Isolation and identification of intermediates from biodegradation of low chlorinated biphenyls (Delor-103)

Microorganism Pseudomonas species P2 metabolizes polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and biphenyl, producing the whole spectrum of intermediates, among them coloured intermediates, which are suitable for the monitoring of PCBs degradation by optical sensors. Knowledge of chemical structures and conditions of development of colour metabolites is necessary for application of optical analytical methods. The main goal of this work was the isolation and identification of intermediates from the biodegradation of the mixture of low chlorinated biphenyls (Delor-103), which is based on the solid phase extraction (SPE) of the whole mixture using LiChrolut EN cartridges, then silylation of the extract as one way to the identification of one part of intermediates by GC-MS, and acetylation of the extract as a way for the further concentration and analysis of more polar chlorobiphenylols and chlorobiphenyldiols. The combination of SPE and following acetylation allows to obtain chlorobiphenylols and chlorobiphenyldiols as an almost pure fraction. The acetylation method could be also used instead SPE procedure with the same final concentration effect. Using the simulation mass spectrometry program, two new compounds, dihydrodihydroxytrichloro- and tetrahydrodihydroxytrichlorobiphenyl, as silylderivatives, were identified.     

Trypsin inhibitor,antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as chemical composition of potato sprouts originating from yellow- and colored-fleshed varieties

Abstract

Potato sprouts could be a valuable resource of phytochemicals such as secondary plant metabolites, potential antioxidants and nutritive compounds. In this work, potato sprout extracts of five varieties were examined; they differed in major glycoalkaloid content, trypsin inhibitor activity, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, as well as in antimicrobial activity against Gram?+?and G???bacteria, and yeast. Sprouts of colored-fleshed tubers were characterized by higher trypsin inhibitor activity than sprouts of yellow potatoes. The strongest microorganism growth inhibition effect was observed for macerate with sprouts from the purple-fleshed Blaue Annelise variety against B. subtilis, whereas C. albicans yeasts were sensitive to macerates with sprouts from purple-fleshed Blue Congo and yellow-fleshed Vineta potato varieties.     

Vegetation of the selected forest stands and land use in the Carpathian Mountains

Within the framework of the project "Effects of forest health on biodiversity with emphasis on air pollution in the Carpathian Mountains" 26 permanent study sites were established in the vicinity of the ozone monitoring sites. The study sites were located on the NW-SE transect through the Western (12 sites), Eastern (11 sites) and Southern (3 sites) Carpathians in forest ecosystems typical of each area. Some of the forest monitoring sites were located in national parks, biosphere reserves and areas of protected landscape. Each permanent site of 0.7 ha area consisted of 5 small 500m(2) circular plots, arranged in the form of a cross, i.e. four placed on the cardinal points (N, E, S, W) and one in the center. Phytosociological records were done twice during the 1998 growing season using the Braun-Blanquet's method. The study sites represented various types of forest: Picea abies stands (8), beech (Fagus sylvatica) stands (10), fir (Abies alba) stands (2) and mixed beech-fir, spruce-fir and beech-spruce stands (6). Age of most stands was 80-100 years. Degree of crown damage varied greatly between sites, a percentage of damaged trees decrease in Carpathians from West to East. It corresponds well with the O(3) level in these areas. Typical damage by O(3) in herb layer species in several Carpathian sites were found. Land-use map for the entire Carpathian Mountains and two detailed land use maps for Tatras (Western Carpathians) and Retezat (Southern Carpathians) are presented. A little more than half of the Carpathian territory is forested. The most densely forested are Eastern Carpathians, while the most sparsely Western Carpathians. Arable lands occupy 22.6% of the Carpathians, pastures and meadows 6.2%, water bodies 1.9%, and build up areas several percent. In the highest elevation of the Carpathians alpine meadows (11.3%) and rocks (3.5%) are distributed.     

Energy-dependent transport of cadmium by Stichococcus bacillaris

The investigations showed that Stichococcus bacillaris took up cadmium by means of adsorption and energy-dependent transport. Cadmium transport into alga cells was inhibited in the dark as well as under the influence of the uncouplers: 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), and ATPase inhibitor - N, N′ - dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD). It has also been stated that CCCP caused ATP level decrease in cells.     

Particulate matter in California: part 1--Intercomparison of several PM2.5, PM10-2.5, and PM10 monitoring networks

It will be many years before the recently deployed network of fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microm (PM2.5) Federal Reference Method (FRM) samplers produces information on nonattainment areas, trends, and source impacts. However, data on PM2.5 and its major constituents have been routinely collected in California for the past 20 years. The California Air Resources Board operated as many as 20 dichotomous (dichot) samplers for PM2.5 and coarse PM (PM10-2.5). The California Acid Deposition Monitoring Program (CADMP) collected 12-h-average PM2.5 and PM10 from 1988 to 1995 at ten urban and rural sites and 24-h-average PM2.5 at five urban sites since 1995. Beginning in 1994, the Children's Health Study collected 2-week averages of PM2.5 in 12 communities in southern California using the Two-Week Sampler (TWS). Comparisons of collocated samples establish relationships between the dichot, CADMP, and TWS samplers and the 82-site network of PM2.5 FRM samplers deployed since 1999 in California. PM mass data from the different monitoring programs have modest to high correlation to FRM mass data, fairly small systematic biases and negative proportional biases ranging from 7 to 22%. If the biases are taken into account, all of the programs should be considered comparable with the FRM program. Thus, historical data can be used to develop long-term PM trends in California.     

RP-HPLC determination of phytoplankton pigments—comparison of calibration results for two columns

In the experiment reported the results obtained with two different columns for the RP-HPLC analysis of phytoplankton pigment components were compared. LiChroCART Hypersil ODS and LiChroCART LiChrospher 100 RP18e columns were used exchangeably. Two groups of high-purity pigment standards of reference phytoplankton strains (23 chlorophylls and carotenoids in the first case and 25 in the second case) were subjected to chromatographic analysis. All calibration parameters (retention times, calibration curves, spectrum shapes, detection thresholds) for qualitative and quantitative identification of pigments were determined. The results indicate that both columns used in the analysis ensure sufficient resolution and can be used interchangeably for the analysis of pigments present in naturally existing phytoplankton, even when present in only trace amounts.Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> head blight incidence and mycotoxin accumulation in three durum wheat cultivars in relation to sowing date and density

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) is an important crop in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean countries. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is considered as one of the most damaging diseases, resulting in yield and quality reduction as well as contamination of grain with mycotoxins. Three winter durum wheat cultivars originating from Austria, Slovakia, and Poland were analyzed during 2012–2014 seasons for FHB incidence and Fusarium mycotoxin accumulation in harvested grain. Moreover, the effects of sowing density and delayed sowing date were evaluated in the climatic conditions of Southern Poland. Low disease severity was observed in 2011/2012 in all durum wheat cultivars analyzed, and high FHB occurrence was recorded in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons. Fusarium graminearum was the most abundant pathogen, followed by Fusarium avenaceum. Through all three seasons, cultivar Komnata was the most susceptible to FHB and to mycotoxin accumulation, while cultivars Auradur and IS Pentadur showed less symptoms. High susceptibility of cv. Komnata was reflected by the number of Fusarium isolates and elevated mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and moniliformin) content in the grain of this cultivar across all three seasons. Nivalenol was identified in the samples of cv. Komnata only. Genotype-dependent differences in FHB susceptibility were observed for the plants sown at optimal date but not at delayed sowing date. It can be hypothesized that cultivars bred in Austria and Slovakia show less susceptibility towards FHB than the cultivar from Poland because of the environmental conditions allowing for more efficient selection of breeding materials.     

Self-reported occupational blood exposure among paramedics in Poland: a pilot study

Introduction. Paramedics are at risk of occupational blood exposure, increased by the immediacy of provided treatment. However, the issue has not been acknowledged to date by any research in Europe. Methods. This research aimed at assessing occupational blood exposure among paramedics in Poland. Respondents represented 21 Polish medical institutions. Their participation was voluntary and anonymous. Paramedics were provided with a self-directed job-specific questionnaire adapted to Polish conditions from an original US version. Results. 118 paramedics participated in the study from institutions constituting the National Emergency Medical System in Poland; including ambulance crews, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and emergency department employees. Occupational exposure was reported by 18.64% of respondents and the main route of exposure was needlestick events. Conclusions. There is a further need to improve education among paramedics concerning the threat of being infected with blood-borne pathogens through all existing routes. Our findings point to the problem as being hidden and considered a shameful issue.     

Aphanizomenon gracile (Nostocales), a cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacterium in Polish lakes

The cyanobacterial cytotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) has become increasingly common in fresh waters worldwide. It was originally isolated from Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in Australia; however, in European waters, its occurrence is associated with other cyanobacterial species belonging to the genera Aphanizomenon and Anabaena. Moreover, cylindrospermopsin-producing strains of widely distributed C. raciborskii have not yet been observed in European waters. The aims of this work were to assess the occurrence of CYN in lakes of western Poland and to identify the CYN producers. The ELISA tests, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-DAD, and HPLC-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS were conducted to assess the occurrence of CYN in 36 lakes. The cyrJ, cyrA, and pks genes were amplified to identify toxigenic genotypes of cyanobacteria that are capable of producing CYN. The toxicity and toxigenicity of the C. raciborskii and Aphanizomenon gracile strains isolated from the studied lakes were examined. Overall, CYN was detected in 13 lakes using HPLC-MS/MS, and its concentrations varied from trace levels to 3.0 μg?L^?1. CYN was widely observed in lakes of western Poland during the whole summer under different environmental conditions. Mineral forms of nutrients and temperature were related to CYN production. The molecular studies confirmed the presence of toxigenic cyanobacterial populations in all of the samples where CYN was detected. The toxicity and toxigenicity analyses of isolated cyanobacteria strains revealed that A. gracile was the major producer of CYN.