Degradation of the light-stress protein is mediated by an ATP-independent, serine-type protease under low-light conditions

Green plants respond to light stress by induction of the light-stress proteins (ELIPs). These proteins are stable as long as the light stress persists but are very rapidly degraded during subsequent low light conditions. Here we report that the degradation of ELIPs is mediated by an extrinsic, thylakoid-associated protease which is already present in the membranes during light stress conditions. Partial purification of the protease by perfusion chromatography indicates that this proteolytic activity may be represented by a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 65 kDa. The ELIP-directed protease is localized in the stroma lamellae of the thylakoid membranes and does not require ATP or additional stromal factors for proteolysis. The protease has an optimum activity at pH 7.5-9.5 and requires Mg2+ for its activity. The ELIP-degrading protease show an unusual temperature sensitivity and becomes reversibly inactivated at temperatures below 20 degree C and above 30 degree C. Studies with protease inhibitors indicate that this enzyme belongs to the serine class of proteases. The enhanced degradation of ELIP in isolated thylakoid membranes after addition of the ionophore nigericin suggests that a trans-thylakoid delta pH or changes in ionic strength may be involved in the mechanism of protease activation.     

Structure–properties investigations in hydrophilic nanocomposites based on polyurethane/poly(2–hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks and nanofiller densil for biomedical application

Nanocomposites based on sequential semi–interpenetrating polymer networks (semi–IPNs) of crosslinked polyurethane and linear poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) filled with 1–15 wt % of nanofiller densil were prepared and investigated. Nanofiller densil used in an attempt to control the microphase separation of the polymer matrix by polymer–filler interactions. The morphology (SAXS, AFM), mechanical properties (stress–strain), thermal transitions (DSC) and polymer dynamics (DRS, TSDC) of the nanocomposites were investigated. Special attention has been paid to the raising of the hydration properties and the dynamics of water molecules in the nanocomposites in the perspective of biomedical applications. Nanoparticles were found to aggregate partially for higher than 3 and 5 wt % filler loading in semi–IPNs with 17 and 37 wt % PHEMA, respectively. The results show that the good hydration properties of the semi–IPN matrix are preserved in the nanocomposites, which in combination with results of thermal and dielectric techniques revealed also the existence of polymer–polymer and polymer–filler interactions. These interactions results also in the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites in compare with the neat matrix. The improvement of mechanical properties in combination with hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of nanocomposites are promising for use these materials for biomedical application namely as surgical films for wound treatment and as material for producing the medical devises. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43122.     

Synthesis and characterization of new polymethacrylate bearing cyclopropane ring as side group

A cyclopropanation reaction of allylmethacrylate (1) with ethyldiazoacetate (2) lead to the formation of 2-(2-methyl-acryloyloxymethyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (3) as a mixture of cis/trans isomers in molar ratio 2:1. The cis isomer could be selectively hydrolyzed by use of Pig liver esterase (PLE). An isolated cis-2-(2-methyl-acryloyloxymethyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (4) exhibited optical activity. The monomer 3 was easily polymerized using AIBN and benzopinacol as free radical initiators at 65 and 130 °C, respectively. ¹H NMR and FT-IR analyses confirmed the presence of the chemically stable cyclopropane ring in both monomer and polymers. The obtained polymers were also characterized by GPC and DSC measurements. A depolymerization behaviour was observed heating the polymers at 200-250 °C. The regeneration of starting cis/trans isomers of 3 can be taken as a proof of the high thermal stability of the cyclopropane ring.     

Effect of Antibiotic Amphotericin B Combinations with Selected 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives on RPTECs in an In Vitro Model

4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-yl) benzene-1,3-diol (C1) and 4-[5-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] benzene1,3-diol (NTBD) are representative derivatives of the thiadiazole group, with a high antimycotic potential and minimal toxicity against normal human fibroblast cells. The present study has proved its ability to synergize with the antifungal activity of AmB. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of C1 or NTBD, alone or in combination with AmB, on human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) in vitro. Cell viability was assessed with the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and spectrofluorimetric techniques were used to assess the type of cell death and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively. The ELISA assay was performed to measure the caspase-2, -3, and -9 activity. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate biomolecular changes in RPTECs induced by the tested formulas. The combinations of C1/NTBD and AmB did not exert a strong inhibitory effect on the viability/growth of kidney cells, as evidenced by the negligible changes in the apoptotic/necrotic rate and caspase activity, compared to the control cells. Both NTBD and C1 displayed stronger anti-oxidant activity when combined with AmB. The relatively low nephrotoxicity of the thiadiazole derivative combinations and the protective activity against AmB-induced oxidative stress may indicate their potential use in the therapy of fungal infections.     

Comparison of casein utilization limited by different amino acids

Experiments of Wistar rats were made to compare the utilization of proteins limited by sulfur-containing amino acids or isoleucine. The score of the limiting amino acid of the proteins under study was identical (0.65). The diets included 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 g protein per 100 g diet. Depending on the protein content in the diet, the following values of net protein utilization (NPU) were obtained for protein limited by sulfur-containing amino acids: 0.680, 0.647, 0.616, 0.600, 0.562, 0.460, 0.315, 0.240, 0.210. Meanwhile, the values for protein limited by isoleucine were 0.700, 0.697, 0.600, 0.560, 0.524, 0.450, 0.340, 0.260, 0.200. Despite insignificant differences in feed consumption and weight gains in the animals, the above cited values of the NPU did not differ essentially in terms of test protein concentration under comparison. The data obtained indicate that the biological value of proteins limited by sulfur-containing amino acids does not differ from that of proteins limited by isoleucine.     

Hydrogen absorption and Fe Mössbauer effect in UFeGe

Hydrogenation of UFeGe transforms the monoclinic type of structure into the orthorhombic (TiNiSi-type) and subsequently to the hexagonal (ZrBeSi-type) structure. It does not induce magnetic order, however magnetic susceptibility is enhanced. The Sommerfeld coefficient γ increases from 12 mJ/mol K² in UFeGe to 36 mJ/mol K² in UFeGeH_1.7-1.8 (β-hydride). The observed variations of electronic properties are mainly due to the modified geometry of the lattice, characterized by enhanced inter-uranium spacing, and reduced 5f-3d hybridization in the hydrides.     

Mathematical modeling and numerical analysis of elastic body with thin inclusion

This article studies elastic multi-component structure consisting of matrix body with thin inclusion. Mathematical model dwells on membrane shell theory for thin inclusion, while classical elasticity theory is used for matrix medium under the assumption of perfect bonding on the media interface. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the weak problem solution. In order to implement finite element scheme, a coupled model is developed. Simulations are performed for the plane coupled problem. Eventually we compare the solutions obtained with the classical approach results and estimate a posteriori errors for different meshes to assess the model. Bridging theory with practice, the model’s applicability to engineering problems is demonstrated finally.     

Golden and Silver–Golden Chitosan Hydrogels and Fabrics Modified with Golden Chitosan Hydrogels

Golden and silver–golden chitosan hydrogels and hydrogel-modified textiles of potential biomedical applications are investigated in this work. The hydrogels are formed by reactions of chitosan with HAuCl₄·xH₂O. For above the critical concentration of chitosan (c*), chitosan–Au hydrogels were prepared. For chitosan concentrations lower than c*, chitosan–Au nano- and microgels were formed. To characterise chitosan–Au structures, sol–gel analysis, UV–Vis spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering were performed. Au concentration in the hydrogels was determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Colloidal chitosan–Au solutions were used for the modification of fabrics. The Au content in the modified fabrics was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer was used to analyse the samples. Reflectance spectrophotometry was applied to examine the colour of the fabrics. The formation of chitosan–Au–Ag hydrogels by the competitive reaction of Au and Ag ions with the chitosan macromolecules is reported.