Free Radical Scavenging Activity of 4-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzoyloxymethyl)phenyl-O-β-d-glucopyranoside from Origanum vulgare and Its Protection against Oxidative Damage

4-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzoyloxymethyl)phenyl-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (DBPG), a polyphenolic glycoside, isolated from Origanum vulgare has shown 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(?))-scavenging capacity in previous work. This study demonstrated that DBPG exhibits antioxidant activity by a series of DPPH(?), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS(?+)), and superoxide anion radical (O(2)(?-)) radical-scavenging assays. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LP) by DBPG exceeded that by l-ascorbic acid (AA) in a liposome model system. Adding DBPG to mouse liver and brain tissue inhibited the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) to a greater extent than did trolox. In the oxygen stress test, BNLCL2 and HaCaT cells pretreated with DBPG showed increased activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), perhaps as a result of reduction of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These findings proved that DBPG had antioxidant activities and a cytoprotective effect in hepatocytes and keratinocytes, suggesting that DBPG may be a useful food and cosmetic additive.     

Subcelullar localization of proteins associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prune dwarf virus</Emphasis> replication

The fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is the causal agent of anthracnose, one of the most severe diseases of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The infection process begins with the adhesion of conidia to the plant’s surface. Appressoria are then formed, allowing penetration of the fungus. Next, the biotrophic phase begins, followed by the necrotrophic phase. Due to the peculiar nutrition mode of the fungus, including both of the previously mentioned stages, it is of great interest to determine which genes are involved in the transition between the two phases during the infection process. To determine this, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used in association with qRT-PCR in the present study. These methods allowed for the identification of genes that were differentially expressed at each developmental stage of the fungus in the plant. This is the first report on the use of the cited techniques to evaluate the infectious cycle of the fungus. A total of 175 sequences exhibited significant identity (e?≤?10^?5) with sequences present in the sequenced genomes of P. vulgaris and C. lindemuthianum; approximately 41 % of those were determined to belong to the fungus, and 59 % were determined to belong to the plant. Of the predicted sequences, 68 % were of unknown function or were not found in the databases. Among the analyzed expressed sequence tags (ESTs), sequences were found that encode proteins related to: primary and secondary metabolism; the transport of different compounds; the degradation/modification of proteins; cell regulation and signaling; cellular stress response; and the degradation of exogenous compounds. The obtained results allowed for the identification of sequences encoding proteins that are essential for the progression of anthracnose. Furthermore, it was possible to identify new genes, the functions of which have not yet been described, and even to identify unique genes of C. lindemuthianum that are involved in the pathogenicity and virulence of this fungus.     

Evaluation of a flat-plate PIT tag interrogation system at Bonneville Dam

In the spring of 1996 and 1997, a prototype 400 kHz flat-plate (pass-by) passive integrated transponder tag interrogation (PIT tag) system was installed at the terminus of the downstream migrant (DSM) channel of the Bonneville Dam First Powerhouse, located on the Columbia River. The system was designed to interrogate previously PIT tagged juvenile salmonids migrating down the Columbia River without interfering with the traditional subsampling of fish passing through the facility. In addition, the design enables fish of virtually any size, and debris, to pass over the system's antennas without the port restrictions imposed by traditional pass-through PIT tag interrogation systems. We describe the fish facility in addition to the flat-plate system and its operation. The system tag reading efficiency was evaluated during 1996 and 1997 using a direct method based on the release of known numbers of tagged test fish and an indirect statistical procedure based on tagged run-at-large fish. The results showed that PIT tag reading efficiency during both years using the direct method averaged 97%, while that using the statistical procedure averaged 99% for the dual multiplexed antenna array. During the 1996 and 1997 field seasons 4371 and 14 733 fish, respectively, were recorded. Daily system functionality was monitored using stick tests (i.e., the passing of PIT tagged sticks across the antenna array).     

Illusionslose Entwicklungshilfe - auch im Pflanzenschutz Fachwissen,Solidarität und Beharrlichkeit

Summary On the lines of plant protection, purpose and aim of development aid are demonstrated along with all those difficulties which are connected with the execution of a project in African, Latin-American and Asian countries. Practising human solidarity in general and fighting against hunger in the world in particular, are the leading principles here. Also in plant protection, these tasks can be only tackled by specialists which are free from illusions and able to adapt themselves to the completely diverse elementary standards. The success of the project depends not only upon their human and pedagogic qualifications but also upon their organizational abilities. Disappointments must not discourage them. Experience and knowledge so far obtained and conclusions reported here ought to be the criteria for measuring the young generation's qualifications for the tasks set by future projects. These young specialists should bear in mind that plant protection in a developing country is offering a broader basis of success than is the case in our regions. Normally, a demonstrative increase in productivity per acre will be achieved and the hard work will, thus, find its full recognition. Knowledge, courage, tenacity and patience in convincing create the conditions which bring about the close contact with the local population and their willingness to learn. The prerequisites to a project task as well as to the preparation and carryingout of a plant protection project are being explained and recommendations made as to the training and cooperation of the local staff. On the basis of the project work of the German instructors, an initiative of regional agriculture towards the new production factor called plant protection will have to develop in close cooperation with the governmental and technical agencies of the host country. The achievements so far obtained are justifying the German aid and its continuation.

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Résumé A l'exemple de la protection des végétaux, sens et objet de l'assistance aux pays en voie de dé veloppement sont démontrés avec toutes ses difficultés qui se lient à la réalisation d'un projet dans des pays de l'Afrique, de l'Amérique et de l'Asie. Au premier plan s'y pose la solidarité humaine pratiquée en général et l'elimination de la faim dans le monde en particulier. A cette tâche se prêtent — également dans la protection des végétaux — seuls des spécialistes ne s'adonnant pas à des illusions et pouvant s'adapter aux mesures élementaires entièrement autres. Leurs aptitudes humaines et pédagogiques, mais aussi organisatoires, assurent en première ligne le succès du projet. Des déceptions ne peuvent les dérourager. Aux expériences acquises jusqu'à présent, aux connaissances et conséquences dont il est fait rapport, la jeune génération doit mesurer sa qualification pour une future tâche de projet. Elle devrait réfléchir sur le fait que la protection des végétaux dans un pays en voie de développement présente un motif de succès plus convaincant que dans nos régions. L'augmentation de la productivité unitaire des plantes pourra en général réussir par démonstration, et du travail pénible donc aussi trouver son approbation. Savoir, courage, persé vérance et patience pour la conviction en créent les conditions préalables qui conduisent vers le contact étroit avec les indigènes et vers leur disposition à apprendre. Les conditions pré alables pour une mission de projet ainsi que la préparation et la réalisation de projet relatif à la protection des végétaux sont expliquées et des recommandations en vue de la formation et coopération d'aides indigènes sont données. Du travail de projet des «instructeurs» allemands devra résulter en étroite collaboration avec les services gouvernementaux et professionnels du pays hôte l'initiative de l'agriculture indigène vers un nouveaux élément de production, la protection des végétaux. Les succès acquis justifient l'assistance allemande et sa poursuite.

     

Catalytic production of olefin block copolymers via chain shuttling polymerization

We report a catalytic system that produces olefin block copolymers with alternating semicrystalline and amorphous segments, achieved by varying the ratio of alpha-olefin to ethylene in the two types of blocks. The system uses a chain shuttling agent to transfer growing chains between two distinct catalysts with different monomer selectivities in a single polymerization reactor. The block copolymers simultaneously have high melting temperatures and low glass transition temperatures, and therefore they maintain excellent elastomeric properties at high temperatures. Furthermore, the materials are effectively produced in economically favorable, continuous polymerization processes.     

Use of multigeneration-family molecular dog leukocyte antigen typing to select a hematopoietic cell transplant donor for a dog with T-cell lymphoma

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old Golden Retriever was examined because of anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and gradual weight loss. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Splenomegaly, pancytopenia, high serum calcium concentration, and high alkaline phosphatase activity were detected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlarged mesenteric lymph node and increased signals from the bone marrow of the ilium and vertebral bodies. Histologic examination and immunophenotyping of biopsy specimens confirmed a stage V (b) T-cell malignant lymphoma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Clinical remission was attained by use of 2 chemotherapy cycles, followed by an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant performed at 18 weeks after diagnosis. A donor was identified by molecular dog leukocyte antigen typing methods. The patient was conditioned with 2 fractions of 4 Gy total body irradiation delivered 3 hours apart at 7 cGy/min, followed by an IV infusion of recombinant canine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilized leukapheresis product and postgrafting immunosuppression with cyclosporine. Chimerism analyses revealed full donor engraftment that has been maintained for at least 58 weeks after transplant. Remission has been confirmed by normal results of serum thymidine kinase assays and the absence of peripheral blood clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Systemic chemotherapy induces remissions; however, most dogs succumb to disease recurrence because of multidrug resistance. Outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in dogs can be excellent because of improved donor-recipient selection by use of molecular dog leukocyte antigen typing, compared with early attempts, and better prevention of graft versus host disease, better supportive care, and substitution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for bone marrow.     

Distribution of elements in some Fe-Mn nodules and an iron-pan in some gley soils of New Zealand

Three soil nodules and an iron-pan have been analysed for the elements Al, Si, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn using an electron microprobe. From the surface analysis it appears that the nodules consist of two major concentration zones of enrichment, viz. Mn-rich, Fe-rich zones and a third zone low in Mn and Fe. The elements Co, Ni, Cu and Zn are enriched in the first zone, whereas vanadium is enriched in the second zone. Four concentration zones are distinguishable in the iron-pan, Ti-rich, Fe-rich, Ti and Fe-rich and a zone low in Ti and Fe. The metals Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn are mainly enriched in the Ti/Fe-rich zone. The associations of the trace elements with the major components of the nodules and iron pan are discussed in terms of physico-chemical factors.