Comparison of High-throughput and Manual DNA Extraction Methods for the Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of MON810 Maize

PCR-based methods are widely used in the European Union and in other countries for the detection, identification, and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The preparation of good-quality DNA from plant samples for GMO detection can be a challenging task, particularly if the DNA will be used for quantitative analysis. Two DNA extraction methods, namely manual (NucleoSpin Food kit from Machery-Nagel) and high-throughput partially automated (NucleoMag Plant kit from Machery-Nagel) methods, which utilize different DNA separation principles, were used for the isolation of DNA from maize flour samples. Despite the higher DNA recovery obtained using the high-throughput isolation method, a lower PCR efficiency was achieved, most likely due to the presence of PCR inhibitors in the extracts. We found both DNA extraction methods suitable for GMO analysis.     

亚麻油和大豆油在皮革加脂中的应用研究

采用非化学改性的植物油制备加脂剂,并应用于皮革加脂,通过机械作用,将天然油脂与乳化剂混合制备加脂剂乳液。天然油脂中含有大量双键,在革内能够起到结合加脂的作用。对加脂剂乳液和加脂后的成革进行性能分析。结果表明,乳液的制备方法对乳液稳定性具有一定影响。将其应用于皮革加脂中,其加脂效果与市售加脂剂(尤其是化学改性的天然油脂)相近。采用高碘值的油脂加脂后,成革的柔软度相近。除此之外,市售加脂剂加脂后,革内未结合的油脂含量远高于高碘值植物油脂加脂后的革     

A survey of MAC layer solutions to the hidden node problem in ad-hoc networks

Ad-hoc networks suffer from the problem of hidden nodes (terminals), which leads to severe degradation of network throughput. This survey gives a comprehensive overview of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols which directly or indirectly address this problem. The presented protocols are grouped in several categories and are described in the order of their publication date. To give the reader a deep understanding of the progress made in the area of alleviating the hidden node problem a brief summary of the key ideas as well as a detailed comparison of different protocols are presented. Open research directions are also discussed to serve as a starting point for future protocol design and evaluation.     

Isolation process of industrially useful Clostridium bifermentans from natural samples

A selective isolation procedure of clostridial strains from natural samples able to convert glycerol to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) and organic acids was investigated. The modified PY medium of high concentration of NaHCO(3) was shown to be highly selective for Clostridium bifermentans. Obtained isolates produced mainly 1,3-PD, lactic, acetic, and formic acids from glycerol.     

A Complete Detonator,Booster, and Main Charge Study of LX‐07/PBX 9502

A complete study of an exploding bridgewire detonator (EBW), an LX‐07 hemispherical booster and a PBX 9502 outer shell are described. Breakout times from all three are listed in terms of first impact on the booster, i.e., code times. Lucite windows are also used to obtain particle velocities at the edges of each explosive, and these are converted into explosive pressures. The key to modeling is the use of the profile of the aluminum detonator can as it impacts the booster, i.e., we need to know the curvature of the end of the booster can. Modeling even with coarse zoning shows that (i) using reactive flow in the booster is better than programmed burn, (ii) creating the flyer curvature helps, and (iii) creating the time differences of flyer impact helps even more.     

The Protective Function and Modification of Secondary Metabolite Accumulation in Response to Light Stress in Dracocephalum forrestii Shoots

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of stress conditions caused by different light sources, i.e., blue LED (λ = 430 nm), red LED (λ = 670 nm), blue and red LED (70%:30%) and white LED (430–670 nm) on the growth and morphology of cultivated in vitro Dracocephalum forrestii shoot culture. It also examines the effects on bioactive phenolic compound production and photosynthetic pigment content, as well as on antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, POD) and antioxidant properties. The most beneficial proliferation effect was observed under white LEDs (7.1 ± 2.1 shoots per explant). The white and blue lights stimulated the highest fresh weight gain, while red light induced the highest dry weight gain. The total phenolic acid content ranged from 13.824 ± 1.181 to 20.018 ± 801 mg g DW⁻¹ depending on light conditions. The highest content of rosmarinic acid was found in the control shoots (cultivated under fluorescent lamps), followed by culture grown under red light. All LED treatments, especially red and blue, increased salvianolic acid B content, and blue increased apigenin p-coumarylrhamnoside biosynthesis. The greatest ferric reduction activity was observed in shoots cultivated under red light, followed by blue; this is associated with the presence of the highest total phenol content, especially phenolic acids. Similarly, the highest DPPH radical scavenging potential was observed under red light followed by blue. This study proves that LEDs have emerged as significant support for directed in vitro propagation, taking advantage of specific stress responses on various light spectra. This study also showed how stress induced by different LED light spectra increases in Dracocephalum forrestii the synthesis of pharmacologically-active compounds. Hence, light stress may turn out to be a simpler alternative to metabolic engineering for improving the production of secondary metabolites of therapeutic value.     

Studies on iodine content in daily diets and selected dairy products

Poland's people have moderate – and in seaside areas mild – degrees of severity of iodine deficiency. A national program has been introduced for obligatory iodine prophylaxis and includes the iodination of household salt to the extent of 30 ±10 mg KI/kg. In order to assess the extent of iodine consumption, analytical studies were carried out on iodine content in average Polish diets. Taking into account the fact that milk formulae are frequently the basic source of iodine for infants, studies were performed on the iodine content in selected dairy products, mainly infant formulae. Iodine concentrations in samples were determined in duplicate by radioactive neutron activation analysis (RNAA). The iodine content in Polish diets without added iodinated kitchen salt was low and insufficient to provide the Polish RDA for this element. The results of the analytical investigations of the daily diets showed higher iodine content in comparison to theoretical calculations. The theoretical values accounted for 71–85% of the analytical ones. Study of iodine content in infant formula demonstrated differences between the analytically determined iodine content in products and that declared by producers. Received: 22 November 1999     

The Phenoxyalkyltriazine Antagonists for 5-HT6 Receptor with Promising Procognitive and Pharmacokinetic Properties In Vivo in Search for a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Dementia Diseases

Among the serotonin receptors, one of the most recently discovered 5-HT₆ subtype is an important protein target and its ligands may play a key role in the innovative treatment of cognitive disorders. However, none of its selective ligands have reached the pharmaceutical market yet. Recently, a new chemical class of potent 5-HT₆ receptor agents, the 1,3,5-triazine-piperazine derivatives, has been synthesized. Three members, the ortho and meta dichloro- (1,2) and the unsubstituted phenyl (3) derivatives, proved to be of special interest due to their high affinities (1,2) and selectivity (3) toward 5-HT₆ receptor. Thus, a broader pharmacological profile for 1–3, including comprehensive screening of the receptor selectivity and drug-like parameters in vitro as well as both, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in vivo, have been investigated within this study. A comprehensive analysis of the obtained results indicated significant procognitive-like activity together with beneficial drug-likeness in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo profiles for both, (RS)-4-[1-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy)propyl]-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (2) and (RS)-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-6-(1-phenoxypropyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (3), but insensibly predominant for compound 2. Nevertheless, both compounds (2 and 3) seem to be good Central Nervous System drug candidates in search for novel therapeutic approach to dementia diseases, based on the 5-HT₆ receptor target.     

Porphyrin Based 2D-MOF Structures as Dual-Kinetic Sorafenib Nanocarriers for Hepatoma Treatment

The existing clinical protocols of hepatoma treatment require improvement of drug efficacy that can be achieved by harnessing nanomedicine. Porphyrin-based, paddle-wheel framework (PPF) structures were obtained and tested as dual-kinetic Sorafenib (SOR) nanocarriers against hepatoma. We experimentally proved that sloughing of PPF structures combined with gradual dissolving are effective mechanisms for releasing the drug from the nanocarrier. By controlling the PPF degradation and size of adsorbed SOR deposits, we were able to augment SOR anticancer effects, both in vitro and in vivo, due to the dual kinetic behavior of SOR@PPF. Obtained drug delivery systems with slow and fast release of SOR influenced effectively, although in a different way, the cancer cells proliferation (reflected with EC50 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation level). The in vivo studies proved that fast-released SOR@PPF reduces the tumor size considerably, while the slow-released SOR@PPF much better prevents from lymph nodes involvement and distant metastases.     

Bean and Pea Plastoglobules Change in Response to Chilling Stress

Plastoglobules (PGs) might be characterised as microdomains of the thylakoid membrane that serve as a platform to recruit proteins and metabolites in their spatial proximity in order to facilitate metabolic channelling or signal transduction. This study provides new insight into changes in PGs isolated from two plant species with different responses to chilling stress, namely chilling-tolerant pea (Pisum sativum) and chilling-sensitive bean (Phaseolus coccineus). Using multiple analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and visualisation techniques including transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we determined changes in PGs’ biochemical and biophysical characteristics as a function of chilling stress. Some of the observed alterations occurred in both studied plant species, such as increased particle size and plastoquinone-9 content, while others were more typical of a particular type of response to chilling stress. Additionally, PGs of first green leaves were examined to highlight differences at this stage of development. Observed changes appear to be a dynamic response to the demands of photosynthetic membranes under stress conditions.