A Switch between Antioxidant and Prooxidant Properties of the Phenolic Compounds Myricetin, Morin, 3',4'-Dihydroxyflavone, Taxifolin and 4-Hydroxy-Coumarin in the Presence of Copper(II) Ions: A Spectroscopic, Absorption Titration and DNA Damage Study

The beneficial effects of polyphenols, predominantly in the context of oxidative stress-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurological conditions including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, have been documented by a number of papers and reviews. The antioxidant/prooxidant properties of phenolic compounds are related mainly to the number and positions of hydroxyl groups and to their redox metal (Cu, Fe) chelating capacity. In this work we studied structurally distinct phenolic molecules such as myricetin, morin, 3',4'-dihydroxy-flavone, taxifolin and 4-hydroxycoumarin, either alone or as interacting with Cu2+ ions. EPR and UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed that the effective binding of cupric ions to phenolic compounds requires the presence of the 3-OH and 4-CO groups on the flavonoid C ring and unsaturated C2-C3 bond of the C-ring, which permits through-conjugation with the B-ring. An ABTS assay revealed that radical scavenging activities of phenolic compounds are related to their number of hydroxyl groups, planarity of the molecular skeleton, extent of delocalization and they decrease in the order: myricetin > morin > 3',4'-dihydroxyflavone ~ 4-hydroxy coumarin > taxifolin. Absorption titrations indicate that copper ions can modulate the DNA binding affinity of flavonoids via the formation of their Cu-chelates. Gel electrophoresis measurements indicated that the protective effect of the phenolic compounds decreases in the order: 3',4'-dihydroxyflavone > 4-OH coumarin > morin > taxifolin ~ myricetin. This can be explained by the fact that myricetin, taxifolin and morin form stable Cu(II) complexes capable of causing DNA damage via interaction with DNA and ROS formation via the Fenton reaction. Application of ROS scavengers revealed the formation of singlet oxygen, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and their concerted synergistic effect on the DNA. The overall results suggest that the most pronounced DNA damage has been observed for flavonoids containing higher number of hydroxyl groups (including 3-OH group of the C ring), such as myricetin (six hydroxyl groups), morin and taxifolin (five hydroxyl groups) in the presence of Cu(II) ions. The proposed mechanism of action by which Cu(II) complexes of myricetin, morin and taxifolin interact with DNA predispose these substances to act as potential anticancer agents. The anticancer activity of phenolic compounds can be explained by their moderate prooxidant properties, which can boost ROS formation and kill cancer cells. Alternatively, slight prooxidant properties may activate antioxidant systems, including antioxidant enzymes and low molecular antioxidants such as glutathione and thus act as preventive anticancer agents.

Plasma Oxytocin in Children with Autism and Its Correlations with Behavioral Parameters in Children and Parents

OBJECTIVE

Oxytocin (OT) has been implicated to play an important role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) etiology. We aimed to find out the differences in plasma OT levels between children with autism and healthy children, the associations of OT levels with particular autism symptoms and the associations of particular parental autistic traits with their ASD children OT levels.

METHODS

We included 19 boys with autism and 44 healthy age-matched boys. OT levels were analyzed by ELISA method. Children with autism were scored by Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), adjusted research version. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Systemizing Quotient (SQ) and Empathizing Quotient were completed by parents of children with autism.

RESULTS

Children with autism had significantly lower plasma OT levels than controls. OT levels positively correlated with ADI Reciprocal Interaction and Communication scores. AQ and SQ of fathers positively correlated with children plasma OT level.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the hypothesis of OT deficiency in autism. The "paradoxical" associations of OT levels and social skills in children with autism indicate disturbances at various levels of OT system. We first reported associations of OT levels in children with autism and behavioral measures in fathers indicating that OT abnormalities stay between parental autistic traits and autism symptoms in their children.

Plant Xyloglucan Xyloglucosyl Transferases and the Cell Wall Structure: Subtle but Significant

Plant xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases or xyloglucan endo-transglycosylases (XET; EC 2.4.1.207) catalogued in the glycoside hydrolase family 16 constitute cell wall-modifying enzymes that play a fundamental role in the cell wall expansion and re-modelling. Over the past thirty years, it has been established that XET enzymes catalyse homo-transglycosylation reactions with xyloglucan (XG)-derived substrates and hetero-transglycosylation reactions with neutral and charged donor and acceptor substrates other than XG-derived. This broad specificity in XET isoforms is credited to a high degree of structural and catalytic plasticity that has evolved ubiquitously in algal, moss, fern, basic Angiosperm, monocot, and eudicot enzymes. These XET isoforms constitute gene families that are differentially expressed in tissues in time- and space-dependent manners during plant growth and development, and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge of broad specific plant XET enzymes and how their inherently carbohydrate-based transglycosylation reactions tightly link with structural diversity that underlies the complexity of plant cell walls and their mechanics. Based on this knowledge, we conclude that multi- or poly-specific XET enzymes are widespread in plants to allow for modifications of the cell wall structure in muro, a feature that implements the multifaceted roles in plant cells.

Mechanisms Underlying Antiarrhythmic Properties of Cardioprotective Agents Impacting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

The prevention of cardiac life-threatening ventricular fibrillation and stroke-provoking atrial fibrillation remains a serious global clinical issue, with ongoing need for novel approaches. Numerous experimental and clinical studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation are deleterious to cardiovascular health, and can increase heart susceptibility to arrhythmias. It is quite interesting, however, that various cardio-protective compounds with antiarrhythmic properties are potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory agents. These most likely target the pro-arrhythmia primary mechanisms. This review and literature-based analysis presents a realistic view of antiarrhythmic efficacy and the molecular mechanisms of current pharmaceuticals in clinical use. These include the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors used in diabetes treatment, statins in dyslipidemia and naturally protective omega-3 fatty acids. This approach supports the hypothesis that prevention or attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory stress can abolish pro-arrhythmic factors and the development of an arrhythmia substrate. This could prove a powerful tool of reducing cardiac arrhythmia burden.

Anticancer Applications of Essential Oils Formulated into Lipid-Based Delivery Nanosystems

The use of natural compounds is becoming increasingly popular among patients, and there is a renewed interest among scientists in nature-based bioactive agents. Traditionally, herbal drugs can be taken directly in the form of teas/decoctions/infusions or as standardized extracts. However, the disadvantages of natural compounds, especially essential oils, are their instability, limited bioavailability, volatility, and often irritant/allergenic potential. However, these active substances can be stabilized by encapsulation and administered in the form of nanoparticles. This brief overview summarizes the latest results of the application of nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers used as drug delivery systems of herbal essential oils or used directly for their individual secondary metabolites applicable in cancer therapy. Although the discussed bioactive agents are not typical compounds used as anticancer agents, after inclusion into the aforesaid formulations improving their stability and bioavailability and/or therapeutic profile, they indicated anti-tumor activity and became interesting agents with cancer treatment potential. In addition, co-encapsulation of essential oils with synthetic anticancer drugs into nanoformulations with the aim to achieve synergistic effect in chemotherapy is discussed.

Screening of Toxic Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides with a Focus on Acetamiprid: A Review

Recently, neonicotinoids have become the fastest-growing class of insecticides in conventional crop protection, with extensive usage against a wide range of sucking and chewing pests. Neonicotinoids are widely used due to their high toxicity to invertebrates, simplicity, flexibility with which they may be applied, and lengthy persistence, and their systemic nature ensures that they spread to all sections of the target crop. However, these properties raise the risk of environmental contaminations and potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Acetamiprid is a new generation insecticide, which is a safer alternative for controlling insect pests because of its low toxicity to honeybees. Acetamiprid is intended to target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects, but its widespread usage has resulted in negative impacts on non-target animals such as mammals. This review summarizes in vivo and in vitro animal studies that investigated the toxicity of specific neonicotinoids. With summarized data, it can be presumed that certain concentrations of neonicotinoids in the reproductive system cause oxidative stress in the testis; spermatogenesis disruption; spermatozoa degradation; interruptions to endocrine function and Sertoli and Leydig cell function. In the female reproductive system, acetamiprid evokes pathomorphological alterations in follicles, along with metabolic changes in the ovaries.

Stress-Induced Alterations of Immune Profile in Animals Suffering by Tau Protein-Driven Neurodegeneration

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disorder; neurofibrillary pathology composed of tau protein is found side by side with amyloid-β deposits and extensive neuroinflammation. The immune system of the brain is considered as one of the factors that could influence the speed of the progression of AD neuropathology as a potential mediator of the damage induced by AD protein deposits. Alzheimer's disease pathology can be impacted by psychological stress; however, signalling pathways in background are not well known. We have explored possible avenues of how stress could influence the brain's immune system in a rat model of AD. Animals were subjected either to a single or multiple instances of immobilization stress. The analysis of a panel of immunity-related genes was used to evaluate the impact of stress on the immune response in the brain. We have identified 19 stress-responsive genes that are involved in neuroinflammation accompanying tau pathology: Nos2, Ptgs2, IL-8rb, C5, Mmp9, Cx3cr1, CD40lg, Adrb2, IL-6, IL-6r, IL-1r2, Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl12, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-10. Most of them are deregulated under the stress conditions also in control animals; however, the magnitude of the response to either acute or chronic stress differs. This can lead to serious influence, most probably to acceleration of neurodegenerative phenotype in diseased animals. Several of the genes (IL-1β, Casp1, Cx3cr1 and C5) are deregulated solely in tauopathic animals. The stress-induced changes in the inflammatory picture of the brain highlight the fact that the brain's immune response is highly responsive to environmental stimuli. The pattern of changes is indicative of an attempt to protect the brain in the short term, while being potentially detrimental to the response against a long-term pathological process such as neurofibrillary degeneration.

Kinetin mitigates Cd-induced damagesto growth, photosynthesis and PS II photochemistry of Trigonella seedlings by up-regulating ascorbate-glutathione cycle

Cytokinins (CKs) plays a key role in plant adaptation over a range of different stress conditions. Here, we analyze the effects of a cytokinin (i.e., kinetin, KN) on the growth, photosynthesis (rate of O2 evolution), PS II photochemistry and AsA-GSH cycle in Trigonella seedlings grown under cadmium (Cd) stress. Trigonella seeds were sown in soil amended with 0, 3 and 9 mg Cd kg-1 soil, and after 15 days resultant seedlings were sprayed with three doses of KN, i.e.,10 μM (low, KNL), 50 μM (medium, KNM) and 100 μM (high, KNH); subsequent experiments were performed after 15 days of KN application, i.e., 30 days after sowing. Cadmium toxicity induced oxidative damage as shown by decreased seedling growth and photosynthetic pigment production (Chl a, Chl b and Car), rates of O2-evolution, and photochemistry of PS II of Trigonella seedlings, all accompanied by an increase in H2O2 accumulation. Supplementation with doses of KN at KNL and KNM significantly improved the growth and photosynthetic activity by reducing H2O2 accumulation through the up-regulation AsA-GSH cycle. Notably, KNL and KNM doses stimulated the rate of enzyme activities of APX, GR and DHAR, involved in the AsA-GSH cycle thereby efficiently regulates the level of AsA and GSH in Trigonella grown under Cd stress. The study concludes that KN can mitigate the damaging effects of Cd stress on plant growth by maintaining the redox status (>ratios: AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG) of cells through the regulation of AsA-GSH cycle at 10 and 50 μM KN under Cd stress conditions. At 100 μM KN, the down-regulation of AsA-GSH cycle did not support the growth and PS II activity of the test seedlings.

The role of the protein-RNA recognition code in neurodegeneration

MicroRNAs are small endogenous RNAs that pair and bind to sites on mRNAs to direct post-transcriptional repression. However, there is a possibility that microRNAs directly influence protein structure and activity, and this influence can be termed post-translational riboregulation. This conceptual review explores the literature on neurodegenerative disorders. Research on the association between neurodegeneration and RNA-repeat toxicity provides data that support a protein-RNA recognition code. For example, this code explains why hnRNP H and SFPQ proteins, which are involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are sequestered by the (GGGGCC)n repeat sequence. Similarly, it explains why MNBL proteins and (CTG)n repeats in RNA, which are involved in myotonic dystrophy, are sequestered into RNA foci. Using this code, proteins involved in diseases can be identified. A simple protein BLAST search of the human genome for amino acid repeats that correspond to the nucleotide repeats reveals new proteins among already known proteins that are involved in diseases. For example, the (CAG)n repeat sequence, when transcribed into possible peptide sequences, leads to the identification of PTCD3, Rem2, MESP2, SYPL2, WDR33, COL23A1, and others. After confirming this approach on RNA repeats, in the next step, the code was used in the opposite manner. Proteins that are involved in diseases were compared with microRNAs involved in those diseases. For example, a reasonable correspondence of microRNA 9 and 107 with amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ42) was identified. In the last step, a miRBase search for micro-nucleotides, obtained by transcription of a prion amino acid sequence, revealed new microRNAs and microRNAs that have previously been identified as involved in prion diseases. This concept provides a useful key for designing RNA or peptide probes.

Tauopathy in transgenic (SHR72) rats impairs function of central noradrenergic system and promotes neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Brain norepinephrine (NE) plays an important role in the modulation of stress response and neuroinflammation. Recent studies indicate that in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the tau neuropathology begins in the locus coeruleus (LC) which is the main source of brain NE. Therefore, we investigated the changes in brain NE system and also the immune status under basal and stress conditions in transgenic rats over-expressing the human truncated tau protein.

METHODS

Brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups (LC, A1, and A2) and forebrain subcortical (nucleus basalis of Meynert), hippocampal (cornu ammonis, dentate gyrus), and neocortical areas (frontal and temporal association cortices) were analyzed for NE and interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA levels in unstressed rats and also in rats exposed to single or repeated immobilization. Moreover, gene expression of NE-biosynthetic enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and several pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators were determined in the LC.

RESULTS

It was found that tauopathy reduced basal NE levels in forebrain areas, while the gene expression of IL-6 was increased in all selected areas at the same time. The differences between wild-type and transgenic rats in brain NE and IL-6 mRNA levels were observed in stressed animals as well. Tauopathy increased also the gene expression of TH in the LC. In addition, the LC exhibited exaggerated expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNFα, inducible nitric oxide synthases 2 (iNOS2), and interleukin 10 (IL-10)) in transgenic rats suggesting that tauopathy affects also the immune background in LC. Positive correlation between NE and IL-6 mRNA levels in cornu ammonis in stressed transgenic animals indicated the reduction of anti-inflammatory effect of NE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data thus showed that tauopathy alters the functions of LC further leading to the reduction of NE levels and exaggeration of neuroinflammation in forebrain. These findings support the assumption that tau-related dysfunction of LC activates the vicious circle perpetuating neurodegeneration leading to the development of AD.

Alterations of HDL's to piHDL's Proteome in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, and HDL-Targeted Therapies

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, steatohepatitis, periodontitis, chronic kidney disease, and others are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which persists even after accounting for traditional cardiac risk factors. The common factor linking these diseases to accelerated atherosclerosis is chronic systemic low-grade inflammation triggering changes in lipoprotein structure and metabolism. HDL, an independent marker of cardiovascular risk, is a lipoprotein particle with numerous important anti-atherogenic properties. Besides the essential role in reverse cholesterol transport, HDL possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antithrombotic properties. Inflammation and inflammation-associated pathologies can cause modifications in HDL's proteome and lipidome, transforming HDL from atheroprotective into a pro-atherosclerotic lipoprotein. Therefore, a simple increase in HDL concentration in patients with inflammatory diseases has not led to the desired anti-atherogenic outcome. In this review, the functions of individual protein components of HDL, rendering them either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory are described in detail. Alterations of HDL proteome (such as replacing atheroprotective proteins by pro-inflammatory proteins, or posttranslational modifications) in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases and their impact on cardiovascular health are discussed. Finally, molecular, and clinical aspects of HDL-targeted therapies, including those used in therapeutical practice, drugs in clinical trials, and experimental drugs are comprehensively summarised.

Sr(II) and Ba(II) Alkaline Earth Metal-Organic Frameworks (AE-MOFs) for Selective Gas Adsorption, Energy Storage, and Environmental Application

Two new alkaline earth metal-organic frameworks (AE-MOFs) containing Sr(II) (UPJS-15) or Ba(II) (UPJS-16) cations and extended tetrahedral linker (MTA) were synthesized and characterized in detail (UPJS stands for University of Pavol Jozef Safarik). Single-crystal X-ray analysis (SC-XRD) revealed that the materials are isostructural and, in their frameworks, one-dimensional channels are present with the size of ~11 × 10 Å2. The activation process of the compounds was studied by the combination of in situ heating infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis (TA) and in situ high-energy powder X-ray diffraction (HE-PXRD), which confirmed the stability of compounds after desolvation. The prepared compounds were investigated as adsorbents of different gases (Ar, N2, CO2, and H2). Nitrogen and argon adsorption measurements showed that UPJS-15 has SBET area of 1321 m2 g-1 (Ar) / 1250 m2 g-1 (N2), and UPJS-16 does not adsorb mentioned gases. From the environmental application, the materials were studied as CO2 adsorbents, and both compounds adsorb CO2 with a maximum capacity of 22.4 wt.% @ 0 °C; 14.7 wt.% @ 20 °C and 101 kPa for UPJS-15 and 11.5 wt.% @ 0°C; 8.4 wt.% @ 20 °C and 101 kPa for UPJS-16. According to IAST calculations, UPJS-16 shows high selectivity (50 for CO2/N2 10:90 mixture and 455 for CO2/N2 50:50 mixture) and can be applied as CO2 adsorbent from the atmosphere even at low pressures. The increased affinity of materials for CO2 was also studied by DFT modelling, which revealed that the primary adsorption sites are coordinatively unsaturated sites on metal ions, azo bonds, and phenyl rings within the MTA linker. Regarding energy storage, the materials were studied as hydrogen adsorbents, but the materials showed low H2 adsorption properties: 0.19 wt.% for UPJS-15 and 0.04 wt.% for UPJS-16 @ -196 °C and 101 kPa. The enhanced CO2/H2 selectivity could be used to scavenge carbon dioxide from hydrogen in WGS and DSR reactions. The second method of applying samples in the area of energy storage was the use of UPJS-15 as an additive in a lithium-sulfur battery. Cyclic performance at a cycling rate of 0.2 C showed an initial discharge capacity of 337 mAh g-1, which decreased smoothly to 235 mAh g-1 after 100 charge/discharge cycles.

L-Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine can be cytoprotective or cytotoxic in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes: a double-edged sword phenomenon

l-Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) is a widely used food supplement. GPC has been shown to exert beneficial effects in several organs; however, the cardiac effects of GPC have yet to be investigated. The aim of the present study was therefore to map out the effects of GPC on cardiac myocytes, with or without ischemia–reperfusion insult. Neonatal rat cardiac myocytes were treated with GPC at 1, 10, 80, and 100 µM concentrations for 15 min, 3 h, or 24 h, respectively. Cell viability by calcein assay and the degree of oxidative stress by DHE (superoxide level) and H₂DCF (total ROS accumulation) staining were measured. In separate experiments, cardiomyocytes were pre-treated with the optimal concentration of GPC for 3 h and then cells were exposed to 4 h of simulated ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion (SI/R). Cell viability was measured at the end of the SI/R protocol. In normoxic conditions, the 15-min and the 3-h GPC treatment did not affect cell viability, total ROS, and superoxide levels. Under SI/R conditions, the 3-h GPC treatment protected the cardiac myocytes from SI/R-induced cell death and did not alter the level of oxidative stress. The 24-h GPC treatment in normoxic conditions resulted in significant cell death and increased oxidative stress at each concentration. Here we provide the first evidence for the cytoprotective effect of short-term GPC treatment. However, long-term administration of GPC may exert cytotoxicity in a wide concentration range in cardiac myocytes. These results may draw attention to a comprehensive cardiac safety protocol for the testing of GPC.

Magnetic Characterization and Moderate Cytotoxicity of Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposite for Drug Delivery of Naproxen

In this study, we describe the magnetic and structural properties and cytotoxicity of drug delivery composite (DDC) consisting of hexagonally ordered mesoporous silica, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe2O3), and the drug naproxen (Napro). The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen was adsorbed into the pores of MCM-41 silica after the ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) encapsulation. Our results confirm the suppression of the Brownian relaxation process caused by a "gripping effect" since the rotation of the whole particle encapsulated in the porous system of mesoporous silica was disabled. This behavior was observed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, the dominant relaxation mechanism in powder and liquid form is the Néel process when the rotation of the nanoparticle's magnetic moment is responsible for the relaxation. The in vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed using human glioma U87 MG cells, and the moderate manifestation of cell death, although at high concentrations of studied systems, was observed with fluorescent labeling by AnnexinV/FITC. All our results indicate that the as-prepared MCM-41/Napro/Fe2O3 composite has a potential application as a drug nanocarrier for magnetic-targeted drug delivery.

Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry with Multisegment Injection and In-Capillary Preconcentration for High-Throughput and Sensitive Determination of Therapeutic Decapeptide Triptorelin in Pharmaceutical and Biological Matrices

A capillary electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry method with a multisegment injection and an in-capillary field-enhanced sample stacking for determination of therapeutic peptide triptorelin in pharmaceutical and biological matrices was developed. The CE separation conditions were optimized in order to obtain maximal separation efficiency, analytical signal intensity and stability, and minimal adsorption of the analyzed peptide onto the capillary wall (1 M formic acid-HFo, pH 1.88). The implementation of the field-enhanced sample injection into CE improved the value of limit of detection 50 times while the multisegment injection increased the sample throughput three times in comparison to a conventional CE approach. The proposed method was characterized by favorable performance parameters, such as linearity (r2 ≥ 0.99), limit of detection (5 ng mL-1 in water matrix, 25 ng mL-1 in plasma matrix), precision (relative standard deviation, 1.5-9.4% for intraday and 2.3-11.9% for interday reproducibility), or accuracy (relative errors in the range of 80-109%). The FDA-validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of triptorelin in the commercial drug Diphereline® 0.1 mg (powder for injection) and in spiked human plasma samples. Favorable performance parameters along with proven application potentialities indicate the usefulness of the proposed method for its routine use in drug quality control laboratories and for clinical analysis, such as determination of triptorelin levels in plasma (for pharmacokinetic study).

The Phenomenon of Social and Pastoral Service in Eastern Slovakia and Northwestern Czech Republic during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of Two Selected Units of Former Czechoslovakia in the Context of the Perspective of Positive Solutions

This study seeks to explain the differences in the perception of social and pastoral service after the first and second wave pandemic in 2020 among the inhabitants of two neighbouring states, both parts of the former unified Czechoslovakia. Our research study compares subjective perception, needs, and participation among inhabitants of eastern Slovakia and north-western Czech Republic in social and pastoral service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of a healthy population from the Czech Republic (n = 496) and Slovakia (n = 484) over 16 years of age, of which 63% (n = 617) were women and 37% (n = 363) men. The level of education ranged from primary to postgraduate. The research sample consisted of 623 (63.6%) participants with religious affiliation and 357 (36.4%) without religion. The level of perception, needs, and participation of the participants in social and pastoral service was obtained based on a non-standardised questionnaire. The results of our study confirmed several differences in the areas studied.

Feasibility of Ultra-Short-Term Analysis of Heart Rate and Systolic Arterial Pressure Variability at Rest and during Stress via Time-Domain and Entropy-Based Measures

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Blood Pressure Variability (BPV) are widely employed tools for characterizing the complex behavior of cardiovascular dynamics. Usually, HRV and BPV analyses are carried out through short-term (ST) measurements, which exploit ~five-minute-long recordings. Recent research efforts are focused on reducing the time series length, assessing whether and to what extent Ultra-Short-Term (UST) analysis is capable of extracting information about cardiovascular variability from very short recordings. In this work, we compare ST and UST measures computed on electrocardiographic R-R intervals and systolic arterial pressure time series obtained at rest and during both postural and mental stress. Standard time-domain indices are computed, together with entropy-based measures able to assess the regularity and complexity of cardiovascular dynamics, on time series lasting down to 60 samples, employing either a faster linear parametric estimator or a more reliable but time-consuming model-free method based on nearest neighbor estimates. Our results are evidence that shorter time series down to 120 samples still exhibit an acceptable agreement with the ST reference and can also be exploited to discriminate between stress and rest. Moreover, despite neglecting nonlinearities inherent to short-term cardiovascular dynamics, the faster linear estimator is still capable of detecting differences among the conditions, thus resulting in its suitability to be implemented on wearable devices.

SCF Ligases and Their Functions in Oogenesis and Embryogenesis-Summary of the Most Important Findings throughout the Animal Kingdom

SCF-dependent proteolysis was first discovered via genetic screening of budding yeast almost 25 years ago. In recent years, more and more functions of SCF (Skp1-Cullin 1-F-box) ligases have been described, and we can expect the number of studies on this topic to increase. SCF ligases, which are E3 ubiquitin multi-protein enzymes, catalyse protein ubiquitination and thus allow protein degradation mediated by the 26S proteasome. They play a crucial role in the degradation of cell cycle regulators, regulation of the DNA repair and centrosome cycle and play an important role in several diseases. SCF ligases seem to be needed during all phases of development, from oocyte formation through fertilization, activation of the embryonic genome to embryo implantation. In this review, we summarize known data on SCF ligase-mediated degradation during oogenesis and embryogenesis. In particular, SCFβTrCP and SCFSEL-10/FBXW7 are among the most important and best researched ligases during early development. SCFβTrCP is crucial for the oogenesis of Xenopus and mouse and also in Xenopus and Drosophila embryogenesis. SCFSEL-10/FBXW7 participates in the degradation of several RNA-binding proteins and thereby affects the regulation of gene expression during the meiosis of C. elegans. Nevertheless, a large number of SCF ligases that are primarily involved in embryogenesis remain to be elucidated.

Sacubitril/Valsartan and Ivabradine Attenuate Left Ventricular Remodelling and Dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Different Interactions with the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

This study investigated whether sacubitril/valsartan and ivabradine are able to prevent left ventricular (LV) fibrotic remodelling and dysfunction in a rat experimental model of spontaneous hypertension (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHRs) and whether this potential protection is associated with RAAS alterations. Five groups of three-month-old male Wistar rats and SHRs were treated for six weeks as follows: untreated Wistar controls, Wistar plus sacubitril/valsartan, SHR, SHR plus sacubitril/valsartan, and SHR plus ivabradine. The SHRs developed a systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase, LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, and LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. However, no changes in serum RAAS were observed in SHRs compared with the controls. Elevated SBP in SHRs was decreased by sacubitril/valsartan but not by ivabradine, and only sacubitril/valsartan attenuated LV hypertrophy. Both sacubitril/valsartan and ivabradine reduced LV collagen content and attenuated LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Sacubitril/valsartan increased the serum levels of angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang III, Ang IV, Ang 1-5, Ang 1-7, and aldosterone, while ivabradine did not affect the RAAS. We conclude that the SHR is a normal-to-low serum RAAS model of experimental hypertension. While the protection of the hypertensive heart in SHRs by sacubitril/valsartan may be related to an Ang II blockade and the protective Ang 1-7, the benefits of ivabradine were not associated with RAAS modulation.

Diversification and independent polyploid origins in the disjunct species Alyssum repens from the Southeastern Alps and the Carpathians

PREMISE

Disjunct distributions have been commonly observed in mountain plant species and have stimulated phylogeographic and phylogenetic research. Here we studied Alyssum repens, a member of the polyploid species complex A. montanum-A. repens, which exhibits SE Alpine-Carpathian disjunctions with a large elevational span and consists of diploid and tetraploid populations. We aimed to investigate the species' genetic and cytotype structure in the context of its distribution patterns, to elucidate the polyploid origins and to propose an appropriate taxonomic treatment.

METHODS

We combined AFLP fingerprinting markers, sequence variation of the highly repetitive ITS region of rDNA and the low-copy DET1 nuclear gene, genome size, and morphometric data.

RESULTS

We identified four geographically structured genetic lineages. One consisted of diploid populations from the foothills of the Southeastern Alps and neighboring regions, and the three others were allopatric montane to alpine groups comprising diploids and tetraploids growing in the Southeastern Carpathians and the Apuseni Mts. in Romania.

CONCLUSIONS

We inferred a vicariance scenario associated with Quaternary climatic oscillations, accompanied by one auto- and two allopolyploidization events most likely involving a northern Balkan relative. Whereas genetic differentiation and allopatric distribution would favor the taxonomic splitting of this species, the genetic lineages largely lack morphological distinguishability, and their ecological, cytotype and genome size divergence is only partial. Even though we probably face here a case of incipient speciation, we propose to maintain the current taxonomic treatment of Alyssum repens as a single, albeit variable, species.

Plant isoflavones can prevent adverse effects of benzene on porcine ovarian activity: an in vitro study

We evaluated the influence of the oil-related environmental contaminant benzene (0, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/mL) alone and in combination with apigenin, daidzein, or rutin (10 μg/mL each) on viability; proliferation (accumulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen); apoptosis (accumulation of Bax); and release of progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E) in cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability; proliferation; apoptosis; and release of P, T, and E have been analyzed by the trypan blue test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and ELISA, respectively. Benzene did not affect apoptosis, but reduced ovarian cell viability and P and E release, and promoted proliferation and T output. Apigenin did not affect cell viability, but stimulated proliferation and T and E release, and inhibited apoptosis and P secretion. It prevented and reversed the action of benzene on proliferation and P and T release, and induced the inhibitory action of benzene on apoptosis. Daidzein promoted cell viability, proliferation, P release, but not apoptosis and T or E release. Daidzein induced the stimulatory effect of benzene on T, without modifying other effects. Rutin administered alone reduced cell viability and apoptosis, and promoted cell proliferation. Furthermore, rutin prevented and reversed the effect of benzene on proliferation and P and E release. These observations suggest the direct action of benzene and plant polyphenols on basic ovarian cell functions, and the ability of apigenin and rutin, but not of daidzein, to prevent benzene effects on the ovary.

Restriction of an intron size en route to endothermy

Ca2+-insensitive and -sensitive E1 subunits of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) regulate tissue-specific NADH and ATP supply by mutually exclusive OGDH exons 4a and 4b. Here we show that their splicing is enforced by distant lariat branch points (dBPs) located near the 5' splice site of the intervening intron. dBPs restrict the intron length and prevent transposon insertions, which can introduce or eliminate dBP competitors. The size restriction was imposed by a single dominant dBP in anamniotes that expanded into a conserved constellation of four dBP adenines in amniotes. The amniote clusters exhibit taxon-specific usage of individual dBPs, reflecting accessibility of their extended motifs within a stable RNA hairpin rather than U2 snRNA:dBP base-pairing. The dBP expansion took place in early terrestrial species and was followed by a uridine enrichment of large downstream polypyrimidine tracts in mammals. The dBP-protected megatracts permit reciprocal regulation of exon 4a and 4b by uridine-binding proteins, including TIA-1/TIAR and PUF60, which promote U1 and U2 snRNP recruitment to the 5' splice site and BP, respectively, but do not significantly alter the relative dBP usage. We further show that codons for residues critically contributing to protein binding sites for Ca2+ and other divalent metals confer the exon inclusion order that mirrors the Irving-Williams affinity series, linking the evolution of auxiliary splicing motifs in exons to metallome constraints. Finally, we hypothesize that the dBP-driven selection for Ca2+-dependent ATP provision by E1 facilitated evolution of endothermy by optimizing the aerobic scope in target tissues.

Advances in Nanostructures for Antimicrobial Therapy

Microbial infections caused by a variety of drug-resistant microorganisms are more common, but there are fewer and fewer approved new antimicrobial chemotherapeutics for systemic administration capable of acting against these resistant infectious pathogens. Formulation innovations of existing drugs are gaining prominence, while the application of nanotechnologies is a useful alternative for improving/increasing the effect of existing antimicrobial drugs. Nanomaterials represent one of the possible strategies to address this unfortunate situation. This review aims to summarize the most current results of nanoformulations of antibiotics and antibacterial active nanomaterials. Nanoformulations of antimicrobial peptides, synergistic combinations of antimicrobial-active agents with nitric oxide donors or combinations of small organic molecules or polymers with metals, metal oxides or metalloids are discussed as well. The mechanisms of actions of selected nanoformulations, including systems with magnetic, photothermal or photodynamic effects, are briefly described.

Devitalisation of pathogens in stored pig slurry and potential risk related to its application to agricultural soil

The study investigated the risks arising from application of pig slurry to soil in relation to viability of Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, faecal enterococci and eggs of Ascaris suum at different temperatures. Potential effect of changes in physico-chemical parameters, particularly dry matter (DM), pH and ammonia, were also investigated. Examination showed that S. typhimurium was devitalised after storage in the slurry for 115 days at 4 °C and after 90 days at 20 and 42 °C. Devitalization of E. coli and faecal entrerococci required more than 115 at temperature of 4 °C and faecal enterococci were recovered from slurry after 115 days of storage even at temperature of 20 °C. Total coliforms survived for 115 days at all investigated temperatures. Complete devitalization of A. suum eggs was not achieved even after 115 days at 42 °C. Our investigations indicated potential microbial and parasitic risk related to application of pig slurry to soil even after 115 days of storage.

Structural Changes of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase Induced by Rutin Arachidonate: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) maintains the level of calcium concentration in cells by pumping calcium ions from the cytoplasm to the lumen while undergoing substantial conformational changes, which can be stabilized or prevented by various compounds. Here we attempted to clarify the molecular mechanism of action of new inhibitor rutin arachidonate, one of the series of the acylated rutin derivatives. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of SERCA1a protein bound to rutin arachidonate positioned in a pure dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer membrane. Our study predicted the molecular basis for the binding of rutin arachidonate towards SERCA1a in the vicinity of the binding site of calcium ions and near the location of the well-known inhibitor thapsigargin. The stable hydrogen bond between Glu771 and rutin arachidonate plays a key role in the binding. SERCA1a is kept in the E2 conformation preventing the formation of important salt bridges between the side chains of several residues, primarily Glu90 and Lys297. All in all, the structural changes induced by the binding of rutin arachidonate to SERCA1a may shift proton balance near the titrable residues Glu771 and Glu309 into neutral species, hence preventing the binding of calcium ions to the transmembrane binding sites and thus affecting calcium homeostasis. Our results could lead towards the design of new types of inhibitors, potential drug candidates for cancer treatment, which could be anchored to the transmembrane region of SERCA1a by a lipophilic fatty acid group.