1c Values Research Articles

Constructing a robust Li-rich Mn-based oxide cathode with oxygen vacancies and strong B-O bonds by BN treatment

Li-rich Mn-based oxide cathodes are one of the most promising cathode candidates for high energy density over 400 Wh kg−1, deriving from oxygen redox of Li-O-Li configuration. However, the deep oxygen oxidation would lead to the formation of peroxides and superoxides (O2n−, 0 < n ≤ 2) and even oxygen (O2), accompanied by crystal phase transformation and structure collapse. Herein, an integrative strategy of simultaneously regulating the right amount of oxygen vacancies (OVs) and B-atom doping is proposed to achieve differentially modification of both R-3 m and C2/m phases. Firstly, Rietveld refinement, HRTEM and in situ XRD results reveal that the linear increase of OVs content is achieved by regulating the amount of BN and the selective introduction of OVs inside the C2/m phase makes the oxygen partial pressure lower in the weak O-Li-O bonds of TM-layer and inhibits oxygen release at over 4.5 V. Meanwhile, kinetics test shows oxygen defects would accelerate the Li+ diffusion and reduce the electronic impedance driven by uneven local charge distribution. Secondly, lattice analysis shows the strong covalent B-O bonds located at the tetrahedral site not only prevent the overoxidation of the oxygen atoms at high voltage, but also hinder the migration of Mn atoms through tetrahedral sites, which effectively avoids the damage of the crystal structure. As a result, the modified cathode exhibits the excellent discharge specific capacity of 272 mA h g−1 at 0.1C, higher rate performance of 145 mA h g−1 at 5C, an outstanding capacity retention rate of 93% at 1C and lower voltage decay value of 0.43 V after 200 cycles. This promising strategy could simultaneously achieve both high energy density and superior cycling stability and help to advance industrial application of Li-rich Mn-based Cathodes.

Structure-guided design of direct-acting antivirals that exploit the gem-dimethyl effect and potently inhibit 3CL proteases of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

The high morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the etiological agent of COVID-19, has had a major impact on global public health. Significant progress has been made in the development of an array of vaccines and biologics, however, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and breakthrough infections are an ongoing major concern. Furthermore, there is an existing paucity of small-molecule host and virus-directed therapeutics and prophylactics that can be used to counter the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and any emerging and re-emerging coronaviruses. We describe herein our efforts to address this urgent need by focusing on the structure-guided design of potent broad-spectrum inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLpro or Main protease), an enzyme essential for viral replication. The inhibitors exploit the directional effects associated with the presence of a gem-dimethyl group that allow the inhibitors to optimally interact with the S4 subsite of the enzyme. Several compounds were found to potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV 3CL proteases in biochemical and cell-based assays. Specifically, the EC50 values of aldehyde 1c and its corresponding bisulfite adduct 1d against SARS-CoV-2 were found to be 12 and 10 nM, respectively, and their CC50 values were >50 μM. Furthermore, deuteration of these compounds yielded compounds 2c/2d with EC50 values 11 and 12 nM, respectively. Replacement of the aldehyde warhead with a nitrile (CN) or an α-ketoamide warhead or its corresponding bisulfite adduct yielded compounds 1g, 1eand1f with EC50 values 60, 50 and 70 nM, respectively. High-resolution cocrystal structures have identified the structural determinants associated with the binding of the inhibitors to the active site of the enzyme and, furthermore, have illuminated the mechanism of action of the inhibitors. Overall, the high Safety Index (SI) (SI=CC50/EC50) displayed by these compounds suggests that they are well-suited to conducting further preclinical studies.

Nuclear DNA Amounts in Chinese Bryophytes Estimated by Flow Cytometry: Variation Patterns and Biological Significances

There exists an obvious gap in our knowledge of the nuclear DNA amount of bryophytes, not only in terms of the low number of species represented, but also in systematic and geographic representation. In order to increase our knowledge of nuclear DNA amounts and variation patterns in bryophytes, and their potential phylogenetic significances and influences on phenotypes, we used flow cytometry to determine the DNA 1C values of 209 bryophyte accessions, which belong to 145 mosses and 18 liverworts collected from China, by using Physcomitrella patens as a standard. We quantified the differences in DNA 1C values among different orders and families and constructed a phylogenetic tree of 112 mosses with four gene sequences (nad5, rbcL, trnL-F, and 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-26S). DNA 1C values were mapped onto the phylogenetic tree to test a potential phylogenetic signal. We also evaluated the correlations of the DNA 1C value with the sizes of individuals, leaves, cells, and spores by using a phylogenetically controlled analysis. New estimates of nuclear DNA amounts were reported for 145 species. The DNA 1C values of 209 bryophyte accessions ranged from 0.422 pg to 0.860 pg, with an average value of 0.561 pg, and a 2.04-fold variation covered the extremes of all the accessions. Although the values are not significantly different (p = 0.355) between mosses (0.528 pg) and liverworts (0.542 pg), there are variations to varying extents between some families and orders. The DNA 1C value size exerts a positive effect on the sizes of plants, leaves, and cells, but a negative effect on spore size. A weak phylogenetic signal is detected across most moss species. Phylogenetic signals are comparatively strong for some lineages. Our findings show that bryophytes have very small and highly constrained nuclear DNA amounts. There are nucleotype effects of nuclear DNA amounts for bryophytes at the individual, organ, and cell levels. We speculate that smaller nuclear DNA amounts are advantageous for bryophytes in dry environments. Significant differences in the DNA 1C values among some moss families and orders, as well as phylogenetic signals for some lineages, imply that nuclear DNA amount evolution in mosses seems to be unidirectional.

Ploidy Levels and DNA Contents of Bougainvillea Accessions Determined by Flow Cytometry Analysis

Bougainvillea Comm. ex Juss. (Nyctaginaceae; Bougainvillea) is a popular ornamental plant with vigorous growth, luxuriant blooming, colorful bracts, and a high tolerance to the stresses of temperature, drought, and soil pollution, and thus is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. However, the paucity of information on ploidy and the genomic constitution is a significant challenge to genome research and cultivar improvement. We present a flow cytometry method for ploidy detection in bougainvillea based on evaluating different lysates and tissues, identify the ploidy level of a batch of bougainvillea accessions, and infer the genome size of horticultural species Bougainvillea glabra, Bougainvillea spectobilis, and Bougainvillea peruviana. The results show that tender leaves and woody plant buffer (WPB) were optimal for flow cytometry analysis. The 2C nuclear DNA amounts in 176 bougainvillea accessions ranged from 4.66 ± 0.04 to 12.26 ± 0.1 pg, which represents 161 diploids, 13 triploids, 1 tetraploid, and 1 di-tetraploid mixoploid. For B. glabra, B. spectobilis, and B. peruviana, the mean 1C values were 3.201, 3.066, and 2.915 pg, respectively. The genome size of B. glabra was significantly larger than that of B. peruviana (P = 0.0004), but had no significant variation with that of B. spectobilis (P = 0.1061). These results reveal fundamental cytogenetic information for bougainvillea that are beneficial to whole-genome sequencing and hybrid breeding programs.

Energy release rate and crack propagation rate behaviour of moisture-deteriorated epoxy adhesives through the double cantilever beam method

ABSTRACT In this study, the relationship between the energy release rate (G 1C), crack propagation rate (da/dN), and the fracture morphology of specimens with deteriorated adhesives after moisture absorption were investigated through the double cantilever beam (DCB) method. The specimens were prepared using a thermosetting epoxy adhesive based on compound carboxyl-terminated butadiene–nitrile rubber and Al 6061-T6 adherends. To accelerate the deterioration of the adhesives, open-faced specimens were immersed in water at 63°C at varying durations. Prior to the assembly of the DCB specimens, the adherends were either treated using acidic solutions or sand blasted. Consequently, the effect of the moisture deterioration of adhesive and the surface treatment performed on the adherend on the fracture morphology was studied. Furthermore, the relationship between G 1C and da/dN was systematically investigated. At a constant crack opening speed, the failure mode changed from cohesive to interfacial fracture, and then reverted back cohesive fracture as the deterioration of the specimens progressed due to increasing immersion time. Interfacial fracture was not observed for the specimens with sandblasted adherends. Lastly, a decrease in da/dN was not observed even with increasing G 1C values of the immersed specimens because interfacial fracture was easy to occur when the cyclic strains were applied.

Chromosome Number, Ploidy Level, and Nuclear DNA Content in 23 Species of Echeveria (Crassulaceae)

Echeveria is a polyploid genus with a wide diversity of species and morphologies. The number of species registered for Echeveria is approximately 170; many of them are native to Mexico. This genus is of special interest in cytogenetic research because it has a variety of chromosome numbers and ploidy levels. Additionally, there are no studies concerning nuclear DNA content and the extent of endopolyploidy. This work aims to investigate the cytogenetic characteristics of 23 species of Echeveria collected in 9 states of Mexico, analyzing 2n chromosome numbers, ploidy level, nuclear DNA content, and endopolyploidy levels. Chromosome numbers were obtained from root tips. DNA content was obtained from the leaf parenchyma, which was processed according to the two-step protocol with Otto solutions and propidium iodide as fluorochrome, and then analyzed by flow cytometry. From the 23 species of Echeveria analyzed, 16 species lacked previous reports of 2n chromosome numbers. The 2n chromosome numbers found and analyzed in this research for Echeveria species ranged from 24 to 270. The range of 2C nuclear DNA amounts ranged from 1.26 pg in E. catorce to 7.70 pg in E. roseiflora, while the 1C values were 616 Mbp and 753 Mbp, respectively, for the same species. However, differences in the level of endopolyploidy nuclei were found, corresponding to 4 endocycles (8C, 16C, 32C and 64C) in E. olivacea, E. catorce, E. juarezensis and E. perezcalixii. In contrast, E. longiflora presented 3 endocycles (8C, 16C and 32C) and E. roseiflora presented 2 endocycles (8C and 16C). It has been suggested that polyploidization and diploidization processes, together with the presence of endopolyploidy, allowed Echeveria species to adapt and colonize new adverse environments.

Robertsonian rearrangements in Neotropical Meliponini karyotype evolution (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini).

Genome changes, evidenced through karyotype or nuclear genome size data, can result in reproductive isolation, diversification and speciation. The aim of this study was to understand how changes in the karyotype such as chromosome number and nuclear genome size accompanied the evolution of neotropical stingless bees, and to discuss these data in a phylogenetic context focusing on the karyotype evolution of this clade. We sampled 38 species representing the three Neotropical Meliponini groups; 35 for karyotype analyses and 16 for 1C value measurement. The chromosome number varied from 2n=16 to 2n=34, with distinct karyotypic formulae and the presence of a few polymorphisms, such as B chromosomes in one species and arm size differences between homologous chromosomes in two species. The mean 1C value varied from 0.31 pg to 0.92 pg. We associated empirical data on chromosome number and mean 1C value to highlight the importance of Robertsonian fusion rearrangements, leading to a decrease in chromosome number during the Neotropical Meliponini evolution. These data also allowed us to infer the independent heterochromatin amplification in several genera. Although less frequent, Melipona species with 2n=22 represent evidence of Robertsonian fissions. We also pointed out the importance of chromosomal rearrangements that did not alter chromosome number, such as inversions and heterochromatin amplification.

Variation and Evolution of Genome Size in Gymnosperms

Abstract Gymnosperms show a significantly higher mean (1C=18.16, 1Cx=16.80) and a narrow range (16.89-fold) of genome sizes as compared with angiosperms. Among the 12 families the largest ranges of 1C values is shown by Ephedraceae (4.73-fold) and Cupressaceae (4.45-fold) which are partly due to polyploidy as 1Cx values vary 2.41 and 1.37-fold respectively. In rest of the families which have only diploid taxa the range of 1C values is from 1.18-fold (Cycadaeae) to 4.36-fold (Podocarpaceae). The question is how gymnosperms acquired such big genome sizes despite the rarity of recent instances of polyploidy. A general survey of different families and genera shows that gymnosperms have experienced both increase and decrease in their genome size during evolution. Various genomic components which have accounted for these large genomes have been discussed. The major contributors are the transposable elements particularly LTR-retrotransposons comprising of Ty3gypsy, Ty1copia and gymny superfamilies which are most widespread. The genomes of gymnosperms have been acquiring diverse LTR-RTs in their long evolution in the absence of any efficient mechanism of their elimination. The epigenetic machinery which silences these large tracts of repeat sequences into the stretches of heterochromatin and the adaptive value of these silenced repeat sequences need further investigation.

Association of peripheral neuropathy with retinopathy in diabetic patients

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus one of the major cause of avoidable blindness where patients with diabetic retinopathy are 25 times more likely to become blind than the non diabetic. Diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy being the major microvascular complications of diabetes, the aim of this study is to determine the association of retinopathy with peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Study included diabetic patients with age more than 35years of age with a total number of 150 patients attending ophthalmology outpatient department of Saveetha medical college and Hospital. They underwent a detailed ocular examination and fundus examination to know the prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed by doing a nerve conduction velocity of peripheral nerves in all patients. The results were evaluated to ascertain the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and to establish an association with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Results: Among the study population the mean age of the patients was 58+/-8.5 and males were affected more than females. The occurrence of complications increased with an increase in HbA 1c values. The prevalence of diabetic neruropathy was 72% and diabetic retinopathy was 44%. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 51% which was 1.75 times more than without diabetic neuropathy (29%). This helps us to know the magnitude of problem of diabetic retinopathy and to timely treat it. Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic neuropathy, Correlation, Risk factors.

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and bioactivity properties of the benzimidazole-functionalized PEPPSI type of Pd(II)NHC complexes

Herein, six new benzimidazole-functionalized Pd-based complexes bearing N-propylphthalimide group were synthesized. These new PEPPSI type of Pd(II)NHC complexes (PEPPSI: Pyridine Enhanced Precatalyst Preparation, Stabilization and Initiation) were prepared from the N-propylphthalimide substituted benzimidazolium salts, palladium chloride (PdCl2) and 3-chloropyridine. The structures of all (NHC)PdX2(3-chloropyridine) complexes have been clearly characterized by using NMR (1H and 13C), FTIR spectroscopic method, and elemental analysis techniques. Also, the structures of three of the (NHC)PdX2(3-chloropyridine) complexes were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Also, novel N-propylphthalimide-substituted (NHC)PdX2(3-chloropyridine) complexes effectively inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with Ki values in the range of 0.54 ± 0.10 to 3.01 ± 0.63 µM. For butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was obtained with Ki values in the range of 0.82 ± 0.11 to 5.03 ± 0.86 µM. For α-glycosidase (α-Gly) the most effective Ki values of 1c, 1d, and 1b were with Ki values of 23.83 ± 5.98, 26.04 ± 7.11, and 30.61 ± 3.85 µM, respectively. All novel N-propylphthalimide-substituted PEPPSI complexes and control compounds had almost similar inhibition profiles.

Too many species: morphometrics, molecular phylogenetics and genome structure of a Brazilian species complex inEpidendrum(Laeliinae; Orchidaceae) reveal fewer species than previously thought

AbstractIn this study, we analyse a species complex in Epidendrum, a mega-diverse Neotropical orchid genus, that is formed by the 11 Brazilian species of the E. difforme group. Although this group (c. 100 taxa) exhibits relatively high levels of floral variation, the Brazilian species are similar, making delimitation problematic. Here we combine molecular (phylogenetics), morphological (geometric morphometrics), genome size and cytogenetic (chromosome counts and CMA/DAPI staining) data to investigate circumscription of these species. Our results were interpreted by looking for congruence of the results as a means to delimit species. The studied taxa appear to be monophyletic, and karyotypically all analysed accessions were 2n = 40. Their 1C values vary from 1.99 ± 07 pg to 2.84 ± 0.12 pg. We did not find evidence for recent polyploidy or dysploidy and, apparently, these phenomena have not been important in the evolution of this species complex. On the other hand, we found high levels of polymorphism for CMA/DAPI banding, and variation in genome size appears to be positively correlated with latitude. Geometric morphometrics indicate that E. sanchezii and E. anatipedium/E. amarajiense are distinct from the remaining species, and three groups of other species can be separated using canonical variables analysis (CVA). Variation in lip shape, genome size and heterochromatin patterns of the taxa are not fully congruent with the phylogenetic analysis, but our results allowed us to delimit with full confidence four species: E. amapense, E. anatipedium (including E. amarajiense), E. pseudodifforme (including E. campaccii and E. thiagoi) and E. sanchezii. Four others will be tentatively maintained but need further study. Our results indicate that it will be necessary to reassess many of the species complexes in the genus using a similar multidisciplinary perspective to evaluate the number of taxa that should be recognized.

N-Methyl-N,N-bis(Silatranylmethyl)amine: Structure and reactivity

Trimethylsilylacetonitrile Me3SiCH2CN and N-methyl-N,N-bis(silatranylmethyl)amine hygrohalogenide were obtained by the interaction of N-methyl-N,N-bis(silatranylmethyl)amine MeN[CH2Si(OCH2CH2)3N]21 with MeCN/Me3SiX (X = Cl, I). The key stage of this reaction is the formation of the intermolecular complexes between amine 1 and Me3SiX. The alkylation of amine 1 by ICH2SiX3 (SiX3 = SiMe3, Si(OMe)3 and Si(OCH2CH2)3N) give rise to the generation of the corresponding ammonium salts {(X3SiCH2)MeN[CH2Si(OCH2CH2)3N]2}+I-. The molecular structures of N-methyl-N,N-bis(silatranylmethyl)amine (1), N-methyl-N-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-N,N-bis(silatranylmethyl)ammonium iodide (4) and N-methyl-N-N,N-tris(silatranylmethyl)ammonium iodide (6) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 exists as mix of the conformers 1A (values lN→Si are equal 2.212 Å and 2.274 Å), 1B (values of lN→Si are equal 2.252 Å and 2.272 Å) and 1C (values lN→Si are equal 2.273 Å and 2.291 Å). The length of dative bond N→Si of molecules 1A-1C is longer than in molecules 4 and 6 (Δl lie between 0.105 Å and 0.199 Å), but length of Si–CH2 bond is shorter on 0.001–0.034 Å.

Genome size estimation of 43 Korean &lt;i&gt;Carex&lt;/i&gt;

The genome size is defined as the amount of DNA in an unreplicated gametic chromosome com­plement and is expressed as the 1C value. It is a fundamental parameter of organisms that is useful for studies of the genome, as well as biodiversity and conservation. The genome sizes of Korean plants, including Carex (Cyperaceae), have been poorly reported. In this study, we report the genome sizes of 43 species and infraspe­cific taxa of Korean Carex using flow cytometry, and these results represent about 24.4% of the Carex species and infraspecific taxa distributed on the Korean peninsula. The Plant DNA C-Value Database (release 7.1) updated with and now including our data (a total of 372 Carex accessions) shows that the average genome size of members of the Carex species is 0.47 pg (1C), and the largest genome (C. cuspidate Bertol.; 1C = 1.64 pg) is 8.2 times larger than the smallest (C. brownii Tuck., C. kobomugi Ohwi, C. nubigena D. Don ex Tilloch & Tay­lor, and C. paxii Kuk.; 1C = 0.20 pg). The large genomes are frequently found in the subgen. Carex, especially in sect. Aulocystis, sect. Digitatae, sect. Glaucae, sect. Paniceae, and sect. Siderostictae. Our data updates the current understanding of genome sizes in Carex. This will serve as the basis for understanding the phylogeny and evolution of Carex and will be especially useful for future genome studies.

Lifestyle advice follow-up improves dietary consumption and cardiometabolic risk in type 2 diabetes patients treated with oral antidiabetics

The lifestyle intervention is one of the most effective therapeutic options for improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to investigate if monitoring of lifestyle advices could improve glycemic control and atheroma ratios in T2D patients treated with oral anti diabetics (OAD). Patients ( n = 85, sex ratio F/M, 40/45) aged 50 ± 8 years, with T2D since 9 ± 3 years and initially treated with oral anti diabetics during 8 ± 1 years, were recruited. At the beginning of the study (d0), nutritional advices (i.e. consumption of fish, fruits and vegetables diet, with 250 g of carbohydrates distributed over daily different meals) associated to 30 to 45 min walking per day, were recommended, with a follow-up at 3 (d90) and 6 months (d180). The 24-hour recall, followed by a 3-days record, and daily energy expenditure (DEE) questionnaire were realized. Serum glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) were measured. Serum insulin was determined by ELISA and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured by enzymatic colorimetric tests. Apolipoproteins Apo A-1 and Apo B level were analyzed by immuno-turbidimetric test. A significant increase of total energy intake (TEI) (MJ/24 h) was noted in T2D, at d90 and d180, compared to d0 ( P < 0.05). A negative balance (TEI-EE) was noted at d0 (−0.75 MJ),andd90 (−1.42 MJ/24 h) of lifestyle advices follow-up, whereas, a positive balance (+0.42 MJ/24 h)was observed atd180. There was no significant difference in carbohydrate intake distribution between the different meals, over the time. Compared to d0, serum glucose concentration, and HbA 1c value were reduced respectively by 19% and 35%at d90, and by 12% and 14%, at d180. Plasma insulin and HOMA-IR remained unchanged. Serum TG concentrations decreased by 36% at d90 vs. d0, and serum TC levels were lowered by 16% and 26%, at d90 and d180 respectively compared to d0. TC/HDL-C and Apo A-I/ApoB100 ratios were respectively reduced by 32% and 49% at d90, and by 57% and 68%, at d180 compared with d0. The six-month follow-up of dietary advice, associated with regular physical activity by T2D patients, improves their food consumption, HbA 1c as well as atheroma risk.

Evaluation of the prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders in patients with dyspepsia

Introduction. As estimated by IDF, by 2045 there will be about 628 million of people living with diabetes, of which 87–91% will have type 2 diabetes. Therefore, early diagnosis of diabetes is very important, and cur­rently only 4–50% of cases are diagnosed early enough. The aim of the study was to establish whether patients with dyspepsia may potentially be a group at high risk of developing diabetes in which screening for glucose metabolism disorders would be particularly important. Material and methods. The study included 59 women (65.5%) and 31 men (34.5%), with a mean age of 36 years, hospitalized in order to perform gastroscopy due to symptoms of dyspepsia. All patients were apparently healthy, without the history of cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, and were non-smokers. The patients were subjected to laboratory tests (random blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT], lipid profile, C-reac­tive protein level), gastroscopy and a rapid urease test for detection of active Helicobacter pylori infection. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. Subjects with abnormal results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were assigned to the group with glucose metabolism disorders and the remaining subjects — to the group without glucose metabolism disorders. Statistical analysis of the obtained research results was carried out using the Statistica 7.0 PL software. Results. The subjects were divided into two subgroups based on the result of the oral glucose tolerance test, adopting the principles of diagnosing carbohydrate metabolism disorders according to the Diabetes Po­land. The group with glucose metabolism disorders included 33 patients (36.5%): 5 subjects (5.5%) with impaired fasting glucose, 20 patients (22%) with impaired glucose tolerance and 8 patients (9%) with diabetes. The remaining 57 (63.5%) patients had nor­mal results of OGTT and were assigned to the group without glucose metabolism disorders. The mean BMI in the whole examined population was 26.7 kg/m2. Patients with glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) had a significantly higher BMI (31.1 kg/m2). The levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and TG were higher in patients with GDM; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Random blood glucose values were significantly higher in the group with GDM, but no patient had random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL. The HbA 1c value was significantly higher in the GMD group. Also, the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was significantly higher in the group of patients with GMD than in the group of healthy subjects. All patients un­derwent gastroscopy and abnormal results were found in 41 patients (45.5% of total study population) — in 67% in the group with GMD and 33% in the group without GDM. The most frequent pathology was Heli­cobacter pylori infection (25.5%). This infection was more prevalent in the group with GDM (45%) than in the group without GDM (14%). In addition, gastritis, gastric cancer, gastro-esophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, and gastric polyps were found, without significant differences between the subgroups. Conclusions. Over 1/3 of the subjects with dyspepsia had prediabetes or diabetes; therefore, it seems that this group of patients should be screened for glucose metabolism disorders. High prevalence of GMD among patients with dyspepsia indicates potential benefits of performing OGTT in this group of patients. Gastroin­testinal symptoms may be an early manifestation of glucose metabolism disorders. There is a correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and the pres­ence of glucose metabolism disorders.

Steric Heavy Atom Effect on Magnetic Anisotropy of Triplet Tribromophenyl Nitrenes.

Previously unknown the steric heavy atom effect on magnetic anisotropy parameters of triplet phenyl nitrenes is reported. The heavy bromine atom effect is revealed by W-band EPR and theoretical investigations of triplet 2,4,6-tribromophenyl nitrenes bearing different substituents in positions 3 and 5 of the phenyl ring (1a, H/H; 1b, CN/CN; 1c, N3/F; 1d, N3/N3; 1e, Cl/Cl; 1f, Br/Br). The zero-field splitting parameters of nitrenes 1a ( D = 0.9930 cm-1, E = 0.0261 cm-1), 1c ( D = 1.244 cm-1, E = 0.030 cm-1), and 1d ( D = 1.369 cm-1, E = 0.093 cm-1), generated by the photolysis of the corresponding azides in frozen methylcyclohexane solution at 5 K, were determined from the W-band EPR spectra. To clarify the origin of considerable differences in the experimental D values of nitrenes 1a, 1c, and 1d, extensive DFT and CASSCF calculations of these nitrenes as well as of model nitrenes 1b, 1e, and 1f were performed. The calculations show that all nitrenes have nearly the same magnitudes of the spin-spin interactions ( DSS ∼ 1 cm-1), but drastically differ in the spin-orbit coupling parameter (from DSOC = 0.087 cm-1 for 1a to DSOC = 0.765 cm-1 for 1f). Comprehensive analysis of various computational data showed that the magnitude of DSOC of nitrenes 1a-f is the function of the N···Br distance between the nitrene nitrogen and the neighboring bromine atoms. The more bulky substituents are located in positions 3 and 5 of nitrenes 1a-1f, the smaller the N--Br distance and the larger DSOC. These features indicate that the heavy atom effect on magnetic anisotropy of triplet phenyl nitrenes originates from the through-space rather than through-bond electronic interactions between the bromine atoms and the nitrene unit.

Complete 1H NMR assignment of cholesteryl benzoate

The 750 MHz 1H NMR spectrum of cholesteryl benzoate (1b) could be assigned completely, which means all chemical shifts and all coupling constants, including some long-range values, were established. This task was possible by extracting many approximate coupling constant values in the overlapped spectrum region from an HSQC experiment, and using these values in the 1H iterative full spin analysis integrated in the PERCH NMR software. The task was facilitated using our published data for 3β-acetoxypregna-5,16-dien-20-one (3), the assignment data of the sesquiterpene benzoquinone dihydroperezone (2), also performed in the present study, which contains the same carbon atoms chain than cholesterol (1a), and an HSQC study of (25R)-27-deuteriocholesterol (1c) we prepared some 40 years ago. The HSQC values of 1c in combination with the coupling constants of 1b also allowed to completely assigning the spectrum of 1c. The complete assignment of 1b and 1c further provided the opportunity to estimate the hydrogen shifts induced upon benzoylation of cholesterol. Comparison of the experimental vicinal coupling constants of 1b with the values calculated using the Altona software provides an excellent correlation. In addition, a single crystal X-ray diffraction study of 1b provided the molecular conformation in the solid state, which revealed the side chain adopts an extended conformation.

DNA content estimation of Fig and Black Mulberry using flow cytometry

Abstract In this study, fig and black mulberry DNA contents were estimated using DAPI fluorescence stain in flow cytometry. The 2C DNA contents of the fig and black mulberry were found as 0.82 pg and 8.34 pg, respectively. The calculated 1C value of genome size of fig is 401.8 Mbp and that of black mulberry is 4086.6 Mbp. The ratio of 2C DNA content and 1C genome of the black mulberry was 10.17 times that of the fig although fig is diploid and black mulberry is decosaploid.

Application of DNA Flow Cytometry to Aid Species Delimitation inIsoetes

ABSTRACT The genus Isoetes is known for morphological convergence and a relative paucity of useful gross morphological characters for identification. Thus, the chromosome complements of Isoetes spp. are key attributes for species delimitation. Like many other plant lineages, polyploidy and reticulate evolution are important drivers of speciation in Isoetes. In the southeastern US Isoetes flora, polyploidy is common. We used a rapid DNA flow cytometry protocol to generate C values for four diploid, one tetraploid, and one hexaploid Isoetes species and conducted preliminary cytological investigations of two communities of Isoetes. Our work showed noteworthy variation in diploid Isoetes 1C values (1.39 to 3.32), including the smallest 1C value reported for the genus, Isoetes melanopoda ssp. silvatica. The hexaploid species, Isoetes microvela had the highest 1C value (4.21), and the tetraploid species evaluated had an intermediate 1C value (3.37). However, based on the variation in diploid 1C values measured...

Nuclear DNA C-values are correlated with pollen size at tetraploid but not diploid level and linked to phylogenetic descent in Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae)

Genome size can affect the phenotype of plants by a simple physical effect of the DNA material at the cellular level. Pollen contains the bare necessities to initiate and sustain pollen tube growth and carries the haploid genome. This work investigates the extent to which the nuclear DNA content affects pollen size in an evolutionary context within Streptocarpus (Gesneriaceae), by correlating genome size with pollen size of 38 samples representing 36 taxa in a phylogenetic framework. Streptocarpus was found to possess an average genome size among diploid species of 0.82pg (1C). Significant genome downsizing of up to 44.4% was observed among the polyploid species which are exclusively found in Madagascar. The pollen size ranged between 11.27μm and 25.55μm at the diploid level, but 1C values were not found to drive pollen size. On the other hand, 1C values in most polyploids showed a strong positive correlation with pollen size, near linear in species of sect. Parasaintpaulia. In a phylogenetic context, polyploidy has evolved at least twice in the genus, and contrary to pollen size, genome size was strongly lineage-specific rather than adaptive in Streptocarpus. Repeated parallel increases and decreases in genome size (1C, and 1Cx) during the evolution of the genus were inferred. Overall, in Streptocarpus at least, pollen size is a limited predictor of genome size and only partly reflecting ploidy level, but may be of taxonomic value. The study demonstrates that the relationship between pollen size and genome size is not straightforward, and their evolutionary trajectories unlinked.