Isocitrate lyore-2 from N. crassa

Isocitrate lyase-2 from N. crass

Optical switching of radical pair conformation enhances magnetic sensitivity

The yield of chemical reactions involving intermediate radical pairs is influenced by magnetic fields well beyond the levels expected from energy considerations. This dependence can be traced back to the microscopic dynamics of electron spins and constitutes the basis of the chemical compass. Here we propose a new experimental approach based on molecular photoswitches to achieve additional control on the chemical reaction and to allow short-time resolution of the spin dynamics. Our proposal enables experiments to test some of the standard assumptions of the radical pair model and improves the sensitivity of chemical magnetometers by two orders of magnitude

Development of crystalline inclusions (“ergosterol crystals”) in Neurospora crassa

Development of crystalline inclusions (“ergosterol crystals”) in “snowflake”, a morphological mutant of Neurospora crassa has been examined. The inclusions which arise in membranebound organelles appear as electron dense deposits, increase in size, and occupy nearly all the space within the organelle at maturity. The presence of catalase activity in the organelle was not detected using cytochemical procedures employing diaminobenzidine.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41731/1/709_2005_Article_BF01275681.pd

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: clinical aspects and preventive and therapeutic strategies

Abstract Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the result of a complex process in which several prenatal and/or postnatal factors interfere with lower respiratory tract development, leading to a severe, lifelong disease. In this review, what is presently known regarding BPD pathogenesis, its impact on long-term pulmonary morbidity and mortality and the available preventive and therapeutic strategies are discussed. Main body Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is associated with persistent lung impairment later in life, significantly impacting health services because subjects with BPD have, in most cases, frequent respiratory diseases and reductions in quality of life and life expectancy. Prematurity per se is associated with an increased risk of long-term lung problems. However, in children with BPD, impairment of pulmonary structures and function is even greater, although the characterization of long-term outcomes of BPD is difficult because the adults presently available to study have received outdated treatment. Prenatal and postnatal preventive measures are extremely important to reduce the risk of BPD. Conclusion Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a respiratory condition that presently occurs in preterm neonates and can lead to chronic respiratory problems. Although knowledge about BPD pathogenesis has significantly increased in recent years, not all of the mechanisms that lead to lung damage are completely understood, which explains why therapeutic approaches that are theoretically effective have been only partly satisfactory or useless and, in some cases, potentially negative. However, prevention of prematurity, systematic use of nonaggressive ventilator measures, avoiding supraphysiologic oxygen exposure and administration of surfactant, caffeine and vitamin A can significantly reduce the risk of BPD development. Cell therapy is the most fascinating new measure to address the lung damage due to BPD. It is desirable that ongoing studies yield positive results to definitively solve a major clinical, social and economic problem

The Mšeno-Roudnice Basin: problems of reconstruction of fossil stream pattern (Central Bohemian Coal Basins, Czech Republic)

The Mšeno-Roudnice Coal Basin is an eastern part of the Central Bohemian Carboniferous Coal Basins. The total thickness of the Carboniferous sediments is ranging from several tens of metres in the south up to nearly 1 km in the basin centre. The basin was explored by nearly 55 deep boreholes with the aim to explore coal reserves. The seismic exploration in the basin has been carried out, too. Fossil stream pattern was reconstructed, of which rivers eroded the upper part of the Slaný Formation sediments during the intra-Stephanian hiatus between the Slaný and Líně Formation (Stephanian B/C). The project could have been realized due to some drilling close to seismic profiles, and also at least due to locally favourable seismological conditions. The results allowed to decipher the anomalous depositional structure of the Slaný and Líně formations that was difficult to be defined earlier. The results showed that some tectonic movements occurred towards the end of the Stephanian B which resulted in giving rise of erosional activity of ancient streams

Changes in enzymes regulating isocitrate breakdown in neurospora crassa

1. Crude homogenates from Neurospora crassa grown on varions concentrations of sucrose and acetate were assayed for enzymes regulating isocitrate breakdown.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46144/1/203_2004_Article_BF00407726.pd