The beneficial effects of Si on iron deficiency stress alleviation in barley: modulation of Strategy II genes expression and metal redistribution

The beneficial effects of silicon (Si) on various abiotic and biotic stresses in plants are well established; however, molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. An ameliorative effect of Si on iron (Fe) deficiency stress has only been shown on plants which use the reduction-based strategy (Strategy I) for Fe acquisition. The aim of our study was to investigate influence of Si on Fe deficiency stress alleviation in a cereal plant which uses the chelation-based strategy (Strategy II) for Fe acquisition, and barley was chosen as a representative. Si successfully ameliorated Fe deficiency in barley, attenuating chlorosis and biomass loss of the youngest leaves, as well as ROS accumulation, accompanied with the recovered activities of antioxidative enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. Si increased Fe content in the youngest leaves of Fe deprived plants, as well as Fe concentration in the watersoluble (w-s) fraction. On the other hand, w-s concentration and total content of optimally supplied microelements, Mn and Zn, were decreased in Si supplied plants. The expression of Strategy II genes was modulated under the influence of Si. An expeditious increase in the gene expression was detected in Fe deficient roots. Moreover, a dramatic Si-promoted upregulation of some of the investigated genes was detected in leaves. Fe deficiency in plants due to low Fe availability in soils has a considerable impact on both yield and nutritional value of crops. New findings presented in our study may support development of strategies to overcome this substantial agricultural problem

Zalomka-underground stream and Eastern Hercegovina soils

Vytauto Didžiojo universitetasŽemės ūkio akademij

Encephalopathy during H1N1 influenza a virus infection

© 2016, University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science. All Rights Reserved. Influenza virus type A is known for its capacity to transform its antigenic structure and create new viral subtypes. The clinical picture varies from non-febrile, mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe or fatal pneumonia. Neurological complications include encephalitis, encephalopathy, Reye’s syndrome and other neurological diseases. Patients with encephalopathy exhibit a disturbed state of consciousness lasting more than 24 hours, and patients with encephalitis exhibit high temperature, focal neurological signs and pathological CSF results in addition to disturbed state of consciousness. A 54-year old, previously healthy male farmer was hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of the Clinical Centre Kragujevac on the fifth day of disease. In addition to general symptoms of the disease, the clinical picture was dominated by a disturbed state of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale score <8). The aetiological agent was an H1N1 influenza A virus, which was isolated from nasopharyngeal secretions. No other causes of infection were demonstrated from both serum and cerebrospinal fluid specimens. Interstitial pneumonia was detected by radiographic examination of the chest. There were also some changes present in the EEG. The patient was cured without consequences. Because our country is in a whirlwind of pandemic H1N1 virus activity, we should think of all the possible complications that this virus can produce regardless of the epidemiological data and the clinical picture

Explorative data analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis gels

Methods for classification of two-dimensional (2-DE) electrophoresis gels based on multivariate data analysis are demonstrated. Two-dimensional gels of ten wheat varieties are analyzed and it is demonstrated how to classify the wheat varieties in two qualities and a method for initial screening of gels is presented. First, an approach is demonstrated in which no prior knowledge of the separated proteins is used. Alignment of the gels followed by a simple transformation of data makes it possible to analyze the gels in an automated explorative manner by principal component analysis, to determine if the gels should be further analyzed. A more detailed approach is done by analyzing spot volume lists by principal components analysis and partial least square regression. The use of spot volume data offers a mean to investigate the spot pattern and link the classified protein patterns to distinct spots on the gels for further investigation. The explorative approach in analysis of 2-D gels makes it possible, in a fast and convenient way, to screen many gels in order to determine the protein patterns that form clusters and could be selected for further examination

Encephalopathy During H1N1 Influenza a Virus Infection / Encefalopatija Kod Infekcije Virusom Influence A Podtip H1N1

Influenza virus type A is known for its capacity to transform its antigenic structure and create new viral subtypes. The clinical picture varies from non-febrile, mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe or fatal pneumonia. Neurological complications include encephalitis, encephalopathy, Reye’s syndrome and other neurological diseases. Patients with encephalopathy exhibit a disturbed state of consciousness lasting more than 24 hours, and patients with encephalitis exhibit high temperature, focal neurological signs and pathological CSF results in addition to disturbed state of consciousness