Autoreduction and aggregation of fungal laccase in solution phase: possible correlation with a resting form of laccase

This paper reports results of a reexamination of some poorly understood peculiarities of laccases, an enzyme family which has been extensively studied in our laboratories as well as by others for some years. The issue that is reconsidered here is the previously proposed existence of "active" and "resting" forms of laccases. The presence of fungal laccases with partly reduced active sites is demonstrated. Of further interest is that an aggregated state in solution, not to our knowledge previously noted for laccase, has been found by using small-angle X-ray scattering as well as thorough analysis of the results of several biochemical experiments. Under some conditions, this aggregated state may correlate with the resting form of the laccases, although this resting form could have a broader significance. It was shown that Trametes ochracea laccase had some anomalous characteristics, which could be correlated with the high concentration of the "resting" enzyme. The mechanism of formation of resting laccase is suggested. Knowledge of the resting state is of importance for in vitro studies. Additionally, a suggestion about the possible regulatory role of this form in vivo is mentioned.     

EPR study of flavo- and ubisemiquinones in liver tissue

Several types of flavins and quinones having different parameters of magnetic relaxation have been detected in the mouse liver tissue by means EPR technique. The values of these parameters depend on the redox state of the respiratory chain meal-containing centres. This means that there is an interaction between the free radicals and the metal-containing paramagnetic centres.     

Energy transformation in mitochondria: the role of the iron-sulfur center N-2 of NADH-dehydrogenase

The data on the action of the iron-sulfur centre N-2 in the 1 site of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation coupling obtained by the authors as well as by other investigators are reviewed in terms of conformational - relaxation concept of energy transformation. The study of the direct and reverse electron transport bears testimony to the fact that the N-2 centre with its proper protein surrounding plays the role of the protein transformer of energy in the 1 site.     

Respiratory chain of rat heart mitochondria during heart preservation in formaldehyde

It has been shown by the method of low-temperature ESR-spectroscopy that partial blocking with formaldehyde of electron intake into the respiratory chain promotes the maintenance of a definite level of oxidation in the respiratory chain carriers and preservation of its nativity.     

The National QAAMS Program – A Practical Example of PoCT Working in the Community

The Quality Assurance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services (QAAMS) Program is the largest and longest-standing national point-of-care testing (PoCT) program in Australia. With a focus on PoCT for diabetes management, it now operates in 115 Indigenous medical services and has been funded continuously by the Australian Government for 11 years. A recent independent evaluation of the QAAMS Program concluded that the program continues to meet best practice standards for Indigenous healthcare, diabetes management and PoCT.     

Iron-sulfur centers in the mitochondrial respiratory chain at different stages of cell culture growth of the hamster Cricetulus griceus

The dramatic diminishing of the concentration of the N-2 iron-sulfur centre of NADH-dehydrogenase of mitochondria during the growth of cell culture of hamster fibroblasts with the subsequent recovery of concentration to the initial level was discovered by means of low-temperature ESR spectroscopy. It was concluded that the results obtained are due mainly to the decrease of the number of respiratory chains, but not to the change of the electron transport chain structure.     

Aspects and altitudes modify the requirement of disturbance in oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) belt of Garhwal Himalaya

Present study measures the impact of forest disturbance on population structure and regeneration status of a Himalayan banj oak (Qsuercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) forest at different aspects and altitudes. The whole study was carried out by placing 300 systematically selected sample plots in banj oak forest. The study revealed that moderately disturbed forest patches were present in all elevation ranges and both north and south facing aspects whereas most of the highly disturbed patches were situated near middle and lower stretches of forests or close to habitations. Density of primary diameter class (5–15 cm) was recorded highest in moderately disturbed zone in upper elevation ranges and north facing aspect and ‘fair’ category of regeneration was most frequent in all elevation ranges and aspects. The paper concludes a positive effect of mid-level disturbance on plant community for better regeneration and study recommends a minimum resource extraction and silvicultural practices in banj-oak belt of Himalaya for a minimum canopy opening which not only be able to provide biomass to local communities for their daily needs but also would be able to maintain and improve forest health.     

The source of the iron binding with nitric oxide in activated macrophages]

No decrease in iron-sulphur centers was found in cultured macrophage cells (J774) after the treatment with nitric oxide (10(-7) M NO/10(7) cells) during 5 min. The center content was controlled by the electron spin resonance (ESR) method. The macrophages pretreated with dithionite + methyl viologen showed the formation of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNIC) with a characteristic ESR signal at g approximately 2.03. The data suggest that loosely bound nonheme iron (free iron) mostly contributes to the formation of these complexes. Iron from iron-containing proteins does not release from these centers under the direct action of nitric oxide. The iron-sulphur centers can be destroyed by the products of nitric oxide oxidation (NO2, N2O3, etc.) as oxidizing and acid agents.