In vivo coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy reveals vitamin A distribution in the liver

Here we present a microscope setup for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging, devised to specifically address the challenges of in vivo experiments. We exemplify its capabilities by demonstrating how CARS microscopy can be used to identify vitamin A (VA) accumulations in the liver of a living mouse, marking the positions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs are the main source of extracellular matrix protein after hepatic injury and are therefore the main target of novel nanomedical strategies in the development of a treatment for liver fibrosis. Their role in the VA metabolism makes them an ideal target for a CARS-based approach as they store most of the body's VA, a class of compounds sharing a retinyl group as a structural motive, a moiety that is well known for its exceptionally high Raman cross section of the C═C stretching vibration of the conjugated backbone.     

Cytological and histological studies on male and female gametophyte of endangered species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Amygdalus nana</Emphasis> in Slovakia

Amygdalus nana L. (Dwarf Russian Almond) a well-known ornamental plant is endangered in its natural habitats on the territory of Slovakia. Using methods of cytology and embryology, the stages of reproductive cycle of the species were clarified. Especially the development of the male and female reproductive organs, processes of the fertilization and formation of the embryo were studied. The reduction of reproductive potential was caused by synergic influence of negative biotic and abiotic factors. Despite the presence of degenerated, misshapen pollen grains and a great variability in shape and size, a sufficient amount of normally developed viable pollen grains originated within the species Amygdalus nana. We did not observe serious disturbances during megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis, the reduction in fruit set was caused by the degeneration of ovules after unsuccessful pollination (unfavourable conditions during the flowering period) and after unsuccessful seed development, caused mainly by damages of reproductive organs by pests.     

Libri novi

Summary The biological activity of sterigmatocystin towards mice, ducklings, and some microorganisms was determined. The LD₅₀ of sterigmatocystin for mice was in excess of 800 mg/kg. Aflatoxin B₁ was 125 times more toxic in the ducklings tests than was sterigmatocystin. The antibiotic disc assay demonstrated that 100 µg of sterigmatocystin did not inhibit any of the microorganisms tested.This is a laboratory of the Northern Utilization Research and Development Division, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.     

Effect of non-ionic tensides on the growth of some soil bacteria

Summary The effect of some nonylphenyl-ethylene oxide polymers on the growth of Bacillus megaterium, B. cereus var. mycoides, B. polymyxa, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Azotobacter chroococcum was investigated in the concentration range 20–800 ppm with the agar diffusion method. The zones of inhibition, restricted growth and eventual stimulation were determined with a Shimadzu C-930 dual wavelength TLC scanner. The data matrix was evaluated by principal component analysis. A. chroococcum was insensitive to each tenside at each concentration. The growth of the other microorganisms was inhibited by the tensides. With B. megaterium and B. cereus var. mycoides stimulation was also observed. The effect of the non-ionic tensides decreased with increasing length of the hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain. This phenomenon can be explained by the assumption that the activity of tensides depends on their membrane-damaging effect. The bulky nonylphenyl group inserts between the apolar fatty acid chains disorganizing the membrane structure. The longer hydrophilic ethylene oxide chain modifies the distribution of tenside between the apolar and polar regions of the membrane, preferring the aqueous phase. This results in the decrease or loss of biological activity. Offprint requests to: T. Cserháti