Effect of Asahi SL on China aster ‘Aleksandra’ seed yield, germination and some metabolic events

The effects of Asahi SL (sodium ortho and para-nitro phenolate, sodium 5 nitro guaiacolate) sprays on China aster plant height, seed yield and some metabolic events were investigated. The plants were sprayed with Asahi SL, in concentration of 0, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 %, three times before or during flowering, and six times before and during this stage. It was found that Asahi SL applied three times during flowering brought about an increase in the seed yield, germination and metabolic activity and did not modify vegetative growth of plants. The chemical used earlier, before flowering, had detrimental effect on seed yield and quality, although it stimulated vegetative growth. The positive effect of Asahi SL was more prominent in weather conditions unfavourable for seed production.     

Ein Beitrag zur Flora Galiziens und der Bukowina

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

New insights into molecular pathways in colorectal cancer: Adiponectin,interleukin-6 and opioid signaling

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cause of death among neoplasms around the world. The environmental factors, like diet and obesity, are crucial in CRC pathogenesis by creating cancer-favorable microenvironment and hormonal changes. Adiponectin, the adipose tissue-specific hormone, is generally considered to negatively correlate with CRC development. The interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the most important pro-inflammatory cytokine connected with CRC, which is strongly inflammation-associated. The opioids are variable group substantially correlated with cancers - the endogenous opioids affect immune system and cell cycle including proliferation and cell death whereas exogenous opioids are leading clinically used analgesics in terminal cancer patients. In this review we discuss the involvement of adiponectin, IL-6 and opioids in CRC pathogenesis, their link with obesity, possible cross-talk and potential novel therapeutic approach in CRC treatment.     

Modification of Emission Properties of ZnO Layers due to Plasmonic Near-Field Coupling to Ag Nanoislands

A simple fabrication method of silver (Ag) nanoislands on ZnO films is presented. Continuous wave and time-resolved photoluminescence and transmission are employed to investigate modifications of visible and UV emissions of ZnO brought about by coupling to localized surface plasmons residing on Ag nanoislands. The size of the nanoislands, determining their absorption and scattering efficiencies, is found to be an important factor governing plasmonic modification of optical response of ZnO films. The presence of the Ag nanoislands of appropriate dimensions causes a strong (threefold) increase in emission intensity and up to 1.5 times faster recombination. The experimental results are successfully described by model calculations within the Mie theory.     

Optimization and preclinical evaluation of novel histamine H3 receptor ligands: Acetyl and propionyl phenoxyalkyl piperazine derivatives

As a continuation of our search for novel histamine H₃ receptor ligands, a series of new acetyl and propionyl phenoxyalkylamine derivatives (2–25) was synthesized. Compounds with three to four carbon atoms alkyl chain spacer, composed of six various 4N-substituted piperazine moieties were evaluated for their binding properties at human histamine H₃ receptors (hH₃R). In vitro test results proved the 4-pyridylpiperazine moiety as crucial element for high hH₃R affinity (hH₃R K_i?=?5.2–115?nM). Moreover introduction of carbonyl group containing residues in the lipophilic part of molecules instead of branched alkyl substituents resulted in increased affinity in correlation to previously described series, whereas propionyl derivatives showed slightly higher affinities than those of acetyl (16 and 22vs.4 and 10; hH₃R K_i?=?5.2 and 15.4?nM vs. 10.2 and 115?nM, respectively). These findings were confirmed by molecular modelling studies, demonstrating multiple ligand-receptor interactions. Furthermore, pharmacological in vivo test results of compound 4 clearly indicate that it may affect the amount of calories consumed, thus act as an anorectic compound. Likewise, its protective action against hyperglycemia and the development of overweight has been shown. In order to estimate drug-likeness of compound 4, in silico and experimental evaluation of metabolic stability in human liver microsomes was performed.