Exogenous succinate increases resistance of maize plants to copper stress

The effect of copper (Cu) excess (1.5, 4.7, 31, 78, 156 μM) and exogenously supplied succinate on plant growth, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and isoenzym profiles of some antioxidant enzymes in maize plants was studied. Excessive Cu supply led to a reduction in the relative growth rate (RGR), tolerance index (TI), chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents, and the quantum yield of PSII electron transport in the light‐adapted state (ΦPSII). Copper treatment induced several changes in the anionic and cationic peroxidases (PODs), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzyme profiles. After 8 d of 78 μM–Cu treatment, two new anionic and two new cationic peroxidase isoenzymes in the roots were registered. Copper applied at concentrations above 31 μM resulted in higher levels of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) in the roots and Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn‐SOD) in the leaves. However, the addition of Na‐succinate (200 μM) to the root medium prior to Cu treatment increased the capacity of the plants to partially overcome Cu toxicity.     

The archaeology of Ushki Lake,Kamchatka, and the Pleistocene peopling of the Americas

The Ushki Paleolithic sites of Kamchatka, Russia, have long been thought to contain information critical to the peopling of the Americas, especially the origins of Clovis. New radiocarbon dates indicate that human occupation of Ushki began only 13,000 calendar years ago-nearly 4000 years later than previously thought. Although biface industries were widespread across Beringia contemporaneous to the time of Clovis in western North America, these data suggest that late-glacial Siberians did not spread into Beringia until the end of the Pleistocene, perhaps too recently to have been ancestral to proposed pre-Clovis populations in the Americas.     

Pharmacokinetics of tobramycin in ducks and sex-related differences

The aims of the present study were to determine the disposition of tobramycin after single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injections in ducks, and to establish any sex-related differences. Tobramycin sulfate was administered as a 2.5% water solution in a cross-over design at a dose of 5 mg/kg to 12 healthy ducks (six males and six females). Concentrations of the drug in serum were determined by a microbiological assay. The serum pharmacokinetic values for tobramycin were best represented using a one- or two-compartment open model, depending on the method of administration. Non-compartment analysis was also performed after IV administration. Tobramycin had a low degree of distribution and a relatively fast elimination. The mean volume of distribution in ducks (males and females) was higher than that reported in pigeons but lower than in chickens, with a slower rate of elimination. The IM injection resulted in a fast and complete absorption. The rate of elimination after IM administration was about twice as slow as in other avian species. Sex-related variations in tobramycin pharmacokinetics were similar to those reported for kanamycin and apramycin in hens and roosters.