bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potencial distribución espacial del vector del HLB de los cítricos Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) en el departamento del Tolima, Colombia
Authors: Araque Wilson , Arévalo Emilio
Published: November 2019

El huanglongbing o HLB es una de las enfermedades más devastadoras de los cítricos y se encuentra en diferentes departamentos en Colombia. Sin embargo esta enfermedad aún no se encuentra reportada para el departamento del Tolima, el cual es un importante productor de cítricos a nivel nacional. Con el propósito de predecir la posible distribución espacial de Diaphorina citri, vector de la bacteria Candidatus liberibacter causante del HLB, se determinó la ubicación de los sistemas de producción de cítricos en el departamento del Tolima (Colombia). Utilizando el proceso geoestadístico de interpolación por el método Inverso de la Distancia Ponderada (IDW) se definieron las áreas de mayor y menor prevalencia del vector, a partir de datos muestréales, conformando posibles rutas de movilidad de la bacteria. Con el análisis multitemporal de la distribución del vector en los años 2014, 2015 y 2016, este trabajo aporta elementos cartográficos de apoyo en el uso y consulta de la información al proceso de la vigilancia fitosanitaria del HLB de los cítricos, definiendo sitios estratégicos de monitoreo del vector.
Understanding of the Term "Codification" in the Baltic Legal Thought of the 19th Century
Authors: Sidorkin A. I. , Zeynalov R. G.
Published: November 2019

The article analyzes the problem of understanding codification processes by the doctrine of law in the Baltic provinces of the Russian Empire. Taking into account the significance of the German legal thought for the legal doctrine of Baltic provinces, the views of German jurists are also examined. It is established that characteristic features of codification in German jurisprudence had already been formulated in a manner analogous to the present ones in the 19th century. In the 19th century, similar to modern times, codification seemed to be a comprehensive process both formally and substantively updated by means of legislative acts. No other sources of law, including customary law, should have acted along with codification. As a consequence, uncertainty of a common legal tradition was eliminated and comprehensive understandability was achieved. At the same time, it is recognized that representatives of the Baltic legal thought, despite German influence, understood the processes of codification on the basis of their own ideas that often were not at all correlated with the German doctrine, but were more in line with the general imperial Russian view of those phenomena. It is argued that the processes of systematization and codification of the Baltic law had encouraged the further development of legal thought both in the entire Russian Empire and in the Baltics. The situation examined in the study, in authors' opinion, shows only one thing. Law in the 19th century was formed not by practitioners or jurists (scholars), but by the law-maker (or the bodies prescribed and authorized by the law-maker). The Baltic law codification entailed changes for various sources of Baltic law that had operated so far. Meanwhile, those processes characterized not only the Baltic region, but were seen throughout Europe. Codification becomes the main, if not the only, source of law. Thus, the need for a common doctrine combining the sources of law and common law was lost.
Application of Legal Stances of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation
Authors: Aleksandrova M. A.
Published: November 2019

The article is devoted to the difficulties the law enforcers face with when enforcing legal determinations of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. This problem is particularly actualized in cases when fallacies can be found in the definitions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and they contradict formal and legal interpretation of the challenged rules of law given by the courts when making decisions: denying to accept a petition for consideration, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation in its legal stance, in fact, sets out the answer on the merits of the petition. At the same time, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation is not bound by its own legal determinations, which entails the existence of decisions with different legal stances on the same subject matter in the Constitutional Court jurisprudence. The author considers the examples taken from criminal procedural law and penal law. The article provides for the ways of overcoming the problem of non-enforcement of legal determinations of the RF Constitutional Court and its decisions as a whole.
Ways to Create Complex Objects of Copyright and Disposal of Rights Thereon
Authors: Domovskaya E. V.
Published: November 2019

The scientific and technological revolution that occurred in the 20th century led to the emergence of new types of objects of intellectual property rights, while creating the need for their legal regulation. The nature of a complex object of copyright as the most popular and attractive one from an economic and commercial point of view is investigated in the article. The author pays special attention to the study of the order of disposal of a complex object of copyright, the legal structure of which determines the specifics of legal regulation in the sphere of disposing of rights to complex objects. The article contains an analysis of the special mode of creation, use and disposal of various independent objects created to achieve one goal. It is concluded that the absence in the legislation of a clear and structured (by analogy with other agreements relating to the creation and disposal of rights to the results of intellectual activity) regulation of an agreement between co-authors will make such a regime for creating complex objects unattractive from a commercial point of view (due to greater risks arising from the legal uncertainty of this regime). This will significantly reduce the interest of creative thought to independently organized projects and eventually will affect the economic sphere.
Profile of Salted Fish Processing in Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan (PHPT) Muara Angke
Authors: Indrastuti Nindya Atika , Wulandari Nur , Palupi Nurheni Sri
Published: November 2019

The quality of salted fish depends on the quality of raw material as well as the processing methods. The aim of this work was to study the processing profile of the salted fish in PHPT Muara Angke. Data was collected from the annual salted fish production data in Muara Angke from January 2017 to July 2018, as well as from observation and interview with 25 salted fish producers using snowball sampling method. The results showed that the processed fish species were very diverse and the processing was carried out using traditional methods. Frozen fish were used more frequently than the fresh one. The ground water and crystal salt were used in the processing.Pickling was widely used for salting method rather than dry salting or wet salting. Drying of the fish was carried out traditionally under the sun. However, bleaching agent was still used by some producers. In conclusion, the processing of salted fish in PHPT Muara Angke has not appliedsanitized and hygiene production processes.
Effectiveness of Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristic of Notopterus notopterus Bone Chips
Authors: Herpandi Herpandi , Widiastuti Indah , Wulandari Wulandari , Sari Cynthia Aprita
Published: November 2019

This study was aimed to determine the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chips made from bones of Notopterus notopterus previously soaked in sodium bicarbonate. Different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (0; 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2; and 2.5%) were used to soak the bones. The parameters observed were chemical analysis, physical analysis, and sensory analysis.  The soaking of  the fish bones in sodium bicarbonate  had significant effects (p<0.05) on the chemical characteristics including water content, ash content, protein content, NaHCO3 residue as well as physical characteristic of the chips. However, on the soaking did not affect phosphorus, calcium and sensory characteristics of the chips.
Profiling of Catfish Swim Bladder Collagen (Pangasius sp.) Through Enzymatic Proses
Authors: Simamora Gevbry Ranti Ramadhani , Trilaksani Wini , Uju Uju
Published: November 2019

Swim bladder is a marine byproduct and a potential source of collagen needed by food, cosmetical, biomedical and pharmaceutical industry. This study evaluated the effectiveness of alkaline pretreatment and papain enzyme on the characteristics of collagen from the catfish swim bladders. TThree concentrations of alkaline (0.05; 0.1 and 0.15 M) with were used to pretreat the swim bladders for 2; 4; 6; 8; 10 and 12 hours. The collagen was also treated by papain enzyme with concentrations of 0; 5,000; 10,000; 15,000 and 20,000 U/mg for 24 and 48 hours. The result showed that pretreatment using NaOH 0.05 M for 6 hours effectively reduced the noncollagen protein (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the treatment using papain enzyme with concentration of 5.000 U/mg for 48 hours improved the collagen solubility. The FTIR of collagen showed the existence of a triple helix structure. Meanwhile, the thermal analysis showed collagen gelation transition temperature (Tg) was at 88oC.
Design based Investigation on Construction of Mathematical Modelling Problems: Example of Financial Content
Authors: TURAL SÖNMEZ Melike
Published: November 2019

Bu çalışmada
yedinci sınıf seviyesinde finansal içerikte matematiksel modelleme
problemlerinin yapılandırma sürecinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Matematiksel
modelleme problemlerinin yapılandırılmasına yönelik tasarım önerisi
oluşturulması hedeflenmiştir. Araştırmada tasarım tabanlı araştırma yöntemi
kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın katılımcıları üç yedinci sınıf öğrencisi, altı
finans uzmanı ve dokuz matematik eğitimi uzmanından oluşmaktadır. Çalışmanın
veri toplama araçları yedinci sınıf öğrencilerinin matematiksel modelleme
etkinlikleri süresinde videolarının ve ses kaydının transkiribi, öğrenci
çalışma dokümanları, uzman katılımcıların görüş alma formlarıdır. Çalışma üç
aşamadan oluşmaktadır. Birinci aşama ön uygulamanın yapılması aşamasıdır. Bu
aşama, matematiksel modelleme problemlerin sınıf seviyesine uygunluğu,
öğrencilerin zamanlamaları, problemlerin anlaşılırlığı ve öğrencilerin bağlam
hakkındaki bilgileri konusunda değerlendirmeler sunmuştur. İkinci aşamada
finans konusunda uzman kişilerden; matematiksel modelleme problemlerin finansal
okuryazarlık standartlarına uygunluğu konusunda görüş alınmıştır. Üçüncü
aşamada ise matematik eğitimi uzmanları matematiksel modelleme problemlerin
sınıf seviyesine, matematiksel modelleme ilkelerine ve yedinci sınıf matematik
dersi kazanımlarına uygunluğu konusunda görüş bildirmişlerdir. Görüş alma
formundaki maddelerin frekans değerleri hesaplanmış ve uzmanların ifadelerinden
alıntılar yapılmıştır. Araştırmada tasarım rehberinin aşamalandırılmasına ve
uygulanmasına yönelik önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
The Effect of Active Learning Approach Jigsaw II Technique on Student Attitudes Relating To Science 4th Grade Science Course
Authors: APAYDIN Zeki , KANDEMİR Mehmet Ali
Published: November 2019

In this research, the
effect of the fourth grade science course subject teaching in accordance with
Jigsaw II technique on the attitudes of students in aspect of science course in
line with the active learning approach was examined. The research was carried
out for a period of 9 weeks with the participation of total 60 students
contained in experimental and control groups in 2016-2017 academic year. This
research was conducted according to the semi-experimental pattern with pre-test
and post-test control groups. While the education and training process was
organized according to the Jigsaw II technique among the active learning
techniques to the experimental group, training and teaching process was
organized according to the traditional approach to the control group. As a
result of this research, it is concluded that the education and training
process performed in compliance with Jigsaw II technique in line with the active
learning approach has more positively affected the student attitudes compared
to education and training process performed according to traditional approach
in 4th grade science course. (p <.05).
Revisión sistemática de las causas y tratamientos para las grietas en los pezones durante la lactancia materna
Authors: De la Hoz Cáceres Deimer , Jiménez García José Francisco , Rosanía Arroyo Stefanny , Vásquez Munive Mirith , Álvarez Miño Lidice
Published: November 2019

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los factores más frecuentemente relacionados con las grietas en los pezones y los distintos tratamientos utilizados para tratar este problema en madres que lactan, a través de una revisión de la literatura científica. La búsqueda se realizó utilizando las bases de datos: SCIENCE DIRECT, EMBASE, PROQUEST, SCOPUS y SCIELO, publicados entre 2000 al 2018, además referencias bibliográficas citadas en los artículos seleccionados. Los términos utilizados fueron en inglés y español, estandarizados en los sistemas de descriptores para inglés y español, pero también se utilizaron términos no  estandarizados identificados en algunos artículos. Los resultados arrojan que el uso de lanolina, compresas de agua tibia, leche materna extraída y la aplicación de menta son referidos como más efectivos para el trauma del pezón. Considerando los tratamientos encontrados, aquellos que contienen mejores efectos en la estimulación del crecimiento epitelial del pezón agrietado son: lanolina, la colágenas y apósitos de hidrogel. De acuerdo a lo anterior, no se recomienda un tratamiento por encima de otro, debido a que los métodos encontrados mostraron ser eficaces y beneficiosos tanto para el manejo del dolor como la disminución de trauma del pezón.
Foreign body in urinary bladder: our experience and review of literature
Authors: Shafique Ahmed Mohd Hamid , Pawar Prakash W. , Sawant Ajit S. , Sakharani Jitendra , Arora Amandeep , Patil Sunil R. , Patel Deepak
Published: November 2019

Background: The objective of the study was to study clinical presentation, mode of insertion, and management of intravesical foreign bodies in patients treated at our hospital.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted between January 2018 to June 2019. Six patients underwent treatment for urinary bladder foreign body at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Sion Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Medical records were analyzed retrospectively with regard to nature of foreign body, each patient’s clinical presentation, the mode of insertion and how the foreign was managed.Results: A total of six foreign bodies were retrieved from patients’ urinary bladders. The patients range in age from 28 to 65 years (mean age was 45 years). The Clinical presentation includes Lower urinary tract symptoms. Four patients were male and two were female. Circumstance of insertion was iatrogenic in 5 patients and self-insertion in 1 patient. Five patients were treated endoscopically (cystoscopy retrieval with or without cystolithotrity) and one patient with supra pubic cystostomy. Post-operative hospital stay was of 1 to 2 days. Mean follow up period was 3 months. Psychiatric referral and counseling were done in patients with history of self-insertion of foreign body in urinary bladder.Conclusions: Foreign body in the urinary bladder remain a challenge to the urologist. Removal of the foreign body without injury to the urinary bladder or the urethra gives good outcome.
Psychological evaluation of adult burn survivors: a pilot study
Authors: Kurian Silvana , Padickaparambil Sebastian , Thomas Joseph , Sreekumar N. C. , James Alphy Rose
Published: November 2019

Background: Survivors of disfiguring burn injury often become social handicaps. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand their perception of body image, their coping skills, their appraisals about social support and self-monitoring behaviour in social situations and explore the factors that can promote better psychological adjustment.Methods: Using a single group cohort design, a sample of 18 individuals with burn injury, were recruited through purposive sampling. Personal data sheet, self-monitoring scale (SMS) and satisfaction with appearance scale (SWAP) were administered when the patients were admitted post-injury. Social support appraisal scale (SSA), coping with burns questionnaire along with SMS and SWAP were administered at one-month post-discharge.Results: The findings indicated that gender and education played a significant role in body image, coping, social support appraisal and self-monitoring behaviours. Further, higher scores on coping strategies were associated with better body satisfaction.Conclusions: The findings indicate the need to look into the variables of coping, body image, social support, self-monitoring behaviours of burns patients and the need to develop interventions for improving their quality of life. A mixed-method study design for better understanding of the psychosocial factors impacting adjustment post-burn injury would be beneficial. Although a larger cohort needs to be studied for understanding the impact of these factors, one may already notice definite indicators that are risk factors that may lead to poorer psycho-social wellbeing of burn victims and potential areas where interventions may be effective.
Study of clinical profile, surgical interventions and outcome in a series of patients with pilonidal disease
Authors: Jawade Kailash K. , Bande Vaishali Radhakishan
Published: November 2019

Background: Pilonidal disease is a controversial benign condition that often causes nuisance and disability in young adults. Sacrococcigeal region, intergluteal natal cleft, interdigital cleft in barbers and the other hair bearing areas like axilla are found to be involved. Different authors have described different techniques of management of pilonidal disease.Methods: During September 2010 to August 2018 total 24 patients were presented with pilonidal disease and were treated using various surgical interventions. This retrospective study is done to study demographics and clinical spectrum, clinical course, outcome of different surgical interventions done and complications associated with various techniques.Results: Out of 24 patients 18 (75%) were males whereas 6 patients (25%) were females. The age range was 23 to 44 years. Sacrococcigeal region is the most commonly affected region in this series. In this series average duration of presence of pilonidal disease before presentation was 89 days ranging from 4 days to 168 days. One of 24 patients was treated with medical management and rest 23 patient required surgical intervention. Complete excision with rhomboid flap was the most common way of treating pilonidal disease and was used in 10 (41.6%) cases.Conclusions: Pilonidal disease is benign condition seen in young adults associated with morbidity without any mortality. Sinus is the commonest mode of presentation and sacrococcigeal region is the commonest site affected by this disease. Rhomboid flap has a promising result in terms of less post-operative recovery time and post-operative complications.
Right paraduodenal hernia, rare cause of gangrene bowel: case report with review of literature
Authors: Kamat Sanjivi , Cormoli Gautam , Narsapur Sudhir , Patil Rajesh
Published: November 2019

A right paraduodenal hernia includes small bowel trapped within a peritoneal sac between the right and transverse colon, positioned right of midline, with the hernia sac opening to the left at the ligament of treitz, with either the superior mesenteric or ileo-colic artery at the anterior aspect of the sac. Patients with PDH often present with signs and symptoms of obstruction and/or bowel gangrene. We report a case of a 50 year old male presenting with small bowel ischaemia due to right paraduodenal hernia. Patient presented with chief complaints of colicky abdominal pain since two days and abdominal distension, and altered sensorium since one day. Abdominal ultrasonography showed dilated small bowel loops, and CT scan of abdomen was suggestive of clustering of small bowel loops with proximal dilatation. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a right PDH with a strangulated loop of 160 cm of small bowel within. The peritoneum at the ligament of Treitz was lax. The DJ flexure showed gangrenous changes along the anti-mesenteric edge. Resection and anastomosis of small bowel was done along with wedge resection of the DJ flexure, followed by feeding jejunostomy. The sac was opened up wide and plicated over itself to prevent recurrences. Perioperative course was uneventful, and patient discharged on post op day 10. Jejunostomy tube was removed after one week. Patient is being followed up at OPD level with close surveillance to prevent nutritional deficiency due to short gut syndrome. A vigilant mind is of utmost importance to suspect and diagnose paraduodenal hernia to limit morbidity and mortality.
Retrospective Analysis of HBV Pre-Existing Mutations and Drug-induced Resistance Mutations in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis
Authors: Liping Wang , Mingjia Dai , Chunyang Li , Jungui Hao , Fang Ji , Xuebing Yan
Published: November 2019

Background: The reported prevalence and necessity of detection of HBV reverse transcriptase (RT) mutation prior to treatment is varied and remains controversial. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of HBV pre-existing gene resistance mutations and compare the difference between pre-existing mutations and drug-induced resistance mutations in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis.Methods: 180 patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis which included 68 patients with virological breakthrough and 112 treatment-naive cirrhosis patients were retrospectively enrolled. The drug-resistant mutations of HBV reverse transcriptase domain were screened by direct gene sequencing. One-way ANOVA analysis was performed in the comparison among different groups. Ratios difference was compared with the chi-square test.Results: There were 48 patients (48/112, 42.86%) with drug resistance mutations in nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) treatment-naive group, 59 patients (59/68, 86.76%) showed drug-resistant mutations in the NAs treatment group. The gene resistance mutation patterns in treatment-naive group were mainly rtS213T, rtV214A, 191V/I and rtN/H238T/D, and the types of resistance mutations in the treated group were different. The adefovir (ADV) group: mainly rtA181T/V and rtS213T; lamivudine/ telbivudine (LAM/LDT) group: rtL180M+ rtM204I/V/S and rtM204I/V/S or a complex mutation pattern containing 204 site; entecavir (ETV) group: The drug resistance pattern is the simultaneous presence of multiple site mutations. LAM/LDT sequential ADV group: The variant type was multi-site and resistant to both ADV and LAM.Conclusion: There was a prevalence of pre-existing mutations in RT region of HBV polymerase in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis, The mutation pattern is mainly related to LAM and ADV-related compensatory mutations, while the drug-induced mutation pattern is more complicated, mainly related to the antiviral drugs used and there are mainly primary mutations. Patients with cirrhosis should be tested genetic resistance mutation before using antiviral drugs.
ON A NESSECITY OF A CREATION OF A UNITED TECHNICAL POLICY IN THE AREA OF A FIRE SAFETY ENSURING OF A TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS GOODS ON RUSSIAN RAILWAYS
Authors: Evseev D. G. , Filippov V. N. , Petrov G. I. , Shebeko Yu. N. , Bespalko S. V.
Published: November 2019

Introduction. The work is devoted to the results of many years of research to ensure the fire and explosion safety of tanks for liquefied petroleum gases, conducted by the Moscow state University of Railways (MIIT), together with other organizations.

Methods. On the basis of statistical data, the main scenarios of emergency situations were determined.

Experimental and theoretical studies of the behavior of tanks under emergency conditions associated with dynamic and thermal effects were carried out. Numerous experiments were carried out both on full-scale samples and on models using the theory of similarity. The results of the ex¬periments are used both for verification of theoretical models and for specification of parameters of the calculation schemes.

The mathematical models developed in the framework of theoretical research were implemented in the form of a package of computer programs and used later to select the parameters of the means of protection.

Results. In terms of protection against thermal effects, the following were proposed: safety valves, fire-retardant coatings, upgraded versions of control, drain and safety valves using design solutions adopted in nuclear engineering. In particular, the use of fire-resistant coatings SGKprovides an increase of 2.5-3.5 times the time of the accident-free stay of the tank in the fire.

A new layout of the drain-filling pipes is recommended, which significantly reduces the proba¬bility of breakage of the elements of the drain-filling fittings. The design of safety arcs and nodes for connection of arc elements with the shell is proposed.

Conclusion. On the basis of the whole complex of the conducted researches the family of tanks for the transportation of liquefied hydrocarbon gases was developed, the production of which was carried out at the enterprises of Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Poland.

However, there is a problem of contradictions in the regulatory documentation on the issues of fire and explosion safety of tanks, which requires the formation of a unified technical policy in this area.
ASSURANCE FIRE SAFETY OF POWER FACILITIES DUE TO DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHING MOBILE ROBOTICS
Authors: Aleshkov M. V. , Tsarichenko S. G. , Kholostov A. L. , Gusev I. A.
Published: November 2019

As a result of statistical data analysis on fires and accidents that occurred on power facilities, specific features have been identified for suppressing such fires. One of them is exposure of persons participating in firefighting to hazardous factors and associated events. This results in interruption of fire suppression, as people and equipment have to be removed to a safe area. In order to ensure fire suppression in a hazardous environment, it is proposed to use mobile fire suppression robots that are capable of operating under the conditions considered. Technical specifications of mobile robots, that largely determine their operational efficiency, have been evaluated and substantiated. Technical requirements have been specified and used as the basis for developing a prototype of the mobile robotic fire suppression unit designed for application at power facilities. Robotic fire suppression unit tactical capabilities have been assessed under the given conditions, with a favorable result.
Structural studies of algal lectins with anti-HIV activity.
Authors: Ziółkowska Natasza E , Wlodawer Alexander
Published: November 2019

A number of antiviral lectins, small proteins that bind carbohydrates found on viral envelopes, are currently in pre-clinical trials as potential drugs for prevention of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other enveloped viruses, such as the Ebola virus and the coronavirus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Lectins of algal origin whose antiviral properties make them candidate agents for prevention of viral transmission through topical applications include cyanovirin-N, Microcystis viridis lectin, scytovirin, and griffithsin. Although all these proteins exhibit significant antiviral activity, their structures are unrelated and their mode of binding of carbohydrates differs significantly. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the structures of algal lectins, their mode of binding of carbohydrates, and their potential medical applications.
Comparative analysis of biochemical properties of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts from various subtypes of C4 plants grown at moderate irradiance.
Authors: Romanowska Elzbieta , Drozak Anna
Published: November 2019

The photochemical characteristics of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts isolated from the leaves of C4 species were investigated in Zea mays (NADP-ME type), Panicum miliaceum (NAD-ME type) and Panicum maximum (PEP-CK type) plants. The aim of this work was to gain information about selected photochemical properties of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts isolated from C4 plants grown in the same moderate light conditions. Enzymatic as well as mechanical methods were applied for the isolation of bundle sheath chloroplasts. In the case of Z. mays and P. maximum the enzymatic isolation resulted in the loss of some thylakoid polypeptides. It was found that the PSI and PSII activities of mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts of all species studied differed significantly and the differences correlated with the composition of pigment-protein complexes, photophosphorylation efficiency and fluorescence emission characteristic of these chloroplasts. This is the first report showing differences in the photochemical activities between mesophyll chloroplasts of C4 subtypes. Our results also demonstrate that mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts of C4 plants grown in identical light conditions differ significantly with respect to the activity of main thylakoid complexes, suggesting a role of factor(s) other than light in the development of photochemical activity in C4 subtypes.
IS1 transposition is enhanced by translation errors and by bacterial growth at extreme glucose levels.
Authors: Kharat Arun S , Coursange Evelyne , Noirclerc-Savoye Marjolaine , Lacoste Jérôme , Blot Michel
Published: November 2019

Transposition of insertion sequences (IS) is an enzyme-mediated process that only occurs in a minority of cells within a bacterial culture. Transposition is thus a rare event, but transposition frequency may vary depending on experimental conditions. For instance in a rich broth, IS elements are known to transpose during stationary phase but not during exponential growth. Using a reporter system which involves the activation of the cryptic bgl operon in Escherichia coli, we show that the frequency of IS1 transposition is a function of glucose concentration in the growth medium, it is increased by streptomycin amounts that are below minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) and is inhibited in an rpsL150 strain with high translation accuracy. Since starved cells are known to enhance ribosome frameshifting, our data suggests that growth conditions applied in this study could affect IS1 transposition by increasing translation infidelity.
Antitumor effect of RGD-4C-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2 peptide in mouse B16(F10) melanoma model.
Authors: Smolarczyk Ryszard , Cichoń Tomasz , Graja Klaudyna , Hucz Joanna , Sochanik Aleksander , Szala Stanisław
Published: November 2019

Vasculature targeting agents have been tested as cancer therapeutics for the past few years. Such therapy could be accomplished using, for example, bifunctional (two-domain) peptides. RGD-4C-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2, a peptide designed by Ellerby and coworkers (1999) (full sequence: ACDCRGDCFCGGKLAKLAKKLAKLAK), binds selectively to alphaVbeta3 integrin receptors expressed in tumor neovasculature and, after internalization, effectively induces apoptosis of endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to examine if RGD-4C-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2 would efficiently target cells, among them B16(F10), that overexpress alphaVbeta3 receptors, and whether it would be suitable for therapeutic treatment of primary B16(F10) murine melanoma tumors. Thus, the peptide would target two distinct tumor compartments: that formed by endothelium of blood vessels and that made up of neoplastic cells. The therapeutic peptide was recognized and did induce apoptosis in B16(F10) cell line. Tumor growth inhibition was observed following direct intratumoral administration. However, cessation of peptide administration led to rapid tumor growth and death of the animals.
SNARE proteins and schizophrenia: linking synaptic and neurodevelopmental hypotheses.
Authors: Johnson Reuben D , Oliver Peter L , Davies Kay E
Published: November 2019

Much of the focus of neurobiological research into schizophrenia is based on the concept that disrupted synaptic connectivity underlies the pathology of the disorder. Disruption of synaptic connectivity is proposed to be a consequence of both disrupted synaptic transmission in adulthood and abnormalities in the processes controlling synaptic connectivity during development of the central nervous system. This synaptic hypothesis fits with neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia and our understanding of the mechanisms of antipsychotic medication. This conceptual model has fostered efforts to define the exact synaptic pathology further. Synaptic proteins are obvious candidates for such studies, and the integral role of the SNARE complex, and SNARE-associated proteins, in synaptic transmission will ensure that it is the focus of much of this research. Significant new insights into the role of this complex are arising from new mouse models of human disease. Here the evidence from both animal and human clinical studies showing that the SNARE complex has a key role to play in the aetiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia is discussed.
The plant Nudix hydrolase family.
Authors: Kraszewska Elzbieta
Published: November 2019

Nudix hydrolases are a family of proteins defined by a conserved amino-acid sequence GX(5)-EX(7)REUXEEXGU, where U is a hydrophobic residue. These enzymes are widely distributed among all classes of organisms and catalyze, with varying degrees of substrate specificity, the hydrolysis of a variety of nucleoside diphosphate derivatives: nucleoside di- and triphosphates and their oxidized forms, dinucleoside polyphosphates, nucleotide sugars, NADH, coenzyme A and the mRNA cap. Nudix proteins are postulated to control the cellular concentration of these compounds. The genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana contains 29 genes coding for putative Nudix hydrolases. Recently, several Arabidopsis Nudix genes have been cloned and their products characterized. This review summarizes current knowledge on these plant enzymes and discusses their possible cellular functions.
Reversal of drug resistance by silencing Survivin gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia cells.
Authors: Wu Yao-Hui , You Yong , Chen Zhi-Chao , Zou Ping
Published: November 2019

The role of Survivin in the pathogenesis of leukemia was explored in order to discover the effective avenues for gene therapy. Most primary leukemia cells isolated from patients as well as three leukemia cell lines (HL-60, K562, and U937) all expressed Survivin gene. To investigate the relationship between Survivin and chemotherapeutic resistance, HL-60 cells were treated with daunorubicin (DNR), mitoxantrone (MIT) or arsenious oxide (As(2)O(3)), and it was found that after 24 h the level of Survivin mRNA was decreased by 9.7%, 41.0% and 27.5%, respectively. At 72 h, the level of Survivin mRNA was increased by 21.2% and 65.2% in HL-60 cells treated with DNR or MIT, but decreased by 33.2% in those treated with As(2)O(3) as compared with that in the cells treated for 24 h. These results showed that DNR and MIT could initally decrease the expression of Survivin and then increase it, but As(2)O(3) could decrease the Survivin expression continually. Furthermore, shRNA plasmids targeting the Survivin gene (pEGFP-Survivin), which can silence the expression of Survivin with a high specificity, were constructed. pEGFP-Survivin and pEGFP-H1 were transfected into HL-60 cells via electroporation and selected by G418, and HL-60/Survivin and HL-60/EGFP cells were obtained. After treatment with DNR, the cell survival rate and IC(50) of DNR in HL-60/Survivin cells were decreased substantially as compared with those of HL-60/EGFP and HL-60 cells (IC(50) of DNR: 18.3 +/- 2.45 vs 40.8 +/- 6.37 and 39.2 +/- 5.91 ng/ml, respectively), and the apoptosis rate was elevated ((84.3 +/- 19.7)% vs (45.8 +/- 13.8)% and (50.9 +/- 12.4)%, respectively). These results suggest that shRNA can down-regulate the expression of Survivin in HL-60 cells substantially and improve their sensitivity to DNR. They also further explain the pathogenesis of leukemia drug resistance and provide new theory in the design of clinical therapies.
Self-association of Chaetopterus variopedatus sperm histone H1-like. Relevance of arginine content and possible physiological role.
Authors: Salvati Daniela , Conforti Salvatore , Conte Mariachiara , Matassa Danilo Swann , Fucci Laura , Piscopo Marina
Published: November 2019

Self-association of histones H1 from calf thymus and from sperm of the marine worm Chaetopterus variopedatus was studied on native and glutaraldehyde cross-linked molecules by PAGE and by salt-induced turbidity measurements. Multiple polymers were generated by native sperm histone H1-like after glutaraldehyde cross-linking while the same treatment on its lysine- or arginine-modified derivatives and on somatic histone H1 failed to induce polymerization. This result suggests the relevance of arginine content in the formation of histone H1-like polymers particularly because Chaetopterus variopedatus and calf thymus histones H1 have similar content of lysine but different K/R ratio (2 and 15, respectively). Salt-induced turbidity experiments confirmed the high tendency of sperm histone H1-like to form oligomers, particularly in the presence of phosphate ions. Native PAGE analysis in the presence of phosphate supported this hypothesis. The reported results suggest that phosphate ions connecting lysine and arginine side chain groups contribute to the interaction of sperm histone H1-like with DNA in chromatin and play a key role in organization and stabilization of the chromatin higher order structures.
Physicochemical analysis of phosphatidylcholine-ceramide system in bilayer lipid membranes.
Authors: Naumowicz Monika , Petelska Aneta Dorota , Figaszewski Zbigniew Artur
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used for the study of two-component lipid membranes. Phosphatidylcholine and ceramide were to be investigated, since they play an important biochemical role in cell membranes. The research on biolipid interaction was focused on quantitative description of processes that take part in a bilayer. Assumed models of interaction between amphiphilic molecules and the equilibria that take place there were described by mathematical equations for the studied system. The possibility of complex formation for two-component system forming bilayers was assumed that could explain the deviation from additivity rule. Equilibria were described by mathematical equations that were further verified experimentally. The determined values of parameters (stability constant, molecular area of complex, capacitance and conductance of the lipid membranes formed from molecules and complexes) were used for calculation of model curves. The comparison of model curves and experimental points verified the assumed model.
Complete nucleotide sequence of a Polish strain of Peanut stunt virus (PSV-P) that is related to but not a typical member of subgroup I.
Authors: Obrepalska-Steplowska Aleksandra , Budziszewska Marta , Pospieszny Henryk
Published: November 2019

Peanut stunt virus (PSV) is a common legume pathogen present worldwide. It is also infectious for many other plants including peanut and some vegetables. Viruses of this species are classified at present into three subgroups based on their serology and nucleotide homology. Some of them may also carry an additional subviral element - satellite RNA. Analysis of the full genome sequence of a Polish strain - PSV-P - associated with satRNA was performed and showed that it may be classified as a derivative of the subgroup I sharing 83.9-87.9% nucleotide homology with other members of this subgroup. A comparative study of sequenced PSV strains indicates that PSV-P shows the highest identity level with PSV-ER or PSV-J depending on the region used for analysis. Phylogenetic analyses, on the other hand, have revealed that PSV-P is related to representatives of the subgroup I to the same degree, with the exception of the coat protein coding sequence where PSV-P is clustered together with PSV-ER.
TNFalpha-induced activation of NFkappaB protects against UV-induced apoptosis specifically in p53-proficient cells.
Authors: Szołtysek Katarzyna , Pietranek Katarzyna , Kalinowska-Herok Magdalena , Pietrowska Monika , Kimmel Marek , Widłak Piotr
Published: November 2019

The signaling pathways that depend on p53 or NFkappaB transcription factors are essential components of cellular responses to stress. In general, p53 is involved in either activation of cell cycle arrest or induction of apoptosis, while NFkappaB exerts mostly anti-apoptotic functions; both regulatory pathways apparently interfere with each other. Here we aimed to analyze the effects of NFkappaB activation on DNA damage-induced apoptosis, either p53-dependent or p53-independent, in a set of human cell lines. Four cell lines, HCT116 and RKO colon carcinoma, NCI-H1299 lung carcinoma and HL60 myeloblastoma, each of them in two congenic variants either containing or lacking transcriptionally competent p53, were used. Cells were incubated with TNFalpha cytokine to activate NFkappaB and then treated with ultraviolet or ionizing radiation to induce apoptosis, which was assessed by measurement of the sub-G1 cell fraction. We observed that treatment with TNFalpha resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency of apoptotic cells in UV-irradiated p53-proficient lines (with exception of the UV-resistant NCI-H1299 cells). This anti-apoptotic effect was lost when cells were pretreated with parthenolide, an inhibitor of NFkappaB activation. In marked contrast, TNFalpha-pretreatment of p53-deficient lines resulted in an increased frequency of apoptotic cells after UV irradiation (with exception of HL60 cells). Such anti- and pro-apoptotic influence of TNFalpha was less obvious in cells treated with ionizing radiation. The data clearly indicates functional interference of both signaling pathways upon the damage-induced apoptotic response, yet the observed effects are both cell type- and stimulus-specific.
Identification of 2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]- cyclohexane-1,3-dione metabolites in urine of patients suffering from tyrosinemia type I with the use of 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopy.
Authors: Szczeciński Przemysław , Lamparska Diana , Gryff-Keller Adam , Gradowska Wanda
Published: November 2019

Organic extracts of six urine samples from children treated with nitisinone, a medicine against tyrosinemia type I, were investigated by (1)H and (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The presence of unchanged 2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane-1,3-dione (NTBC), 6-hydroxy-2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane-1,3-dione (NTBC-OH) and 2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid (NTFA) as well as a few other unidentified compounds containing CF(3) group was documented.
Mass spectrometry identification of membrane-bound respiratory nitrate reductase from Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus).
Authors: Polcyn Władysław
Published: November 2019

Respiratory nitrate reductase (NR) from Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) USDA 3045 has biochemical properties of the membrane-bound NR type. However, in the completely sequenced rhizobium genomes only genes for the periplasmic type of dissimilatory NR were found. Therefore purification and identification of the enzyme by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was undertaken. MS/MS spectra representing 149 unique tryptic peptides derived from purified 137-kDa subunit matched the NCBInr-deposited NarG sequences. MS/MS sequencing of two other SDS/PAGE bands (65- and 59-kDa) identified them as derivatives of the NarH-type protein. Applying additional validation criteria, 73% of the sequence of the NarG subunit (902 aa) and 52% of NarH sequence (266 aa) was assembled (UniProt KB acc. no. P85097 and P85098). This is the first unambiguous identification of an active NarGH-like NR in rhizobia. Moreover, arguments are provided here for the existence of a functional enzyme of this type also among other rhizobial species, basing on immunoblot screening and the presence of membrane-associated NR-active electrophoretic forms.
Nitrate-related down-regulation of respiratory nitrate reductase from Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus).
Authors: Polcyn Władysław
Published: November 2019

Previously, we showed that anaerobic induction of respiratory nitrate reductase (NR) activity in Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) USDA 3045 is strongly enhanced by nitrate or nitrite through de novo synthesis. Here, multiple NR-active soluble forms, ranging from 75 kDa to 190 kDa, were observed under anaerobic conditions. Electrophoretic activity band patterns differed depending on the level and the type of the N oxyanion added. The intensity of the membrane-bound NR activity band of 230 kDa changed with time along with consumption of 2 mM nitrate. It was associated with a parallel 5-fold increase and then 2-fold reduction in the amount of membrane-bound NR protein. In contrast, on 4 mM nitrate, the level of NR protein was much more stable, apparently due to slower nitrate depletion. Moreover, in cells anaerobically grown without nitrate addition, a 42-kDa derivative of NR degradation was immunodetected, which was not observed if nitrate was present in the medium. These findings suggest that the amount of the respiratory NR protein could be negatively regulated by endogenous proteases in relation to the level of nitrate available. It seems, therefore, that multiple native forms might be not different isoenzymes but immature complexes or derivatives of the enzyme protein turnover. This report adds to a modest list of bacterial enzymes apparently regulated by proteolysis, such as GS, MurAA, EnvA, GdhA, and MetA.
Catalytic activity of mutants of yeast protein kinase CK2alpha.
Authors: Sajnaga Ewa , Kubiński Konrad , Szyszka Ryszard
Published: November 2019

Yeast CK2 is a highly conserved member of the protein kinase CGMC subfamily composed of two catalytic (alpha and alpha') and two regulatory (beta and beta') subunits. The amino-acid sequences of both catalytic subunits are only 60% homologous. Modelling of the tertiary structure of the CK2alpha displays additional alpha-helical structures not present in the CK2alpha' subunit, connecting the ATP-binding loop with the catalytic and activation loops. Deletion of this part causes drastic structural and enzymatic changes of the protein (CK2alpha(Delta91-128)) with characteristics similar to yeast CK2alpha' (low sensitivity to salt, heparin and spermine). Additionally, the deletion causes an over 5-fold decrease of the binding affinity for ATP and ATP-competitive inhibitors (TBBt and TBBz). The structural basis for TBBt and TBBz selectivity is provided by the hydrophobic pocket adjacent to the ATP/GTP binding site, which is smaller in CK2 than in the majority of other protein kinases. The importance of hydrophobic interactions in the binding of specific inhibitors was investigated here by mutational analysis of CK2alpha residues whose side chains contribute to reducing the size of the hydrophobic pocket. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace Val67 and Ile213 by Ala. The kinetic properties of the single mutants CK2alpha(Val67Ala) and CK2alpha(Ile213Ala), and the double mutant CK2(Val67Ala Ile213Ala) were studied with respect to ATP, and both inhibitors TBBt and TBBz. The K(m) values for ATP did not change or were very close to those of the parental kinase. In contrast, all CK2alpha mutants analysed displayed higher K(i) values towards the inhibitors (10 to 12-fold higher with TBBt and 3 to 6-fold with TBBt) comparing to recombinant wild-type CK2alpha.