Course of Plasmodium infection studied using 2D-COS on human erythrocytes

BACKGROUND

The threat of malaria is still present in the world. Recognizing the type of parasite is important in determining a treatment plan. The golden routine involves microscopic diagnostics of Giemsa-stained thin blood smears, however, alternative methods are also constantly being sought, in order to gain an additional insight into the course of the disease. Spectroscopic methods, e.g., Raman spectroscopy, are becoming increasingly popular, due to the non-destructive nature of these techniques.

METHODS

The study included patients hospitalized for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax, in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, as well as healthy volunteers. The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy and 2D correlation (2D-COS) spectroscopy in understanding the structural changes in erythrocytes depending on the type of attacking parasite. EPR spectroscopy and two-trace two-dimensional (2T2D) correlation was also used to examine the specificity of paramagnetic centres found in the infected human blood.

RESULTS

Two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy facilitates the identification of the hidden relationship, allowing for the discrimination of Raman spectra obtained during the course of disease in human red blood cells, infected by P. falciparum or P. vivax. Synchronous cross-peaks indicate the processes taking place inside the erythrocyte during the export of the parasite protein towards the cell membrane. In contrast, moieties that generate asynchronous 2D cross-peaks are characteristic of the respective ligand-receptor domains. These changes observed during the course of the infection, have different dynamics for P. falciparum and P. vivax, as indicated by the asynchronous correlation cross-peaks. Two-trace two-dimensional (2T2D) spectroscopy, applied to EPR spectra of blood at the beginning of the infection, showed differences between P. falciparum and P. vivax.

CONCLUSIONS

A unique feature of 2D-COS is the ability to discriminate the collected Raman and EPR spectra. The changes observed during the course of a malaria infection have different dynamics for P. falciparum and P. vivax, indicated by the reverse sequence of events. For each type of parasite, a specific recycling process for iron was observed in the infected blood.

Translocation of elements and sugars in wheat genotypes at vegetative and generative stages under continuous selenium exposure

BACKGROUND

Biofortification with selenium (Se) elevates its concentration in feed and fodder plants and helps to prevent health problems in animals and humans. The aim of this study was to describe Se-induced modifications in the accumulation of elements important for the proper functioning of wheat, one of the most popular cereals. The presence of Se correlated with carbohydrate synthesis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). This explained the mechanisms of Se's antioxidant activity.

RESULTS

Selenium accumulation in vegetative and generative leaves, and in the grains of three wheat genotypes (cv. Parabola, cv. Raweta and cv. Manu), differing in their stress tolerance and grown hydroponically in the presence of 10 or 20 μM Na₂ SeO_4, , was proportional to its content in the medium. Stronger Se accumulation was typical of a stress-sensitive genotype. Selenium generally promoted the uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients but their distribution depended on tissue and genotype. Changes in the Se-induced EPR signals of paramagnetic metals and organic radicals corresponded with stress tolerance of the tested genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Se application increased the accumulation of nutrients and carbohydrates that are vital for proper plant growth and development. Accelerated uptake of molybdenum (Mo), an element improving dietary properties of grains, may be an additional advantage of Se fertilization. The mechanisms of Se-induced changes in removing Mn and iron (Fe) ions from macromolecules may be one of the factors that differentiate plant tolerance to oxidative stress. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

P4510Impact of secondary tricuspid regurgitation on survival in heart failure - insights from COMMIT-HF registry

Background

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (fTR) is common in left sided heart disease, especially in patients with concomitant left-sided valvular diseases and can lead to functional impairment and reduced survival. However, the impact of fTR on survival in chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) without severe left valvular diseases (LVD) is not fully established. The aim of the present study was to observe if moderate to severe fTR may influence the survival in patients with HFrEF without severe LVD.

Methods

We have analyzed a large single-center registry (n=2731) of HFrEF patients treated in a large-volume cardiovascular center between 2009–2015. After exclusion of patients with severe aortic and mitral valve disease we have included 2435 patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%). Functional moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation without severe left valvular diseases was present in 465 patients. Twelve -month vital status was available for the whole patient population. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to evaluate the relationship between moderate to severe fTR and mortality in the study group.

Results

Comparison of clinical data of fTR and non-fTR in HFrEF patients revealed some significant differences (age 63.3±12.9 vs 61.3±12.4, p=0.002; female sex 25.8% vs 17,9%, p<0.001; chronic kidney disease stage III-V 45.3 vs 26.6%, p=0.001; atrial fibrillation 52.4% vs 28.5%, p<0.001). Twelve-month all-cause mortality was over 2-fold higher in the fTR group (21.2% vs 8.1%, p<0.001). There were no significant differences with regard to the medical treatment, implantable defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy. The presence of fTR was identified as an independent echocardiographic factor impaired 12-month all-cause survival (HR 1.59, CI 1.2- 2.09, p<0.001, figure 1)

Conclusion

Apart from the LVEF, the presence of moderate to severe fTR may predict 12-month all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

The impact of short-term UV irradiation on grains of sensitive and tolerant cereal genotypes studied by EPR

BACKGROUND

UV irradiation has ionisation character and leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The destructive character of ROS was observed among others during interaction of cereal grains with ozone and was caused by changes in structures of biomolecules leading to the formation of stable organic radicals. That effect was more evident for stress sensitive genotypes. In this study we investigated the influence of UV irradiation on cereal grains originating from genotypes with different tolerance to oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Grains and their parts (endosperm, embryo and seed coat) of barley, wheat and oat were subjected to short-term UV irradiation. It was found that UV caused the appearance of various kinds of reactive species (O₂^-• , H₂ O₂ ) and stable radicals (semiquinone, phenoxyl and carbon-centred). Simultaneously, lipid peroxidation occurred and the organic structure of Mn(II) and Fe(III) complexes become disturbed.

CONCLUSIONS

UV irradiation causes damage of main biochemical structures of plant tissues, the effect is more significant in sensitive genotypes. In comparison with ozone treatment, UV irradiation leads to stronger destruction of biomolecules in grains and their parts. It is caused by the high energy of UV light, facilitating easier breakage of molecular bonds in biochemical compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

2D FTIR correlation spectroscopy and EPR analysis of Urtica dioica leaves from areas of different environmental pollution

Leaves of Urtica dioica collected from two areas of different environmental pollution were analysed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Analysis of FTIR spectra allows to describe main component of plant like proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Although the FTIR spectra of plants from these two geographical locations of different environmental pollution appear to be relatively similar, 2D correlation shows completely different patterns. Synchronous and asynchronous correlation maps showed sequences of changes occurring during development of plant, manly in Amide I and Amide II, lignin, lipids and cellulose. In addition, 2D analysis revealed another sequence of changes as the function of plant growth depending on the degree of the environmental pollution. Two various kinds of paramagnetic species, transition metal ions (Mn(II), Fe(III)) and stable organic radicals (chlorophyll, semiquinone, tyrosyl and carbon centered) were found in leaves of nettle collected at different stages of development and growing in clean and polluted environment. In plants growing in polluted area the injuries of protein molecules bonding metal ions and the disturbances of photosynthesis and redox equilibrium in cells, as well as instability of polysaccharide structure of cell walls were observed.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy in Studies of the Protective Effects of 24-Epibrasinoide and Selenium against Zearalenone-Stimulation of the Oxidative Stress in Germinating Grains of Wheat

These studies concentrate on the possibility of using selenium ions and/or 24-epibrassinolide at non-toxic levels as protectors of wheat plants against zearalenone, which is a common and widespread mycotoxin. Analysis using the UHPLC-MS technique allowed for identification of grains having the stress-tolerant and stress-sensitive wheat genotype. When germinating in the presence of 30 µM of zearalenone, this mycotoxin can accumulate in both grains and hypocotyls germinating from these grains. Selenium ions (10 µM) and 24-epibrassinolide (0.1 µM) introduced together with zearalenone decreased the uptake of zearalenone from about 295 to 200 ng/g and from about 350 to 300 ng/g in the grains of tolerant and sensitive genotypes, respectively. As a consequence, this also resulted in a reduction in the uptake of zearalenone from about 100 to 80 ng/g and from about 155 to 128 ng/g in the hypocotyls from the germinated grains of tolerant and sensitive wheat, respectively. In the mechanism of protection against the zearalenone-induced oxidative stress, the antioxidative enzymes-mainly superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)-were engaged, especially in the sensitive genotype. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies allowed for a description of the chemical character of the long-lived organic radicals formed in biomolecular structures which are able to stabilize electrons released from reactive oxygen species as well as the changes in the status of transition paramagnetic metal ions. The presence of zearalenone drastically decreased the amount of paramagnetic metal ions-mainly Mn(II) and Fe(III)-bonded in the organic matrix. This effect was particularly found in the sensitive genotype, in which these species were found at a smaller level. The protective effect of selenium ions and 24-epibrassinolide originated from their ability to inhibit the destruction of biomolecules by reactive oxygen species. An increased ability to defend biomolecules against zearalenone action was observed for 24-epibrassinolide.

Structural and biochemical response of chloroplasts in tolerant and sensitive barley genotypes to drought stress

The aim of this research was to characterize the changes of structural organization of chloroplasts of sensitive (Maresi) and tolerant (Cam/B1) barley genotypes upon soil drought (10days), which was applied in two stages of plant growth, i.e. seedlings and flag leaves. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique was used for the determination of changes in the concentration and nature of long-lived radicals and metal ions (Mn, Fe), measured directly in the structures of fresh leaves, occurring after stress treatment. Stronger variations of EPR parameters were found after drought stress application in the flag-leaf phase and for sensitive genotype. Chloroplasts of Cam/B1 were characterized by a larger surface area and less degradation of their structure during drought stress in comparison to Maresi. The data obtained from Raman spectra showed that better stress tolerance of the genotype was accompanied by greater accumulation of carotenoids in chloroplasts and was correlated with an increase in carotenoid radicals. The increase of the value of the electrokinetic potential (relative to control), which was slightly larger for the chloroplasts of Maresi than of Cam/B1, indicated the chemical reconstruction of the membrane leading to a reduction of their polarity during drought action.

The impact of biochemical composition and nature of paramagnetic species in grains on stress tolerance of oat cultivars

The aim of this work was to investigate the relationships between the chemical composition of oat grains and the tolerance to oxidative stress of oat genotypes. The studies were based on the results of biochemical analyses and both EPR and Raman spectroscopies on whole grains and their parts (embryo, endosperm, seed coat) originating from oat genotypes with different sensitivities to stress. We found that the amounts of fats and especially unsaturated fatty acids, proteins rich in glutamic acid and glycine, as well as phenolics and tocopherols were higher in grains of the tolerant genotype. Moreover, fats and proteins were distributed not only in embryos, but also in endosperms. The grains of tolerant genotypes exhibited high antioxidant activity and contained greater amounts of β-glucan. EPR data pointed to higher concentrations of various kinds of stable organic radicals (semiquinone, tyrosyl and carbon-centered radicals) in whole grains (and their parts) of sensitive genotypes. EPR spectra revealed the character of interactions of paramagnetic transition metal ions Fe(III) and Mn(II) with organic and inorganic structures of grains. The quantitative EPR measurements showed the dependence between the amount of radical species and the content of transition metal ions, mainly Fe(III) bonded to inorganic structures.

Vibration-reorientation dynamics, structural changes and its interrelation with the phase transition in polycrystalline [Cr(OC(NH₂)₂)₆](BF₄)₃

Polycrystalline hexakis(urea-O)chromium(III) tetrafluoroborate possesses in the temperature range of 295-105 K one solid-solid phase transition at T(C) ≈ 255 K. Analysis of the band shapes associated with the ν(as)(CN) and δ(as)(NH2) vibrational modes of the Fourier transform infrared absorption (FT-IR) spectra, registered in the temperature range of 295-10 K, indicated existence of fast (τ(R) ≈ 10(-12) s) reorientational motion of the protons from NH2 groups belonging to OC(NH2)2 (urea) ligands, which does not suddenly change at T(C). Moreover, splitting of the IR bands associated with the ν(as)(NH), ν(s)(NH) and ν(as)(BF)F2/ν(s)(CN) modes at T(C) indicated that this phase transition is associated with a change of crystal structure. Similar analysis of the Raman scattering bands (FT-RS), associated with the δ(s)(FBF)E, ν(s)(BF)A and ν(as)(BF)F2/ν(s)(CN) vibrational modes, indicated fast reorientation of the BF4(−) ions, which does not suddenly change at T(C), and additionally confirmed structural character of this phase transition. Results obtained from vibrational spectroscopy measurements are compatible with that obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) measurements in function of temperature, where rapid narrowing of the EPR line in the vicinity of the T(C) was observed.

Changes of paramagnetic species in cereal grains upon short-term ozone action as a marker of oxidative stress tolerance

The increase of the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere, being the direct source of reactive oxygen species, results in the yield loss of agronomic crops. On the other hand, ozone is also used as a protector against microorganisms, living in plants and present in materials obtained from them, dangerous for human and animal health. In this work it has been studied if ozone in doses similar to those used for removal of microorganisms can have significant influence on the generation of stable organic radicals and changes in the character of transition metal ions and in the antioxidative biochemical parameters of cereal grains. The aim of this work was to find if the response of grains of three cereals (wheat, oat and barley) to ozone depended on their oxidative stress tolerance. The influence of direct short-term ozone application on grains of these cereals, each represented by two genotypes with different oxidative stress tolerance, was studied by biochemical analyses and by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. Whole grains as well as their parts: embryo, endosperm and seed coat were subjected to ozone treatment for 30 min. Biochemical investigation of control samples showed that their antioxidant activity increased in order: wheat<oat<barley. EPR method revealed that character and the number of paramagnetic species (transition metal ions: Fe(III), Cu(II), Mn(II) and stable organic radicals) changed upon ozone exposure, depending on the kind of cereal, stress tolerance of particular genotype and the part of grain. The control samples of whole grains and their parts originating from sensitive genotypes contained higher amounts of stable organic radicals (semiquinone, phenoxyl and carbohydrate types) than those from tolerant ones. In embryos of grains from sensitive genotypes their amount increased upon ozone treatment stronger than in embryos from grains of tolerant cultivars. In seed coats and endosperms such relation was not found and the changes in the content of the radicals during ozone application were correlated with the amount of transition metal ions and were more intensive in parts of grains richer in easily oxidized iron species Fe(II), located in inorganic structures. On the contrary, Fe(II) ions situated in embryos were stabilized by organic matrix and did not undergo oxidation by ozone.

Stable radicals and biochemical compounds in embryos and endosperm of wheat grains differentiating sensitive and tolerant genotypes--EPR and Raman studies

The aim of this study was to uncover the specific species in grains that might differentiate the wheat genotypes according to their tolerance to oxidative stress. Measurements by EPR and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to examine whole grains and their parts (embryo, endosperm, seed coat) originating from four wheat genotypes with differing tolerance to drought stress. Raman spectra showed that, in spite of the similar amounts of proteins in whole grains from tolerant and sensitive genotypes, in tolerant ones they were accumulated mainly in embryos. Moreover, in embryos from these grains, a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids was observed. Endosperm of grains from the tolerant genotype, richer with starch than that of sensitive one, exhibited higher content of amylopectin. Detailed analysis of EPR signals and simulation procedures of the spectra allowed the estimation of the nature of interactions of Fe(III) and Mn(II) with organic and inorganic structures of grains and the character of organic stable radicals. Three types of these radicals: carbohydrate, semiquinone and phenoxyl, were identified. The amounts of these radicals were higher in grains of sensitive genotypes, mostly because of differences in carbohydrate radical content in endosperm. Taking into account the level of radical concentration and greater capacity for radical formation in grains from plants of lower tolerance to stress, the content of radicals, especially of a carbohydrate nature, was considered as a marker of the plant resistance to stress conditions.

EPR spectroscopy as a tool for investigation of differences in radical status in wheat plants of various tolerances to osmotic stress induced by NaCl and PEG-treatment

Two kinds of wheat genotypes with different tolerance to osmotic stress (NaCl and PEG-treatment) were investigated with biochemical analyses, including the measurements of total antioxidant capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, reducing power and starch content. The results were compared with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data concerning the nature and amounts of stable long lived radicals present in the control and stressed plants. In addition, the changes in manganese content upon stress conditions were monitored. Different mechanisms of protection against PEG stress in sensitive and tolerant wheat genotypes were postulated. In sensitive genotypes, electrons were created in excess in stress conditions, and were stabilized by polysaccharide molecules, whereas in tolerant genotypes, protection by antioxidants dominated. Moreover, the quinone-semiquinone balance shifted towards semiquinone, which became the place of electron trapping. NaCl-treatment yielded significant effects mainly in sensitive genotypes and was connected with the changes of water structure, leading to inactivation of reactive oxygen species by water molecules.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy characterization of wheat grains from plants of different water stress tolerance

Grains of five genotypes of wheat (four Polish and one Finnish), differing in their tolerance to drought stress were chosen for this investigation. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy allowed observation of transition metal ions (Mn, Fe, Cu) and different types of stable radicals, including semiquinone centers, present in seed coats, as well as several types of carbohydrate radicals found mainly in the inner parts of grains. The content of paramagnetic metal centers was higher in sensitive genotypes (Radunia, Raweta) than in tolerant ones (Parabola, Nawra), whereas the Finnish genotype (Manu) exhibited intermediate amounts. Similarly, the concentrations of both types of radicals, carbohydrates and semiquinone were significantly higher in the grains originating from more sensitive wheat genotypes. The nature of carbohydrate radicals and their concentrations were confronted with the kinds and amounts of sugars found by the biochemical analyses and microscopy observations. It is suggested that some long lived radicals (semiquinone and starch radicals) occurring in grains could be indicators of stress resistance of wheat plants.

The effects of short-term selenium stress on Polish and Finnish wheat seedlings-EPR, enzymatic and fluorescence studies

Biochemical analyses of antioxidant content were compared with measurements of fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to examine the alteration of radicals in wheat seedlings exposed to 2 days of selenium stress. Two genotypes of Polish and one of Finnish wheat, differing in their tolerance to long-term stress treatment, were cultured under hydroponic conditions to achieve the phase of 3-leave seedlings. Afterwards, selenium (sodium selenate, 100 μM concentration) was added to the media. After Se-treatment, all varieties showed an increase in carbohydrates (soluble and starch), ascorbate and glutathione content in comparison to non-stressed plants. These changes were more visible in Finnish wheat. On the basis of lipid peroxidation measurements, Finnish wheat was recognized as the genotype more sensitive to short-term Se-stress than the Polish varieties. The antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase) increased in Polish genotypes, whereas they decreased in Finnish wheat plants cultured on Se media. The action of reactive oxygen species in short-term action of Se stress was confirmed by the reduction of PSII and PSI system activities (measured by fluorescence parameters and EPR, respectively). EPR studies showed changes in redox status (especially connected with Mn(II)/Mn(III), and semiquinone/quinone ratios) in wheat cell after Se treatment. The involvement of the carbohydrate molecules as electron traps in production of long-lived radicals is postulated.

Analysis of odorous compounds at municipal landfill sites

The aim of this investigation was to determine odorous compounds in the air over the landfill sites in France and Poland. Air samples were collected by passive and dynamic methods of preconcentration analytes and analysed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The coupling microTD-microGC-MS was also used for on-site analysis of odorous compounds. The achieved results indicated that the concentrations of odorants in the air varied and strongly depended on the sampling site. The highest concentrations were observed at the points situated near biogas wells and above the fresh waste layer. The concentrations were influenced by landfill activities such as failures of the landfill gas collection system, heavy truck traffic, machinery operations and compacting fresh waste.