A test for monitoring traces of cholinesterase inhibitors in surface waters

Summary The inhibitory effect on cholinesterase activity is the only common attribute of organophosphorus pesticides and carbamates. Therefore a screening test based on cholinesterase assay is suitable for detection of total pesticides in the pollution control of surface waters. The reaction-rate cholinesterase assay in which acetylthiocholine iodide is used as substrate and 5,5-dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Ellman's reagent) as indicator, with spectrophotometric monitoring at 412 nm for 2 min is applied. The detection limits for various pesticides in aqueous solutions have been determined. The results are comparable to those of gas Chromatographic analyses and for carbamates are even better. The sensitivity can be improved by two orders of magnitude by preconcentration on Amberlite XAD-4 column. The collection efficiency of about 80% for all the pesticides tested has been confirmed by gas chromatography. A rapid and simple field test is based on the same assay system. The reaction is stopped by complete inhibition of the enzyme and the colour is compared visually with that of standards prepared by dilution of the initial enzyme solution, and the comparison is facilitated by use of a red filter (_max 555 nm). A relative standard deviation of 5.5% was obtained for 3 series of sample covering the range 0–100% inhibition, 9 experiments done by 6 persons.

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Nachweis von Spuren Cholinesterase hemmender Faktoren in Oberflächenwässern

Zusammenfassung Der hemmende Effekt gegenüber Cholinesterase ist das einzige gemeinsame Kennzeichen phosphor-organischer Pestizide und Carbamate. Der Nachweis mit Cholinesterase eignet sich daher für den Nachweis von Pestiziden bei der Reinheitskontrolle von Oberflächengewässern. Der Nachweis mit Acetylthiocholinjodid als Substrat und 5,5-Dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoe-säure) (Ellmans Reagens) als Indikator durch spektrophotometrische Bestimmung bei 412 nm wurde angewendet. Die Erfassungsgrenzen für verschiedene Pestizide in wäßriger Lösung wurden bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse sind mit denen gaschromatographischer Analysen vergleichbar, für Carbamate sogar besser. Die Empfindlichkeit kann durch Anreicherung mit Amberlit XAD-4 um zwei Größenordnungen verbessert werden. Die Anreicherung um ungefähr 80% wurde gaschromatographisch für alle untersuchten Pestizide bestätigt. Ein schneller und einfacher Feldversuch beruht auf demselben Reaktionsvorgang. Die Reaktion wird durch vollständige Hemmung des Enzyms abgebrochen und die Farbe visuell verglichen mit verdünnten Standardlösungen der ursprünglichen Enzymlösung. Dieser Vergleich wird durch ein Rotfilter (_max 555 nm) erleichtert. Eine relative Standardabweichung von 5,5% wurde für 3 Probenreihen mit einem Hemmungseffekt von 0–100% erhalten, wobei 6 Personen 9 Versuche durchführten.

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Presented at the 8th International Microchemical Symposium, Graz, August 25–30, 1980.     

Development of PE/PCL Bilayer Films Modified with Casein and Aluminum Oxide

The studied samples were prepared from polyethylene (PE) polymer which was coated with modified polycaprolactone (PCL) film in order to obtain bilayer films. Thin PCL film was modified with casein/aluminum oxide compound to enhance vapor permeability as well as mechanical and thermal properties of PE/PCL films. Casein/aluminum oxide modifiers were used in order to achieve some functional properties of polymer film that can be used in various applications, e.g., reduction of water vapor permeability (WVTR) and good mechanical and thermal properties. Significant improvement was observed in mechanical properties, especially in tensile strength as well as in water vapor values. Samples prepared with aluminum oxide particles indicated significantly lower values up to 60%, and samples that were prepared with casein and 5% Al₂O₃ showed the lowest WVTR value.     

Effect of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Maize Seeds: Enhancement of Seedlings Growth and Surface Microorganisms Inactivation

Cold atmospheric pressure ambient air plasma generated by Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge (DCSBD) was investigated for inhibition of native microbiota and potentially dangerous pathogens (Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium culmorum) on the maize surface. Moreover, the improvement of germination and growth parameters of maize seeds was evaluated. Maize (Zea mays L.; cv. Ronaldinio), one of the most important cultivated crops worldwide, was selected as the research material. Electrical measurements confirmed the high volume power density (80 W cm^?3) of DCSBD plasma. Non-equilibrium plasma state evaluated using optical emission spectroscopy showed values of vibrational and rotational temperature (2700?±?300) K and (370?±?75) K, respectively. Changes on the plasma treated seeds surface were studied by water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscope analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A complete devitalisation of native microbiota on the surface of seeds was observed after a short treatment time of 60 s (bacteria) and 180 s (filamentous fungi). The plasma treatment efficiency of artificially contaminated maize seeds was estimated as a reduction of 3.79 log (CFU/g) in F. culmorum after a 60-s plasma treatment, 4.21 log (CFU/g) in A. flavus and 3.22 log (CFU/g) in A. alternata after a 300-s plasma treatment. Moreover, the obtained results show an increase in wettability, resulting in a better water uptake and in an enhancement of growth parameters. The investigated DCSBD plasma source provides significant technical advantages and application potential for seed surface finishing without the use of hazardous chemicals.     

Multi-Hollow Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge for Bacterial Biofilm Decontamination

The plasma-activated gas is capable of decontaminating surfaces of different materials in remote distances. The effect of plasma-activated water vapor on Staphylococcus epidermidis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli biofilm contamination was investigated on the polypropylene nonwoven textile surface. The robust and technically simple multi-hollow surface dielectric barrier discharge was used as a low-temperature atmospheric plasma source to activate the water-based medium. The germicidal efficiency of short and long-time exposure to plasma-activated water vapor was evaluated by standard microbiological cultivation and fluorescence analysis using a fluorescence multiwell plate reader. The test was repeated in different distances of the contaminated polypropylene nonwoven sample from the surface of the plasma source. The detection of reactive species in plasma-activated gas flow and condensed activated vapor, and thermal and electrical properties of the used plasma source, were measured. The bacterial biofilm decontamination efficiency increased with the exposure time and the plasma source power input. The log reduction of viable biofilm units decreased with the increasing distance from the dielectric surface.     

Maytansinol Derivatives: Side Reactions as a Chance for New Tubulin Binders

Maytansinol is a valuable precursor for the preparation of maytansine derivatives (known as maytansinoids). Inspired by the intriguing structure of the macrocycle and the success in targeted cancer therapy of the derivatives, we explored the maytansinol acylation reaction. As a result, we were able to obtain a series of derivatives with novel modifications of the maytansine scaffold. We characterized these molecules by docking studies, by a comprehensive biochemical evaluation, and by determination of their crystal structures in complex with tubulin. The results shed further light on the intriguing chemical behavior of maytansinoids and confirm the relevance of this peculiar scaffold in the scenario of tubulin binders.     

SCAVENGING OF SINGLET MOLECULAR OXYGEN BY IMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS: HIGH and SUSTAINED ACTIVITIES OF CARBOXY TERMINAL HISTIDINE DIPEPTIDES and EXCEPTIONAL ACTIVITY OF IMIDAZOLE-4-ACETIC ACID

Singlet molecular oxygen was generated by illumination of phenosafranin in phosphate buffer at pH 7.5. Relative efficiencies of various imidazole compounds to form endoperoxides were assayed by following at 25 degrees C the rate of light- and imidazole-dependent bleaching of N,N-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline. Of over 30 imidazole compounds tested, imidazole-4-acetic acid, a major catabolite of histamine in mammals, exhibited the highest activity. L-Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine), a natural dipeptide prevalent in striated muscle of mammals, possessed several properties important for a physiologically significant scavenger of singlet oxygen. On a molar basis, this readily water-soluble C-terminal histidine dipeptide reacted with singlet oxygen two- to four-fold faster than free L-histidine and approximately two-fold faster than the N-terminal L-histidine dipeptides tested. Furthermore scavenging ability of L-carnosine did not appreciably increase or decrease with time of reaction, in contrast to behaviors exhibited by a number of other imidazole compounds that included some other C-terminal L-histidine dipeptides. The fungal metabolite, ergothioneine, blocked singlet oxygen generation by illuminated phenosafranin.     

Copper(I) and silver(I) complexes of 1,5-methylene- and diethylmethylene-bridged bis(oxazoline) ligands. In situ Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidation of methylene bridge

Silver(I) and copper(I) complexes of C₂-symmetric bis(oxazoline) ligands were studied by UV, NMR, IR, EPR and ES-MS spectroscopies. The stability constants of the Ag-1a and Ag-1b complexes with 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries in acetonitrile were determined by NMR spectrometric titrations. The evidence of tetrahedral coordination for complex (Ag(1a)₂(⁺ was obtained from the complexation induced shifts (CIS) and NOEs. Mass spectra revealed the Cu(II) mediated oxidation of methylene bridge in copper complexes of 1a and 1b, which was in accordance with the UV, NMR, IR and EPR findings. The efficiency of Cu(I) complexes of methylene-bridged 1,5-bis(oxazoline)s 1 as chiral catalysts in stereoselective cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate, was compared to that of the dialkylmethylene-bridged 1,5-bis(oxazoline)s 2.     

Gas dynamics applications of a characteristic Cauchy problem

Some initial-boundary-value problems for a system of quasilinear partial differential equations of gas dynamics with the initial data prescribed on the characteristic surface (characteristic Cauchy problem) are considered. The following three-dimensional flow problems are investigated: the flow produced by a motion of an impermeable piston; the flow produced by a permeable piston with a given pressure; and the flow produced by the moving free boundary. In the first two problems, the piston motion is prescribed; in the last problem, the free boundary motion cannot be prescribed in advance and must be determined as a part of the problem. It is shown that those problems can be reduced to a characteristic Cauchy problem of a certain standard type that satisfies the analog of Cauchy-Kowalewski's existence theorem in the class of analytical functions (Differential Equations 12 (1977) 1438-1444). Thus, it is proved that, in the case of the analyticity of the input data, the considered problems have unique piecewise analytic solutions which may be expressed by infinite power series (the procedure of constructing the power series solution is described in Differential Equations 12 (1977) 1438-1444 as a part of the proof of the theorem).