Three peptides, ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin are derived from a common prohormone, preproghrelin by posttranslational processing, originating from endocrine cells in the stomach. To examine the effects of t...Three peptides, ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin are derived from a common prohormone, preproghrelin by posttranslational processing, originating from endocrine cells in the stomach. To examine the effects of these peptides, we applied the manometric mea- surement of gastrointestinal motility in freely moving conscious rat models. Ghrelin exerts stimulatory ef- fects on the motility of antrum and duodenum in both fed and fasted state of animals. Des-acyl ghrelin exerts inhibitory effects on the motility of antrum, but not on the motility of duodenum in the fasted state of ani- mals. Obestatin exerts inhibitory effects on the motility of antrum and duodenum in the fed state, but not in the fasted state of animals. NPY Y2 or Y4 receptors in the brain may mediate the action of ghrelin, CRF type 2 receptors in the brain mediate the action of des-acyl ghrelin, whereas CRF type 1 and type 2 receptors in the brain mediate the action of obestatin. Vagal afferent pathways might be involved in the action of ghre- lin, but not involved in the action of des-acyl ghrelin, whereas vagal afferent pathways might be partially involved in the action of obestatin.展开更多
A facile, simple and rapid preparation method of cerim orthophosphate was presented. The synthesis of low-crystalline CePO4 occurred upon mixing of cerium （Ⅲ） nitrate and sodium phosphate, and was an exchange-type ...A facile, simple and rapid preparation method of cerim orthophosphate was presented. The synthesis of low-crystalline CePO4 occurred upon mixing of cerium （Ⅲ） nitrate and sodium phosphate, and was an exchange-type reaction. The phase composition of the obtained powder was checked by the XRD and FTIR methods, indicating the presence of cerium phosphate. Further investigations on thermal behavior of the synthesized cerium salt had shown that the obtained orthophosphate crystallized at first in rhabdophane-type structure. It converted to monazite （monoclinic symmetry） during heating at the temperatures of above 600℃. Oxidation of Ce3＋ to Ce4＋ was avoided during the syntheses, as confirmed by the XPS experiments.展开更多
The efficiency of advanced membranes towards removal of general and specific microbes from wastewater was investigated. The treatment included a subsequent system of activated sludge, ultrafiltration （hollow fibre me...The efficiency of advanced membranes towards removal of general and specific microbes from wastewater was investigated. The treatment included a subsequent system of activated sludge, ultrafiltration （hollow fibre membranes with 100 kDa cut-off, and spiral wound membranes with 20 kDa cut-off）, and RO （reverse osmosis）. The removal evaluation of screened microbes present in treated wastewater showed that hollow fibre membrane rejected only 1 log （90% rejection） of the TPC （total microbial count）, TC （total coliforms）, and FC （faecal coliforms）. A higher effectiveness was observed with spiral wound, removing 2-3 logs （99%-99.9%） of TPC and complete rejection of TC and FC. The RO system was successful in total rejection of all received bacteria. The removal evaluation of inoculated specific types of bacteria showed that the hollow membranes removed 2 logs （99%） of inoculated E. coli （10^7-10^8 cfu/mL inoculum）, 2-3 logs （99%-99.9%） of Enterococus spp. （10^7-10^10 cfu/mL inoculum）, 1-2 logs （90%-99%） of Salmonella （10^8-10^10 cfu/mL inoculum） and 1-2 logs （90%-99%） of Shigella （10^5-10^6 cfu/mL inoculum）. The spiral wound was significantly efficient in rejecting further 3 logs of E. coil, 5 logs of Enterococus spp., 4 logs of Salmonella, and a complete rejection of all received bacteria was accomplished by RO membrane. The results indicate that Gram positive bacteria were removed much more efficiently compared to the Gram negative ones, the rationale behind such behaviour is based on cell walls elasticity.展开更多
There is a strong need to search for more effective compounds with bone anti-resorptive properties,which will cause fewer complications than commonly used bisphosphonates. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to sear...There is a strong need to search for more effective compounds with bone anti-resorptive properties,which will cause fewer complications than commonly used bisphosphonates. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to search for new techniques to characterize the interactions between bone and drug. By studying their interaction with hydroxyapatite(HA), this study used three forms of ceramic materials,two of which are bone-stimulating materials, to assess the suitability of new active substances with antiresorptive properties. In this study, three methods based on HA in loose form, polycaprolactone/HA(a polymer-ceramic materials containing HA), and polymer-ceramic monolithic in-needle extraction(MINE) device(a polymer inert skeleton), respectively, were used. The affinity of risedronate(a standard compound) and sixteen aminomethylenebisphosphonates(new compounds with potential antiresorptive properties) to HA was defined according to the above-mentioned methods. Ten monolithic materials based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/ethylene dimethacrylate are prepared and studied, of which one was selected for more-detailed further research. Simulated body fluids containing bisphosphonates were passed through the MINE device. In this way, sorptionedesorption of bisphosphonates was evaluated using this MINE device. The paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and its suitability for assessing new active substances. All three methods allow for the selection of several compounds with potentially higher anti-resorptive properties than risedronate, in hope that it reflects their higher bone affinity and release ability.展开更多
In this study, the herbicide MCPA sodium salt monohydrate (sodium (4-chloro-2 methylphenoxy) acetate has been studied as are presentative compound used in the agricultural field. Accordingly, direct photolysis and pho...In this study, the herbicide MCPA sodium salt monohydrate (sodium (4-chloro-2 methylphenoxy) acetate has been studied as are presentative compound used in the agricultural field. Accordingly, direct photolysis and photocatalytic experiments under artificial irradiation simulating solar light in laboratorial conditions were performed. Photocatalytic experiments were performed using TiO2 dispersed powder and as an immobilized thin layer on the surface of blue glasses. The obtained results of photolysis showed a poor efficacy toward degradation of MCPA sodium monohydrate, with half-life (t1/2) 6931.5 min. While, the addition of TiO2 dispersed powder to the photocatalytic process enhances the process dramatically with (t1/2) equal to 36.5 min;furthermore, complete mineralization had been reached after approximately 4 hours, whereas the addition of TiO2 through immobilized system led to enhance the degradation rate with 2236 min. as t1/2. In spite of this, using TiO2 supported on glass substrates with more improvements could be a promising alternative to conventional TiO2 suspension, and provides a clean treatment method.展开更多
Levels of pollutants at Zomar stream, the only recreational area for the inhabitants of the northern part of the West Bank, Palestine, were recently determined, and have shown to be relatively high. Three bathing site...Levels of pollutants at Zomar stream, the only recreational area for the inhabitants of the northern part of the West Bank, Palestine, were recently determined, and have shown to be relatively high. Three bathing sites along the Zomar stream area were monitored for one year （fortnightly）. Wastewater samples were subjected to microbiological analysis （fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Klebsiella）, physico-chemical analyses （water temperature, pH, electroconductivity and DO （dissolved oxygen））, biochemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and ammonia. The study results demonstrated seasonal and locational variations in all parameters studied. The highest levels of pollution were detected during summer, especially before a rainfall or after a discharge from onsite cesspits. Locations associated with sewage discharge were found to have the highest fecal indicator levels.展开更多
In a three-year study, the response of four cultivars of chickpea, Bulgarit, WIR-32, Jordan and ICC 11293 to irrigation with TW （treated wastewater） and FW （freshwater）, using surface and subsurface drip irrigatio...In a three-year study, the response of four cultivars of chickpea, Bulgarit, WIR-32, Jordan and ICC 11293 to irrigation with TW （treated wastewater） and FW （freshwater）, using surface and subsurface drip irrigation was investigated. Wastewater generated from Al-Quds university campus included black, grey and storm water was treated by small scale pilot plant. The wastewater pilot plant consists of tailored made secondary biological activated sludge process with daily capacity of 50 m3. The influent and effluent chemical and biological quality parameters were routinely monitored and analyzed. The data reveal that the average values for BOD, COD and EC for the effluent are 50 ppm, 136 ppm and 1.4 mS/cm over 2 years period. The results of chickpea growth parameters and the chemical and biological analysis of the seeds and leaves indicate that the cultivars Bulgarit and ICC 11293 can be irrigated with TW without any loss in yield and quality. Factor analysis reasonably favored Bulgarit Cultivar irrigated with treated effluent over other cultivars. WIR-32 and Jordan cultivars showed significant reduction in their growth parameters when irrigated with TW as compared with FW. Surface and subsurface drip irrigation gave similar results in most cases. Soil analysis in this study showed no significant difference between irrigation with TW and FW.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the level of gastric ghrelin in stomach mucosa of dyspeptic patients in relation to Helicobacter pylor/（H pylori） infection, bacterial cytotoxicity, topography and gender.METHODS： The study com...AIM： To investigate the level of gastric ghrelin in stomach mucosa of dyspeptic patients in relation to Helicobacter pylor/（H pylori） infection, bacterial cytotoxicity, topography and gender.METHODS： The study comprised 40 premenopausal women （19 H pylori positive） and 48 men （17 H pylori positive） with functional dyspepsia. All gastric biopsy specimens revealed normal mucosa or non-atrophic gastritis. Gastric ghrelin concentration was determined by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The cagA and vacA strains of bacterial DNA were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS： In general, infection with H pylori caused an increase in gastric ghrelin level regardless of gender and stomach topography. Significantly more hormone was present in both, non-infected and H pylori positive female samples, as compared to males. The distribution of bacterial strains showed cagA（＋） vacA slml and cagA（-） vacA s2m2 genotypes as the most common infections in the studied population. A tendency to higher ghrelin levels was observed in less cytotoxic （cagA negative） strain-containing specimens from the antrum and corpus of both gender groups （without statistical significance）. CONCLUSION： An increase in gastric ghrelin levels at the stage of non-atrophic gastritis in H pylori positive patients, especially in those infected with cagA（-） strains, can exert a gastroprotective effect.展开更多
Photodynamictherapy (PDT) using a photo sensitizing agent and several light sources has been shown to have nonspecific and noninvasive effects on superficial cancers. Phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives as novel photosens...Photodynamictherapy (PDT) using a photo sensitizing agent and several light sources has been shown to have nonspecific and noninvasive effects on superficial cancers. Phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives as novel photosensitizers, trifluoroethoxy-coatedzinc Pcconjugated with β-cyclodextrin (βCD-4TFEO-Pc) was synthesized and its photodynamic effect in vitro and in vivo was evaluated. βCD-4TFEO-Pc alone was completely non-cytotoxic even at high concentrations, and showed excellentphotodynamic effects in B16-F10 and HT-1080 celllines. The in vivo antitumor effect of βCD-4TFEO-Pc against B16-F10 cells transplanted on to the chorioallantoic membranes of chickembryos was 52.7%, but that of laserirradiation alone and photosensitizer alone was 2 (50 mW). These data suggest that βCD-4TFEO-Pc is a useful photosensitizer for the treatment of superficial cancers. If a high-power LED with optimal wavelength is developed, excellent treatment of superficial cancers could be achieved by applying βCD-4TFEO-Pc for PDT.展开更多
Plant immunity is a multilayered process that includes recognition of patterns or effectors from pathogens to elicit defense responses.These include the induction of a cocktail of defense metabolites that typically re...Plant immunity is a multilayered process that includes recognition of patterns or effectors from pathogens to elicit defense responses.These include the induction of a cocktail of defense metabolites that typically restrict pathogen virulence.Here,we investigate the interaction between barley roots and the fungal pathogens Bipolaris sorokiniana(Bs)and Fusarium graminearum(Fg)at the metabolite level.We identify hordedanes,a previously undescribed set of labdane-related diterpenoids with antimicrobial properties,as critical players in these interactions.Infection of barley roots by Bs and Fg elicits hordedane synthesis from a 60o-kb gene cluster.Heterologous reconstruction of the biosynthesis pathway in yeast and Nicotiana benthamiana produced several hordedanes,including one of the most functionally decorated products 19-β-hydroxy-hordetrienoic acid(19-OH-HTA).Barley mutants in the diterpene synthase genes of this cluster are unable to produce hordedanes but,unexpectedly,show reduced Bs colonization.By contrast,colonization by Fusarium graminearum,another fungal pathogen of barley and wheat,is 4-fold higher in the mutants completely lacking hordedanes.Accordingly,19-OH-HTA enhances both germination and growth of Bs,whereas it inhibits other pathogenic fungi,including Fg.Analysis of microscopy and transcriptomics data suggest that hordedanes delay the necrotrophic phase of Bs.Taken together,these results show that adapted pathogens such as Bs can subvert plant metabolic defenses to facilitate root colonization.展开更多
Throughout their life, plants are challenged by various abiotic and biotic stress factors. Among those are attacks from herbivorous insects. The molecular mechanisms underlying the detection of herbivores and the subs...Throughout their life, plants are challenged by various abiotic and biotic stress factors. Among those are attacks from herbivorous insects. The molecular mechanisms underlying the detection of herbivores and the subsequent signal transduction are not well understood. As a second messenger, fluxes in intracellular Ca2＋ levels play a key role in mediating stress response pathways. Ca2＋ signals are decoded by Ca2＋ sensor proteins such as calmodulin-like proteins （CMLs）. Here, we demonstrate that recombinant CML37 behaves like a Ca2＋ sensor in vitro and, in Arabidopsis, AtCML37 is induced by mechanical wounding as well as by infestation with larvae of the generalist lepidopteran herbivore Spodoptera littoralis. Loss of function of CML37 led to a better feeding performance of larvae suggesting that CML37 is a positive defense regulator. No herbivory-induced changes in secondary metabolites such as glucosinolates or flavonoids were detected in cml37 plants, although a significant reduction in the accumulation of jasmonates was observed, due to reduced expression of JAR1 mRNA and cellular enzyme activity. Consequently, the expression of jasmonate-responsive genes was reduced as well. Summarizing, our results suggest that the Ca2＋ sensor protein, CML37, functions as a positive regulator in Ca2＋ signaling during herbivory, connecting Ca2＋ and jasmonate signaling.展开更多
Insect herbivory can seriously hinder plant performance and reduce crop yield. Thrips are minute cell-content-feeding insects that are important vectors of viral plant pathogens, and are serious crop pests. We investi...Insect herbivory can seriously hinder plant performance and reduce crop yield. Thrips are minute cell-content-feeding insects that are important vectors of viral plant pathogens, and are serious crop pests. We investigated the role of a sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) lipoxygenase gene, CaLOX2, in the defense of pepper plants against Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). This was done through a combination of in-silico, transcrip-tional, behavioral andchemicalanalyses.Our datashowthat CaLOX2 is involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and mediates plant resistance. Expression of the JA-related marker genes, CaLOX2 and CaPIN II, was induced by thrips feeding. Silencing of CaLOX2 in pepper plants through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in low levels of CaLOX2 transcripts, as well as significant reduction in the accumulation of JA, and its derivatives, upon thrips feeding compared to control plants. CaLOX2-silenced pepper plants exhibited enhanced susceptibility to thrips. This indicates that CaLOX2 mediates JA-dependent signaling, resulting in defenseagainstthrips. Furthermore,exogenous application of JA to pepper plants increased plant resistance to thrips, constrained thrips population development and made plants less attractive to thrips. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach shows that an intact lipoxygenase pathway mediates various components of sweet pepper defense against F. occidentalis.展开更多
Chrysomelina beetlesstore 3-nitropropionic acid in form of a pretoxin,isoxazolin-5-one glucoside-conjugated ester,to protect themselves against predators.Here we identified a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase,CYP347W1,to ...Chrysomelina beetlesstore 3-nitropropionic acid in form of a pretoxin,isoxazolin-5-one glucoside-conjugated ester,to protect themselves against predators.Here we identified a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase,CYP347W1,to be involved in the production of the 3-nitropropionic acid moiety of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside ester.Knocking down CYP347W1 led to a significant depletion in the concentration of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside ester and an increase in the concentration of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside in the larval hemolymph.Enzyme assays with the heterologously expressed CYP347W1 showed freeβ-alanine was not the direct substrate.Homology modeling indicated thatβ-alanine-CoA ester can fit into CYP347W1’s active site.Furthermore,we proved that Phaedon cochleariae eggs are not able to de novo synthesize 3-NPA,although both isoxazolin-5-one glucoside and its 3-NPA-conjugated ester are present in the eggs.These results provide direct evidence for the involvement of CYP347W1 in the biosynthesis of a P.cochleariae chemical defense compound.展开更多
Infections with Salmonella enterica belong to the most prominent causes of food poisoning and infected fruits and vegetables represent important vectors for salmonellosis. Recent evidence indicates that plants recogni...Infections with Salmonella enterica belong to the most prominent causes of food poisoning and infected fruits and vegetables represent important vectors for salmonellosis. Recent evidence indicates that plants recognize S. enterica and raise defense responses. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms controlling the interaction of S. enterica with plants are still largely unclear. Here, we show that flagellin from S. enterica represents a prominent pathogenassociated molecular pattern （PAMP） in Arabidopsis thaliana, which induces PAMP-triggered immunity （PTI） via the recognition of the fig22 domain by the receptor kinase FLS2. The Arabidopsis fls2 mutant shows reduced though not abolished PTI activation, indicating that plants rely also on recognition of other S. enterica PAMPs. Interestingly, the S. enterica type III secretion system （T3SS） mutant prgH- induced stronger defense gene expression than wild-type bacteria in Arabidopsis, suggesting that T3SS effectors are involved in defense suppression. Furthermore, we observe that S. enterica strains show variation in the fig22 epitope, which results in proteins with reduced PTI-inducing activity. Altogether, these results show that S. enterica activates PTI in Arabidopsis and suggest that, in order to accomplish plant colonization, S. enterica evolved strategies to avoid or suppress PTI.展开更多
文摘Three peptides, ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin are derived from a common prohormone, preproghrelin by posttranslational processing, originating from endocrine cells in the stomach. To examine the effects of these peptides, we applied the manometric mea- surement of gastrointestinal motility in freely moving conscious rat models. Ghrelin exerts stimulatory ef- fects on the motility of antrum and duodenum in both fed and fasted state of animals. Des-acyl ghrelin exerts inhibitory effects on the motility of antrum, but not on the motility of duodenum in the fasted state of ani- mals. Obestatin exerts inhibitory effects on the motility of antrum and duodenum in the fed state, but not in the fasted state of animals. NPY Y2 or Y4 receptors in the brain may mediate the action of ghrelin, CRF type 2 receptors in the brain mediate the action of des-acyl ghrelin, whereas CRF type 1 and type 2 receptors in the brain mediate the action of obestatin. Vagal afferent pathways might be involved in the action of ghre- lin, but not involved in the action of des-acyl ghrelin, whereas vagal afferent pathways might be partially involved in the action of obestatin.
基金supported by Ministry of Science and Higher Education (1 PO3B 078 29)
文摘A facile, simple and rapid preparation method of cerim orthophosphate was presented. The synthesis of low-crystalline CePO4 occurred upon mixing of cerium （Ⅲ） nitrate and sodium phosphate, and was an exchange-type reaction. The phase composition of the obtained powder was checked by the XRD and FTIR methods, indicating the presence of cerium phosphate. Further investigations on thermal behavior of the synthesized cerium salt had shown that the obtained orthophosphate crystallized at first in rhabdophane-type structure. It converted to monazite （monoclinic symmetry） during heating at the temperatures of above 600℃. Oxidation of Ce3＋ to Ce4＋ was avoided during the syntheses, as confirmed by the XPS experiments.
文摘The efficiency of advanced membranes towards removal of general and specific microbes from wastewater was investigated. The treatment included a subsequent system of activated sludge, ultrafiltration （hollow fibre membranes with 100 kDa cut-off, and spiral wound membranes with 20 kDa cut-off）, and RO （reverse osmosis）. The removal evaluation of screened microbes present in treated wastewater showed that hollow fibre membrane rejected only 1 log （90% rejection） of the TPC （total microbial count）, TC （total coliforms）, and FC （faecal coliforms）. A higher effectiveness was observed with spiral wound, removing 2-3 logs （99%-99.9%） of TPC and complete rejection of TC and FC. The RO system was successful in total rejection of all received bacteria. The removal evaluation of inoculated specific types of bacteria showed that the hollow membranes removed 2 logs （99%） of inoculated E. coli （10^7-10^8 cfu/mL inoculum）, 2-3 logs （99%-99.9%） of Enterococus spp. （10^7-10^10 cfu/mL inoculum）, 1-2 logs （90%-99%） of Salmonella （10^8-10^10 cfu/mL inoculum） and 1-2 logs （90%-99%） of Shigella （10^5-10^6 cfu/mL inoculum）. The spiral wound was significantly efficient in rejecting further 3 logs of E. coil, 5 logs of Enterococus spp., 4 logs of Salmonella, and a complete rejection of all received bacteria was accomplished by RO membrane. The results indicate that Gram positive bacteria were removed much more efficiently compared to the Gram negative ones, the rationale behind such behaviour is based on cell walls elasticity.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education grants and subsidy of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education。
文摘There is a strong need to search for more effective compounds with bone anti-resorptive properties,which will cause fewer complications than commonly used bisphosphonates. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to search for new techniques to characterize the interactions between bone and drug. By studying their interaction with hydroxyapatite(HA), this study used three forms of ceramic materials,two of which are bone-stimulating materials, to assess the suitability of new active substances with antiresorptive properties. In this study, three methods based on HA in loose form, polycaprolactone/HA(a polymer-ceramic materials containing HA), and polymer-ceramic monolithic in-needle extraction(MINE) device(a polymer inert skeleton), respectively, were used. The affinity of risedronate(a standard compound) and sixteen aminomethylenebisphosphonates(new compounds with potential antiresorptive properties) to HA was defined according to the above-mentioned methods. Ten monolithic materials based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/ethylene dimethacrylate are prepared and studied, of which one was selected for more-detailed further research. Simulated body fluids containing bisphosphonates were passed through the MINE device. In this way, sorptionedesorption of bisphosphonates was evaluated using this MINE device. The paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and its suitability for assessing new active substances. All three methods allow for the selection of several compounds with potentially higher anti-resorptive properties than risedronate, in hope that it reflects their higher bone affinity and release ability.
文摘In this study, the herbicide MCPA sodium salt monohydrate (sodium (4-chloro-2 methylphenoxy) acetate has been studied as are presentative compound used in the agricultural field. Accordingly, direct photolysis and photocatalytic experiments under artificial irradiation simulating solar light in laboratorial conditions were performed. Photocatalytic experiments were performed using TiO2 dispersed powder and as an immobilized thin layer on the surface of blue glasses. The obtained results of photolysis showed a poor efficacy toward degradation of MCPA sodium monohydrate, with half-life (t1/2) 6931.5 min. While, the addition of TiO2 dispersed powder to the photocatalytic process enhances the process dramatically with (t1/2) equal to 36.5 min;furthermore, complete mineralization had been reached after approximately 4 hours, whereas the addition of TiO2 through immobilized system led to enhance the degradation rate with 2236 min. as t1/2. In spite of this, using TiO2 supported on glass substrates with more improvements could be a promising alternative to conventional TiO2 suspension, and provides a clean treatment method.
文摘Levels of pollutants at Zomar stream, the only recreational area for the inhabitants of the northern part of the West Bank, Palestine, were recently determined, and have shown to be relatively high. Three bathing sites along the Zomar stream area were monitored for one year （fortnightly）. Wastewater samples were subjected to microbiological analysis （fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Klebsiella）, physico-chemical analyses （water temperature, pH, electroconductivity and DO （dissolved oxygen））, biochemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and ammonia. The study results demonstrated seasonal and locational variations in all parameters studied. The highest levels of pollution were detected during summer, especially before a rainfall or after a discharge from onsite cesspits. Locations associated with sewage discharge were found to have the highest fecal indicator levels.
文摘In a three-year study, the response of four cultivars of chickpea, Bulgarit, WIR-32, Jordan and ICC 11293 to irrigation with TW （treated wastewater） and FW （freshwater）, using surface and subsurface drip irrigation was investigated. Wastewater generated from Al-Quds university campus included black, grey and storm water was treated by small scale pilot plant. The wastewater pilot plant consists of tailored made secondary biological activated sludge process with daily capacity of 50 m3. The influent and effluent chemical and biological quality parameters were routinely monitored and analyzed. The data reveal that the average values for BOD, COD and EC for the effluent are 50 ppm, 136 ppm and 1.4 mS/cm over 2 years period. The results of chickpea growth parameters and the chemical and biological analysis of the seeds and leaves indicate that the cultivars Bulgarit and ICC 11293 can be irrigated with TW without any loss in yield and quality. Factor analysis reasonably favored Bulgarit Cultivar irrigated with treated effluent over other cultivars. WIR-32 and Jordan cultivars showed significant reduction in their growth parameters when irrigated with TW as compared with FW. Surface and subsurface drip irrigation gave similar results in most cases. Soil analysis in this study showed no significant difference between irrigation with TW and FW.
基金Supported by The Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland project N 402 307336 for 2009-2011 to Nawrot B and No.2 P05B 117 28 of Medical University of Lodz,Poland(toStec-Michalska K 2008)
文摘AIM： To investigate the level of gastric ghrelin in stomach mucosa of dyspeptic patients in relation to Helicobacter pylor/（H pylori） infection, bacterial cytotoxicity, topography and gender.METHODS： The study comprised 40 premenopausal women （19 H pylori positive） and 48 men （17 H pylori positive） with functional dyspepsia. All gastric biopsy specimens revealed normal mucosa or non-atrophic gastritis. Gastric ghrelin concentration was determined by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The cagA and vacA strains of bacterial DNA were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS： In general, infection with H pylori caused an increase in gastric ghrelin level regardless of gender and stomach topography. Significantly more hormone was present in both, non-infected and H pylori positive female samples, as compared to males. The distribution of bacterial strains showed cagA（＋） vacA slml and cagA（-） vacA s2m2 genotypes as the most common infections in the studied population. A tendency to higher ghrelin levels was observed in less cytotoxic （cagA negative） strain-containing specimens from the antrum and corpus of both gender groups （without statistical significance）. CONCLUSION： An increase in gastric ghrelin levels at the stage of non-atrophic gastritis in H pylori positive patients, especially in those infected with cagA（-） strains, can exert a gastroprotective effect.
文摘Photodynamictherapy (PDT) using a photo sensitizing agent and several light sources has been shown to have nonspecific and noninvasive effects on superficial cancers. Phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives as novel photosensitizers, trifluoroethoxy-coatedzinc Pcconjugated with β-cyclodextrin (βCD-4TFEO-Pc) was synthesized and its photodynamic effect in vitro and in vivo was evaluated. βCD-4TFEO-Pc alone was completely non-cytotoxic even at high concentrations, and showed excellentphotodynamic effects in B16-F10 and HT-1080 celllines. The in vivo antitumor effect of βCD-4TFEO-Pc against B16-F10 cells transplanted on to the chorioallantoic membranes of chickembryos was 52.7%, but that of laserirradiation alone and photosensitizer alone was 2 (50 mW). These data suggest that βCD-4TFEO-Pc is a useful photosensitizer for the treatment of superficial cancers. If a high-power LED with optimal wavelength is developed, excellent treatment of superficial cancers could be achieved by applying βCD-4TFEO-Pc for PDT.
基金TI 800/7-1 and TI 800/7-2(SPP 2125 DECRyPT)from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,Germany,to A.T.We also acknowledge support from the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences(CEPLAS)the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under Germany's ExcellenceStrategy-EXC 2048/1-Project ID:390686111and the grant ZU263/11-2(SPP 2125DECRyPT)to A.Z.
文摘Plant immunity is a multilayered process that includes recognition of patterns or effectors from pathogens to elicit defense responses.These include the induction of a cocktail of defense metabolites that typically restrict pathogen virulence.Here,we investigate the interaction between barley roots and the fungal pathogens Bipolaris sorokiniana(Bs)and Fusarium graminearum(Fg)at the metabolite level.We identify hordedanes,a previously undescribed set of labdane-related diterpenoids with antimicrobial properties,as critical players in these interactions.Infection of barley roots by Bs and Fg elicits hordedane synthesis from a 60o-kb gene cluster.Heterologous reconstruction of the biosynthesis pathway in yeast and Nicotiana benthamiana produced several hordedanes,including one of the most functionally decorated products 19-β-hydroxy-hordetrienoic acid(19-OH-HTA).Barley mutants in the diterpene synthase genes of this cluster are unable to produce hordedanes but,unexpectedly,show reduced Bs colonization.By contrast,colonization by Fusarium graminearum,another fungal pathogen of barley and wheat,is 4-fold higher in the mutants completely lacking hordedanes.Accordingly,19-OH-HTA enhances both germination and growth of Bs,whereas it inhibits other pathogenic fungi,including Fg.Analysis of microscopy and transcriptomics data suggest that hordedanes delay the necrotrophic phase of Bs.Taken together,these results show that adapted pathogens such as Bs can subvert plant metabolic defenses to facilitate root colonization.
文摘Throughout their life, plants are challenged by various abiotic and biotic stress factors. Among those are attacks from herbivorous insects. The molecular mechanisms underlying the detection of herbivores and the subsequent signal transduction are not well understood. As a second messenger, fluxes in intracellular Ca2＋ levels play a key role in mediating stress response pathways. Ca2＋ signals are decoded by Ca2＋ sensor proteins such as calmodulin-like proteins （CMLs）. Here, we demonstrate that recombinant CML37 behaves like a Ca2＋ sensor in vitro and, in Arabidopsis, AtCML37 is induced by mechanical wounding as well as by infestation with larvae of the generalist lepidopteran herbivore Spodoptera littoralis. Loss of function of CML37 led to a better feeding performance of larvae suggesting that CML37 is a positive defense regulator. No herbivory-induced changes in secondary metabolites such as glucosinolates or flavonoids were detected in cml37 plants, although a significant reduction in the accumulation of jasmonates was observed, due to reduced expression of JAR1 mRNA and cellular enzyme activity. Consequently, the expression of jasmonate-responsive genes was reduced as well. Summarizing, our results suggest that the Ca2＋ sensor protein, CML37, functions as a positive regulator in Ca2＋ signaling during herbivory, connecting Ca2＋ and jasmonate signaling.
基金partly financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and partly by the breeding companies Keygene, Syngenta and East West Seeds
文摘Insect herbivory can seriously hinder plant performance and reduce crop yield. Thrips are minute cell-content-feeding insects that are important vectors of viral plant pathogens, and are serious crop pests. We investigated the role of a sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) lipoxygenase gene, CaLOX2, in the defense of pepper plants against Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). This was done through a combination of in-silico, transcrip-tional, behavioral andchemicalanalyses.Our datashowthat CaLOX2 is involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and mediates plant resistance. Expression of the JA-related marker genes, CaLOX2 and CaPIN II, was induced by thrips feeding. Silencing of CaLOX2 in pepper plants through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in low levels of CaLOX2 transcripts, as well as significant reduction in the accumulation of JA, and its derivatives, upon thrips feeding compared to control plants. CaLOX2-silenced pepper plants exhibited enhanced susceptibility to thrips. This indicates that CaLOX2 mediates JA-dependent signaling, resulting in defenseagainstthrips. Furthermore,exogenous application of JA to pepper plants increased plant resistance to thrips, constrained thrips population development and made plants less attractive to thrips. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach shows that an intact lipoxygenase pathway mediates various components of sweet pepper defense against F. occidentalis.
基金supported by the Max Planck Society and the China Scholarship Council(grant number 201406300098).
文摘Chrysomelina beetlesstore 3-nitropropionic acid in form of a pretoxin,isoxazolin-5-one glucoside-conjugated ester,to protect themselves against predators.Here we identified a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase,CYP347W1,to be involved in the production of the 3-nitropropionic acid moiety of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside ester.Knocking down CYP347W1 led to a significant depletion in the concentration of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside ester and an increase in the concentration of the isoxazolin-5-one glucoside in the larval hemolymph.Enzyme assays with the heterologously expressed CYP347W1 showed freeβ-alanine was not the direct substrate.Homology modeling indicated thatβ-alanine-CoA ester can fit into CYP347W1’s active site.Furthermore,we proved that Phaedon cochleariae eggs are not able to de novo synthesize 3-NPA,although both isoxazolin-5-one glucoside and its 3-NPA-conjugated ester are present in the eggs.These results provide direct evidence for the involvement of CYP347W1 in the biosynthesis of a P.cochleariae chemical defense compound.
文摘Infections with Salmonella enterica belong to the most prominent causes of food poisoning and infected fruits and vegetables represent important vectors for salmonellosis. Recent evidence indicates that plants recognize S. enterica and raise defense responses. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms controlling the interaction of S. enterica with plants are still largely unclear. Here, we show that flagellin from S. enterica represents a prominent pathogenassociated molecular pattern （PAMP） in Arabidopsis thaliana, which induces PAMP-triggered immunity （PTI） via the recognition of the fig22 domain by the receptor kinase FLS2. The Arabidopsis fls2 mutant shows reduced though not abolished PTI activation, indicating that plants rely also on recognition of other S. enterica PAMPs. Interestingly, the S. enterica type III secretion system （T3SS） mutant prgH- induced stronger defense gene expression than wild-type bacteria in Arabidopsis, suggesting that T3SS effectors are involved in defense suppression. Furthermore, we observe that S. enterica strains show variation in the fig22 epitope, which results in proteins with reduced PTI-inducing activity. Altogether, these results show that S. enterica activates PTI in Arabidopsis and suggest that, in order to accomplish plant colonization, S. enterica evolved strategies to avoid or suppress PTI.
