Comparison of imaginal diets of various Syrphidae (Diptera) species

The full amount and species composition of pollen from intestines of 11 species of Syrphidae (Arctophila fulva, Eristalis arbustorum, E. nemorum, E. pertinax, Helophilus pendulus, Myiatropa florea, Rhingia campestris, Sericomyia silentis, Syrphus baltheatus, S. ribessii and S. vitripennis), collected at the some place (Torma, Jogeva distr., Estonia) and at the some time (18-20 July 1989) have been studied. Maximum number of pollen grains is different fly species varied from 67,800 (Rh. campestris) up to 240,700 (S. silentis) grains, and average number from 25,560 (Rh. campestris) up to 115,880 (E. pertinax) grains. Maximum volume of pollen in different fly species varied from 1.5 (S. ribesii) up to 23.6 (S. baltheatus) mm3, and average volume from 0.36 up to 7.0 mm3 (the same species). The difference in a imaginal diets of Syrphidae are found, and the degree of difference does not correlate with a degree taxonomic affinity of species. The difference in strategy of a feeding behavior of two Syrphus species, that have similar diet, are marked: in intestines of 80% specimens of S. ribesii we found pollen grains of less that 7 plant species, whereas intestines of more than 88% specimens of S. vitripennis contained more than 8 species of grains. Distinction in alimentary preferences of different species of files can not be explained neither particularities of their morphology, nor their color preferences.     

Interaction of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) with lipid membranes

We studied the interaction of Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) with lipid membranes using x-ray diffraction for bilayers containing up to 50 mol% of aspirin. From 2D x-ray intensity maps that cover large areas of reciprocal space we determined the position of the ASA molecules in the phospholipid bilayers and the molecular arrangement of the molecules in the plane of the membranes. We present direct experimental evidence that ASA molecules participate in saturated lipid bilayers of DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and preferably reside in the head group region of the membrane. Up to 50 mol% ASA molecules can be dissolved in this type of bilayer before the lateral membrane organization is disturbed and the membranes are found to form an ordered, 2D crystal-like structure. Furthermore, ASA and cholesterol were found to co-exist in saturated lipid bilayers, with the ASA molecules residing in the head group region and the cholesterol molecules participating in the hydrophobic membrane core.     

Comparison of ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A double-blind crossover study of ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid was carried out in 27 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were evaluated by joint counts, grip-strength determination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and number of acetaminophen tablets required in addition to the test drug, as well as by various biochemical measurements. In the doses used ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid appeared comparable in anti-inflammatory effect, but statistically fewer side effects were observed during administration of ibuprofen.     

Distribution of 3-hydroxy oxylipins and acetylsalicylic acid sensitivity in Cryptococcus species

Using a well tested antibody specific for 3-hydroxy oxylipins, we mapped the presence of these oxylipins in selected Cryptococcus (Filobasidiella) species. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies revealed that these compounds are deposited on cell wall surfaces, appendages, and collarettes. In vitro studies revealed that growth of Cryptococcus species was inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid (which is known to inhibit mitochondrial function, including the production of 3-hydroxy oxylipins) at concentrations as low as 1 mmol/L. The results suggest that acetylsalicylic acid is effective in controlling the growth of tested pathogens, probably by targeting their mitochondria. This study further expands the known function of this anti-inflammatory drug as anti-fungal agent.     

The effect of acetylsalicylic acid and oxalic acid on Myzus persicae and Aphidius colemani

Plants can respond to damage by pests with both induced direct defences and indirect defences by the attraction of their natural enemies. Foliar application of several plant-derived chemicals, such as salicylic acid and oxalic acid, can induce these defence mechanisms. The effect of acetylsalicylic acid and oxalic acid on the aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) was investigated. Experiments were carried out with direct application of acetylsalicylic and oxalic acids on these insects, as well as choice and no-choice tests using foliar application of both chemicals on Brussels sprouts plants, Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera L. (Brassicaceae). Parasitoids were given a choice between treated and untreated plants for oviposition, and the effects of the chemicals on aphid and parasitoid development were determined. Although direct application of both chemicals increased aphid mortality, their foliar application did not induce resistance against aphids. The foliar application of such compounds, even in low concentration as shown in the choice tests, has the potential to induce indirect plant defences against aphids by encouraging aphid parasitisation. Although the direct application of both chemicals reduced parasitoid emergence from their hosts, the foliar application of acetylsalicylic acid and low concentrations of oxalic acid did not have a negative effect on parasitoid emergence ability. However, 10 m m oxalic acid reduced the number of emerged parasitoids in no-choice experiments. This study shows that foliar application of acetylsalicylic and oxalic acids has the potential to encourage aphid parasitisation, but care is needed as high concentrations of oxalic acid can have a negative effect on these beneficial organisms.     

Manifestation of the mutagenic effect of acemidophen depending on its metabolism in various mammalian species (acemidophen--a promutagen)

While studying the specific variability of metabolism of the fasciolacide anthelmintic acemidophen, it is found that it possesses no mutagenic activity. This activity is peculiar to its metabolite-free amine L2, formed in mice organism by deacetylation. Thus, acemidophen is shown to be promutagen.     

The effect of suloctidil and acetylsalicylic acid on eicosanoid synthesis in human platelets]

The study aimed at comparing an effect of suloctidil and acetylsalicylic acid on malonyldialdehyde levels resulting from the arachidonic acid metabolism in blood platelets. It was shown that inhibitory effect of suloctidil is more potent than that of acetylsalicylic acid. Therefore the first is more inhibitor of an enzymatic metabolism of arachidonate in blood platelets than the latter.