Effect of the concentration of protein and nanoparticles on the structure of biohybrid nanocomposites

We present colloidal nanocomposites formed by incorporating magnetite Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs) with lysozyme amyloid fibrils (LAFs). Preparation of two types of solutions, with and without addition of salt, was carried out to elucidate the structure of MNPs-incorporated fibrillary nanocomposites and to study the effect of the presence of salt on the stability of the nanocomposites. The structural morphology of the LAFs and their interaction with MNPs were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering measurements. The results indicate that conformational properties of the fibrils are dependent on the concentration of protein, and the precise ratio of the concentration of the protein and MNPs is crucially important for the stability of the fibrillary nanocomposites. Our results confirm that despite the change in fibrillary morphology induced by the varying concentration of the protein, the adsorption of MNPs on the surface of LAF is morphologically independent. Moreover, most importantly, the samples containing salt have excellent stability for up to 1 year of shelf-life.     

Low temperature delays development of photosystem II activity in winter rye leaves

The ability of leaves to acclimate photosynthetically to low temperature was examined during leaf development in winter rye plants ( Secale cereale L. cv. Puma) grown at 20°C or at 6°C. All leaves grown at 6°C exhibit increased chlorophyll (Chl) levels per leaf area, higher rates of uncoupled, light-saturated photosystem I (PSI) electron transport, and slower increases in photosystem II (PSII) electron transport capacity, when compared with 20°C leaves. The stoiehiometry of PSI and PSII was estimated for each leaf age class by quantifying Chl in elcctrophorctic separations of Chl-protein complexes. The ratio of PSII/PSI electron transport in 20°C leaves is highly correlated with the ratio of core Chl a -proteins associated with PSII (CPa) to those associated with PSI (CP1). In contrast, PSII/PSI electron transport in 6°C leaves is not as well correlated with CPa/CP1 and is related, in part, to the amount and organization of light-harvesting Chl a/b -proteins associated with PSII. CPa/CP1 increases slowly in 6°C leaves, although the ratio of CPa/CP1 in mature 20°C and 6°C leaves is not different. The results suggest that increased PSI activity at low temperature is not related to an increase in the relative proportion of PSI and may reflect, instead, a regulatory change. Photosynthetic acclimation to low environmental temperature involves increased PSI activity in mature leaves shifted to 6°C. In leaves grown entirely at 6°C, however, acclimation includes both increased PSI activity and modifications in the rate of accumlation of PSII and in the organization of LHCII.     

Nested PCR for the detection of Aspergillus species in maxillary sinus samples of patients with chronic sinusitis

Background

Fungal rhinosinusitis has become an increasingly recognized disease, being Aspergillus species responsible for most of the cases. Its diagnosis is quite difficult because of the non-specific symptoms and low sensitivity of the current diagnostic methods.

Comparison of sensory structures on the antenna of different species of Philopotamidae (Insecta: Trichoptera)

Structure and distribution of sensilla were studied in sixteen species of the caddisfly family Philopotamidae. Their antennae bear numerous curved trichoid and pseudoplacoid sensilla and fewer coronal, styloconic and chaetoid sensilla on the flagellar segments. The most numerous pseudoplacoid sensilla have non-specific localization. The curved trichoid sensilla form clusters ventrally on each antennal segment. Sensilla belonging to coronal, styloconic and chaetoid types have specific positions. Long grooved trichoid sensilla are located nonspecifically in all the studied species. The average number of sensilla per segment decreases from the proximal to distal part of the flagellum. Scapus and pedicellum are devoid of most types of sensilla, however, they bear the Böhm bristles and long trichoid sensilla. A positive correlation between antenna dimensions and its cuticular structures is found.     

Infection-Mediated Priming of Phagocytes Protects against Lethal Secondary Aspergillus fumigatus Challenge

Phagocytes restrict the germination of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and prevent the establishment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunecompetent mice. Here we report that immunecompetent mice recovering from a primary A. fumigatus challenge are protected against a secondary lethal challenge. Using RAGγc knock-out mice we show that this protection is independent of T, B and NK cells. In protected mice, lung phagocytes are recruited more rapidly and are more efficient in conidial phagocytosis and killing. Protection was also associated with an enhanced expression of CXCR2 and Dectin-1 on bone marrow phagocytes. We also show that protective lung cytokine and chemokine responses are induced more rapidly and with enhanced dynamics in protected mice. Our findings support the hypothesis that following a first encounter with a non-lethal dose of A. fumigatus conidia, the innate immune system is primed and can mediate protection against a secondary lethal infection.     

Spiropiperidine CCR5 antagonists

A novel series of CCR5 antagonists has been identified, utilizing leads from high-throughput screening which were further modified based on insights from competitor molecules. Lead optimization was pursued by balancing opposing trends of metabolic stability and potency. Selective and potent analogs with good pharmacokinetic properties were successfully developed.     

The process of thermodialysis in bioremediation of waters polluted by endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals able to induce adverse effects into wildlife and humans owing to their ability of interfering with the endocrine system. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been chosen as model of endocrine disruptors. To reduce the BPA pollution in waters we proposed the employment of the process of thermodialysis. Two different catalytic membranes have been prepared by covalently immobilizing laccase (from Trametes versicolor) by means of a diazotation process or tyrosinase (from mushroom) by condensation. The support was a nylon membrane. The bioremediation power of both catalytic membranes has been analysed under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions.The advantages in using non-isothermal bioreactors were discussed in terms of reduction of the bioremediation times.     

Purification and characterization of two cold-adapted extracellular tannin acyl hydrolases from an Antarctic strain <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium</Emphasis> sp. P9

Two extracellular tannin acyl hydrolases (TAH I and TAH II) produced by an Antarctic filamentous fungus Verticillium sp. P9 were purified to homogeneity (7.9- and 10.5-fold with a yield of 1.6 and 0.9%, respectively) and characterized. TAH I and TAH II are multimeric (each consisting of approximately 40 and 46 kDa sub-units) glycoproteins containing 11 and 26% carbohydrates, respectively, and their molecular mass is approximately 155 kDa. TAH I and TAH II are optimally active at pH of 5.5 and 25 and 20°C, respectively. Both the enzymes were activated by Mg²⁺and Br⁻ ions and 0.5–2.0 M urea and inhibited by other metal ions (Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, K⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Sn²⁺), anions, Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80, Triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulphate, β-mercaptoethanol, α-glutathione and 4-chloromercuribenzoate. Both tannases more efficiently hydrolyzed tannic acid than methyl gallate. E _a of these reactions and temperature dependence (at 0–30°C) of k _cat, k _cat/K _m, ΔG*, ΔH* and ΔS* for both the enzymes and substrates were determined. The k _cat and k _cat/K _m values (for both the substrates) were considerably higher for the combined preparation of TAH I and TAH II.