Spontaneous Release of Bacteriophage Particles by Lactobacillus rhamnosus Pen Jarocki, Piotr1†, Marcin Podle ny1†, Jaros aw Pawelec

( Agata Malinowska ),( Sylwia Kowalczyk1 ),( Zdzis Aw Targo Ski ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2013 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.23 No.3

The identification of bacteriophage proteins on the surface of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Pen was performed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Among the identified proteins, we found a phage-derived major tail protein, two major head proteins, a portal protein, and a host specificity protein. Electron microscopy of a cell surface extract revealed the presence of phage particles in the analyzed samples. The partial sequence of genes encoding the major tail protein for all tested L. rhamnosus strains was determined with specific primers designed in this study. Next, RT-PCR analysis allowed detection of the expression of the major tail protein gene in L. rhamnosus strain Pen at all stages of bacterial growth. The transcription of genes encoding the major tail protein was also proved for other L. rhamnosus strains used in this study. The present work demonstrates the spontanous release of prophage-encoded particles by a commercial probiotic L. rhamnosus strain, which did not significantly affect the bacterial growth of the analyzed strain.

Low temperature forcing reduces oxidative stress in lilac flowers

Agata Jedrzejuk,Aleksandra Lukaszewska,Julita Rabiza-Swider,Ewa Skutnik 한국원예학회 2016 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.57 No.6

In common lilac, natural flower bud formation starts in July and proceeds until the end of October, when deep dormancy begins, allowing buds to overwinter. In spring after winter chilling, generative lilac buds resume growth and bloom in May. With the use of forcing procedures, blooming of common lilac is possible in autumn and winter when buds are typically in a deep dormancy state. The temperature commonly used to begin the forcing cycle of lilac in autumn is 37°C, while 16°C is sufficient to induce flowering in March. Such high temperatures applied in November cause degeneration of flowers, which may be due to an oxidative stress following the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to determine and compare the concentration of the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation; and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in flowers of common lilac under natural flowering conditions and forced flowering at 37°C or 15°C. The highest H2O2 content and the lowest catalase (CAT) activity were observed in lilacs forced at 37°C. Flowers collected from lilacs forced under 15°C had the highest content of soluble proteins, peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the lowest H2O2 content. These results indicate that forcing shrubs, even those in a deep dormancy state, under low (15°C) temperature protects the antioxidant defense system and allows the plant to produce panicles of high quality, though the flowering date is delayed compared to the standard forcing procedure conducted at 37°C.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Gut Microbiome: Microgenderome or Microsexome?

Agata Mulak,Muriel Larauche,Yvette Taché 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2022 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.28 No.2

Ecology Explains Color Preferences in a Non-Industrialized Culture

Agata Groyecka,Christoph Witzel,C., Marina Butovskaya,Piotr Sorokowski 한국색채학회 2017 AIC 2017 Jeju Vol.2017 No.10

In order to understand how human preferences are related to ecology and culture, we investigated color preferences in a non-industrialized culture. Previous studies indicated that object-color associations can predict color preferences in industrialized societies. but not in a non-industrialized culture (Himba). Here we tested this idea in another indigenous society – the Hadza (Tanzania). We interviewed 94 observers (37.6 +-15.0 years, 44 women). Firstly, observers chose their favorite and least favorite color from a set of 12 colors. Secondly, they were asked to name an object they associate with this color. For each color, we calculated an index based on the specificity of the association between an object and a particular color and the specificity of color preference valence for that object. We found a significant correlation between this index and the favorite color choices. The correlation for the least favorite color choices went to the predicted (negative) direction, but did not reach significance. These findings support the idea that learned associations between objects and their typical colors may explain color preferences even in a remote culture whose color preferences are different from those of industrialized societies.

Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Remission Induction Treatment Influence on Transient Hypertransaminasemia in Children with Newly Onset Crohn's Disease

Agata Wasilewska,Katarzyna Ponanta-Gawron,Beata Burtan,Beata Burtan,Charissa Stephen Chandra Sagaran,Mariusz Duplaga,Kinga Kowalska-Duplaga 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.4

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is commonly associated with hepatobiliary complications, including transient liver enzymes elevation (LEE). Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recommended as primary treatment in mild-to-moderate pediatric CD. Data concerning EEN and liver enzymes (LE) abnormalities are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the LEE occurrence in newly diagnosed CD pediatric patients during EEN. Retrospective analysis of 73 patients, with no previous signs of liver disease, qualified to EEN. LE were assessed at diagnosis, during EEN, after completion of the nutritional treatment, and reintroduction of free diet. Thirty-one (42%) children presented with LEE and 28 (38%) with transient LEE. The LEE cohort presented with higher percentage of protein energy (24.0% ± 29.4 IQR [interquartile range] vs. 18.6% ± 23.6 IQR, P < .05) versus nonprotein energy (fat and carbohydrates) in total energy intake (75.9% ± 29.4 IQR vs. 81.4% ± 23.6 IQR, P < .05). Also, the protein/energy ratio was higher in the LEE group compared with the group with normal LE (0.026 vs. 0.024, P = .028). At the fourth week of EEN, aspartate aminotransferase elevation correlated with higher daily protein intake (P < .018). The LEE during EEN is typically a low-grade and transient condition that may be connected to applied treatment. We hypothesize that higher protein/energy ratio during EEN may be associated with mild, temporary LEE. Careful observation with repeated measurement of LE activity may be sufficient proceeding in patients without any other symptoms of CD-associated liver disease.

GaSb layers with low defect density deposited on (001) GaAs substrate in two-dimensional growth mode using molecular beam epitaxy

Agata Jasik,Iwona Sankowska,Andrzej Wawro,Jacek Ratajczak,Dariusz Smoczyński,Krzysztof Czuba 한국물리학회 2019 Current Applied Physics Vol.19 No.4

We report on the growth of fully relaxed and smooth GaSb layers with reduced density of threading dislocations, deposited on GaAs substrate. We prove that three parameters have to be controlled in order to obtain applicable GaSb buffers with atomically smooth surface: interfacial misfit (IMF), the etch pit density (EPD) and the growth mode. The GaSb/GaAs interfacial misfit array and reduced EPD ≤1.0×107 cm−2 were easily obtained using Asflux reduction for 3 min and Sb-soaking surface for 10 s before the GaSb growth initiation. The successive growth of GaSb layer proceeded under the technological conditions described by the wide range of the following parameters: rG ∈ (1.5 ÷ 1.9) Å/s, TG ∈ (400 ÷ 520)°C, V/III ∈ (2.3 ÷ 3.5). Unfortunately, a spiral or 3D growth modes were observed for this material resulting in the surface roughness of 1.1 ÷ 3.0 nm. Two-dimensional growth mode (layer by layer) can only be achieved under the strictly defined conditions. In our case, the best quality 1-μm-thick GaSb buffer layer with atomically smooth surface was obtained for the following set of parameters: rG=1.5 Å/s, TG=530 °C, V/III=2.9. The layer was characterized by the strain relaxation over 99.6%, 90° dislocations array with the average distance of 5.56 nm, EPD ∼8.0×106 cm−2 and 2D undulated terraces on the surface with roughness of about 1 ML. No mounds were observed. We belive that only thin and smooth GaSb layer with reduced EPD may be applied as the buffer layer in complex device heterostructures. Otherwise, it may cause the device parameters deterioration.

The Effect of Motor Learning Theory to Speech of an ESL Student: A Single-Subject Study

Agata Furmanski,In-Sop Kim(김인섭) 한국언어치료학회 2020 言語治療硏究 Vol.29 No.3

Multi-objective topology and geometry optimization of statically determinate beams

Agata Kozikowska 국제구조공학회 2019 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.70 No.3

The paper concerns topology and geometry optimization of statically determinate beams with arbitrary number of supports. The optimization problem is treated as a bi-criteria one, with the objectives of minimizing the absolute maximum bending moment and the maximum deflection for a uniform gravity load. The problem is formulated and solved using the Pareto optimality concept and the lexicographic ordering of the objectives. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm NSGA-II and the local search method are used for the optimization in the Pareto sense, whereas the genetic algorithm and the exhaustive search method for the lexicographic optimization. Trade-offs between objectives are examined and sets of Pareto-optimal solutions are provided for different topologies. Lexicographically optimal beams are found assuming that the maximum moment is a more important criterion. Exact formulas for locations and values of the maximum deflection are given for all lexicographically optimal beams of any topology and any number of supports. Topologies with lexicographically optimal geometries are classified into equivalence classes, and specific features of these classes are discussed. A qualitative principle of the division of topologies equivalent in terms of the maximum moment into topologies better and worse in terms of the maximum deflection is found.

The 3-[3α(2α-Hydroxy)pinane]-4,5-(pinan)-1,3-oxazolidine Synthesis, Structure and Properties

Magdalena Bialek*,Agata Trzesowska,Rafal Kruszynski 대한화학회 2007 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.28 No.1

The new pinane derivative containing unique multifused ring system was synthesized. The crystal, molecular and electronic structure of the title compound has been determined. Both pinane ring systems have the same conformation. The five-membered oxazolidine ring exists in twisted chair conformation. The structure is expanded through O-H…O hydrogen bond to semiinfinite hydrogen-bonded chain. The bond lengths and angles in the optimised structure are similar to the experimental ones. The CH3 and CH2 groups (except this of oxazolidine ring) are negatively charged whereas the CH groups are positively charged. The largest negative potential is on the oxygen atoms. The C-N natural bond orbitals are polarised towards the nitrogen atom (ca. 61% at N) whereas the C-O bond orbitals are polarised towards the oxygen atom (ca. 67% at O). It is consistent with the charges on the nitrogen and oxygen atom of oxazolidine ring and the direction of the dipole moment vector (3.08 Debye).

Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease

Karol Kowalski,Agata Mulak 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2019 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.25 No.1

Disturbances along the brain-gut-microbiota axis may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function associated with the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition induce increased permeability of the gut barrier and immune activation leading to systemic inflammation, which in turn may impair the blood-brain barrier and promote neuroinflammation, neural injury, and ultimately neurodegeneration. Recently, Aβ has also been recognized as an antimicrobial peptide participating in the innate immune response. However, in the dysregulated state, Aβ may reveal harmful properties. Importantly, bacterial amyloids through molecular mimicry may elicit cross-seeding of misfolding and induce microglial priming. The Aβ seeding and propagation may occur at different levels of the brain-gut-microbiota axis. The potential mechanisms of amyloid spreading include neuron-to-neuron or distal neuron spreading, direct blood-brain barrier crossing or via other cells as astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, and immune system cells. A growing body of experimental and clinical data confirms a key role of gut dysbiosis and gut microbiota-host interactions in neurodegeneration. The convergence of gut-derived inflammatory response together with aging and poor diet in the elderly contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Modification of the gut microbiota composition by food-based therapy or by probiotic supplementation may create new preventive and therapeutic options in AD.