Biochemical and biophysical aspects of the tolerance of anhydrobiotic crustacean embryos to very high temperatures

1.

Heat tolerance of dry cysts of the fairy shrimp Branchipus schaefferi and the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana was studied using rapid (∼100 °C/min) and slow (∼4 °C/min) heating.     

Lizards in the slow lane: Thermal biology of chameleons

1.

Field body temperatures (T_b's) of Chamaeleo chamaeleon in southwestern Spain averaged 28 °C in October and 30 °C in June. Slopes of regressions of T_b on T_a (ambient temperature at perch height) indicated that individuals were able to maintain a preferred body temperature of about 30 °C in June but not in October.     

Effects of summer- and winter-like acclimation on the thermoregulatory behavior of fed and fasted desert hamsters, Phodopus roborovskii

1.

Thermoregulatory behavior of fed and fasted desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) acclimated to summer- [16 light (L):8 dark (D), ambient temperature (T_a)=26.5 °C] and winter-like (8L:16D, T_a=10 °C) conditions was studied. Body temperature (T_b), selected temperature and activity were measured in hamsters placed in a thermal gradient system for 48 h.     

α-Glucosidase inhibition and antihyperglycemic activity of prenylated xanthones from Garcinia mangostana

An ethanol extract of the fruit case of Garcinia mangostan, whose most abundant chemical species are xanthones, showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 3.2 μg/ml). A series of isolated xanthones (1-16) demonstrated modest to high inhibition of α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values of 1.5-63.5 μM. In particular, one hitherto unknown xanthone 16 has a very rare 2-oxoethyl group on C-8. Kinetic enzymatic assays with a p-nitrophenyl glucopyranoside indicated that one of them, compound (9) exhibited the highest activity (K_i = 1.4 μM) and mixed inhibition. Using, a physiologically relevant substrate, maltose, as substrate, many compounds (6, 9, 14, and 15) also showed potent inhibition which ranged between 17.5 and 53.5 μM and thus compared favorably with deoxynojirimycin (IC₅₀ = 68.8 μM). Finally, the actual pharmacological potential of the ethanol extract was demonstrated by showing that it could elicit reduction of postprandial blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the most active α-glucosidase inhibitors (6, 9, and 14) were proven to be present in high quantities in the native seedcase by a HPLC chromatogram.     

Seasonal variation on metabolism and thermoregulation in Chinese bulbul

1

Seasonal changes in a bird's physiology and behavior are considered to be a part of an adaptive strategy for survival and reproductive success. To understand modes of metabolic adaptations, the metabolic rate (Vo₂), body temperature (T_b), and thermal conductance (C) of the Chinese bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) in the Zhejiang Province of China were determined in the summer and the winter at a temperature range from 5 to 35 °C, respectively.     

Diurnal, seasonal and sex variations in rectal temperature of African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse)

(1)

Rectal temperature (T_r) was measured in captive African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse), live-trapped in the Savannah during the harmattan, hot-dry and rainy seasons with the aim of determining diurnal, seasonal and sex patterns.

(2)

Mean (±SEM) T_r in the morning (37.16±0.04 °C) was lower (P<0.001) than the afternoon (37.49±0.03 °C) and evening (37.66±0.03 °C). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between afternoon and evening T_r during the harmattan and rainy seasons, but the difference was significant (P<0.001) during the hot-dry season. Overall T_r was higher (P<0.001) during the hot-dry (38.03±0.03 °C) than harmattan (37.17±0.03 °C) and rainy (37.21±0.03 °C) seasons. T_r of bucks was lower than that of does (P<0.0001) during the harmattan and rainy seasons, but sex difference during the hot-dry season was not significant (P>0.05).

(3)

Base-line T_r values for the African giant rats are shown for the first time. Season, time of day and sex influence fluctuations in T_rs of African giant rats, and should be considered during diagnostic and clinical evaluations.

     

Heat inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 MG1655: Effect of microbial metabolites and acids in spent medium

Aim

The effect of spent medium, obtained after different time-temperature pre-histories, on the heat inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 is studied.

Methods and results

Stationary E. coli cells were heated in BHI broth (initial pH 7.5) at different time-temperature scenarios, i.e., (1) 30 °C to 55 °C at 0.14 °C/min, (2) 30 °C to 42 °C at 0.14 °C/min and (3) 30 °C to 42 °C at 0.8 °C/min. After the heat treatment, spent medium was filter-sterilized, non-stressed cells were added and inactivation experiments took place at 54 °C and 58 °C. In all scenarios, increased resistance was observed. The main characteristics of the spent medium - compared to the unmodified BHI broth - are (1) the presence of proteins (proven via SDS-PAGE) and (2) a lower pH of approximately 6. Possibly, the increased resistance is due to these proteins and/or the lower pH. Further experiments revealed that each factor separately may lead to an increased heat resistance.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that this increased heat resistance resulted from both the presence of the heat shock proteins in the spent medium and the lowered pH. Experiments, which separate both effects, showed that mainly the lower pH resulted in the increased thermotolerance.

Significance and impact of study

This study may lead to a better understanding and control of the heat stress adaptation phenomenon as displayed by E. coli at lethal temperatures. Therefore, it contributes to an improved assessment of the effect of temperature during thermal processes in the food industry.     

Functionalization of chitosan by laccase-catalyzed oxidation of ferulic acid and ethyl ferulate under heterogeneous reaction conditions

Chitosan particles were functionalized with ferulic acid (FA) and ethyl ferulate (EF) as substrates using laccase from Myceliophtora thermophyla as biocatalyst. The reactions were performed with chitosan particles under an eco-friendly procedure, in a heterogeneous system at 30 °C, in phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 7.5).The FA-chitosan derivative presented an intense yellow-orange color stable while the EF-chitosan derivative was colorless. The spectroscopic analyses indicated that the reaction products bound covalently to the free amino groups of chitosan exhibiting a novel absorbance band in the UV/Vis spectra between 300 and 350 nm, at C-2 region by the duplication of C-2 signal in the ¹³C NMR spectrum, via Schiff base bond (NC) exhibiting novel bands in the FT-IR spectrum at 1640 and 1620 cm⁻¹. Additionally, antioxidant capacities of chitosan derivatives showed that the chitosan derivatives presented improved antioxidant properties, especially for FA-chitosan derivative (EC₅₀ were 0.52 ± 0.04, 0.20 ± 0.02 mg/ml for DPPH and ABTS⁺ scavenging, respectively).     

Synthesis and antitubercular evaluation of amidoalkyl dibenzofuranols and 1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-ones

A new class of amidoalkyl dibenzofuranols and 1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-ones was synthesized in very good yields through polyphosphoric acid supported on silica (PPA-SiO₂) catalyzed one-pot three component condensation of 2-dibenzofuranol; aromatic aldehydes and acetamide or benzamide or urea under solvent free conditions. At 125 °C the reaction led to the formation of amidoalkyl dibenzofuranols 5a-k where as at 160 °C cyclization take place to give oxazin-3(2H)-one analogues 6a-e. Screening all the 16 compounds for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (MTB) resulted 1-((4-chlorophenyl)(2-hydroxydibenzo[b,d]furanyl)methyl)urea 5h; 1-((4-bromophenyl)(2-hydroxydibenzo[b,d]furanyl)methyl)urea 5i; 1-phenyl-1H-benzo[2,3]benzo furo[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one 6a (MIC 3.13 μg/mL) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one 6b; 1-(4-bromophenyl)-1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro [4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one 6c (MIC 1.56 μg/mL) as most active antitubercular agents.     

Hypothermia induction and recovery in free-ranging rats

1.

To avoid anesthesia confounders, free-ranging rats were exposed (4 h) to cool water (CW; 10 °C; 5 cm), warm water (WW; 35 °C; 5 cm) or temperate air (TA; 25 °C) to induce hypothermia, or control for water or novel environment stress, respectively.     

The first examples of benzidinium cations templated low-dimensional molybdates

For the first time, use of benzidine as a structure-directing agent has resulted in the crystallization of two novel organic/inorganic hybrid molybdates under hydrothermal condition (180 °C and autogenous pressure). The presence of monoprotonated benzidinium ions in aqueous molybdate solution appears to engineer two new hybrid solids: one-dimensional chains in [H₂NC₁₂H₈NH₃]₂Mo₂O₇, 1 (a = 5.9686, b = 7.0761 and c = 14.3293 Å, α = 77.17°, β = 85.25° and γ = 88.56°; and Z = 2) and two-dimensional step-wise layered molybdate [H₂NC₁₂H₈NH₃]₂Mo₅O₁₆, 2 (a = 5.6843, b = 14.3024 and c = 19.4787Å, α = 108.1°, β = 98.4° and γ = 90.0°; , Z = 2). 1 is an unusual solid wherein the anionic chains are charge compensated by counter cations which also act as ligands to the metal and 2 is a new layered molybdate built of MoO₅ square pyramids and MoO₆ octahedra.     

Does thermoregulatory behaviour of green toads (Bufo viridis) constrain geographical range in the west? A comparison with the performance of syntopic natterjacks (Bufo calamita)

(1)

Behavioural regulation of body temperature (t_b) was monitored in 23 free-ranging Bufo calamita (Bc) and 17 syntopic Bufo viridis (Bv) at Urmitz (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) using temperature-sensitive transmitters implanted to the abdominal cavity.

(2)

In field t_b varied between +0.5 and 37.4 °C in Bc and between +0.6 and 33.7 °C in Bv. Maximum t_b of a Bc measured during an experimental trial was 38.8 °C.

(3)

Natterjack toads avoided environmental temperature extremes by burrowing actively into moist sandy soil (2-90 cm deep), whereas green toads hid exclusively in mammal burrows or pre-existing subterranean cavities. Shelter choice did not vary between summer and winter.

(4)

Average t_b of Bc exceeded significantly that of Bv during summer (26.7 °C vs. 24.7 °C), while the reverse was true during winter (4.2 °C vs. 7.2 °C). Following hibernation the body condition of Bv was significantly lower than that of Bc.

(5)

We conclude that green toads fail to colonise regions west of the Rhine valley because of a combination of winter temperatures impeding foraging trips for prolonged periods, the choice of warm hibernacula increasing metabolic costs and/or predation risk and reduced fecundity.

     

Temperature influences upon vascular dynamics in cattle measured by Doppler ultrasonography

1.

Doppler-image ultrasonography was used to document vascular changes and blood flow rates of cattle (Bos taurus) under hot (32.7 °C) and cold (8.1 °C) conditions for 24 h.     

Insights into electronic and structural properties of novel Pd(II) salen-type complexes

Novel palladium(II) complexes with salen-type ligands based on 3-methylsalicyladehyde and a set of aliphatic diamines (C1 to C4) have been synthesised and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis and FTIR), Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction for C1 and C4. X-ray diffraction analysis of these complexes was focused on coordination sphere and supramolecular arrangements. In the two compounds, the molecules form dimers, being the most relevant intermolecular interactions the hydrogen bonds of the type C-H?O, C-H?π and π?π stacking interactions between the six-membered metallocycles.Electronic spectra of all Pd(II) complexes are dominated by charge transfer and intraligand bands at λ < 400 nm. DFT calculations showed that the HOMO is ligand-dominated, with the metal contribution being ∼18% for all complexes. This suggests that the structural/electronic differences between the ligands do not influence significantly the participation of metal orbitals in HOMO. All the complexes exhibit dipole moments with the same direction, from the aldehyde moiety towards the imine bridge with C2 and C3 showing quite similar values, μ_C2 = 5.49 and μ_C3 = 5.54 D, whereas complexes C1 and C4 show slightly higher values: μ_C1 = 5.79 and μ_C4 = 6.17 D. The magnitude of bond lengths and angles predicted by DFT calculations are comparable to those determined by X-ray crystallography.The experimental vibrational frequencies of the Pd(II) complexes were correlated with the values estimated by DFT calculations. The good agreement between the experimental and theoretical vibrational data allowed the assignment of relevant IR bands to molecular vibration modes.     

Sialylation using N-glycolylneuraminyl phosphite donors to synthesize Neu5Gc-containing glycans

Efficient sialylations using N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) phosphite donors having an acetyl or benzyl group on the glycolyl moiety are described in the synthesis of Neu5Gc-containing glycans. Both phosphite donors 1 and 2 were readily coupled with primary and secondary acceptor alcohols in propionitrile at −78 °C to provide the desired glycosides with good α-selectivities.     

Expression of genes encoding Ca exporting proteins in freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii during cold exposure

1.

This study examined expression of two primary transmembrane Ca²⁺ export proteins (plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase, (PMCA); Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX)) in epithelial (antennal gland, kidney) and non-epithelial (axial abdominal muscle) tissues of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii following exposure (28 days) to 4 °C (compared with control 23 °C).     

Hydrogen-halide versus alkyl-halide oxidative addition in dimethyl platinum(II) complexes: Crystal structure of [PtBr2(bpy)]

Dimethyl platinum(II) complexes [PtMe₂(NN)] {NN = bu₂bpy (4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine) (1a), bpy (2,2′-bipyridine) (1b), phen (1,10-phenanthroline) (1c)} reacted with commercial 3-bromo-1-propanol in the presence of 1,3-propylene oxide to afford cis, trans- [PtBrMe₂{(CH₂)₃OH}(NN)] (NN = bu₂bpy (2a), bpy (2b), phen (2c)). On the other hand, [PtMe₂(NN)] (1a)-(1b) reacted with the trace of HBr in commercial 3-bromo-1-propanol to give [PtBr₂(NN)] (NN = bu₂bpy (3a), bpy (3b)). The reaction pathways were monitored by ¹H NMR at various temperatures. Treatment of 1a-1b with a large excess of 3-bromo-1-propanol at −80 °C gave the corresponding methyl(hydrido)platinum(IV) complexes [PtBr(H)Me₂(NN)] (NN = bu₂bpy (4a), bpy (4b)) via the oxidative addition of dimethyl platinum(II) complexes with HBr. The complexes [PtBr(H)Me₂(NN)] decomposed by reductive elimination of methane above −20 °C for bu₂bpy and from −20 to 0 °C for bpy analogue to give methane and platinum(II) complexes [PtBrMe(NN)] (5a)-(5b) and then decomposed at about 0 °C to yield [PtBr₂(NN)] and methane. When the reactions were performed at a molar ratio of Pt:RX/1:10, the corresponding complexes [PtBrMe(NN)] (5a)-(5b) were also obtained. The crystal structure of the complex 3b shows that platinum adopts square planar geometry with a twofold axis through the platinum atom. The Pt…Pt distance (5.164 Å) is considerably larger than the interplanar spacing (3.400 Å) and there is no platinum-platinum interaction.     

Reactions of triphenylphosphane-substituted ethoxycarbonylcarbene-bridged dicobalt carbonyl complexes with carbon monoxide or CO: An experimental and theoretical study

In CH₂Cl₂ solution and under a carbon monoxide atmosphere the cobalt complexes [μ₂-{ethoxycarbonyl(methylene)}-μ₂-(carbonyl)-bis(triphenylphosphanedicarbonyl-cobalt) (Co-Co)] (4) and [μ₂-{ethoxycarbonyl(methylene)}-μ₂-(carbonyl)-(tricarbonyl-cobalt)-(triphenylphosphanedicarbonyl-cobalt) (Co-Co)] (3) are in equilibrium. The equilibrium constant K = [3][PPh₃]/[4][CO] at 10 °C is 1.03 ± 0.11. The bridging and terminal CO ligands in complex 3 or 4 exchange with external ¹³CO simultaneously. In accord with that variable-temperature ¹³C NMR spectra reveal fluxional behavior for both complexes. The overall rate constant of ¹³CO-exchange for 3 at 10 °C is 17 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ and for 4 at 10 °C is 26 × 10³ s⁻¹. In the case of complex 4 the concentration of PPh₃ has practically no influence on the rate of the ¹³CO-exchange reaction and on the rate of the reaction with CO. The coupling of the μ₂-ethoxycarbonylcarbene ligand and one of the coordinated carbon monoxide is at least one order of magnitude slower than the ¹³CO-exchange reactions, and is faster in complex 4 than in complex 3. The partial pressure of carbon monoxide has practically no effect on the coupling reaction.