Metabolomics and DNA-Based Authentication of Two Traditional Asian Medicinal and Aromatic Species of Salvia subg. Perovskia

Subgenus Perovskia of the extended genus of Salvia comprises several Central Asian medicinal and aromatic species, of which S. yangii and S. abrotanoides are the most widespread. These plants are cultivated in Europe as robust ornamentals, and several cultivars are available. However, their medicinal potential remains underutilized because of limited information about their phytochemical and genetic diversity. Thus, we combined an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) based metabolomics with DNA barcoding approach based on trnH-psbA and ITS2 barcodes to clarify the relationships between these two taxa. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that aerial parts are more similar than roots and none of the major compounds stand out as distinct. Sugiol in S. yangii leaves and carnosic acid quinone in S. abrotanoides were mostly responsible for their chemical differentiation, whereas in roots the distinction was supported by the presence of five norditerpenoids in S. yangii and two flavonoids and one norditerpenoid in S. abrotanoides. To verify the metabolomics-based differentiation, we performed DNA authentication that revealed S. yangii and S. abrotanoides to be very closely related but separate species. We demonstrated that DNA barcoding coupled with parallel LC-MS profiling constitutes a powerful tool in identification of taxonomically close Salvia species.

The XRF mapping of archaeological artefacts as the key to understanding of the past

The article describes the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) studies on the chemical composition of archaeological artefacts. The mapping of the concentration of selected elements has been used to recognise the way of object production and the use. The obtained data allowed to obtain the new information, which is impossible to gain by use of different methods. 'The data obtained from the chemical composition of the particular parts of the objects may be used for the interpretation of the manufacturing technology or the primal form of the objects. Additionally, the knowledge obtained from the chemical composition of the different parts of the artefacts may be essential for the selection of the protection and conservation methods. The present studies can be useful to improve knowledge about the level of former craftsmanship. These knowledge allow us to exam archaeological artefacts in a new light, and these findings can also broaden the archaeological knowledge horizons and provide good bases for further detailed studies.

The effect of increased ozone concentrations in the air on selected aspects of rat reproduction

Five-month-old male rates were exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone for 50 days, 5 hours a day. A week before the completion of ozone exposure, a biological test was performed to determine the fertilization rate and the survival rate of newborns in both ozone-exposed and control animals. After 50 days, the rats were sacrificed with an overdose of halotane, and testes were collected to assess the morphology and motility of spermatozoa. Neither the morphology of spermatozoa nor motility parameters determined by the CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis) system showed statistically significant differences between ozone-exposed and control males. The number of successful matings and the survival rate of newborns per litter within one year postpartum were also similar in both groups. However, sperm concentration was by 17% lower in ozone-exposed rats, compared with the control animals.

The level of some acute phase proteins, total protein, gamma-globulins and activity of lysozyme in blood plasma of rats supplemented with vitamin E and exposed to ozone

In rats exposed for 28 days (5 hours a day) to ozone at a concentration of 0.5 ppm and receiving alpha-tocopherol at doses of 4.5 mg/rat and 15 mg/rat, levels of acute phase proteins (APP)--C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (Cp), total protein, gamma-globulins, and activity of lysozyme in blood serum were studied. The assays were performed in the presence of respective control groups, i.e. rats receiving the same doses of alpha-tocopherol but not exposed to ozone, a group of animals not supplemented with vitamin but exposed to ozone, a group of animals injected with physiological fluid and a control group not subjected to any of the treatments. The study revealed that the ozone-exposed animals had an increased lysozyme activity and a decreased total protein level. However, in rats protected by alpha-tocopherol and exposed to ozone, the concentration of APP, lysozyme activity and total protein were found to be decreased. Similar relationships also occurred in animals receiving alpha-tocopherol and not exposed to ozone.

Comparison of susceptibility to stress in two genetic lines of turkey broilers, BUT-9 and Big-6

The aim of the study was to compare the level of susceptibility to stress in two broiler turkey lines-BUT-9 and Big-6. The experiment was performed on 120 turkey toms aged ca. 8 weeks. Each of the genetic lines was represented by 60 birds divided into 4 groups--one control and three experimental ones, 15 birds in each. The open field test was conducted in the control groups (not exposed to any stress) in order to determine the motor activity of turkeys. The other groups were subjected to the stress of transport, crowding and overheating. When the experiment was over, following indices were determined in blood plasma obtained from all the birds: the concentration of corticosterone, adrenaline and noradrenaline, the level of glucose, cholesterol, total lipids and triglycerides as well as the activity of creatine kinase. The study revealed that the lighter and slower growing BUT-9 turkeys showed a higher resistance to stress than the Big-6. They were characterised by higher motor activity, a higher initial level of catecholamines in blood and heavier adrenals. The increase in corticosterone was much lower in these birds in response to stress. A lower reactivity was also observed in the biochemical indices (the level of cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose and the activity of creatine kinase). This confirms that BUT-9 turkeys are less sensitive to adverse environmental effects than are the Big-6, an interesting feature for poultry production.

Chronic pulmonary disorders, including tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, in villages with endemic lymphatic filariasis in Tanga region and in Tanga town, Tanzania

To investigate the occurrence of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), studies were undertaken in 3 villages with endemic lymphatic filariasis in the coastal area of Tanga Region, Tanzania, and in the outpatient clinic of Bombo Regional Hospital in Tanga town; 73 persons from the villages and 104 from the outpatient clinic with a history of lung disease suggestive of TPE were included in the study. Following clinical examination, lung function tests and chest X-rays were performed. Total leucocyte and eosinophil counts were recorded. Parasitological examinations included blood for microfilariae and stools and urine for eggs of intestinal helminths and Schistosoma haematobium respectively. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E and specific antifilarial IgE and IgG4 were measured. Suspected TPE cases were treated with diethylcarbamazine, 6 mg/kg for 12 d, and were followed up 14, 90 and 360 d after treatment. Three persons fulfilled the criteria for TPE. Their response to treatment was marked, with clinical improvement, reduction in eosinophil count and reduced titres of specific antifilarial IgE and IgG4. Although TPE is present in Wuchereria bancrofti endemic areas of East Africa, it appears to be rare, as in other endemic areas.