A possible role of tachykinin-related peptide on an immune system activity of mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L.

Tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are important neuropeptides. Here we show that they affect the insect immune system, especially the cellular response. We also identify and predict the sequence and structure of the tachykinin-related peptide receptor (TRPR) and confirm the presence of expression of gene encoding TRPR on Tenebrio molitor haemocytes. After application of the Tenmo-TRP-7 in T. molitor the number of circulating haemocytes increased and the number of haemocytes participating in phagocytosis of latex beads decreased in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Also, Tenmo-TRP-7 affects the adhesion ability of haemocytes. Six hours after injection of TenmoTRP-7, a decrease of haemocyte surface area was observed under both tested Tenmo-TRP-7 concentrations (10-7 and 10-5 M). The opposite effect was reported 24 h after injection, which indicates that the influence of Tenmo-TRP-7 on modulation of haemocyte behaviour differs at different stages of stress response. Tenmo-TRP-7 application also resulted in increased phenoloxidase activity 6 and 24 h after injection. The assessment of DNA integrity of haemocytes showed that the injection of Tenmo-TRP-7 at 10-7 M led to a decrease in DNA damage compared to control individuals. This effect was only visible 6 h after Tenmo-TRP-7 application. After 24 h, Tenmo-TRP-7 injection increased DNA damage. We also confirmed the expression of immune-related genes in nervous tissue of T. molitor. Transcripts for genes encoding receptors participating in pathogen recognition processes and antimicrobial peptides were detected in T. molitor brain, retrocerebral complex and ventral nerve cord. These results may indicate a role of the insect nervous system in pathogen recognition and modulation of immune response similar to vertebrates. Taken together, our results support the notion that tachykinin-related peptides probably play an important role in the regulation of the insect immune system. Moreover, some resemblances with action of tachykininrelated peptides and substance P showed that insects can be potential model organisms for analysis of hormonal regulation of conserved innate immune mechanisms

Controversies in the Use of MIGS

Abstract Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has fulfilled an unmet need in the management of glaucoma. This chapter highlights some controversial issues regarding the use of MIGS in clinical practice, including (1) whether there is sufficient evidence to advocate combining MIGS with cataract surgery over cataract surgery alone, (2) the merits and drawbacks of different approaches to trabecular bypass and canal-based MIGS procedures, (3) the effect of MIGS on endothelial cell loss, (4) suprachoroidal MIGS devices and whether there is still a role for these procedures, and (5) a comparison between subconjunctival MIGS and trabeculectomy. Several questions are still left unanswered and hopefully, further research and more clinical experience with these new technologies will help improve surgical outcomes for patients

Ellipticity in couple-stress elasticity

We discuss ellipticity property within the linear couple-stress elasticity. In this theory, there exists a deformation energy density introduced as a function of strains and gradient of macrorotations, where the latter are expressed through displacements. So the couple-stress theory could be treated as a particular class of strain gradient elasticity. Within the micropolar elasticity, the model is called Cosserat pseudocontinuum or medium with constrained rotations. Applying the classic definitions of ordinary ellipticity and strong ellipticity to static equations of the couple-stress theory, we conclude that these equations are neither elliptic nor strongly elliptic. As a result, one should be aware of extending properties of full strain gradient models such as Toupin–Mindlin strain gradient elasticity to models with incomplete set of second derivatives

Significance and development of green in the vicinity of hospital

Przegląd literatury polegał na przedstawieniu terapii zielenią jako elementu wspomagającego leczenie tradycyjne. Funkcją ekologiczną zieleni przy ośrodkach zdrowia jest wpływ na mikroklimat przez wydzielanie fitoncydów oraz ujemna jonizacja powietrza. Ponadto badania dowodzą, że człowiek przebywający wśród zieleni szybciej przechodzi proces rekonwalescencji i wraca do zdrowia. Już samo spoglądanie z okna szpitala na rośliny o soczystych, nasyconych barwach poprawia samopoczucie pacjentów i pracowników placówek medycznych.The literature review consisted of shifting green therapy as an additional element to the traditional treatment. Green ecological function at health centers is the impact on the climate by emitting a phytoncides and negative air ionization. In addition, research shows that a person residing in a green area in the process of recovery faster and recover. That alone looking out the hospital window on plants of juicy, saturated colors enhances the mood of patients and medical facilities

Effect of selected preparations on some biometric features of 'Tardiva’ panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Siebold) depending on the irrigation frequency

One of the ways to reduce the water consumption by plants while maintaining their proper quality is to use substances that limit excessive transpiration. Three preparations at following concentrations: Moisturin (10%), Root-Zone (4.5%) and Vapor Gard (1%), were used in the experiment. Moisturin and Vapor Gard were applied in the form of a single spray, and Root-Zone as a single irrigation in mid July.The aim of the research was to assess the effect of several anti-transpirants on some biometric features of the ‘Tardiva’ panicled hydrangea depending on the frequency of irrigation. The following parameters were measured: area, perimeter, width and length of leaf blade, length and width of inflorescences, and the diameter of shoots. Treatment of H. paniculata cv. ‘Tardiva’ with Root-Zone and Moisturin anti-transpirants with a single irrigation every other day allows to reduce the water consumption and obtain shrubs of a quality comparable with plants irrigated twice a day. The use of Moisturin with a twice daily irrigation positively affected the length and width of inflorescences

The effect of silicon on morphological traits and mechanical properties of Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. ‘Variegatum’ cut shoots

Garden perennials are a source of floristry material produced in field or under covers. A perennial producing long, leafy shoots, which in flower arrangements might successfully substitute fern or palm leaves, is Polygonatum multiflorum. The variety characterizing with decorative white margined leaves is ‘Variegatum’. To improve their quality, the growth stimulator Actisil Hydro Plus, which contains 0.6% of active silicon in a form of orthosilicic acid was applied. The aim of the conducted experiment was to estimate the influence of silicon and a place of cultivation (tunnel and open field) on post-harvest quality determined with morphological features, vase life longevity and mechanical properties of Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. ‘Variegatum’ stems. The plants were sprayed with water solutions of Actisil in concentrations: 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, six times during the growing season in weekly intervals, starting from the first decade of May, always in the morning. It was stated that cultivation of Polygonatum in the unheated foil tunnel increases quality of shoots for cut greenery, determined with morphological features and post-harvest longevity. Cultivation of Polygonatum in a foil tunnel and spraying plants with Actisil in concentrations of 0.3 or 0.4% is advantageous due to possibility to increase a number of shoots from 20% to over 31%, their length from 9% to 11% and fresh weight from 52% to 71%, in comparison to control plants. It is advised to treat plants cultivated in a tunnel, with Actisil in concentration of 0.4% as it improved shoots quality evaluated with their diameter and lower leaves blade area. Spraying plants with Actisil in concentrations of 0.2–0.4% in the tunnel and 0.2% in field prolongs post-harvest shoots longevity by 3–4 days. Plants cultivated in the tunnel characterize with higher strength of shoots determined with higher maximum force causing permanent damage and lower stem deflection than plants cultivated in field. Plants grown in a tunnel and sprayed with Actisil in concentrations of 0.4% characterized with the strongest shoots after 14 days of storage, however a similar effect was observed with the concentration of 0.3% and in case of plants cultivated in field and sprayed with 0.4% of Actisil

Selective activity of a proctolin analogue reveals the existence of two receptor subtypes

1. The neuropeptide proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) both potentiates neurally evoked contractions and causes contractures of insect skeletal muscle. In the hindleg extensor tibiae muscle of the locust, Schistocerca gregaria, the proctolin analogue [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin is also able to potentiate neurally evoked contractions but is approximately 1,000-fold less effective in evoking contractures. 2. Proctolin and [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin are equipotent in their ability to elevate the second-messenger inositol trisphosphate in isolated extensor tibiae muscle fiber membranes. 3. [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin is approximately 1,000-fold less effective than proctolin in reducing the resting potassium conductance (GK) in extensor tibiae fibers. 4. We conclude that the action of proctolin on the extensor tibiae muscle is mediated by at least two receptor subtypes and that [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin acts selectively on the receptor that potentiates neurally evoked contractions. </jats:p

Synthesis and biological evaluation of selected insect neuropeptide analogs modified by D- or L-phenylglycine derivatives

Novel analogs, modified by L- or D- phenylglycine and p-substituted derivatives, of the neuromodulator proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) and of the Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor from the gray flesh fly Neobellieria bullata (Neb-TMOF-Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-His) were synthesized and checked for activity. Proctolin analogs were modified at position 2: Arg-Phg-Leu-Pro-Thr (I), Arg-D-Phg-Leu-Pro-Thr (II), Arg-Phg(p-OH)-Leu-Pro-Thr (III), Arg-D-Phg(p-OH)- Leu-Pro-Thr (IV), Arg-Phg(p-NO2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (V) Arg-D-Phg(p-NO2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (VI), Arg-Phg(p-NH2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (VII), Arg-D-Phg(p-NH2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (VIII), Arg-Phg(p-N,N-di-Me)-Leu-Pro-Thr (IX), Arg-D-Phg (pp-N,N-di-Me)-Leu-Pro-Thr (X) while analogs of Neb-TMOF underwent modifications at position 6: Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-Phg(p-NO2) (XI), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-D-Phg(p-NO2) (XII), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-Phg(p-NH2) (XIII), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-D-Phg(p-NH2) (XIV), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-Phg (p-N,N-di-Me) (XV), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-D- Phg(p-N,N-di-Me) (XVI). Earlier studies on proctolin demonstrated that the presence of the -CH2- group between C-α and the phenyl ring at position 2 of the peptide chain is important for the myotropic activity. Based on these results, we replaced Tyr at position 2 by different phenylglycine derivatives, lacking the methylene group at the side chain. Myotropic activity of the proctolin analogs was assayed in vitro on the semi-isolated heart of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor and on the foregut of the locust Schistocerca gregaria. All analogs (I-X) were practically inactive. For Neb-TMOF, it was previously demonstrated that the exchange of His-6 by p-substituted Phe-derivatives, especially by Phe(p-NH2), an amino acid containing a basic function, results into analogs which inhibit trypsin biosynthesis in the gray fleshly. For this reason these new Neb-TMOF analogs with L- or D-phenylglycine p-substituted derivatives at position 6, were developed and tested (in vivo) in the trypsin biosynthesis assay of the gray fleshly N. bullata. Only analogs XV and XVI slightly inhibited trypsin biosynthesis in the midgut. Because more than 50% of the injected animals died and none of the surviving animals ate much of the liver meal, the lower trypsin level in the gut might be a indirect effect. Other peptides (XI-XIV) had no effect on the level of trypsin biosynthesis in the midgut.</p

Synthesis and biological evaluation of selected insect neuropeptide analogs modified by D- or L-phenylglycine derivatives

Novel analogs, modified by L- or D- phenylglycine and p-substituted derivatives, of the neuromodulator proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) and of the Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor from the gray flesh fly Neobellieria bullata (Neb-TMOF-Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-His) were synthesized and checked for activity. Proctolin analogs were modified at position 2: Arg-Phg-Leu-Pro-Thr (I), Arg-D-Phg-Leu-Pro-Thr (II), Arg-Phg(p-OH)-Leu-Pro-Thr (III), Arg-D-Phg(p-OH)- Leu-Pro-Thr (IV), Arg-Phg(p-NO2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (V) Arg-D-Phg(p-NO2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (VI), Arg-Phg(p-NH2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (VII), Arg-D-Phg(p-NH2)-Leu-Pro-Thr (VIII), Arg-Phg(p-N,N-di-Me)-Leu-Pro-Thr (IX), Arg-D-Phg (pp-N,N-di-Me)-Leu-Pro-Thr (X) while analogs of Neb-TMOF underwent modifications at position 6: Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-Phg(p-NO2) (XI), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-D-Phg(p-NO2) (XII), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-Phg(p-NH2) (XIII), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-D-Phg(p-NH2) (XIV), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-Phg (p-N,N-di-Me) (XV), Asn-Pro-Thr-Asn-Leu-D- Phg(p-N,N-di-Me) (XVI). Earlier studies on proctolin demonstrated that the presence of the -CH2- group between C-α and the phenyl ring at position 2 of the peptide chain is important for the myotropic activity. Based on these results, we replaced Tyr at position 2 by different phenylglycine derivatives, lacking the methylene group at the side chain. Myotropic activity of the proctolin analogs was assayed in vitro on the semi-isolated heart of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor and on the foregut of the locust Schistocerca gregaria. All analogs (I-X) were practically inactive. For Neb-TMOF, it was previously demonstrated that the exchange of His-6 by p-substituted Phe-derivatives, especially by Phe(p-NH2), an amino acid containing a basic function, results into analogs which inhibit trypsin biosynthesis in the gray fleshly. For this reason these new Neb-TMOF analogs with L- or D-phenylglycine p-substituted derivatives at position 6, were developed and tested (in vivo) in the trypsin biosynthesis assay of the gray fleshly N. bullata. Only analogs XV and XVI slightly inhibited trypsin biosynthesis in the midgut. Because more than 50% of the injected animals died and none of the surviving animals ate much of the liver meal, the lower trypsin level in the gut might be a indirect effect. Other peptides (XI-XIV) had no effect on the level of trypsin biosynthesis in the midgut.</p