Distribution In Various Parts Research Articles

Analysis of the distribution and persistence of organophosphorus pesticides malathion and diazinon in herbal plants

Introduction. Determination of pesticide residues presence in herbal plants and preparations based on them is an important step in confirming safety at the stage of the quality control of herbal plants. The usage of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) for the purposes of treatment of medicinal plants in the growing process is increasing. Scientific sources provide information on the detection of OPs in herbal plants, including quantities exceeding the allowed percentage limits as it is settled in regulatory documentation. At the same time, the problem of the distribution of particular kinds of OPs in the organs of herbal plants and their persistence remains understudied.Aim. The present research aims to study the distribution in various parts of the herbal plants (marigolds, valerian, and stinging nettle) and the persistence of malathion and diazinon.Materials and methods. Stinging nettle, that grows everywhere, exclusively cultivated marigolds, and valerian were selected as model plants. All of the plants were divided into three equal groups. Young plant shoots were processed twice with "Aliot" products containing 570 g/l of malathion and "Terradox" containing 40 g/kg of diazinon. The first group of plants was processed with pesticides following the manufacturer's instructions. The second group was treated in quantities, that were three times higher than the recommended dosage. The third group (control), was not processed with pesticides. Samples of various parts of growing herbal plants were analyzed at certain time points with the HPLC-MS/MS method according to the developed methodology. In order to study the persistence, we carried out a repeated analysis of dried samples stored without access to sunlight 0.5 years after the first one according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XV.Results and discussion. The authors found malathion and diazinon in all of the analyzed parts of medicinal marigolds, in leaves and roots of nettle dioecious, in deciduous shoots and rhizomes with roots of valerian officinalis. The highest proportion of pesticides was discovered in underground plant organs. When processed according to the instructions, in marigold and nettle roots and in rhizomes with valerian roots 16.7 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg, and 1.7 mg/kg of malathion and 19.6 mg/kg, 4.1 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg of diazinon were found, respectively. These quantities exceed the allowed limits. The quantity of pesticides in the flowers of medicinal marigolds does not exceed the permissible values. The research on the persistence of these OPs data demonstrates that malathion and diazinon persist in plant tissues for a long time.Conclusion. As a result of the research quantitative characteristics of the distribution of malathion and diazinon in various parts of medicinal marigolds, medicinal valerian, and dioecious nettle, as well as the rate and the extent of degradation of OPs during six months, were determined.

Finite element analysis of a three-dimensional cervical spine model with muscles based on CT scan data

Background The incidence of cervical spondylosis is increasing, gradually affecting people’s normal lives. Establishing a finite element model of the cervical spine is one of the methods for studying cervical spondylosis. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) still has certain difficulties in transitioning from human imaging to establishing muscle models suitable for finite element analysis. Medical software provides specific morphologies and can generate muscle finite element models. Additionally, there is little research on the static analysis of cervical spine finite element models with solid muscle. Purpose A new method is proposed for establishing a finite element model of the cervical spine based on CT (Computed Tomography) data and medical software, and the model’s effectiveness is validated. Human movement characteristics based on the force distribution in various parts are analyzed and predicted. Methods The muscle model is reconstructed in medical software and a three-dimensional finite element model of the entire cervical spine (C0–C7) is established by combining muscle models with CT vertebral data models. 1.5 Nm of load is applied to the finite element model to simulate the cervical spine movement. Results The finite element model was successfully established, and effectiveness was verified. Stress variations in various parts under six movements were obtained. The effectiveness of the model was basically verified. Conclusion The finite element model of the cervical spine for mechanical analysis can be successfully established by using medical software and CT data. In daily life, the C2–3, C3–4, C4–C5 intervertebral discs, rectus capitis posterior major, longus colli, and obliquus capitis inferior are more prone to injury.

The Design and Mechanical Study of the Pipe Joint Structure in a High-pressure Hydraulic System

Pipe joints are important connecting devices and weak links in high-pressure hydraulic systems, and their rational design is of great significance for ensuring the safety of hydraulic transmission systems. In accordance with the requirements of high-pressure hydraulic oil systems, a 70 MPa high-pressure oil pipe structure was designed, and strength and sealing analyses were conducted by using the finite element module in SolidWorks simulation. The results showed that the stress distribution in various parts of the pipe joint was relatively uniform and achieved an elastic-plastic sealing effect. The radius of curvature on the outer wall of the pipe is a key factor in joint design, and the connectivity performance of the joint can be adjusted by the axial displacement of the connector. The sealing tests demonstrated that the pipe design meets the structural strength and sealing performance requirements for use at 70 MPa. The research findings provide references for optimizing the design, manufacturing, and installation of pipe joints in high-pressure hydraulic systems.

Australo-melanesian: Human population in Indonesian Archipelago during the Pleisto-Holocene transition

Since the end of the Ice Age or the beginning of the Holocene, Human occupation of the Archipelago has shown significant development, as seen in the discovery of the remains that occupy a wider geographical distribution in various parts of the area. Modern Human has entered this region in the Late Pleistocene, but there is a possibility of a new migration process entering Indonesia after the end of the Ice Age. Holocene Human remains are mostly found in the prehistoric dwelling caves of the karstic mountains, and the shell midden along the east coast of North Sumatra-Aceh. Based on those discoveries, it presents the remains affiliated with the Australo-melanesid population. And here, we will discuss on this human population of the Archipelago in paleoanthropological perspectives.

Mapping the Missionary World: Nineteenth-Century Missionary Atlases with Special Regard to Justus Perthes’s Production

ABSTRACT The nineteenth century marked a turning point in the way that European missionary endeavours were mapped. The expansion of missionary societies and their needs brought to the fore the issue of systematization and visualization of data related to missionization. The primary aim of maps was not to mark the geographical features of an unknown region but to quantify missionary activity and its distribution in various parts of the world, thus marking a shift in focus from exploration to statistics. This article analyses the production, reception and distribution of mission atlases during the nineteenth century, with a case study of Peter Grundemann’s Allgemeiner Missions-Atlas (1867–1871), published by Justus Perthes in Gotha, Germany—the first interdenominational missionary world atlas. The appearance of such an atlas illustrates how Protestant societies spread modern Western concepts of mapping and used professionals in the production and marketing of missionary maps.

Soil-geomorphological mapping of Samoylov Island based on UAV imaging

Soil-geomorphological mapping is a reliable tool for analyzing the patterns of soil distribution in various parts of Earth’s surface. Cryogenic and watershed areas are the most dynamic landscapes with relatively rapid transformation under the influence of climate change and river activity. The soil-geomorphological map obtained by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging, classical soil sections, geomorphological observation, and determination of the main chemical parameters of soils are presented. Mapping of the spatial distribution was performed using QGIS 3.22, SAGA GIS 7.9.1, and ArcGIS 10.6 software. The investigation of soil cover was performed according to WRB soil classification. From the obtained data, four types of soils were identified due to their position in the relief and chemical parameters. The dominant soil type is Folic Cryosol (Siltic) (41.1%) which is formed on the periglacial landscape of wet polygons on Samoylov Island. The application of high-resolution UAV imaging to construct soil-geomorphological maps is the most relevant method for analyzing soils formed in cryogenic, watershed, and mountainous landscapes. Based on SOC distribution, it was found that the highest SOC content corresponds to Holocene terrace (Cryosol and Histosol soil types), in areas that are not subject to the flooding process. According to the analysis of the chemical composition of soils, it was found that the main elements accumulating in the soil are SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and K2O, which have a river origin. The soil-geomorphological maps can be used to analyze the reserves and contents of organic and inorganic components with high accuracy.

Quercetin and piperine enriched nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to improve apoptosis in oral squamous cellular carcinoma (FaDu cells) with improved biodistribution profile

Oral squamous cellular carcinoma (OSCC) is considered a life-threatening disease with detection in late stages, which forces us to opt for dangerous treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Herbal components such as piperine and quercetin are derived from edible sources, proving their anticancer potential against oral cancer cells in vitro. Encapsulation into lipid matrix-mediated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can make both drugs bio-accessible. NLCs were synthesised using the high shear homogenisation method and characterised for their physicochemical properties, followed by in vitro cellular evaluation in FaDu oral cancer cells. NLCs showed negatively charged particles smaller than 180 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of <0.3. Both drugs were found to encapsulate sufficiently, with >85% entrapment efficiency and an improved drug release profile compared to their pristine counterparts. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms showed conversion into an amorphous matrix in lyophilized NLCs, which was supported by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The cytotoxicity assay showed the IC50 concentration for dual drug-loaded NLCs, which was more effective than the pure drug solution. NLCs were found to be internalised in cells in a short time with an almost 95% co-localization rate. Dual drug-loaded NLCs showed maximum depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane along with more apoptotic changes. Improved apoptosis was confirmed in NLCs using flow cytometry. The in vivo biodistribution of Coumarin-6 labelled NLCs in rats confirmed their efficient distribution in various parts of the oral cavity through oral administration. Optimised dual drug-loaded NLCs provide a better option for delivering both drugs through a single lipid matrix against oral cancer.

Volatile metabolic profiling and functional characterization of four terpene synthases reveal terpenoid diversity in different tissues of Chrysanthemum indicum L

Chrysanthemum indicum has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health-promoting benefits. Studies on C. indicum have mainly focused on the flowers. Terpenoid distribution in various parts of the plant and characterization of terpene synthases remain unclear. In this study, volatile metabolic profiling was performed to compare the composition and quantity of terpenoids distributed in the root, stem, leaf, flower bud and flower of C. indicum. The potential for extracting active ingredients from the root, stem, and leaf was also examined. In total, 17 monoterpenoids and 27 sesquiterpenoids were identified. Transcriptome data were used to clone two monoterpene synthases and two sesquiterpene synthases highly expressed in the root. The recombinant proteins of full-length and truncated versions of C. indicum terpene synthase (CiTPS1) produced α-pinene, but the truncated one was catalytically more efficient than the full-length version. No product could be detected when full-length version of CiTPS2 was used for catalyzing GPP, but the truncated one can produce a minor amount of α-pinene. CiTPS3 contributed to the production of three sesquiterpenoids, namely β-farnesene, petasitene, and α-bisabolene. CiTPS4 acted as a difunctional enzyme, contributing to the production of four monoterpenoids and three sesquiterpenoids, including petasitene. The evidence suggests that petasitene and the genes responsible for its biosynthesis were first found in the genus Chrysanthemum. The present findings provide insights into the composition, formation, and regulation of these bioactive compounds.

The distribution of parafollicular cells (C cells) in adult cadaveric thyroid gland: An immunohistochemical study

Background: The population of parafollicular cells or C cells in the normal thyroid has subjective variation. These variations in cadaveric thyroid gland are primarily attributed to ethnicity, gender, underlying pathologies, and sampling technique or approach. The lack of homogenous C cell dispersal poses a challenge in the diagnosis and interpretation of C cell hyperplasia. The aim of the study is to analyze the C cell distribution in various parts of the cadaveric thyroid. Methodology: This study was performed with 56 thyroid glands acquired from adult human cadavers (37 males and 19 females). Calcitonin polyclonal antibody was employed to identify the C cells. C cells in tissue sections from the isthmus, upper, middle, and lower regions of the thyroid gland were examined. Results: The number of C cells in the section from the thyroid ranged between 0 and 5/low-power field (LPF) in the upper region, 0 and 12/LPF in the middle region, and 0 and 3/LPF in the lower region. The mean number of C cells displayed in the section from the upper third region of the thyroid was 9 ± 1.92 C cells (range 6–12 C cells). The mean number of C cells quantified in the section from the middle third region was 25 ± 3.34 cells (range 19–30 C cells). The mean number of C cells in the section from the lower third was 3 ± 1.88 C cells (range 0–6 C cells). Sexual dimorphism in the mean total number of C cells in the section from the midzone of the gland was statistically significant. Conclusion: The midzone of thyroid gland has more population of C cells than other region. A significantly higher number of C cells were observed in males. This nonuniform distribution of C cells could result in conflicting reports, especially during the assessment of C cell hyperplasia.

Elucidation of tellurium biogenic nanoparticles in garlic, Allium sativum, by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

BackgroundBiosynthesis of Te nanoparticles may occur in higher plants exposed to Te, as reported on microorganisms. However, unambiguous observations of the biogenic nanoparticles (BgNPs) of Te in plants are lacking. Hence, in this study, we investigated the formation of insoluble BgNPs of Te in garlic (Allium sativum) as a model plant. MethodWe performed elemental analysis based on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique, and obtained Te concentration and distribution in various parts of garlic. In addition, insoluble Te particles were detected by fast time-resolved ICP-MS. Direct observation of the insoluble Te particle was also conducted by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). ResultsA part of the roots and clove from Te-exposed garlic showed black coloration. Te concentrations in the black-colored parts were significantly increased compared with the non-colored parts. Transient signals of Te unique to nanoparticles were detected from the insoluble fractions of the black-colored parts. Finally, rod-shaped biogenic Te nanoparticles consisting of highly crystalline elemental Te was observed by SEM and TEM. ConclusionOur data provide new insights to the metabolic pathway of Te in higher plants for the formation of insoluble biogenic nanoparticles, which is extremely important for the detoxification of Te.

Heavy metals accumulation in plants of the dry-steppe zone of the East Kazakhstan region

In this article data of a long-term research of the main regularities of distribution of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Pb, Cd) in plants of dry-steppe zone of the East Kazakhstan region are described. The field under study is of considerable scientific significance, as it includes the former nuclear plant of Semipalatinsk, as well as the protected area of the Abai Museum-Reserve. Zone typical plants of a steppe and desert-steppe zone were investigated; all 100 tests of plants, 18 views from 6 families were studied. It is shown that the wild vegetation of the study region contains much higher amounts of lead than cobalt. A significant scatter in the content of heavy metals in wild plants is characteristic. The maximum change in heavy metals is observed in cadmium (72%) and manganese (62%), the minimum change in zinc (25%). For the researched region by the level of biological absorption by plants, copper, manganese, cobalt, lead belong to the group of elements of average absorption; zinc, cadmium – to a group of elements of intense absorption. For zinc and cadmium, biogenic migration, apparently, can act as the main factor in the migration of these elements in the landscape. For zinc a basipetal distribution in various parts of plants is shown, and for copper and manganese an acropetal distribution in various parts of plants is revealed. Cobalt, lead and cadmium are characterized by the greatest accumulation in the roots of plants, while the content of these heavy metals in plant stems is minimal.

Keanekaragaman dan Patogenisitas Fusarium spp. Asal Beberapa Kultivar Pisang

Fusarium wilt disease caused by pathogenic fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense is an important disease in banana plants. This research was aimed to identifiy Fusarium spp. collected from banana plants showing wilt disease based on morphology and molecular characters. The fungi isolates obtained was further examined for its pathogenicity and distribution in various parts of banana plants. Based on morphological characters, i.e. growth rate, total conidia, colony color, macroconidium, microconidium, and chlamydospores, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense can be differentiated from other species of Fusarium, but not the strain. Molecular analysis using specific primers VCG 01213/16 and Foc1/Foc 2 successfully identified 13 and 7 isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 and F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense non TR4, respectively. Analysis using universal primer ITS4/ITS5 identified 7 isolates of F. solani, 1 isolate of F. verticillioides, and 2 isolates non Fusarium. Infection of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 and non-TR4 were found mostly in pseudo stems, whereas F. solani and F. verticillioides dominantly colonized banana corm. Pathogenicity test showed that F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 and non-TR4 caused necrosis on corm of cv. Ambon Kuning. Similar necrosis symptom was also observed on infection of F. solani but with less severity.

Diffusive transport of energetic electrons in the solar corona: X-ray and radio diagnostics

Context. Imaging spectroscopy in X-rays with RHESSI provides the possibility to investigate the spatial evolution of X-ray emitting electron distribution and therefore, to study transport effects on energetic electrons during solar flares. Aims. We study the energy dependence of the scattering mean free path of energetic electrons in the solar corona. Methods. We used imaging spectroscopy with RHESSI to study the evolution of energetic electrons distribution in various parts of the magnetic loop during the 2004 May 21 flare. We compared these observations with the radio observations of the gyrosynchrotron radiation of the same flare and with the predictions of a diffusive transport model. Results. X-ray analysis shows a trapping of energetic electrons in the corona and a spectral hardening of the energetic electron distribution between the top of the loop and the footpoints. Coronal trapping of electrons is stronger for radio-emitting electrons than for X-ray-emitting electrons. These observations can be explained by a diffusive transport model. Conclusions. We show that the combination of X-ray and radio diagnostics is a powerful tool to study electron transport in the solar corona in different energy domains. We show that the diffusive transport model can explain our observations, and in the range 25–500 keV, the scattering mean free path of electrons decreases with electron energy. We can estimate for the first time the scattering mean free path dependence on energy in the corona.

Rerouting of carbon flux in a glycogen mutant of cyanobacteria assessed via isotopically non-stationary 13 C metabolic flux analysis.

Cyanobacteria, which constitute a quantitatively dominant phylum, have attracted attention in biofuel applications due to favorable physiological characteristics, high photosynthetic efficiency and amenability to genetic manipulations. However, quantitative aspects of cyanobacterial metabolism have received limited attention. In the present study, we have performed isotopically non-stationary 13 C metabolic flux analysis (INST-13 C-MFA) to analyze rerouting of carbon in a glycogen synthase deficient mutant strain (glgA-I glgA-II) of the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. During balanced photoautotrophic growth, 10-20% of the fixed carbon is stored in the form of glycogen via a pathway that is conserved across the cyanobacterial phylum. Our results show that deletion of glycogen synthase gene orchestrates cascading effects on carbon distribution in various parts of the metabolic network. Carbon that was originally destined to be incorporated into glycogen gets partially diverted toward alternate storage molecules such as glucosylglycerol and sucrose. The rest is partitioned within the metabolic network, primarily via glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle. A lowered flux toward carbohydrate synthesis and an altered distribution at the glucose-1-phosphate node indicate flexibility in the network. Further, reversibility of glycogen biosynthesis reactions points toward the presence of futile cycles. Similar redistribution of carbon was also predicted by Flux Balance Analysis. The results are significant to metabolic engineering efforts with cyanobacteria where fixed carbon needs to be re-routed to products of interest. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2298-2308. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A review of the distribution of Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) dialects in Europe reveals the lack of a clear macrogeographic pattern

The Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) is a bird with a very long history of research in geographic song variation, dating back to the 1920s. Numerous features make the Yellowhammer a suitable model for studying songbird dialects: it is a common and easily recognizable species, has a simple song, keeps singing long into the season, and has dialects (defined by the final song phrase) that are relatively easy to identify. Numerous works have focused on Yellowhammer dialects and their geographic distribution in various parts of Europe, often revealing mosaic-like patterns even at relatively restricted spatial scales. However, it has been repeatedly suggested that Yellowhammer dialects can be divided into two groups showing a macrogeographic pattern of distribution (in some recent works, eastern and western groups of dialects have been mentioned). To evaluate this assumption, data scattered in various published sources need to be pooled. Comparing historical records is nevertheless challenging, as various nomenclatures for Yellowhammer dialects were used until the mid-1980s (when a detailed system coined by Poul Hansen in Denmark was adopted), and older studies often did not differentiate between dialects recognized at present. To facilitate further work on song variation of this species, we summarized published information on the distribution of Yellowhammer dialects in Europe, added data from recordings publicly available online and in selected sound collections, and unified the different dialect nomenclatures used in the past. We demonstrate that the continental-wide distribution patterns of Yellowhammer dialects do not support the existence of broad, geographically distinct dialect groups (eastern vs. western). Furthermore, some of the presently recognized distinct dialect types seem to be parts of a broader continuum. Based on our conclusions, we discuss potential future avenues for Yellowhammer dialect research.

Abstracts of the 1st Conference on Neglected Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases (EurNegVec): with Management Committee and Working Group Meetings of the COST Action TD1303, April 8-11, 2014, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Ticks are important vectors of disease and transmit an extensive range of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens to livestock in a wide variety of habitats. In recent years, diseases such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis have all shown evidence of increased prevalence and distribution in various parts of Europe. However data concerning the prevalence of ticks and tick borne diseases present in livestock and humans in Greece are limited. In order to fill this gap we performed the current study to define the existence and prevalence of different tick species found in farm animals and humans. As regards livestock, we focused on ruminants (mainly sheep and goats and, in a lesser extent, cattle) since they are the only ones spend time on pastures. A sufficient number of farms all over the country were visited during 2 tick seasons (from March to October), taking different habitats and animal density around Greece into account. Ticks collected from humans originated from infected individuals who visited hospitals. In total, 2676 ticks were collected from 26 different prefectures (mainland and islands) all over Greece. From those, 1,883 were coming from sheep (1201) and goats (681) and identified as: Rhipicephalus sanguineus 1,216 (64.65%); R. bursa 495 (26.3%); R. camicasi 12 (0.6%); R. turanicus 70 (3.7%); Ixodes ricinus 1 (0.05%); Dermacentor marginatus 47 (2.5%); Hyalomma marginatum 5 (0.3%); H. excavatum 2 (0.1%), H. dromedarii 31 (1.6%) H. rufipes 2 (0.1%); H. impeltatum 1 (0.05%); and Rhipicephalus nymph 1 (0.05%). More than half (54.3%) of the above were found in an altitude of 0-300 meters, 37.1% in an altitude of 301-800m and 3.2% in an altitude of >800m. 142 ticks originated from cattle and were identified as: R. sanguineus 15 (10.5%); R. bursa 6 (4.2%); R. camicasi 5 (3.5%); R. turanicus 6 (4.2%); H. marginatum 24 17%); H. excavatum 8 (5.6%); H. dromedarii 67 (47.2%); H. rufipes 4 (2.8%); H. impeltatum 1 (0.7%); H. anatolicum 3 (2.1%) and H. turanicum 3 (2.1%). Finally, 701 ticks were coming from humans and identified as: R. sanguineus 562 (80.17%); R. bursa 23 (3.28%); R. turanicus 34 (4.85%); R. annulatus 5 (0.71%); H. marginatum 30 (4.28%); H. excavatum 2 (0.28%); H. rufipes 11 (1.57%); Dermacentor marginatus 2 (0.28%); Ixodes ricinus 6 (0.85%); I. gibosus 6 (0.85%) and Rhipicephalus nymphs 20 (2.85%). In conclusion, the majority of ticks found in both animal species and humans examined belonged in the Rhipicephalus sanguineus group which is the main vector of Rickettsia conorii, while Hyalomma marginatum, the vectors of CCHF virus, were also present. The above results were more or less anticipated given the climatic conditions of the area, fact that also explains the low prevalence of Ixodes spp.

Prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma in ticks infesting dogs in Great Britain

Ticks are important vectors of disease in companion animals and transmit an extensive range of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens to dogs and cats. They may also be vectors of zoonotic pathogens which affect the health of in-contact owners. In recent years, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis have all shown signs of increased prevalence and distribution in various parts of Europe. Here, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. pathogens in Ixodes ticks, collected from dogs in the UK in 2009, were evaluated using PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA or 18S rDNA regions respectively. Species identification was performed by alignment with existing sequences in GenBank. After sequencing, 5 out of 677 tick samples (0.74%) contained rDNA which shared 97–100%% sequence homology with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Of these, three samples came from Ixodes ricinus and two from Ixodes hexagonus. Sixteen out of 742 ticks (2.4%) were positive for Babesia and of these 11 showed 97–100% homology with B. gibsoni. All of these 11 samples were derived from I. ricinus. One sample, again from I. ricinus, showed 99% homology for B. divergens. Four of the Babesia spp sequences were of the “venatorum” or EU1 type, three of which came from I. ricinus and one from an Ixodes canisuga. This strain has been associated with severe human cases of babeisiosis. A further 246 positive results, which appeared to show the presence of Anaplasma following PCR, were shown by sequence analysis to be derived from the bacterium Candidatus “Midichloria mitochondrii”, which to date has been assumed to be non-pathogenic. The results are of interest because the presence of B. gibsoni in the UK further confirms the worldwide distribution of this piroplasm and supports the inference that I. ricinus may act as a vector for Babesia of the gibsoni-complex.

Specific Absorption Rate and Temperature Increase in Human Eye Subjected to Electromagnetic Fields at 900 MHz

Human eye is one of the most sensitive parts of the entire human body when exposed to electromagnetic fields. These electromagnetic fields interact with the human eye and may lead to cause a variety of ocular effects from high intensity radiation. However, the resulting thermo-physiologic response of the human eye to electromagnetic fields is not well understood. In order to gain insight into the phenomena occurring within the human eye with temperature distribution induced by electromagnetic fields, a detailed knowledge of absorbed power distribution as well as temperature distribution is necessary. This study presents a numerical analysis of specific absorption rate (SAR) and heat transfer in the heterogeneous human eye model exposed to electromagnetic fields. In the heterogeneous human eye model, the effect of power density on specific absorption rate and temperature distribution within the human eye is systematically investigated. In particular, the results calculated from a developed heat transfer model, considered natural convection and porous media theory, are compared with the results obtained from a conventional heat transfer model (based on conduction heat transfer). In all cases, the temperatures obtained from the developed heat transfer model have a lower temperature gradient than that of the conventional heat transfer model. The specific absorption rate and the temperature distribution in various parts of the human eye during exposure to electromagnetic fields at 900 MHz, obtained by numerical solution of electromagnetic wave propagation and heat transfer equation, are also presented. The results show that the developed heat transfer model, which is the more accurate way to determine the temperature increase in the human eye due to electromagnetic energy absorption from electromagnetic field exposure.

Isolation of Dihydrocurcuminoids from Cell Clumps and Their Distribution in Various Parts of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

In addition to well-known curcuminoids, three colored metabolites were isolated from cultured cell clumps that had been induced from buds on turmeric rhizomes. The isolated compounds were identified as dihydro derivatives of curcuminoids, dihydrocurcumin (dihydroCurc), dihydrodesmethoxycurcumin-a (dihydroDMC-a), and dihydrobisdesmethoxycurcumin (dihydroBDMC). The cell clumps did not contain dihydroDMC-b, an isomer of dihydroDMC-a. A comparison of the distribution profiles of curcuminoids and dihydrocurcuminoids in the cell clumps with those in the rhizomes, leaves, and roots revealed the following differences: Unlike rhizomes, the cell clumps, leaves, and roots contained dihydrocurcuminoids as the major colored constituents. Whereas dimethoxy compounds, curcumin and dihydrocurcumin, respectively, were most abundant in the rhizomes and leaves, one of the monomethoxy derivatives, dihydroDMC-a, was found most abundantly in the cell clumps and roots. While both dihydroDMC-a and b were detected in the rhizomes, dihydroDMC-b was not detectable in the cell clumps, leaves, or roots. The occurrence of only one of the two possible isomers of dihydroDMC suggests biosynthetic formation of dihydrocurcuminoids in turmeric.

Metal Tolerance, Accumulation and Translocation in Poplar and Willow Clones Treated with Cadmium in Hydroponics

To evaluate the phytoremediation capability of some poplar and willow clones a hydroponic screening for cadmium tolerance, accumulation and translocation was performed. Rooted cuttings were exposed for 3 weeks to 50 μM cadmium sulphate in a growth chamber and morpho-physiological parameters and cadmium content distribution in various parts of the plant were evaluated. Total leaf area and root characteristics in clones and species were affected by cadmium treatment in different ways. Poplar clones showed a remarkable variability whereas willow clones were observed to be more homogeneous in cadmium accumulation and distribution. This behaviour was further confirmed by the calculation of the bio-concentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (Tf). Mean values of all the clones of the two Salicaceae species showed that willows had a far greater ability to tolerate cadmium than poplars, as indicated by the tolerance index (Ti), calculated on the dry weight of roots and shoots of plants. As far as the mean values of Tf was concerned, the capacity of willows to translocate was double that of poplars. On the contrary, the mean values of total BCF in poplar clones was far higher with respect to those in willows. The implications of these results in the selection of Salicaceae clones for phytoremediation purposes were discussed.