Molecular Regulation of Copper Homeostasis in the Male Gonad during the Process of Spermatogenesis

Owing to its redox properties, copper is a cofactor of enzymes that catalyze reactions in fundamental metabolic processes. However, copper–oxygen interaction, which is a source of toxic oxygen radicals generated by the Fenton reaction, makes copper a doubled-edged-sword in an oxygen environment. Among the microelements influencing male fertility, copper plays a special role because both copper deficiency and overload in the gonads worsen spermatozoa quality and disturb reproductive function in mammals. Male gametes are produced during spermatogenesis, a multi-step process that consumes large amounts of oxygen. Germ cells containing a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids in their membranes are particularly vulnerable to excess copper-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, an appropriate copper level is necessary to initiate meiosis in premeiotic germ cells. The balance between essential and toxic copper concentrations in germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis and in Sertoli cells that support their development is handled by a network of copper importers, chaperones, recipient proteins, and exporters. Here, we describe coordinated regulation/functioning of copper-binding proteins expressed in germ and Sertoli cells with special emphasis on copper transporters, copper transporting ATPases, and SOD1, a copper-dependent antioxidant enzyme. These and other proteins assure copper bioavailability in germ cells and protection against copper toxicity.     

On the Intercept Probability of DF Relaying Wireless Communication

Wireless Personal Communications - In this work, we determine the probability of intercept for relaying wireless communication over Nakagami-m faded environment. An eavesdropper attempts to...     

Copy-move forgery detection based on multifractals

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Digital images and video are the basic media for communication nowadays. They are used as authenticated proofs or corroboratory evidence in different areas like:...     

Development and characterisation of functional cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)-based edible films

The aim of this study was to develop functional edible films containing cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) powder extract using alginate, pectin and chitosan in combination with proteins (whey protein isolate, soya and hemp protein). The films were examined for their physico-chemical (dry matter content, colour, thickness), mechanical (elongation at break (EAB)), bioactive (the content of total polyphenols (TPC), flavan-3-ols (F3olC), antioxidant capacity (AC)) and sensory properties. The plain alginate film exhibited the highest EAB (29.1%). The highest TPC and F3olC were determined in plain alginate (29 mg GAE/g and 2.75 mg (+)-catechin/g) and pectin (29 mg GAE/g and 2.25 mg (+)-catechin/g) films. The addition of proteins resulted in prolonged release of polyphenols and enhanced functional properties; however, the formation of protein–polyphenol complexes caused slight alterations in the bioactive composition of the films. The obtained results indicate a high potential of the developed films as functional, biodegradable form of active food packaging.     

Photo‐degradation of hydrophobic esters of pyridinecarboxylic acids as copper extractants from chloride media and their copper complexes

The photo‐stability of hydrophobic esters of pyridine‐3‐carboxylic acid and pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylic acid containing 2‐ethylhexyl‐, octyl‐, and dodecyl‐substituents which are model extractants of copper from chloride media were studied together with the photo‐degradation of their copper complexes. The results indicate that UV light degraded the esters of both pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylic acid and pyridine‐3‐carboxylic acid. The degree of degradation depended on the structure of the ester, the type of solvent, and the presence of oxygen, water or hydrochloric acid in the solution during exposure to visible or UV‐visible light. Photo‐reactions between the solvent and the esters were also observed. Copper has a considerable influence on the photo‐stability of the esters. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant Capacity of Rapeseed Extracts Obtained by Conventional and Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional solid–liquid extraction were applied to extract total antioxidants from two rapeseed varieties. The antioxidant capacities (AC) of winter and spring rapeseed cultivars were determined by four different analytical methods: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS). The average AC of the studied rapeseed cultivars ranged between 4.21–10.03 mmol Trolox (TE)/100 g, 7.82–10.61 mmol TE/100 g, 8.11–51.59 mmol TE/100 g, 22.48–43.13 mmol TE/100 g for FRAP, CUPRAC, DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively. There are positive correlations between total phenolics (TPC = 804–1625 mg sinapic acid (SA)/100 g) and AC of the studied rapeseed extracts (r = 0.2650–0.9931). Results of the principal component analysis (PCA) indicate that there are differences between the total amounts of antioxidants in rapeseed samples extracted by different extraction techniques. Rapeseed extracts obtained after 18 min of ultrasonication revealed the highest content of total antioxidants. The UAE is a very useful, efficient and rapid technique of oilseed samples preparation for determination of AC by different analytical methods.     

The Study of Ethanol/Water Vapors Permeation through Sulfuric Acid Cross-Linked Chitosan Magnetic Membranes

Sulfuric acid cross-linked chitosan membranes filled with a different amount of magnetite, were prepared. The permeation behavior of ethanol and water vapors in vapor permeation experiments were studied. Permeation rates were measured. Mass transport coefficients were evaluated. The study has been carried out to determine the influence of magnetic powder dispersed inside of the chitosan membrane on ethanol-water separation. The diffusion, fluxes, and permeation coefficients increased with greater amount of magnetite content. The separation factor increased with increasing flux and the best results were achieved for the membrane containing 15% w/w magnetite. The research allows optimizing the preparation procedure of chitosan magnetic membranes cross-linked by sulfuric acid with the best permeation properties.