plant mtDNAs revealed many new insights into the biology and evolution of land plant mtDNAs. For example, the noncoding sequences in mtDNAs have drastically expanded as land plants have evolved, with abrupt increases appearing in the bryophytes, and then in the seed plants. As a result, the genomic organizations of seed plant mtDNAs are much less compact than in other plants. Also, the Cycas mtDNA appears to have been exempted from the frequent gene loss observed in angiosperm mtDNAs. Similar to the angiosperms, the 3 Cycas genes nad1, nad2, and nad5 are disrupted by 5 group II intron squences, which have brought the genes into trans-splicing arrangements. The evolutionary origin and invasion/duplication mechanism of the Bpu sequences in Cycas mtDNA are hypothesized and discussed.

Mitochondrial DNA damage is associated with damage accrual and disease duration in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

López-López, Linnette; Nieves-Plaza, Mariely; Castro, María del R.; Font, Yvonne M.; Torres-Ramos, Carlos; Vilá, Luis M.; Ayala-Peña, Sylvette

2014-01-01

Objective To determine the extent of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to healthy subjects and to determine the factors associated with mtDNA damage among SLE patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 86 SLE patients (per American College of Rheumatology classification criteria) and 86 healthy individuals matched for age and gender. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from subjects to assess the relative amounts of mtDNA damage. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to measure the frequency of mtDNA lesions and mtDNA abundance. Socioeconomic-demographic features, clinical manifestations, pharmacologic treatment, disease activity, and damage accrual were determined. Statistical analyses were performed using t test, pairwise correlation, and Pearson’s chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test) as appropriate. Results Among SLE patients, 93.0% were women. The mean (SD) age was 38.0 (10.4) years and the mean (SD) disease duration was 8.7 (7.5) years. SLE patients exhibited increased levels of mtDNA damage as shown by higher levels of mtDNA lesions and decreased mtDNA abundance as compared to healthy individuals. There was a negative correlation between disease damage and mtDNA abundance and a positive correlation between mtDNA lesions and disease duration. No association was found between disease activity and mtDNA damage. Conclusion PBMCs from SLE patients exhibited more mtDNA damage compared to healthy subjects. Higher levels of mtDNA damage were observed among SLE patients with major organ involvement and damage accrual. These results suggest that mtDNA damage have a potential role in the pathogenesis of SLE. PMID:24899636

Mitochondrial DNA damage is associated with damage accrual and disease duration in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

López-López, L; Nieves-Plaza, M; Castro, M del R; Font, Y M; Torres-Ramos, C A; Vilá, L M; Ayala-Peña, S

2014-10-01

To determine the extent of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to healthy subjects and to determine the factors associated with mtDNA damage among SLE patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 86 SLE patients (per American College of Rheumatology classification criteria) and 86 healthy individuals matched for age and gender. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from subjects to assess the relative amounts of mtDNA damage. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to measure the frequency of mtDNA lesions and mtDNA abundance. Socioeconomic-demographic features, clinical manifestations, pharmacologic treatment, disease activity, and damage accrual were determined. Statistical analyses were performed using t test, pairwise correlation, and Pearson's chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) as appropriate. Among SLE patients, 93.0% were women. The mean (SD) age was 38.0 (10.4) years and the mean (SD) disease duration was 8.7 (7.5) years. SLE patients exhibited increased levels of mtDNA damage as shown by higher levels of mtDNA lesions and decreased mtDNA abundance as compared to healthy individuals. There was a negative correlation between disease damage and mtDNA abundance and a positive correlation between mtDNA lesions and disease duration. No association was found between disease activity and mtDNA damage. PBMCs from SLE patients exhibited more mtDNA damage compared to healthy subjects. Higher levels of mtDNA damage were observed among SLE patients with major organ involvement and damage accrual. These results suggest that mtDNA damage have a potential role in the pathogenesis of SLE. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Genome-Wide Identification of TCP Family Transcription Factors in Medicago truncatula Reveals Significant Roles of miR319-Targeted TCPs in Nodule Development

PubMed Central

Wang, Hongfeng; Wang, Hongwei; Liu, Rong; Xu, Yiteng; Lu, Zhichao; Zhou, Chuanen

2018-01-01

TCP proteins, the plant-specific transcription factors, are involved in the regulation of multiple aspects of plant development among different species, such as leaf development, branching, and flower symmetry. However, thus far, the roles of TCPs in legume, especially in nodulation are still not clear. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of TCP genes was carried out to discover their evolution and function in Medicago truncatula. In total, 21 MtTCPs were identified and classified into class I and class II, and the class II MtTCPs were further divided into two subclasses, CIN and CYC/TB1. The expression profiles of MtTCPs are dramatically different. The universal expression of class I MtTCPs was detected in all organs. However, the MtTCPs in CIN subclass were highly expressed in leaf and most of the members in CYC/TB1 subclass were highly expressed in flower. Such organ-specific expression patterns of MtTCPs suggest their different roles in plant development. In addition, most MtTCPs were down-regulated during the nodule development, except for the putative MtmiR319 targets, MtTCP3, MtTCP4, and MtTCP10A. Overexpression of MtmiR319A significantly reduced the expression level of MtTCP3/4/10A/10B and resulted in the decreased nodule number, indicating the important roles of MtmiR319-targeted MtTCPs in nodulation. Taken together, this study systematically analyzes the MtTCP gene family at a genome-wide level and their possible functions in nodulation, which lay the basis for further explorations of MtmiR319/MtTCPs module in association with nodule development in M. truncatula.

Uptake and depletion of plasma 17alpha-methyltestosterone during induction of masculinization in muskellunge, Esox masquinongy: effect on plasma steroids and sex reversal.

PubMed

Rinchard, J; Dabrowski, K; Garcia-Abiado, M A; Ottobre, J

1999-08-01

Oral administration of 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) was used to induce masculinization of sexually undifferentiated muskellunge, Esox masquinongy. Three groups of muskellunge (mean weight, 2.5 +/- 0.6 g) were submitted to MT treatment (15 mg of MT/kg) for 60 days. An additional one group was used as a control (hormone-free diet). Food was distributed over a 10-h period by using automatic belt feeders. Blood was sampled in both control and treated fish at different intervals during and after feeding: before (0 h), at 3 h, 6 h, and cessation of feeding (10 h), and after a fast of 22 h (32 h). MT had no significant effect on growth and survival in muskellunge 6 months after the treatment. Concentrations of plasma MT increased during the feeding period and reached their maximum levels 6 or 10 h after starting feeding. This rapid increase of MT indicated a rapid absorption of this steroid. Plasma MT levels then declined and reached a radir by 22 h after cessation of feeding, suggesting that MT is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The profiles of plasma testosterone during the MT treatment did not differ significantly between control and MT-treated groups. During and after the MT treatment, the concentration of plasma testosterone did not differ significantly between control and MT-treated groups. Moreover, no sexual dimorphism of testosterone levels was observed. Six months after treatment, the sex ratio in MT-treated groups (33% males, 62% females, and 5% intersex) was opposite to control (70% and 30%, respectively) and differed significantly. This suggests that at 15 mg of MT/kg over 60 days, a paradoxical feminization took place.

Functional mapping of protein-protein interactions in an enzyme complex by directed evolution.

PubMed

Roderer, Kathrin; Neuenschwander, Martin; Codoni, Giosiana; Sasso, Severin; Gamper, Marianne; Kast, Peter

2014-01-01

The shikimate pathway enzyme chorismate mutase converts chorismate into prephenate, a precursor of Tyr and Phe. The intracellular chorismate mutase (MtCM) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is poorly active on its own, but becomes >100-fold more efficient upon formation of a complex with the first enzyme of the shikimate pathway, 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (MtDS). The crystal structure of the enzyme complex revealed involvement of C-terminal MtCM residues with the MtDS interface. Here we employed evolutionary strategies to probe the tolerance to substitution of the C-terminal MtCM residues from positions 84-90. Variants with randomized positions were subjected to stringent selection in vivo requiring productive interactions with MtDS for survival. Sequence patterns identified in active library members coincide with residue conservation in natural chorismate mutases of the AroQδ subclass to which MtCM belongs. An Arg-Gly dyad at positions 85 and 86, invariant in AroQδ sequences, was intolerant to mutation, whereas Leu88 and Gly89 exhibited a preference for small and hydrophobic residues in functional MtCM-MtDS complexes. In the absence of MtDS, selection under relaxed conditions identifies positions 84-86 as MtCM integrity determinants, suggesting that the more C-terminal residues function in the activation by MtDS. Several MtCM variants, purified using a novel plasmid-based T7 RNA polymerase gene expression system, showed that a diminished ability to physically interact with MtDS correlates with reduced activatability and feedback regulatory control by Tyr and Phe. Mapping critical protein-protein interaction sites by evolutionary strategies may pinpoint promising targets for drugs that interfere with the activity of protein complexes.

Functional Mapping of Protein-Protein Interactions in an Enzyme Complex by Directed Evolution

PubMed Central

Roderer, Kathrin; Neuenschwander, Martin; Codoni, Giosiana; Sasso, Severin; Gamper, Marianne; Kast, Peter

2014-01-01

The shikimate pathway enzyme chorismate mutase converts chorismate into prephenate, a precursor of Tyr and Phe. The intracellular chorismate mutase (MtCM) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is poorly active on its own, but becomes >100-fold more efficient upon formation of a complex with the first enzyme of the shikimate pathway, 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (MtDS). The crystal structure of the enzyme complex revealed involvement of C-terminal MtCM residues with the MtDS interface. Here we employed evolutionary strategies to probe the tolerance to substitution of the C-terminal MtCM residues from positions 84–90. Variants with randomized positions were subjected to stringent selection in vivo requiring productive interactions with MtDS for survival. Sequence patterns identified in active library members coincide with residue conservation in natural chorismate mutases of the AroQδ subclass to which MtCM belongs. An Arg-Gly dyad at positions 85 and 86, invariant in AroQδ sequences, was intolerant to mutation, whereas Leu88 and Gly89 exhibited a preference for small and hydrophobic residues in functional MtCM-MtDS complexes. In the absence of MtDS, selection under relaxed conditions identifies positions 84–86 as MtCM integrity determinants, suggesting that the more C-terminal residues function in the activation by MtDS. Several MtCM variants, purified using a novel plasmid-based T7 RNA polymerase gene expression system, showed that a diminished ability to physically interact with MtDS correlates with reduced activatability and feedback regulatory control by Tyr and Phe. Mapping critical protein-protein interaction sites by evolutionary strategies may pinpoint promising targets for drugs that interfere with the activity of protein complexes. PMID:25551646

Rhenium and technetium tricarbonyl, {M(CO)3} (+) (M = Tc, Re), binding to mammalian metallothioneins: new insights into chemical and radiopharmaceutical implications.

PubMed

Lecina, Joan; Palacios, Òscar; Atrian, Sílvia; Capdevila, Mercè; Suades, Joan

2015-04-01

This paper deals with the binding of the four mammalian metallothioneins (MTs) to the organometallic metal fragment {fac-M(CO)3}(+) (M = (99)Tc, Re), which is highly promising for the preparation of second-generation radiopharmaceuticals. The study of the transmetallation reaction between zinc and rhenium in Zn7-MT1 by means of UV-vis and CD spectroscopy demonstrated the incorporation of the {fac-Re(CO)3}(+) fragment to the MTs. This reaction should be performed at 70 °C to accelerate the reaction rate, a result that is consistent with the reported reactivity of the rhenium fragment. ESI-TOF MS demonstrated the formation of mixed-metal species as Zn6,{Re(CO)3}-MT, Zn6,{Re(CO)3}2-MT, and Zn5,{Re(CO)3}3-MT, as well as the different reactivity of the four MT isoforms. Hence, Zn-MT3 showed the highest reactivity, in agreement with its high Cu-thionein character, whereas Zn-MT2 exhibited the lowest reactivity, in line with its high Zn-thionein character. The reactivity of the Zn-loaded forms of MT1 and MT4 is intermediate between those of MT3 and MT2. The study of the binding of the {fac-(99)Tc(CO)3}(+) fragment to MTs showed a significant and very interesting different reactivity in relation to rhenium. The transmetallation reaction is much more effective with technetium than with rhenium and significant amounts of mixed Zn x ,{(99)Tc(CO)3} y -MT species were formed with the four MT isoforms whereas only MT3 rendered similar amounts of rhenium derivatives. The results obtained in this study support the possible use of technetium for labelling mammalian metallothioneins and also for possible radiopharmaceutical applications.

The Metallothionein-Null Phenotype Is Associated with Heightened Sensitivity to Lead Toxicity and an Inability to Form Inclusion Bodies

PubMed Central

Qu, Wei; Diwan, Bhalchandra A.; Liu, Jie; Goyer, Robert A.; Dawson, Tammy; Horton, John L.; Cherian, M. George; Waalkes, Michael P.

2002-01-01

Susceptibility to lead toxicity in MT-null mice and cells, lacking the major forms of the metallothionein (MT) gene, was compared to wild-type (WT) mice or cells. Male MT-null and WT mice received lead in the drinking water (0 to 4000 ppm) for 10 to 20 weeks. Lead did not alter body weight in any group. Unlike WT mice, lead-treated MT-null mice showed dose-related nephromegaly. In addition, after lead exposure renal function was significantly diminished in MT-null mice in comparison to WT mice. MT-null mice accumulated less renal lead than WT mice and did not form lead inclusion bodies, which were present in the kidneys of WT mice. In gene array analysis, renal glutathione S-transferases were up-regulated after lead in MT-null mice only. In vitro studies on fibroblast cell lines derived from MT-null and WT mice showed that MT-null cells were much more sensitive to lead cytotoxicity. MT-null cells accumulated less lead and formed no inclusion bodies. The MT-null phenotype seems to preclude lead-induced inclusion body formation and increases lead toxicity at the organ and cellular level despite reducing lead accumulation. This study reveals important roles for MT in chronic lead toxicity, lead accumulation, and inclusion body formation. PMID:11891201

Mitotic Kinesin CENP-E Promotes Microtubule Plus-End Elongation

PubMed Central

Sardar, Harjinder S.; Luczak, Vincent G.; Lopez, Maria M.; Lister, Bradford C.; Gilbert, Susan P.

2010-01-01

Summary Centromere protein CENP-E is a dimeric kinesin (Kinesin-7 family) with critical roles in mitosis including establishment of microtubule (MT)-chromosome linkage and movement of monooriented chromosomes on kinetochore microtubules (kMTs) for proper alignment at metaphase [1-9]. We performed studies to test the hypothesis that CENP-E promotes MT elongation at the MT plus-ends. A human CENP-E construct was engineered, expressed, and purified which yielded the CENP-E-6His dimeric motor protein. The results show that CENP-E promotes MT plus-end directed MT gliding at 11 nm/s. The results from real-time microscopy assays indicate that 60.3% of polarity marked MTs exhibited CENP-E promoted MT plus-end elongation. The MT extension required ATP turnover, and MT plus-end elongation occurred at 1.48 μm/30 min. Immunolocalization studies revealed that 80.8% of plus-end elongated MTs showed CENP-E at the MT plus-end. The time dependence of CENP-E promoted MT elongation in solution best fit a single exponential function (kobs = 5.1 s−1), which is indicative of a mechanism in which α,β-tubulin subunit addition is tightly coupled to ATP turnover. Based on these results, we propose that CENP-E as part of its function in chromosome kinetochore-MT linkage plays a direct role in MT elongation. PMID:20797864

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Investigation of the Aerial Parts of Dorema glabrum Fisch. & C.A. Mey.

PubMed Central

Delnavazi, Mohammad-Reza; Hadjiakhoondi, Abbas; Delazar, Abbas; Ajani, Yousef; Tavakoli, Saeed; Yassa, Narguess

2015-01-01

Dorema glabrum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Apiaceae) is a monocarpic perennial plant distributed in southern Caucasus. In Azerbaijan Republic folk medicine, the gum-resin of this species is used as a diuretic and anti-diarrheal agent. It is also traditionally used for the treatment of bronchitis and catarrh. In the present study, chemical constituents of the essential oil and extract of D. glabrum aerial parts were investigated and their free radical scavenging potentials were assessed. GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of the plant essential oil resulted in identifying twenty compounds, out of which elemicin (38.6%) and myristicin (14.3%) were main compounds. Seven compounds including daucosterol (1), chlorogenic acid (2), a mixture of cynarin (3) and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), isoquercetin (6) and astragalin (7) were also isolated from the ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of D. glabrum aerial parts using different chromatographic methods on silica gel (normal and reversed-phase) and sephadex LH20. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using UV and 1H, 13C-NMR spectrain comparison with those reported in respective published data. Antioxidant activities of the crude extract, fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay method. Among the fractions, methanol fraction (IC50=53.3 ±4.7μg mL-1) and among the isolated compounds, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity (IC50= 2.2-2.6 μg mL-1). PMID:26330882

MT2-MMP-dependent release of collagen IV NC1 domains regulates submandibular gland branching morphogenesis.

PubMed

Rebustini, Ivan T; Myers, Christopher; Lassiter, Keyonica S; Surmak, Andrew; Szabova, Ludmila; Holmbeck, Kenn; Pedchenko, Vadim; Hudson, Billy G; Hoffman, Matthew P

2009-10-01

Proteolysis is essential during branching morphogenesis, but the roles of MT-MMPs and their proteolytic products are not clearly understood. Here, we discover that decreasing MT-MMP activity during submandibular gland branching morphogenesis decreases proliferation and increases collagen IV and MT-MMP expression. Specifically, reducing epithelial MT2-MMP profoundly decreases proliferation and morphogenesis, increases Col4a2 and intracellular accumulation of collagen IV, and decreases the proteolytic release of collagen IV NC1 domains. Importantly, we demonstrate the presence of collagen IV NC1 domains in developing tissue. Furthermore, recombinant collagen IV NC1 domains rescue branching morphogenesis after MT2-siRNA treatment, increasing MT-MMP and proproliferative gene expression via beta1 integrin and PI3K-AKT signaling. Additionally, HBEGF also rescues MT2-siRNA treatment, increasing NC1 domain release, proliferation, and MT2-MMP and Hbegf expression. Our studies provide mechanistic insight into how MT2-MMP-dependent release of bioactive NC1 domains from collagen IV is critical for integrating collagen IV synthesis and proteolysis with epithelial proliferation during branching morphogenesis.

More evidence for non-maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA?

PubMed

Bandelt, H-J; Kong, Q-P; Parson, W; Salas, A

2005-12-01

A single case of paternal co-transmission of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in humans has been reported so far. To find potential instances of non-maternal inheritance of mtDNA. Published medical case studies (of single patients) were searched for irregular mtDNA patterns by comparing the given haplotype information for different clones or tissues with the worldwide mtDNA database as known to date-a method that has proved robust and reliable for the detection of flawed mtDNA sequence data. More than 20 studies were found reporting clear cut instances with mtDNAs of different ancestries in single individuals. As examples, cases are reviewed from recent published reports which, at face value, may be taken as evidence for paternal inheritance of mtDNA or recombination. Multiple types (or recombinant types) of quite dissimilar mitochondrial DNA from different parts of the known mtDNA phylogeny are often reported in single individuals. From re-analyses and corrigenda of forensic mtDNA data, it is apparent that the phenomenon of mixed or mosaic mtDNA can be ascribed solely to contamination and sample mix up.

Stochastic modelling, Bayesian inference, and new in vivo measurements elucidate the debated mtDNA bottleneck mechanism

PubMed Central

Johnston, Iain G; Burgstaller, Joerg P; Havlicek, Vitezslav; Kolbe, Thomas; Rülicke, Thomas; Brem, Gottfried; Poulton, Jo; Jones, Nick S

2015-01-01

Dangerous damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be ameliorated during mammalian development through a highly debated mechanism called the mtDNA bottleneck. Uncertainty surrounding this process limits our ability to address inherited mtDNA diseases. We produce a new, physically motivated, generalisable theoretical model for mtDNA populations during development, allowing the first statistical comparison of proposed bottleneck mechanisms. Using approximate Bayesian computation and mouse data, we find most statistical support for a combination of binomial partitioning of mtDNAs at cell divisions and random mtDNA turnover, meaning that the debated exact magnitude of mtDNA copy number depletion is flexible. New experimental measurements from a wild-derived mtDNA pairing in mice confirm the theoretical predictions of this model. We analytically solve a mathematical description of this mechanism, computing probabilities of mtDNA disease onset, efficacy of clinical sampling strategies, and effects of potential dynamic interventions, thus developing a quantitative and experimentally-supported stochastic theory of the bottleneck. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07464.001 PMID:26035426

Seaweed polysaccharides (laminarin and fucoidan) as functional ingredients in pork meat: an evaluation of anti-oxidative potential, thermal stability and bioaccessibility.

PubMed

Moroney, Natasha C; O'Grady, Michael N; Lordan, Sinéad; Stanton, Catherine; Kerry, Joseph P

2015-04-20

The anti-oxidative potential of laminarin (L), fucoidan (F) and an L/F seaweed extract was measured using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, in 25% pork (longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)) homogenates (TBARS) (3 and 6 mg/mL) and in horse heart oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) (0.1 and 1 mg/mL). The DPPH activity of fresh and cooked minced LTL containing L (100 mg/g; L100), F100 and L/F100,300, and bioaccessibility post in vitro digestion (L/F300), was assessed. Theoretical cellular uptake of antioxidant compounds was measured in a transwell Caco-2 cell model. Laminarin displayed no activity and fucoidan reduced lipid oxidation but catalysed OxyMb oxidation. Fucoidan activity was lowered by cooking while the L/F extract displayed moderate thermal stability. A decrease in DPPH antioxidant activity of 44.15% and 36.63%, after 4 and 20 h respectively, indicated theoretical uptake of L/F antioxidant compounds. Results highlight the potential use of seaweed extracts as functional ingredients in pork.

Preparative isolation and purification of seven main antioxidants from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Du-zhong) leaves using HSCCC guided by DPPH-HPLC experiment.

PubMed

Dai, Xingping; Huang, Qiong; Zhou, Boting; Gong, Zhicheng; Liu, Zhaoqian; Shi, Shuyun

2013-08-15

Seven antioxidants were purified from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves using HSCCC guided by DPPH-HPLC experiment. HSCCC was successfully used to separate target antioxidants by three runs with different solvent systems after D101 column chromatography fractionation. Ethyl acetate-n-butanol-water (1:2:3, v/v/v) was selected as the optimum solvent system to purify geniposidic acid. Ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (4:1:5, v/v/v) was used to isolate caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. While three flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-sambubioside, rutin and isoquercitrin were purified by petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (1:5:1:5, v/v/v/v). The structures were identified by MS and NMR. Antioxidant activities were assessed, and compounds 2-7 showed strong antioxidant activities. This is the first report about separation of antioxidants from E. ulmoides leaves by HSCCC. The results indicated that the combinative methods using DPPH-HPLC and HSCCC could be widely applied for screening and isolation of antioxidants from complex extracts. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of antioxidant activity of cane brown sugars by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays: determination of their polyphenolic and volatile constituents.

PubMed

Payet, Bertrand; Shum Cheong Sing, Alain; Smadja, Jacqueline

2005-12-28

Seven cane brown sugars (four from La Réunion, two from Mauritius, and one from France) were investigated for their polyphenol content and volatile composition in relation to their free radical scavenging capacity determined by ABTS and DPPH assays. The thin layer coated on the sugar crystal was extracted by Soxhlet extractor with dichloromethane. The volatile compounds of brown sugars were studied by GC-MS, and 43 compounds were identified. The total phenolic content of brown sugars was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Phenolic compounds were quantified in the brown sugar extracts by LC-UV-ESI-MS. Brown sugar aqueous solutions exhibited weak free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay and higher antioxidant activity in the ABTS assay at relatively high concentration. The brown sugar extracts showed interesting free radical scavenging properties despite the low concentration of phenolic and volatile compounds. Sugar is a common foodstuff traditionally used for its sweetening properties, which might be accompanied by antioxidant properties arising from molecules (polyphenols, Maillard products) other than sucrose of the cane brown sugars.

Antioxidant properties of different edible mushroom species and increased bioconversion efficiency of Pleurotus eryngii using locally available casing materials.

PubMed

Mishra, K K; Pal, R S; Arunkumar, R; Chandrashekara, C; Jain, S K; Bhatt, J C

2013-06-01

Total phenolics, radical scavenging activity (RSA) on DPPH, ascorbic acid content and chelating activity on Fe(2+) of Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus flabellatus, Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Hypsizygus ulmarius have been evaluated. The assayed mushrooms contained 3.94-21.67 mg TAE of phenolics, 13.63-69.67% DPPH scavenging activity, 3.76-6.76 mg ascorbic acid and 60.25-82.7% chelating activity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that significantly higher total phenolics, RSA on DPPH and growth/day was present in P. eryngii whereas P. citrinopileatus showed higher ascorbic acid and chelating activity. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that studied mushroom species fall into two clusters; Cluster I included P. djamor, P. eryngii and P. flabellatus, while Cluster II included H. ulmarius, P. sajor-caju, P. citrinopileatus, P. ostreatus and P. florida. Enhanced yield of P. eryngii was achieved on spent compost casing material. Use of casing materials enhanced yield by 21-107% over non-cased substrate. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative study on the antioxidant activities of extracts of Coreopsis tinctoria flowering tops from Kunlun Mountains, Xinjiang, north-western China.

PubMed

Yao, Xincheng; Gu, Chengzhi; Tian, Liping; Wang, Xinbing; Tang, Hui

2016-01-01

Coreopsis tinctoria flowering tops (CTFs) from the Kunlun Mountains in Xinjing (north-western China) have been used for tea production for about a century. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activities and total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents of various solvent extracts of CTF. CTF was extracted using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, 75% aqueous ethanol (AEE) and water. The antioxidant activities of the CTF extracts were investigated through DPPH, ABTS, *OH, *O2(-), total antioxidant capacity and reducing power assays. The results showed that n-butanol extract showed the highest contents of total phenols and flavonoids, with DPPH, ABTS and *OH radical-scavenging activities with IC50 values of 134, 90.72 and 13.8 μg mL(-1), respectively. The AEE demonstrated the strongest DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities, with IC50 values of 103 and 75.16 μg mL(-1), respectively. Given its high antioxidant effect, CTF is a good source of natural antioxidants or functional food materials.

Seaweed Polysaccharides (Laminarin and Fucoidan) as Functional Ingredients in Pork Meat: An Evaluation of Anti-Oxidative Potential, Thermal Stability and Bioaccessibility

PubMed Central

Moroney, Natasha C.; O’Grady, Michael N.; Lordan, Sinéad; Stanton, Catherine; Kerry, Joseph P.

2015-01-01

The anti-oxidative potential of laminarin (L), fucoidan (F) and an L/F seaweed extract was measured using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, in 25% pork (longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)) homogenates (TBARS) (3 and 6 mg/mL) and in horse heart oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) (0.1 and 1 mg/mL). The DPPH activity of fresh and cooked minced LTL containing L (100 mg/g; L100), F100 and L/F100,300, and bioaccessibility post in vitro digestion (L/F300), was assessed. Theoretical cellular uptake of antioxidant compounds was measured in a transwell Caco-2 cell model. Laminarin displayed no activity and fucoidan reduced lipid oxidation but catalysed OxyMb oxidation. Fucoidan activity was lowered by cooking while the L/F extract displayed moderate thermal stability. A decrease in DPPH antioxidant activity of 44.15% and 36.63%, after 4 and 20 h respectively, indicated theoretical uptake of L/F antioxidant compounds. Results highlight the potential use of seaweed extracts as functional ingredients in pork. PMID:25903283

Widespread recombination in published animal mtDNA sequences.

PubMed

Tsaousis, A D; Martin, D P; Ladoukakis, E D; Posada, D; Zouros, E

2005-04-01

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) recombination has been observed in several animal species, but there are doubts as to whether it is common or only occurs under special circumstances. Animal mtDNA sequences retrieved from public databases were unambiguously aligned and rigorously tested for evidence of recombination. At least 30 recombination events were detected among 186 alignments examined. Recombinant sequences were found in invertebrates and vertebrates, including primates. It appears that mtDNA recombination may occur regularly in the animal cell but rarely produces new haplotypes because of homoplasmy. Common animal mtDNA recombination would necessitate a reexamination of phylogenetic and biohistorical inference based on the assumption of clonal mtDNA transmission. Recombination may also have an important role in producing and purging mtDNA mutations and thus in mtDNA-based diseases and senescence.

Advancements in cosmogenic 38Ar exposure dating of terrestrial rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oostingh, K. F.; Jourdan, F.; Danišík, M.; Evans, N. J.

2017-11-01

Cosmogenic exposure dating of Ca-rich minerals using 38Ar on terrestrial rocks could be a valuable new dating tool to determine timescales of geological surface processes on Earth. Here, we show that advancement in analytical precision, using the new generation multi-collector ARGUSVI mass spectrometer on irradiated pyroxene and apatite samples, allows determination of cosmogenic 38Ar abundances above background values, as well as discrimination of 38Ar/36Ar ratios (1σ absolute precision of ±0.3%) from the non-cosmogenic background value. Four statistically significant cosmochron (38Ar/36Ar vs37Ar/36Ar) diagrams could be constructed for southeast Australian pyroxene samples from the Mt Elephant scoria cone for which a combined apparent exposure age of 313 ± 179 ka (2σ) was obtained when using a 38Ar production rate (Ca) of 250 atoms /g Ca/ yr. This exposure age overlaps within error with the known 40Ar/39Ar eruption age of 184 ± 15 ka (2σ). Although apatite shows much larger 38Ar abundances than pyroxene, our modelling and analyses of unirradiated apatite suggest that apatite suffers from both natural and reactor-derived chlorogenic as well as natural nucleogenic contributions of 38Ar. Hence, we suggest that cosmogenic 38Ar exposure dating on irradiated Ca-rich (and eventually K-rich), but Cl-free, terrestrial minerals is a potential valuable and accessible tool to determine geological surface processes on timescales of a few Ma. Calculations show that with the new generation multi-collector mass spectrometers an analytical uncertainty better than 5% (2σ) can be achieved on samples with expected exposure ages of >4 Ma.

Capsular profiling of the Cronobacter genus and the association of specific Cronobacter sakazakii and C. malonaticus capsule types with neonatal meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis.

PubMed

Ogrodzki, P; Forsythe, S

2015-10-08

Cronobacter sakazakii and C. malonaticus can cause serious diseases especially in infants where they are associated with rare but fatal neonatal infections such as meningitis and necrotising enterocolitis. This study used 104 whole genome sequenced strains, covering all seven species in the genus, to analyse capsule associated clusters of genes involved in the biosynthesis of the O-antigen, colanic acid, bacterial cellulose, enterobacterial common antigen (ECA), and a previously uncharacterised K-antigen. Phylogeny of the gnd and galF genes flanking the O-antigen region enabled the defining of 38 subgroups which are potential serotypes. Two variants of the colanic acid synthesis gene cluster (CA1 and CA2) were found which differed with the absence of galE in CA2. Cellulose (bcs genes) were present in all species, but were absent in C. sakazakii sequence type (ST) 13 and clonal complex (CC) 100 strains. The ECA locus was found in all strains. The K-antigen capsular polysaccharide Region 1 (kpsEDCS) and Region 3 (kpsMT) genes were found in all Cronobacter strains. The highly variable Region 2 genes were assigned to 2 homology groups (K1 and K2). C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus isolates with capsular type [K2:CA2:Cell(+)] were associated with neonatal meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Other capsular types were less associated with clinical infections. This study proposes a new capsular typing scheme which identifies a possible important virulence trait associated with severe neonatal infections. The various capsular polysaccharide structures warrant further investigation as they could be relevant to macrophage survival, desiccation resistance, environmental survival, and biofilm formation in the hospital environment, including neonatal enteral feeding tubes.

North-south asymmetry of Ca II K regions determined from OAUC spectroheliograms: 1996 - 2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorotovič, I.; Rybák, J.; Garcia, A.; Journoud, P.

2010-12-01

The solar activity (SA) evolution levels are not identical in the northern and southern Sun's hemispheres. This fact was repeatedly confirmed in the past by the analysis of a number of long-term observations of various SA indices in individual atmospheric layers of the Sun and in different bandwidths. The north-south asymmetry (NSA) is thus a significant tool in investigation of long-term SA variations. This paper presents a software tool to determine the NSA of the area of bright chromospheric plages, as measured in the Ca II K3 spectroheliograms registered since 1926 in the Observatário Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal, as well as evolution of sizes of these areas in the period 1996 - 2006. The algorithm of the program is limited to determining the total area of bright features in the Ca II K3 emission line based on the definition of the threshold value for relative brightness and, therefore, it does not resolve brightness of individual chromospheric features. A comparison and cross-correlation of this NSA with the NSAs found for the sunspots and coronal green line brightness have been added. In the near future we intend to 1) determine the NSA of the area of bright chromospheric Ca II K3 regions back to the year 1926, and 2) compare the evolution of the surface area of these regions in the period 1970-2006 with the evolution of the magnetic index obtained at Mt. Wilson Observatory, which would also help in setting up a proxy reconstruction of the magnetic index back to 1926. Since 2007 new spectroheliograms have been recorded using a CCD camera and, therefore, in the future we will also address this issue for the period 2007 - present.

Farm-scale testing of soybean peroxidase and calcium peroxide for surficial swine manure treatment and mitigation of odorous VOCs, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, Devin L.; Koziel, Jacek A.; Bruning, Kelsey; Parker, David B.

2017-10-01

The swine industry, regulatory agencies, and the public are interested in farm-tested methods for controlling gaseous emissions from swine barns. In earlier lab- and pilot-scale studies, a renewable catalyst consisting of soybean peroxidase (SBP) mixed with calcium peroxide (CaO2) was found to be effective in mitigating gaseous emissions from swine manure. Thus, a farm-scale experiment was conducted at the university's 178-pig, shallow-pit, mechanically-ventilated swine barn to evaluate SBP/CaO2 as a surficial manure pit additive under field conditions. The SBP was applied once at the beginning of the 42-day experiment at an application rate of 2.28 kg m-2 with 4.2% CaO2 added by weight. Gas samples were collected from the primary barn exhaust fans. As compared to the control, significant reductions in gaseous emissions were observed for ammonia (NH3, 21.7%), hydrogen sulfide (H2S, 79.7%), n-butyric acid (37.2%), valeric acid (47.7%), isovaleric acid (39.3%), indole (31.2%), and skatole (43.5%). Emissions of dimethyl disulfide/methanethiol (DMDS/MT) increased by 30.6%. Emissions of p-cresol were reduced by 14.4% but were not statistically significant. There were no significant changes to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The total (material + labor) treatment cost was 2.62 per marketed pig, equivalent to 1.5% of the pig market price. The cost of CaO2 catalyst was ∼60% of materials cost. The cost of soybean hulls (SBP source) was 0.60 per marketed pig, i.e., only 40% of materials cost.

Copper-induced overexpression of genes encoding antioxidant system enzymes and metallothioneins involve the activation of CaMs, CDPKs and MEK1/2 in the marine alga Ulva compressa.

PubMed

Laporte, Daniel; Valdés, Natalia; González, Alberto; Sáez, Claudio A; Zúñiga, Antonio; Navarrete, Axel; Meneses, Claudio; Moenne, Alejandra

2016-08-01

Transcriptomic analyses were performed in the green macroalga Ulva compressa cultivated with 10μM copper for 24h. Nucleotide sequences encoding antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (ap), dehydroascorbate reductase (dhar) and glutathione reductase (gr), enzymes involved in ascorbate (ASC) synthesis l-galactose dehydrogenase (l-gdh) and l-galactono lactone dehydrogenase (l-gldh), in glutathione (GSH) synthesis, γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase (γ-gcl) and glutathione synthase (gs), and metal-chelating proteins metallothioneins (mt) were identified. Amino acid sequences encoded by transcripts identified in U. compressa corresponding to antioxidant system enzymes showed homology mainly to plant and green alga enzymes but those corresponding to MTs displayed homology to animal and plant MTs. Level of transcripts encoding the latter proteins were quantified in the alga cultivated with 10μM copper for 0-12 days. Transcripts encoding enzymes of the antioxidant system increased with maximal levels at day 7, 9 or 12, and for MTs at day 3, 7 or 12. In addition, the involvement of calmodulins (CaMs), calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2) in the increase of the level of the latter transcripts was analyzed using inhibitors. Transcript levels decreased with inhibitors of CaMs, CDPKs and MEK1/2. Thus, copper induces overexpression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, enzymes involved in ASC and GSH syntheses and MTs. The increase in transcript levels may involve the activation of CaMs, CDPKs and MEK1/2 in U. compressa. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Cause G1 Phase Arrest through the Activation of the ATM-Chk2-p21 Pathway

PubMed Central

Huang, Chao-Ying; Chang, Cheng-Wei; Chen, Chaang-Ray; Chuang, Chun-Yu; Chiang, Chi-Shiun; Shu, Wun-Yi; Fan, Tai-Ching; Hsu, Ian C.

2014-01-01

In daily life, humans are exposed to the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) generated by electric appliances, and public concern is increasing regarding the biological effects of such exposure. Numerous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the biological effects of ELF-EMF exposure. Here we show that ELF-EMFs activate the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway in HaCaT cells, inhibiting cell proliferation. To present well-founded results, we comprehensively evaluated the biological effects of ELF-EMFs at the transcriptional, protein, and cellular levels. Human HaCaT cells from an immortalized epidermal keratinocyte cell line were exposed to a 1.5 mT, 60 Hz ELF-EMF for 144 h. The ELF-EMF could cause G1 arrest and decrease colony formation. Protein expression experiments revealed that ELF-EMFs induced the activation of the ATM/Chk2 signaling cascades. In addition, the p21 protein, a regulator of cell cycle progression at G1 and G2/M, exhibited a higher level of expression in exposed HaCaT cells compared with the expression of sham-exposed cells. The ELF-EMF-induced G1 arrest was diminished when the CHK2 gene expression (which encodes checkpoint kinase 2; Chk2) was suppressed by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). These findings indicate that ELF-EMFs activate the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway in HaCaT cells, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Based on the precise control of the ELF-EMF exposure and rigorous sham-exposure experiments, all transcriptional, protein, and cellular level experiments consistently supported the conclusion. This is the first study to confirm that a specific pathway is triggered by ELF-EMF exposure. PMID:25111195

Minds “At Attention”: Mindfulness Training Curbs Attentional Lapses in Military Cohorts

PubMed Central

Jha, Amishi P.; Morrison, Alexandra B.; Dainer-Best, Justin; Parker, Suzanne; Rostrup, Nina; Stanley, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

We investigated the impact of mindfulness training (MT) on attentional performance lapses associated with task-unrelated thought (i.e., mind wandering). Periods of persistent and intensive demands may compromise attention and increase off-task thinking. Here, we investigated if MT may mitigate these deleterious effects and promote cognitive resilience in military cohorts enduring a high-demand interval of predeployment training. To better understand which aspects of MT programs are most beneficial, three military cohorts were examined. Two of the three groups were provided MT. One group received an 8-hour, 8-week variant of Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT) emphasizing engagement in training exercises (training-focused MT, n = 40), a second group received a didactic-focused variant emphasizing content regarding stress and resilience (didactic-focused MT, n = 40), and the third group served as a no-training control (NTC, n = 24). Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) performance was indexed in all military groups and a no-training civilian group (CIV, n = 45) before (T1) and after (T2) the MT course period. Attentional performance (measured by A’, a sensitivity index) was lower in NTC vs. CIV at T2, suggesting that performance suffers after enduring a high-demand predeployment interval relative to a similar time period of civilian life. Yet, there were significantly fewer performance lapses in the military cohorts receiving MT relative to NTC, with training-focused MT outperforming didactic-focused MT at T2. From T1 to T2, A’ degraded in NTC and didactic-focused MT but remained stable in training-focused MT and CIV. In sum, while protracted periods of high-demand military training may increase attentional performance lapses, practice-focused MT programs akin to training-focused MT may bolster attentional performance more than didactic-focused programs. As such, training-focused MT programs should be further examined in cohorts experiencing protracted high-demand intervals. PMID:25671579

MT-4 suppresses resistant ovarian cancer growth through targeting tubulin and HSP27.

PubMed

Pai, Hui Chen; Kumar, Sunil; Shen, Chien-Chang; Liou, Jing Ping; Pan, Shiow Lin; Teng, Che Ming

2015-01-01

In this study, the anticancer mechanisms of MT-4 were examined in A2780 and multidrug-resistant NCI-ADR/res human ovarian cancer cell lines. To evaluate the activity of MT-4, we performed in vitro cell viability and cell cycle assays and in vivo xenograft assays. Immunoblotting analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of MT-4 on ovarian cancer. Tubulin polymerization was determined using a tubulin binding assay. MT-4 (2-Methoxy-5-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-phenol), a derivative of moscatilin, can inhibit both sensitive A2780 and multidrug-resistant NCI-ADR/res cell growth and viability. MT-4 inhibited tubulin polymerization to induce G2/M arrest followed by caspase-mediated apoptosis. Further studies indicated that MT-4 is not a substrate of P-glycoprotein (p-gp). MT-4 also caused G2/M cell cycle arrest, accompanied by the upregulation of cyclin B, p-Thr161 Cdc2/p34, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), Aurora kinase B, and phospho-Ser10-histone H3 protein levels. In addition, we found that p38 MAPK pathway activation was involved in MT-4-induced apoptosis. Most importantly, MT-4 also decreased heat shock protein 27 expression and reduced its interaction with caspase-3, which inured cancer cells to chemotherapy resistance. Treatment of cells with SB203580 or overexpression of dominant negative (DN)-p38 or wild-type HSP27 reduced PARP cleavage caused by MT-4. MT-4 induced apoptosis through regulation of p38 and HSP27. Our xenograft models also show the in vivo efficacy of MT-4. MT-4 inhibited both A2780 and NCI-ADR/res cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that MT-4 could be a potential lead compound for the treatment of multidrug-resistant ovarian cancer.

Minds "at attention": mindfulness training curbs attentional lapses in military cohorts.

PubMed

Jha, Amishi P; Morrison, Alexandra B; Dainer-Best, Justin; Parker, Suzanne; Rostrup, Nina; Stanley, Elizabeth A

2015-01-01

We investigated the impact of mindfulness training (MT) on attentional performance lapses associated with task-unrelated thought (i.e., mind wandering). Periods of persistent and intensive demands may compromise attention and increase off-task thinking. Here, we investigated if MT may mitigate these deleterious effects and promote cognitive resilience in military cohorts enduring a high-demand interval of predeployment training. To better understand which aspects of MT programs are most beneficial, three military cohorts were examined. Two of the three groups were provided MT. One group received an 8-hour, 8-week variant of Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT) emphasizing engagement in training exercises (training-focused MT, n = 40), a second group received a didactic-focused variant emphasizing content regarding stress and resilience (didactic-focused MT, n = 40), and the third group served as a no-training control (NTC, n = 24). Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) performance was indexed in all military groups and a no-training civilian group (CIV, n = 45) before (T1) and after (T2) the MT course period. Attentional performance (measured by A', a sensitivity index) was lower in NTC vs. CIV at T2, suggesting that performance suffers after enduring a high-demand predeployment interval relative to a similar time period of civilian life. Yet, there were significantly fewer performance lapses in the military cohorts receiving MT relative to NTC, with training-focused MT outperforming didactic-focused MT at T2. From T1 to T2, A' degraded in NTC and didactic-focused MT but remained stable in training-focused MT and CIV. In sum, while protracted periods of high-demand military training may increase attentional performance lapses, practice-focused MT programs akin to training-focused MT may bolster attentional performance more than didactic-focused programs. As such, training-focused MT programs should be further examined in cohorts experiencing protracted high-demand intervals.

The Strictly Aerobic Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica Tolerates Loss of a Mitochondrial DNA-Packaging Protein

PubMed Central

Bakkaiova, Jana; Arata, Kosuke; Matsunobu, Miki; Ono, Bungo; Aoki, Tomoyo; Lajdova, Dana; Nebohacova, Martina; Nosek, Jozef; Miyakawa, Isamu

2014-01-01

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is highly compacted into DNA-protein structures termed mitochondrial nucleoids (mt-nucleoids). The key mt-nucleoid components responsible for mtDNA condensation are HMG box-containing proteins such as mammalian mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and Abf2p of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To gain insight into the function and organization of mt-nucleoids in strictly aerobic organisms, we initiated studies of these DNA-protein structures in Yarrowia lipolytica. We identified a principal component of mt-nucleoids in this yeast and termed it YlMhb1p (Y. lipolytica mitochondrial HMG box-containing protein 1). YlMhb1p contains two putative HMG boxes contributing both to DNA binding and to its ability to compact mtDNA in vitro. Phenotypic analysis of a Δmhb1 strain lacking YlMhb1p resulted in three interesting findings. First, although the mutant exhibits clear differences in mt-nucleoids accompanied by a large decrease in the mtDNA copy number and the number of mtDNA-derived transcripts, its respiratory characteristics and growth under most of the conditions tested are indistinguishable from those of the wild-type strain. Second, our results indicate that a potential imbalance between subunits of the respiratory chain encoded separately by nuclear DNA and mtDNA is prevented at a (post)translational level. Third, we found that mtDNA in the Δmhb1 strain is more prone to mutations, indicating that mtHMG box-containing proteins protect the mitochondrial genome against mutagenic events. PMID:24972935

Fibromyalgia--a syndrome associated with decreased nocturnal melatonin secretion.

PubMed

Wikner, J; Hirsch, U; Wetterberg, L; Röjdmark, S

1998-08-01

Most patients with fibromyalgic syndrome (FMS) complain of sleep disturbances, fatigue, and pain. These symptoms might be a consequence of changed melatonin (MT) secretion, since MT is known to have sleep promoting properties. Moreover, serum concentrations of two MT precursors (tryptophan and serotonin)--affecting both sleep and pain perception--appear to be low in patients with FMS. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to study whether serum MT (s-MT) level is also low in these patients. Eight patients with FMS and 8 healthy sex-, BMI-, and age-matched controls were included in the study. s-MT concentrations were determined every second hour between 1800 and 0800 h. Urine was collected between 2200 and 0700 h for determination of urinary MT excretion. To evaluate total MT secretion between 1800 and 0800 h and MT secretion during the hours of darkness (between 23 and 07 h) individual MT areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated and expressed as group means. The FMS patients had a 31% lower MT secretion than healthy subjects during the hours of darkness (MT AUC 2300-0700 h (mean +/- SEM): 1.70 +/- 0.17 vs 2.48 +/- 0.38 nmol/l; P < 0.05). Also the s-MT peak value was significantly lower in the patient group: 0.28 +/- 0.03 vs 0.44 +/- 0.06 nmol/l; P < 0.05). Patients with fibromyalgic syndrome have a lower melatonin secretion during the hours of darkness than healthy subjects. This may contribute to impaired sleep at night, fatigue during the day, and changed pain perception.

Evidence of animal mtDNA recombination between divergent populations of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida.

PubMed

Hoolahan, Angelique H; Blok, Vivian C; Gibson, Tracey; Dowton, Mark

2012-03-01

Recombination is typically assumed to be absent in animal mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA). However, the maternal mode of inheritance means that recombinant products are indistinguishable from their progenitor molecules. The majority of studies of mtDNA recombination assess past recombination events, where patterns of recombination are inferred by comparing the mtDNA of different individuals. Few studies assess contemporary mtDNA recombination, where recombinant molecules are observed as direct mosaics of known progenitor molecules. Here we use the potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, to investigate past and contemporary recombination. Past recombination was assessed within and between populations of G. pallida, and contemporary recombination was assessed in the progeny of experimental crosses of these populations. Breeding of genetically divergent organisms may cause paternal mtDNA leakage, resulting in heteroplasmy and facilitating the detection of recombination. To assess contemporary recombination we looked for evidence of recombination between the mtDNA of the parental populations within the mtDNA of progeny. Past recombination was detected between a South American population and several UK populations of G. pallida, as well as between two South American populations. This suggests that these populations may have interbred, paternal mtDNA leakage occurred, and the mtDNA of these populations subsequently recombined. This evidence challenges two dogmas of animal mtDNA evolution; no recombination and maternal inheritance. No contemporary recombination between the parental populations was detected in the progeny of the experimental crosses. This supports current arguments that mtDNA recombination events are rare. More sensitive detection methods may be required to adequately assess contemporary mtDNA recombination in animals.

An Ice Core Perspective on Aleutian Low Variability over the Common Era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osterberg, E. C.; Winski, D.; Kreutz, K. J.; Wake, C. P.; Ferris, D. G.; Campbell, S.; Introne, D.

2016-12-01

The Aleutian Low (ALow) is the dominant feature of atmospheric circulation in the North Pacific, strongly influencing wintertime temperature, precipitation and wind patterns in Alaska and the Yukon Territory, as well as further downstream in North America via atmospheric teleconnections. Changes in ALow strength are known to impact marine ecosystems by contributing to the multi-decadal sea-surface temperature mode in the North Pacific known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Meteorological records show that in addition to distinct PDO-like variability, the ALow has intensified over the 20th century. However, ALow variability prior to the instrumental period remains unclear due to generally poor correlations among published ALow and PDO reconstructions, including the Mt. Logan ice core ALow record. An improved understanding of past ALow variability is critical for evaluating natural ALow forcing mechanisms, placing the 20th century intensification in context, and improving ALow projections under increased anthropogenic forcing. Here we combine ALow-sensitive time series from the new Denali ice core and the Mt. Logan ice core to develop a high-resolution (1-3 year) multi-ice-core record of ALow variability over the past 1500 years. The Denali ice core was collected from the summit plateau (3900 m) of Mt. Hunter in 2013, and was sampled using the Dartmouth continuous melter system with discrete sampling for major ion (IC), trace element (ICP-MS), and stable isotope ratios (Picarro), as well as continuous flow analyses for dust size and concentration (Klotz Abakus). We focus here on the sea-salt sodium time series, and calibrate our record over the 20th century with reanalysis wind speed and pressure data. The Denali sodium record of ALow strength strongly resembles the Mt. Logan ALow record, with both showing a recent intensification of the ALow that started in the late 1600s and continues into the 20th century. Both records reveal that the ALow was stronger during the late 19th to 20th centuries than earlier in the last millennium, and both show a previous strong ALow period from ca. 500-900 AD. We compare our mutli-core ALow record to other ALow-sensitive ice core time series, as well as to ALow records from other proxy archives and General Circulation Models.

Dissecting key components of the Ca2+ homeostasis game by multifunctional fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bastianello, Stefano; Ciubotaru, Catalin D.; Beltramello, Martina; Mammano, Fabio

2004-07-01

Different sub-cellular compartments and organelles, such as cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, are known to be differentially involved in Ca2+ homeostasis. It is thus of primary concern to develop imaging paradigms that permit to make out these diverse components. To this end, we have constructed a complete system that performs multi-functional imaging under software control. The main hardware components of this system are a piezoelectric actuator, used to set objective lens position, a fast-switching monochromator, used to select excitation wavelength, a beam splitter, used to separate emission wavelengths, and a I/O interface to control the hardware. For these demonstrative experiments, cultured HeLa cells were transfected with a Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent biosensor (cameleon) targeted to the mitochondria (mtCam), and also loaded with cytosolic Fura2. The main system clock was provided by the frame-valid signal (FVAL) of a cooled CCD camera that captured wide-field fluorescence images of the two probes. Excitation wavelength and objective lens position were rapidly set during silent periods between successive exposures, with a minimum inter-frame interval of 2 ms. Triplets of images were acquired at 340, 380 and 430 nm excitation wavelengths at each one of three adjacent focal planes, separated by 250 nm. Optical sectioning was enhanced off-line by applying a nearest-neighbor deconvolution algorithm based on a directly estimated point-spread function (PSF). To measure the PSF, image stacks of sub-resolution fluorescent beads, incorporated in the cell cytoplasm by electroporation, were acquired under identical imaging conditions. The different dynamics of cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals evoked by histamine could be distinguished clearly, with sub-micron resolution. Other FRET-based probes capable of sensing different chemical modifications of the cellular environment can be integrated in this approach, which is intrinsically suitable for the analysis of the interactions and cross-talks between different signaling pathways (e.g. Ca2+ and cAMP).

Mitochondrial tRNA cleavage by tRNA-targeting ribonuclease causes mitochondrial dysfunction observed in mitochondrial disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ogawa, Tetsuhiro, E-mail: atetsu@mail.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Shimizu, Ayano; Takahashi, Kazutoshi

2014-08-15

Highlights: • MTS-tagged ribonuclease was translocated successfully to the mitochondrial matrix. • MTS-tagged ribonuclease cleaved mt tRNA and reduced COX activity. • Easy and reproducible method of inducing mt tRNA dysfunction. - Abstract: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a genome possessed by mitochondria. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during aerobic respiration in mitochondria, mtDNA is commonly exposed to the risk of DNA damage. Mitochondrial disease is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, and mutations or deletions on mitochondrial tRNA (mt tRNA) genes are often observed in mtDNA of patients with the disease. Hence, the correlation between mt tRNA activity and mitochondrialmore » dysfunction has been assessed. Then, cybrid cells, which are constructed by the fusion of an enucleated cell harboring altered mtDNA with a ρ{sup 0} cell, have long been used for the analysis due to difficulty in mtDNA manipulation. Here, we propose a new method that involves mt tRNA cleavage by a bacterial tRNA-specific ribonuclease. The ribonuclease tagged with a mitochondrial-targeting sequence (MTS) was successfully translocated to the mitochondrial matrix. Additionally, mt tRNA cleavage, which resulted in the decrease of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity, was observed.« less