Synthesis, characterization and molecular structures of the hybrid organic-inorganic salts of N-alkyl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (alkyl = methyl, ethyl) and tetra(isothiocyanato)cobalt(II)

The reactions of CoCl₂ with the alkylated aminophosphine N-alkyl-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane iodide [PTA-R]I (R = Me, Et) and NaSCN, in an ethanolic medium at ambient temperature, lead to the self-assembly formation of the hybrid 2:1 organic-inorganic salts [PTA-R]₂[Co(NCS)₄] (R = Me (1); Et (2)), which have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, FAB⁺-MS, elemental and single crystal X-ray diffraction structural analyses. The molecular structures bear two cage-like [PTA-R]⁺ cations and one discrete tetrahedral [Co(NCS)₄]²⁻ anion. Adjacent anions are linked via repeating weak intermolecular S?S contacts forming 1D supramolecular inorganic networks, acting as hosts for the [PTA-R]⁺ guests. 1 and 2 represent the first structurally characterized examples of compounds where any uncoordinated cage-like PTA derivative acts as a component of a hybrid organic-inorganic material.     

Population genetic structure of the European kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Central Poland

We analysed the genetic structure of the European kestrel population of Central Poland using nine highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. Samples were collected in two urban locations (Warsaw and ?ód?) and two rural areas. Sampling locations were at nearly equal distances from each other along an east to west line. We performed genotyping in a total of 99 birds. The results revealed the presence of a genetic structure in the population investigated. Bayesian clustering indicated that samples originated from more than one population. Genetic differentiation was less pronounced among the birds nesting in Warsaw and in the two rural sites, whereas all pairwise comparisons with the ?ód? population indicated moderate and significant genetic differentiation. The observed pattern of differentiation might have been caused by two factors: changes in allele frequency between seasons and/or the founding of the urban population of ?ód? from a different source population than the urban population from Warsaw. Additionally, we found a rather high gene flow among kestrels from the Warsaw urban area and the two investigated rural areas.     

Plant identification credibility in ethnobotany: a closer look at Polish ethnographic studies

In Italy, malaria was an endemic disease that was eradicated by the mid-20th century. This paper evaluates the prophylactic and therapeutic remedies used by folk medicine to cure malaria in Calabria (southern Italy). The data has been collected by analysing works of physicians, ethnographers, folklorists and specialists of the study of Calabrian history between the end of the 19th century and the 20th century. The data collected have allowed us to describe the most common cures used by the Calabrian people to treat malaria and the most evident symptoms of this disease, such as intermittent fever, hepato-spleenomegaly, asthenia and dropsy. This approach uncovered a heterogeneous corpus of empirical, magical and religious remedies, which the authors have investigated as evidences of past "expert medicine" and to verify their real effectiveness in the treatment of malaria.     

The influence of cell immobilization by biofilm forming on the biodegradation capabilities of bacterial consortia

Recent biodegradation researches are focused on improving the deterioration efficiency and maintaining the stability of microbial activity during the process. Immobilizing bacterial cells by using the adhesive method is a simple way to achieve both objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the immobilization of bacterial cells by the biofilm forming method influences the biodegradation efficiency of two different bacterial consortia—low diesel oil degraders (base deterioration efficiency < 40%) and high phenol degraders (base deterioration efficiency > 90%). The degradation tests were carried out on four different carriers (expanded clay pellets, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride rings and paperboard). The obtained results show that biofilms may considerably increase the efficiency of low degraders. The best diesel oil deterioration (80%) was achieved when paperboard was used as a carrier. However, the immobilization of high degraders did not significantly influence their base biodegradation potential. A 6% increase was noted only for the expanded clay pellets.     

The efficient synthesis of isotopically labeled peptide-derived Amadori products and their characterization

Protein glycation is often a cause of diabetes-associated complications. The isotopically labeled peptide-derived Amadori products may serve as standards for quantitative determination of the glycated proteins. In this paper, we discussed various approaches to the synthesis of Amadori products labeled selectively with stable isotopes ²H, ¹³C and ¹⁸O.     

Metabolic memory - the implications for diabetic complications

Many important biochemical mechanisms are activated in the presence of high levels of glucose, which occur in diabetes. Large randomised studies have established that early intensive glycaemic control reduces the risk of diabetic complications. This phenomenon has recently been dubbed 'metabolic memory'. It has been suggested that early glycaemia normalisation can halt the hyperglycaemia-induced pathological processes associated with enhanced oxidative stress and glycation of cellular proteins and lipids. The phenomenon of metabolic memory suggests that early aggressive treatment and strict glycaemic control could prevent chronic diabetic complications.     

Lack of evidence on hybrid swarm in the sympatric population of Pinus mugo and P. sylvestris

Natural hybridisation between the taxa from Pinus mugo complex and P. sylvestris was postulated in several sympatric populations of the species in Europe. However, due to the absence of precise methods for identification of hybrid seeds and hybrid trees, the frequency of hybridisation and its influence on the genetic structure of relict P. mugo populations has not been clarified so far. In the present study, the species-specific chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) marker and isozymes were applied to test the hybridisation hypothesis in a postulated hybrid swarm population of the species from “Bór na Czerwonem” reserve at the northern foothills of Tatra Mts., Poland. The cpDNA marker was used to identify hybrids within two groups of polycormic (multi-stemmed) and monocormic (single-stemmed) pines from this population. Allelic frequencies at isozyme loci from both groups were compared to frequencies found in allopatric populations of the species. Additionally, cpDNA haplotypes of seedlings derived from open pollinated seeds were studied to detect the possibility of successful cross-pollination. The mixture of seedlings with P. sylvestris and P. mugo cpDNA haplotypes was derived from one parental tree that indicates hybridisation. However, all the mature polycormic pines had cpDNA haplotypes species specific to P. mugo and the isozyme frequencies were similar to frequencies found in three allopatric populations of P. mugo from Tatra Mts. (mean genetic distance, Dn=.027). The differences were much larger in comparisons with monocormic pines from this area (Dn=.085) and two P. sylvestris samples from distant allopatric populations (Dn=.077). Nearly all monocormic pines had cpDNA species specific to P. sylvestris and isozyme frequencies similar to other populations of this species (mean Dn=.004). Only one P. sylvestris-like monocormic tree had cpDNA of P. mugo and can be considered as a hybrid. The results do not provide evidence supporting the hybrid swarm hypothesis. Rather, the results suggest that mature hybrids have a low frequency within this population and (rare) hybridisation is not reciprocal but unidirectional with P. mugo as pollen donor.     

Short‐term exposure to 50 Hz ELF‐EMF alters the cisplatin‐induced oxidative response in AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma cells

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of cisplatin and an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF‐EMF) on antioxidant enzyme activity and the lipid peroxidation ratio, as well as the level of DNA damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in AT478 carcinoma cells. Cells were cultured for 24 and 72 h in culture medium with cisplatin. Additionally, the cells were irradiated with 50 Hz/1 mT ELF‐EMF for 16 min using a solenoid as a source of the ELF‐EMF. The amount of ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzyme activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Cells that were exposed to cisplatin exhibited a significant increase in ROS and antioxidant enzyme activity. The addition of ELF‐EMF exposure to cisplatin treatment resulted in decreased ROS levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. A significant reduction in MDA concentrations was observed in all of the study groups, with the greatest decrease associated with treatment by both cisplatin and ELF‐EMF. Cisplatin induced the most severe DNA damage; however, when cells were also irradiated with ELF‐EMF, less DNA damage occurred. Exposure to ELF‐EMF alone resulted in an increase in DNA damage compared to control cells. ELF‐EMF lessened the effects of oxidative stress and DNA damage that were induced by cisplatin; however, ELF‐EMF alone was a mild oxidative stressor and DNA damage inducer. We speculate that ELF‐EMF exerts differential effects depending on the exogenous conditions. This information may be of value for appraising the pathophysiologic consequences of exposure to ELF‐EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 33:641–651, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The significance of peroxisomes in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in filamentous fungi

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles characterized by a protein-rich matrix surrounded by a single membrane. In filamentous fungi, peroxisomes are crucial for the primary metabolism of several unusual carbon sources used for growth (e.g. fatty acids), but increasing evidence is presented that emphasize the crucial role of these organelles in the formation of a variety of secondary metabolites. In filamentous fungi, peroxisomes also play a role in development and differentiation whereas specialized peroxisomes, the Woronin bodies, play a structural role in plugging septal pores. The biogenesis of peroxisomes in filamentous fungi involves the function of conserved PEX genes, as well as genes that are unique for these organisms. Peroxisomes are also subject to autophagic degradation, a process that involves ATG genes. The interplay between organelle biogenesis and degradation may serve a quality control function, thereby allowing a continuous rejuvenation of the organelle population in the cells.