In vitro evaluation of photodynamic activity of methylene blue against Trichophyton verrucosum azole-susceptible and -resistant strains

The intense search for the “Holy Grail” of antifungal therapy can be observed today. The searches are not limited only to discovery of potential antifungal drugs, but also new therapeutic strategies involving the use of chemosensitizers to achieve synergistic effect or physicochemical factors inducing stress conditions in fungal cells. In this study was examined in vitro effectiveness of photodynamic antifungal strategy with methylene blue using a light beam with a wavelength equal to 635 nm toward the Trichophyton verrucosum susceptible and itraconazole- and/or fluconazole-resistant strains. Methylene blue used at concentration equal to 5 μg/mL and in the presence of 40 J/cm² of light energy showed fungicidal effect toward the susceptible strains. However, for azole-resistant isolates, only the energy dose equal to 60 J/cm² at 5 μg/mL of methylene blue allowed to kill the pathogen. This study confirms that methylene blue induced by red light has a definite inhibitory effect on zoophilic dermatophytes.     

Proteomic landscape in Central and Eastern Europe: the 9th Central and Eastern European Proteomic Conference,Poznań, Poland

Every year since 2007, the Central and Eastern European Proteomic Conference (CEEPC) has excelled in representing state-of-the-art proteomics in and around Central and Eastern Europe, and linking it to international institutions worldwide. Its mission remains to contribute to all approaches of proteomics including traditional and often-revisited methodologies as well as the latest technological achievements in clinical, quantitative and structural proteomics with a view to systems biology of a variety of processes. The 9th CEEPC was held from June 15th to 18th, 2015, at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań, Poland. The scientific program stimulated exchange of proteomic knowledge whilst the spectacular venue of the conference allowed participants to enjoy the cobblestoned historical city of Poznań.     

Effects of radiation quality on the opening of stomata in intact Phaseolus vulgaris L. leaves

In intact French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves blue radiation enhanced opening of stomata both when it was used individually and when it was used as preirradiation before "white light" irradiation. Effects of red radiation were just the contrary.