Effect of aluminium on redox-homeostasis of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Common buckwheat is a significant culture in Ukraine, whose importance for food security has increased in recent decades. An important biological feature of buckwheat is the ability of the crop to grow on poor and especially acidic soils. Common buckwheat was sown in Ukraine on the area of 125,000 ha in 2020, mainly in the central part of the country and in the soil-climatic zone Polesie in the north of the country. At the same time, the area under buckwheat cultivation has been steadily decreasing in the last decade, which is due to the low profitability of cultivation on mainly acidic soils. The research was conducted in the field conditions during 2012–2018 in Kiev region, as well as in laboratory conditions. ICP analysis and biochemical methods were used. Yield of buckwheat on light soils of low fertility depends largely on the level of acidity of the soil. On acidic sod-podzolic soils with loam substrate, the aluminum content of the layer is 20–40 cm higher, compared to a layer of 0–20 cm. This is probably one of the reasons why, when the concentration of aluminum in the soil profile is increased, the root system is located mainly in the upper layer of soil with a lower content of aluminum. In this case, the study of the mechanisms of resistance to the action of aluminum on acidic soils is an important component of the cost-effectiveness of crop production in the region. In acidic soils with pH < 5.0, phytotoxic aluminum (Al3+) rapidly inhibits root growth and afterwards negatively affects water and nutrient uptake in plants. Acquiring phytotoxic capacities, in this connection Al ions affect a wide range of cellular and molecular processes, with a consequent reduction in plant growth. In most plant species, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can also be induced by Al toxicity leading to oxidative damage of biomolecules and biological membranes. We have detected an accumulation of Al ions in leaf tissues of treatment plants after 10 days of exposure. Tissues of F. esculentum roots contained 155.4% of control level of Al and tissues of F. esculentum leaves – 186.2% of control level of Al ions. Significant intensification of O2•– generation in roots and leaf tissues as a reaction to Al addition to nutrient solution was detected. Increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and non fixed products of lipids peroxidation was characterized as a biochemical defense reaction of F. esculentum over the 10 days of exposure to Al (50 μM). Thus, the results show that the action of 50 μM of Al ions activated antioxidant enzymes – SOD and CAT and decreased oxidative processes, thus promotes pro/antioxidant balance of common buckwheat. These mechanisms of redox homeostasis can be triggers of morphological changes in buckwheat plants, which lead to increased crop resistance when growing on acidic soils with high aluminum content. Thus, the resistance of culture to acid soils may be associated with the possibility of increased accumulation of aluminum in the plant’s tissues, as well as in changes in redox homeostasis with subsequent morphological changes, and primarily the formation of the root system in the top layer of soil with a reduced content of aluminum

Major and trace element geochemistry of El Chichón volcano-hydrothermal system (Chiapas, México) in 2006-2007: implications for future geochemical monitoring

Isotopic, major and trace element composition studies for the crater lake, the Soap Pool and thermal springs at El Chichón volcano in November 2006-October 2007 confirm the complex relationship between annual rainfall distribution and crater lake volume and chemistry. In 2001, 2004 and 2007 high volume high-Cl lake may be related to reactivation of high discharge (>10 kg/s) saline near-neutral water from the Soap Pool boiling springs into the lake, a few months (~January) after the end of the rainy season (June-October). The peak lake volume occurred in March 2007 (~6 x 105 m3). Agua Tibia 2 thermal springs discharge near the foot of the SW dome but their chemistry suggests a lower temperature regime, an enhanced water-rock interaction and basement contribution (evaporites and carbonates), anhydrite leaching from the 1982 pyroclastic deposits, rather than dome activity. New suggestions of crater lake seepage are evidenced by the Agua Caliente thermal springs. Existing models on the “crater lake-Soap Pool spring” and the deep hydrothermal system are discussed. Chemical changes in the deep geothermal aquifer feeding the thermal springs may predict dome rise. Future volcanic surveillance should focus on spring chemistry variations, as well as crater lake monitoring

Major and trace element geochemistry of El Chichón volcano-hydrothermal system (Chiapas, Mexico) in 2006-2007: implications for future geochemical monitoring

We report a detailed study of isotopic, major and trace element composition in the crater lake, Soap Pool and thermal springs at El Chichón volcano for the period November 2006-October 2007. After two decades of studying the crater lake, it is possible to confirm the complex relationship between the annual rainfall distribution and the crater lake volume and chemistry: during three years (2001, 2004 and 2007) a large volume high-Cl lake can be related to the reactivation of high discharge (>10 kg/s) of saline near-neutral water from the Soap Pool boiling springs towards the lake, only a few months (~January) after the end of the rainy season (June-October). The highest lake volume ever observed occurred in March 2007 (~6x105 m3). Despite the fact that the Agua Tibia 2 thermal springs discharge at the foot of the SW dome, their chemistry indicates a lower temperature regime, an enhanced water-rock interaction and basement contribution (evaporites and carbonates), and anhydrite leaching from the 1982 pyroclastic deposits, rather than dome activity. New suggestions on crater lake seepage are evidenced by the Agua Caliente thermal springs. Existing models on the “crater lake-Soap Pool spring” and the deep hydrothermal system are justified and detailed. We believe that chemical changes in the deep geothermal aquifer feeding the thermal springs will anticipate dome rise. Future volcanic surveillance should focus on the changes in spring chemistry, besides crater lake monitoring

Оценка противовирусной терапии у больных с циррозом печени вирусной этиологии C и D

Summary: Study group: 49 patients, 17 (34.69%) women and 32 (65.31%) men with hepatic viral cirrhosis, Child-Pugh stage A: 24 – D viral etiology and 25 – viral C genesis. Average age: 44.41 ± 0.4 years in women and 47.59 ± 0.6 years in men. Purpose: evaluation of the antiviral treatment response at 12 weeks and 24 weeks after initiation and assessment of laboratory results during antiviral therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis C and D. In patients with liver cirrhosis HDV, treated with Peg-INF undetectable viral load was achieved at 12 weeks in 28% cases and after 24 weeks of treatment it is observed in 25% of cases. In the group of patients with liver cirrhosis HCV, treated with Peg-INF + Ribabirină – 12 weeks of treatment – 75% of patients responded positively: 48% achieved complete EVR and 24% – EVR part. Evaluation of patients at 24 weeks of treatment show a positive virologic response in 56% cases. In patients with liver cirrhosis HCV and HDV, where the virological response was absent, more severe, and early complications of antiviral therapy are observed: the blood count shows anemia, major leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.Pезюме: Группа исследования: 49 пациентов, 17 (34,69%) женщин и 32 (65,31%) мужчин с циррозом печени вирусной этиологии, стадия Child-Pugh А: 24 – вирусной этиологии D и 25 – вирусной этиологии C. Средний возраст: 44,41 ± 0,4 лет у женщин и 47,59 ± 0,6 лет у мужчин. Цель: оценка ответа на противовирусное лечение на 12-ой неделе и на 24-ой неделе после начала лечения и оценка лабораторных показателей во время противовирусной терапии у больных с циррозом печени С или D. У пациентов с циррозом печени HDV, леченных Peg-INF, была достигнута авиремия на 12-ой неделе в 28% случаев и на 24-ой неделе лечения – в 25% случаев. В группе пациентов с циррозом печени вирусной этиологии С, леченных Peg-INF + рибавирин, наблюдается на 12-ой неделе лечения положительный ответ у 75% пациентов: у 48% достигнут полный ранний вирусологический ответ, у 24% – частичный. Оценка противовирусного лечения через 24 недели после начала показала положительный вирусологический ответ в 56% случаев. У пациентов с циррозом печени вирусной этиологии С или D с отсутствием вирусологического ответа на противирусную терапию обнаруживаются осложнения более тяжелые и раньше: в анализе крови – анемия, лейкопения и тромбоцитопения

A Plasmodium falciparum S33 proline aminopeptidase is associated with changes in erythrocyte deformability

Infection with the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One of the Striking features of this parasite is its ability to remodel and decrease the deformability of host red blood cells, a process that contributes to disease. To further understand the virulence of Pf we investigated the biochemistry and function of a putative Pf S33 proline aminopeptidase (PJPAP). Unlike other P. falciparum aminopeptidases, PJPAP contains a predicted protein export element that is non-syntenic with other human infecting Plasmodium species. Characterization of PJPAP demonstrated that it is exported into the host red blood cell and that it is a prolyl aminopeptidase with a preference for N-terminal proline substrates. In addition genetic deletion of this exopeptidase was shown to lead to an increase in the deformability of parasite-infected red cells and in reduced adherence to the endothelial cell receptor CD36 under flow conditions. Our studies suggest that PJPAP plays a role in the rigidification and adhesion of infected red blood cells to endothelial surface receptors, a role that may make this protein a novel target for anti-disease interventions strategies. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Physical properties and magnetic structure of the intermetallic CeCuBi2 compound

In this work we combine magnetization, pressure dependent electrical resistivity, heat capacity, Cu63 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and x-ray resonant magnetic scattering experiments to investigate the physical properties of the intermetallic CeCuBi2 compound. Our single crystals show an antiferromagnetic ordering at TN≃16 K and the magnetic properties indicate that this compound is an Ising antiferromagnet. In particular, the low temperature magnetization data revealed a spin-flop transition at T=5 K when magnetic fields of about 5.5 T are applied along the c axis. Moreover, the x-ray magnetic diffraction data below TN revealed a commensurate antiferromagnetic structure with propagation wave vector (0012) with the Ce3+ moments oriented along the c axis. Furthermore, our heat capacity, pressure dependent resistivity, and temperature dependent Cu63 NMR data suggest that CeCuBi2 exhibits a weak heavy fermion behavior with strongly localized Ce3+ 4f electrons. We thus discuss a scenario in which both the anisotropic magnetic interactions between the Ce3+ ions and the tetragonal crystalline electric field effects are taking into account in CeCuBi2.Fil: Adriano, C.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Rosa, P.F.S.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil. University of California at Irvine; Estados UnidosFil: Jesus, Camilo B. R.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Mardegan, J. R. L.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Garitezi, T. M.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Grant, Taran. California State University; Estados UnidosFil: Fisk, Z.. California State University; Estados UnidosFil: Garcia, Daniel Julio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Reyes, A. P.. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Kuhns, P. L.. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Urbano, R. R.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Giles, C.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Pagliuso, P. G.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasi

Quality of colonoscopy in an emerging country: A prospective, multicentre study in Russia

Background: The quality of colonoscopy has been related to a higher risk of interval cancer, and this issue has been addressed extensively in developed countries. The aim of our study was to explore the main quality indicators of colonoscopy in a large emerging country. Methods: Consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy in 14 centres were prospectively included between July and October 2014. Before colonoscopy, several clinical and demographic variables were collected. Main quality indicators (i.e. caecal intubation rate, (advanced) adenoma detection rate, rate of adequate cleansing and sedation) were collected. Data were analysed at per patient and per centre level (only for those with at least 100 cases). Factors associated with caecal intubation rate and adenoma detection rate were explored at multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 8829 (males: 35%; mean age: 57 + 14 years) patients were included, with 11 centres enrolling at least 100 patients. Screening (including non-alarm symptoms) accounted for 59% (5188/8829) of the indications. Sedation and split preparation were used in 26% (2294/8829) and 25% (2187/8829) of the patients. Caecal intubation was achieved in 7616 patients (86%), and it was ≥85% in 8/11 (73%) centres. Adenoma detection rate was 18% (1550/8829), and it was higher than 20% in five (45%) centres, whilst it was lower than 10% in four (33%) centres. At multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.020, 95% CI: 1.015–1.024), male sex (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.3), alarm symptoms (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.7–2), split preparation (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.6), caecal intubation rate (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3–1.9) and withdrawal time measurement (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.6–2.1) were predictors of a higher adenoma detection rate, while adequate preparation (OR: 3.4: 95% CI: 2.9–3.9) and sedation (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) were the strongest predictors of caecal intubation rate. Conclusions: According to our study, there is a substantial intercentre variability in the main quality indicators. Overall, the caecal intubation rate appears to be acceptable in most centres, whilst the overall level of adenoma detection appears low, with less than half of the centres being higher than 20%. Educational and quality assurance programs, including higher rates of sedation and split regimen of preparation, may be necessary to increase the key quality indicators

Flux-splitting schemes for parabolic problems

To solve numerically boundary value problems for parabolic equations with mixed derivatives, the construction of difference schemes with prescribed quality faces essential difficulties. In parabolic problems, some possibilities are associated with the transition to a new formulation of the problem, where the fluxes (derivatives with respect to a spatial direction) are treated as unknown quantities. In this case, the original problem is rewritten in the form of a boundary value problem for the system of equations in the fluxes. This work deals with studying schemes with weights for parabolic equations written in the flux coordinates. Unconditionally stable flux locally one-dimensional schemes of the first and second order of approximation in time are constructed for parabolic equations without mixed derivatives. A peculiarity of the system of equations written in flux variables for equations with mixed derivatives is that there do exist coupled terms with time derivatives