Chemoenzymatic approach to optically active 4-hydroxy-5-alkylcyclopent-2-en-1-one derivatives: an application of a combined circular dichroism spectroscopy and DFT calculations to assignment of absolute configuration.

A series of representative optically active derivatives of 4-hydroxy-5-alkylcyclopent-2-en-1-one were prepared from the respective 2-furyl methyl carbinols via the Piancatelli rearrangement followed by the enzymatic kinetic resolution of racemates. Applicability of chiroptical methods (experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism [ECD] and vibrational circular dichroism [VCD] spectra) to determine the absolute configuration of both stereogenic centers in 4-hydroxy-5-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one was demonstrated. It was also demonstrated that the concurrent application of ECD and VCD spectroscopy can be used for the determination of the configuration of two stereogenic centers.

Prevalence of yeasts in English full blood mares.

The aim of the study was a quantitative and qualitative analysis of microflora, presentation of current data about prevalence of the microflora on the skin and mucous membranes, and determination of its possible effect on reproduction of English full blood horses bred in Poland. The material for analyses was sampled from the skin and mucous membranes (385 samples) of 55 English full blood mares. Taking into account reproduction traits, the mares were classified into three groups. Six yeast-like species, including five species from the genus Candida (C. albicans, C. guiliermondii, C. lusitaniae, C. sp., and C. tropicalis) and Trichomonascus ciferrii, were detected on the skin and mucous membranes in the English full blood mares. Growth of yeasts was observed in more than half of the samples taken from mares that had foaled and approximately 46 % of non-conceiving and barren mares. The high prevalence of various yeast strains in the mouth, nostrils, and collateral groove may suggest widespread occurrence of the microflora in the breeding environment. The results obtained indicate that the yeasts isolated in this study may be components of the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes in horses. The analysis results do not indicate unambiguously that the isolated microflora affects reproduction in mares, although this cannot be excluded.

Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Wild Birds in Poland.

Wild animals are increasingly reported as carriers of antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic bacteria including Enterobacteriaceae. However, the role of free-living birds as reservoirs for potentially dangerous microbes is not yet thoroughly understood. In our work, we examined Escherichia coli strains from wild birds in Poland in relation to their antimicrobial agents susceptibility, virulence and phylogenetic affiliation. Identification of E. coli was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the broth microdilution method, and resistance and virulence genes were detected by PCR. E. coli bacteria were isolated from 32 of 34 samples. The strains were most often classified into phylogenetic groups B1 (50%) and A (25%). Resistance to tetracycline (50%), ciprofloxacin (46.8%), gentamicin (34.3%) and ampicillin (28.1%) was most frequently reported, and as many as 31.2% of E. coli isolates exhibited a multidrug resistance phenotype. Among resistance genes, sul2 (31.2% of isolates) and blaTEM (28.1%) were identified most frequently, while irp-2 (31.2%) and ompT (28.1%) were the most common virulence-associated genes. Five strains were included in the APEC group. The study indicates that wild birds can be carriers of potentially dangerous E. coli strains and vectors for the spread of resistant bacteria and resistance determinants in the environment.

The first case of Spiroxys contortus in European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the wild in Poland.

During standard parasitological dissection of 4 individuals of European pond turtle (E. orbicularis) (Linneaus, 1758) one nematode was found. In a morphological examination the parasite was identified as Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819) and confirmed by DNA analysis based on sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The partial 18S rDNA gene was deposited to NCBI GenBank with the accession number MN629917. This is the first molecular evidence of S. contortus in E. orbicularis from wild from Poland. The analyzed sample genotype sequence shows 100% similarity to the reference specimen from Argentina.

Survival Training Effects on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage Biomarkers of Naval Cadets.

INTRODUCTION: It is important for military commanders to know the extent of fatigue experienced by soldiers undergoing a long-term military training. This knowledge can enable them to determine the level of physical capabilities of soldiers. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in the level of chosen biochemical parameters in blood during the survival training of Polish Naval Academy cadets.METHODS: Participating voluntarily in the research study were 14 cadets. All subjects were men, ages 23.1 2.0 yr. During the 36-h survival training, the subjects were deprived of sleep. The following biochemical parameters were assessed in venous blood collected from the cadets: creatine kinase (CK) activity, concentration of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx).RESULTS: After 36 h of training a significant increase was observed in CK (from 183.1 up to 530.2 U L1), LOOHs (from 1.72 up to 3.74 mol L1), and GPx (from 27.4 up to 36.4 U gHb1). After 12 h of rest, the level of LOOHs returned to the initial level, GPx activity did not change significantly, and CK activity was significantly higher than those at baseline (422.3 U L1).DISCUSSION: The 36-h survival training increased oxidative stress, which contributed to the damage to muscle cells in the group of cadets of the Polish Naval Academy. The intensity of postexercise changes in the level of oxidative damage indicators is dependent on the initial level of enzymatic antioxidant defense. The 12-h recovery proved to be too short to regenerate the damaged muscle tissue.Tomczak A, Jwko E, Raski P. Survival training effects on oxidative stress and muscle damage biomarkers of naval cadets. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(9):720724.

Assessment of the Levels of Oxidative Stress, Muscle Damage, and Psychomotor Abilities of Special Force Soldiers during Military Survival Training.

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in biochemical markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage, as well as psychomotor abilities during a military survival training. The study included 15 soldiers of special unit (SU), that completed 48 h military survival training combined with sleep deprivation. Before the training (P1), after 24 h (P2), and after 48 h of training (P3), blood samples were taken to measure biochemical markers. At the same time points, the measurements of divided attention and handgrip strength were conducted. Glutathione peroxidase activity decreased significantly at P3, in comparison with P1 and P2 (p < 0.0001), however, no changes were observed in other biochemical markers (i.e., lipid hydroperoxides, creatine kinase and superoxide dismutase activity) throughout the survival training (p > 0.05). The divided attention index was improved significantly at P2 and P3, as compared to P1 (p < 0.05). A tendency to change in maximum strength was found during the training period (main time effect; p = 0.08). Moreover, the strength differentiation (i.e., 50% maximum strength; 50%max) was higher at P3 than at P1 and P2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the 48 h survival training in the SU soldiers does not cause oxidative stress or muscle tissue damage, as well as any deterioration, and even improvement in psychomotor abilities. However, the change in strength differentiation (i.e., the production above 60%max instead of target 50%max) after the training may point to deterioration in motor control. Although it should be confirmed in further study with a more numerous group of soldiers, our findings indicate that the special unit soldiers will be able to perform, in a correct manner, specialized tasks related to their long-term activities, especially those which require divided attention. However, participation in long-term survival training, even with low workload, combined with sleep deprivation, results in a deterioration in motor control which may indicate the relevance of monitoring coordination motor abilities/skills in the training process of special unit soldiers.

Changes in Coordination Motor Abilities of Naval Academy Cadets During Military Survival Training.

INTRODUCTION: Armed conflicts tend to be unpredictable to such an extent that the fact that seamen also have to fight for their survival on land cannot be excluded. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of changes in selected coordination motor abilities in the course of a 36-h military survival training of Naval Academy cadets.METHODS: There were 14 Polish Naval Academy cadets, ages 20-27 yr, who were examined 4 times: pretraining, after 24 h, posttraining, and after a 12-h rest. Tests related to the following issues were carried out: divided attention, shooting performance, strength of forearm muscles and ability of its differentiations, body balance, and running motor adjustment. During the training soldiers had to perform the following tasks: first aid in the battlefield, building, water crossing to the enemy base, marching to the azimuth, operations in the recon team, and conducting observations.RESULTS: The maximum strength of forearm muscles during the training decreased from 7-10% during each and every measurement. The ability to differentiate the strength of the forearm muscles after the night part of the training deteriorated (about 9%). There was a systematic deterioration of the ability to maintain balance (between P1 and P4 by 24%).CONCLUSION: A 36-h training at a survival school varied the selected coordination motor abilities. Training should include exercises that develop an ability to differentiate muscle strength, motor adjustment, and balance. These exercises fall within the scope of coordination exercises that can be performed during obligatory physical education classes.Tomczak A, Rózanski P, Jówko E. Changes in coordination motor abilities of naval academy cadets during military survival training. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(7):632-636.

Effects of a 36-h Survival Training with Sleep Deprivation on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage Biomarkers in Young Healthy Men.

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in oxidative stress and muscle damage markers during a 36-h survival training combined with sleep deprivation. The study included 23 male students of physical education (specialty: Physical Education for Uniformed Services), randomly divided into the survival or control group. The students in the survival group completed a 36-h survival training with moderate to low physical activity, without the possibility to sleep. The students in the control group performed only physical activity included in daily routines and had a normal sleep pattern. No significant changes in measured parameters were seen in the control group throughout the study period. In the survival group, plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LHs) and creatine kinase (CK) activity increased at 24 h and remained elevated up to 36 h (main effects for LHs: time, p = 0.006 and group × time, p = 0.00008; main effects for CK: time, p = 0.000001, group, p = 0.005, and group × time, p = 0.000001). A 12-h recovery was sufficient to normalize both LHs and CK to the pre-training level; in fact, the post-recovery LHs and CK levels were even lower than at baseline. Residual total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma (without the major constituents: uric acid and albumin) was elevated at both 24 h and 36 h of survival training, but not following a 12-h recovery (main effects: group, p = 0.001 and group × time, p = 0.04). In turn, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in whole blood and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes decreased between 24 h and 36 h of survival training (main group effect for GPx, p = 0.038 and SOD, p = 0.045). In conclusion, these findings imply that a 36-h survival training with sleep deprivation impairs enzymatic antioxidant defense, increases lipid peroxidation, and induces muscle damage. Our findings also indicate that at least in the case of young physically active men, a 12-h recovery after the 36-h period of physical activity with sleep deprivation may be sufficient for the normalization of oxidative and muscle damage markers and restoration of blood prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis.

MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry as a Useful Tool for Identification of Enterococcus spp. from Wild Birds and Differentiation of Closely Related Species.

The aim of this study was to explore the accuracy and feasibility of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in identifying bacteria from environmental sources, as compared with rpoA gene sequencing, and to evaluate the occurrence of bacteria of the genus Enterococcus in wild birds. In addition, a phyloproteomic analysis of certain Enterococcus species with spectral relationships was performed. The enterococci were isolated from 25 species of wild birds in central Europe (Poland). Proteomic (MALDI-TOF MS) and genomic (rpoA gene sequencing) methods were used to identify all the isolates. Using MALDI-TOF MS, all 54 (100%) isolates were identified as Enterococcus spp. Among these, 51 (94.4%) isolates were identified to the species level (log(score) > or =2.0), and three isolates (5.6%) were identified at a level of probable genus identification (log(score) 1.88-1.927). Phylogenetic analysis based on rpoA sequences confirmed that all enterococci had been correctly identified. Enterococcus faecalis was the most prevalent enterococcal species (50%) and Enterococcus faecium (33.3%) the second most frequent species, followed by Enterococcus hirae (9.3%), Enterococcus durans (3.7%), and Enterococcus casseliflavus (3.7%). The phyloproteomic analysis of the spectral profiles of the isolates showed that MALDI-TOF MS is able to differentiate among similar species of the genus Enterococcus.

Osteochondral Repair Using Porous Three-dimensional Nanocomposite Scaffolds in a Rabbit Model.

AIM: To evaluate the utility of a novel nanocomposite biomaterial consisting of poly-L/D-lactide, and hydroxyapatite bioceramics, enriched with sodium alginate in articular cartilage defect treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The biomaterial was prepared using the method of solvent casting and particle leaching. The study was conducted on 20 New Zealand White rabbits. Experimental osteochondral defects were created in the femoral trochlear grooves and filled with biomaterials. In control groups, the defects were left to spontaneously heal. The quality of newly-formed tissue was evaluated on the basis of macroscopic and histological assessment. Additionally the level of osteogenic and cartilage degradation markers were measured. RESULTS: The majority of the defects from the treatment group were covered with tissue similar in structure and colour to healthy cartilage, whereas in the control group, tissue was uneven, and not integrated into the surrounding cartilage. CONCLUSION: The results obtained validate the choice of biomaterial used in this study as well as the method of its application.

Mitochondrial D-loop mutations and polymorphisms are connected with canine malignant cancers.

Abstract The aim of the conducted investigations was to identify differences in the D-loop nucleotide sequence between neoplastic tissue, normal tissue, and blood and to determine their correlation with the type of cancer in dogs. In 62.5% of the analyzed tumors of epithelial origin and 25% tumors of mesenchymal origin, substitution was detected within the D-loop sequence between the neoplastic tissue, normal tissue, and blood. Two mutations occurring in the carcinogenic process in position T15620C have been identified in epithelioma glandulae sebacei and carcinoma planoepithelialae keratodes. Blood and cancer heteroplasmy was diagnosed for carcinoma planoepithelialae keratodes and "Comedo" carcinoma. The results of the study indicate that polymorphic changes in the D-loop sequence promote carcinogenesis in dogs. Heteroplasmy diagnosed in blood and tumor cells and absence thereof in normal tissue may imply mtDNA recombination. High prevalence of mtDNA mutations in canine tumors may suggest mtDNA genetic instability, which is likely to play a role in carcinogenesis.