Effect of chronic fluoxetine treatment on audiogenic epilepsy,symptoms of anxiety and depression in rats of four lines

Anxiety (Anx) and depression (Dp) levels were evaluated in rats of 4 lines: 2 of them (KM and “4”) exhibited audiogenic seizures (AS), and 2 (Wistar and “0”) had no AS. In KM rats (with AS), Anx and Dp levels were higher than in Wistars (without AS), while in “4” and “0” rats with the related genetic background but contrasting in AS severity, Anx and Dp indices were not different. Fluoxetine treatment exerted antidepressant effect in all rat lines irrespective of its effect on AS. Thus, phenotypic expression of AS is not directly associated with the mechanisms of Anx and Dp development.     

Seed dormancy and germination of the rare,high elevation Balkan endemic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cerastium dinaricum</Emphasis> (Caryophyllaceae)

Short or long-term ex situ conservation is becoming increasingly important in conservation of plants in today’s changing environments. One of the important steps in ex situ conservation is the collection and storage of seeds and the consequent establishment of seed germination protocols. Cerastium dinaricum (Caryophyllaceae) is an endemic, high elevation and rare species of European conservation concern. Because of its severely fragmented distribution along the Dinaric Alps, the populations are likely to undergo further shrinkage in the future, which addresses the need of a long-term effective conservation management. From the potential ex situ population management perspective, we focused our study on germination ecology of C. dinaricum. The study revealed that temperature considerably affected the germination of seeds, which germinate better at 20 °C rather than 10 °C. A period of cold-wet stratification also significantly improved the final germination percentage with more pronounced increase at 20 °C, while addition of GA3 increased the final germination percentage by breaking the dormancy of non-stratified seeds. Mechanical scarification did not improve germination; on the contrary, it resulted in the lowest germination success. Seeds grown in complete darkness germinated significantly better compared to control when they were exposed to cold-wet stratification. Contrary to previous studies on some alpine species, which germinate better when exposed to light, dark treatment resulted in the highest germination percentages with 70 and 90% germination success after 4 and 8 weeks of stratification, respectively.     

Quaternary range dynamics of ecologically divergent species (Edraianthus serpyllifolius and E. tenuifolius,Campanulaceae) within the Balkan refugium

Aim We investigated Quaternary range dynamics of two closely related but ecologically divergent species (cold‐tolerant Edraianthus serpyllifolius and thermophilic Edraianthus tenuifolius) with overlapping distribution ranges endemic to the western Balkan Peninsula, an important yet understudied Pleistocene refugium. Our aims were: to test predictions of the ‘refugia‐within‐refugia’ model of strong genetic subdivisions due to population isolation in separate refugia; to explore whether two ecologically divergent species reacted differently to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations; and to test predictions of the displacement refugia model of stronger differentiation among populations in the thermophilic E. tenuifolius compared with the cold‐tolerant E. serpyllifolius. Location The western Balkan Peninsula. Methods We gathered amplified fragment‐length polymorphism (AFLP) data and plastid DNA sequences from two to five individuals from 10 populations of E. serpyllifolius and 22 populations of E. tenuifolius, spanning their entire respective distribution areas. AFLP data were analysed using a Bayesian clustering approach and a distance‐based network approach. Plastid sequences were used to depict relationships among haplotypes in a statistical parsimony network, and to obtain age estimates in a Bayesian framework. Results In E. serpyllifolius, both AFLP and plastid sequence data showed clear geographic structure. Western populations showed high AFLP diversity and a high number of rare fragments. In E. tenuifolius, both markers congruently identified a major phylogeographic split along the lower Neretva valley in central Dalmatia. The most distinct and earliest diverging chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) haplotypes were found further south in the south‐easternmost populations. North‐western populations, identified as a separate cluster by Bayesian clustering, were characterized by low genetic diversity and a low number of rare AFLP markers. Main conclusions Clear evidence for multiple Pleistocene refugia is found not only in the high‐elevation E. serpyllifolius, but also in the lowland E. tenuifolius, despite the lack of obvious dispersal barriers, in line with the refugia‐within‐refugia model. Genealogical relationships and genetic diversity patterns support the hypothesis that cold‐adapted E. serpyllifolius responded to climatic oscillations mostly by elevational range shifts, whereas thermophilic E. tenuifolius did so mainly by latitudinal range shifts, with different phases (and probably extents) of range expansion. In contrast to the displacement refugia hypothesis, the two elevationally differentiated species do not differ in their genetic diversity.     

A novel sialic acid-binding adhesin present in multiple species contributes to the pathogenesis of Infective endocarditis

Bacterial binding to platelets is a key step in the development of infective endocarditis (IE). Sialic acid, a common terminal carbohydrate on host glycans, is the major receptor for streptococci on platelets. So far, all defined interactions between streptococci and sialic acid on platelets are mediated by serine-rich repeat proteins (SRRPs). However, we identified Streptococcus oralis subsp. oralis IE-isolates that bind sialic acid but lack SRRPs. In addition to binding sialic acid, some SRRP^- isolates also bind the cryptic receptor β-1,4-linked galactose through a yet unknown mechanism. Using comparative genomics, we identified a novel sialic acid-binding adhesin, here named AsaA (associated with sialic acid adhesion A), present in IE-isolates lacking SRRPs. We demonstrated that S. oralis subsp. oralis AsaA is required for binding to platelets in a sialic acid-dependent manner. AsaA comprises a non-repeat region (NRR), consisting of a FIVAR/CBM and two Siglec-like and Unique domains, followed by 31 DUF1542 domains. When recombinantly expressed, Siglec-like and Unique domains competitively inhibited binding of S. oralis subsp. oralis and directly interacted with sialic acid on platelets. We further demonstrated that AsaA impacts the pathogenesis of S. oralis subsp. oralis in a rabbit model of IE. Additionally, we found AsaA orthologues in other IE-causing species and demonstrated that the NRR of AsaA from Gemella haemolysans blocked binding of S. oralis subsp. oralis, suggesting that AsaA contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple IE-causing species. Finally, our findings provide evidence that sialic acid is a key factor for bacterial-platelets interactions in a broader range of species than previously appreciated, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.     

Influence of Ca2+ ions on metabolism of active oxygen species in combined cultures of wheat calluses with the fungus Tilletia caries

The effect of Ca2+ on morphophysiological parameters of calluses of wheat Triticum aestovum L., the level of active oxygen species, and the activity of oxalate oxidase, peroxidase, and catalase is investigated in the case of infestation with the fungus Triticum aestivum causing ball smut. The concentration of O2-, H2O2, and activity of oxidoreductases (oxalate oxidase, peroxidase, and catalase) depends on the content of Ca2+ ions in the culture medium of calluses. The increase in the concentration of Ca2+ ions in the culture medium led to higher structuring of calluses, induction of activity of oxalate oxidase and of some forms of peroxidase, and to accumulation of active oxygen species. These changes contributed to inhibition of development of the fungus. Discovery of such dependence agrees with the role of calcium as the intermediary in biochemical reactions related to the formation of the protective response of plant cells in case of infestation.     

Purification and Properties of Thermostable Xylanase from Talaromyces byssochlamydoides YH-50

Thermostable xylanase from Talaromyces byssochlamydoides YH-50 was fractionated into three components, tentatively named X-a, X-b-I and X-b-II during the purification steps. X-a, X-b-I and X-b-II were further purified by consecutive column chromatographies until found to be in homogeneous states on disc electrophoresis. X-a, X-b-I and X-b-II contained 36.6%, 31.5% and 14.2% carbohydrate residues, respectively. The carbohydrate residues were glucose, mannose and fucose. X-a, X-b-I and X-b-II were optimally active at 70 ~ 75°C and pH 4.5 ~ 5.5. X-a, X-b-I and X-b-II retained 65, 54 and 30%, respectively, of the original activity after heating at 95°C for 5 min. The activities of X-a, X-b-I and X-b-II were considerably inhibited by HgCl₂ and KMnO₄. The hydrolysis products from xylan with X-a were xylose, arabinose, glucose, xylobiose and other xylooligosaccharides, whereas the hydrolysis products from xylan with X-b-I and X-b-II were xylose and xylobiose.     

Suppressive effect of modified arabinoxylan from rice bran (MGN-3) on D-galactosamine-induced IL-18 expression and hepatitis in rats

We investigated in this study the effect of modified arabinoxylan from rice bran (MGN-3) and its fractions on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced IL-18 expression and hepatitis in rats. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with MGN-3 or fractions of the MGN-3 hydrolysate, or with saline 1 h before administering D-GalN (400 mg/kg B.W.). The serum transaminase activities, IL-18 mRNA expression level in the liver and IL-18 concentration in the serum were determined 24 h after injecting D-GalN. Both the oral and intraperitoneal administration of MGN-3 (20 mg/kg B.W.) alleviated D-GalN-induced hepatic injury under these experimental conditions. The low-molecular-weight fraction (LMW) of MGN-3 showed the strongest protective effect on D-GalN-induced liver injury, its main sugar component being glucose. Moreover, the D-GalN-induced IL-18 expression was significantly reduced by treating with MGN-3 and LMW. The results suggest that MGN-3 and LMW could provide significant protection against D-GalN liver injury, and that IL-18 might be involved in their protective influence.     

The Effect of the Common Bunt on the Growth of Wheat Seedlings and Calluses

The growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Zhnitsa) seedlings and calluses infected with spores of common bunt causal agent Tilletia caries (DC) Tul. was studied. Inoculation with the pathogenic fungus enhanced both in vivo and in vitro growth due to cell division activation and cell expansion. These growth characteristics were also retained in wheat calluses infected with T. caries and grown on the hormone-free Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium. This implies the production of hormone-like substances by the fungus itself or by the infected plant. At the phase of fungal penetration into the plants, infection resulted in IAA accumulation in seedlings. Later, the IAA content reduced to a control level and the phytohormone balance was shifted toward cytokinins. Similar changes in the IAA and cytokinin levels were observed during early fungus development on wheat callus tissues. Such a sequence of events is supposed to be required for successful fungal penetration and localization in plant tissues and for the establishment of compatible interactions between the pathogen and the host plant.