Anacardium occidentale, and fruit bodies of Merrulius tremellosus, and their effects on the electric eel acetylcholinesterase activity and conformation were studied. The observed effect distinctly depended on the chemical structure of the phenolic lipids that were available for interaction with the enzyme. All of the tested compounds reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase. The degree of inhibition varied, showing a correlation with changes in the conformation of the enzyme tested by the intrinsic fluorescence of the Trp residues of the protein.Phenolic lipids were isolated from rye grains, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) from  The phenolic lipids are a heterogeneous group of natural lipids, including simple phenols, polyphenols and their derivatives. A certain sub-population of single-ring phenolic lipids are specifically found in certain plants and these contain a catechol, resorcinol or hydroquinone moiety alk(en)ylated by a multicarbon chain . PhenoliMerulius tremellosus seems to be one of the most biologically active phenolic lipids [Anacardic acids, cardols, cardanols and methylcardols a are thec lipids ,11.Acetylcholine (ACh) is a universal cell molecule found in all plants and animals and it plays a role in neuronal and non-neuronal signaling . It is aAcetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a conservative enzyme encoded by a single gene. It is a product of alternative splicing and therefore, can be bound to the membrane via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor positioned in the exoplasmic leaflet of the membrane (erythrocyte AChE) or PRIMA peptide (synaptic AChE) or soluble in water . Each form has identical catalytic properties regardless of the place of appearance . The welElectric eel AChE (>1000 U/mg protein), acetylthiocholine iodide and DTNB -benzoic acid) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, Poznan, Poland. AChE solution was received at a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL and was diluted 1500 times (for the estimation of AChE activity) or 75 times (for Trp fluorescence tests).Homologues of the phenolic lipids, resorcinolic lipids and merulinic acid were isolated chromatographically according to procedures described previously . The remaining chemicals were of the best available purity and obtained from CHEMPUR .2CO3  were added to 3 mL of 0.1 M Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4 (pH 8.0). Microliter amounts (less than 50 μL) of the investigated compounds (concentration range from 8 to 94 μM) were then added. After 5 min of pre-incubation, acetylcholine iodide was added to a final concentration of 0.476 μM.AChE activity was assayed using the method described by Ellman . BrieflyThe progress of acetylthiocholine iodide hydrolysis was recorded spectrophotometrically with a Shimadzu UV-2401 PC , UV–VIS Recording Spectrophotometer at 37 °C. Changes in the absorbance of the samples at 412 nm were recorded continuously for 10 min. The rate of the reaction (V) was calculated as follows:The enzyme activity modulated by the studied compounds was calculated as a percentage of the control reaction. The influence of the solvent and lipids was considered in the control and in blank samples.2HPO4/NaH2PO4 (pH 8.0) and 25 μL of AChE with continuous stirring, and maintained at 24 °C. After 10 min of equilibration, Trp fluorescence spectra were measured with a Varian Cary Eclipse spectrofluorometer . The tryptophan residues were excited at 295 nm and emission spectra were recorded from 300 to 400 nm. Spectra were corrected for the contribution of light scattering in the presence of the tested lipids.Alterations in the microenvironment of the Trp of the peptide upon interactions with the tested compounds were monitored as described previously . Small aMerulius tremellosus  and resorcinolic lipids (cardol and methylcardol) from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) a, alkylrmellosus c were te50 (the inhibitor concentration causing 50% inhibition) of similar values. The IC50 values of rye bran lipids are ten times higher  and AR 19:0  causes a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of Trp residues ,29. The 0. By contrast, the lipids with a polar part of the carboxyl group (anacardic and merulinic acids) cause a decrease in the value of F/F0. The presence of methyl residues at the 1,3-dihydroxybenzene ring (methylcardol) does not alter the conformation of the protein.The tested compounds that do not have a polar charged part of the molecule  cause an increase in the value of F/F0 becomes more significant with the increase in the number of carbon atoms in the side chain of the lipid molecule. This means that the mechanism of interactions of phenolic lipids with AChE is more complex, with the enzyme probably affecting both polar and non-polar parts of the lipid molecules.The results suggest that in the case of molecules with a side chain of the same length (lipids from CNSL), the effect depends on the chemical structure of the polar parts of the molecule. On the other hand, in the case of ARs from rye bran, which have the same polar head, the effect is dependent on the length of the side chain. The change in the value of F/F0 after addition of phenolic lipids to the reaction medium. Lipids that cause a change in the conformation of the enzyme also inhibit its activity. The exceptions are methylcardol and AR 15:0, which do not cause changes in the fluorescence of Trp residues even though they inhibit the activity of the enzyme in the ranges of 50%–70% and 20%, respectively. Earlier studies have indicated several major domains within the protein: a catalytic active site composed of two sub-sites, the aromatic gorge in which the catalytic active site lies, and a peripheral anionic site, distinct from the catalytic active site [There is a correlation between the observed changes in the value of AChE inhibition and value of F/Five site . The active site . The perive site . No shifive site .E. electricus as a model and indicated that the phenolic lipids may also interact directly with the protein part of this enzyme. Our results suggest that the effect of phenolic lipids on GPI-anchored erythrocyte AChE is probably more complicated and dependent on a direct interaction of lipid molecules with the protein part of the enzyme and on changes in the physicochemical properties of the phospholipid bilayer.It has been suggested that phenolic lipids alter the activity of GPI-anchored erythrocyte AChE by changing the physicochemical properties of the phospholipid bilayer. Our experiments use AChE from


DNA methylation is catalyzed by the well-characterized DNA methyltransferase family enzymes (DNMTs), including the DNMT3A and DNMT3B that are responsible for the de novo methylation and DNMT1 that is the mediator of the maintenance of the DNA methylation pattern through cell replication [in vitro methylation treatment, followed by bisulfite conversion, which results in the deamination of only 5fC/5caC residues. Major strength of MAB-seq is the ability to directly map with a single treatment, and in a single sequencing run both 5fC/5caC intermediate products of cytosine demethylation, reducing the need for a higher coverage, typical of subtractive methods [DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic modifications and is essential for mammalian development. The methylation pattern is established through an extremely orchestrated mechanism that implicates lication . The rul methods , and the methods , 5. SurpMoreover, Tet1/2 double knockdown increases the 5mC level on the TSSs of actively transcribed genes, whereas Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a, but not Dnmt3b, knockdown leads to a significant reduction of the methylated cytosine. All together, these data suggest the existence of an articulate circuitry involving Dnmt1/3a, Tet1/2, and Tdg proteins, aimed to maintaining the hypomethylated state of the promoter of the H3K4me3 genes in ESCs (Figure This evidence shed new light on the mechanism of transcriptional gene repression mediated by the DNA methylation. It has been proposed that promoter of highly expressed genes are free from the action of the DNMTs, probably thanks to the inhibitory function of the H3K4me3 and to the steric hindrance of the transcriptional factors. Our result show for the first time that DNA methylation events can occur on the promoters of the open genes, but they are rapidly eliminated by an active DNA demethylation mechanism. These observations demonstrate that the DNA methylation is an epigenetic feature more flexible and dynamic than previously thought and highlight the importance of TET and TDG proteins in the regulation of active genes with both physiological and pathological implications . Indeed,


Trauma is a major cause of mortality in children aged 1 to 14 years old and its patterns differs from country to country. In this study we investigated the epidemiology and distribution of non-intentional trauma in the pediatric population.The archives of 304 children below 10 years old who presented to Taleghani trauma care center in Kermanshah, Iran from March to September 2008, were reviewed. Patients’ demographic and injury related information were registered. The participants were categorized into three age groups of 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10 years old and the data was compared among age groups and between both sexes.The most common cause for trauma was falling from heights (65.5%) and road traffic accidents (16.4%). The most common anatomical sites of injury were the upper limbs followed by the head and neck . Injuries mostly occurred in homes (67.4%). The injuries were mostly related to the orthopedics and the neurosurgery division . Accident rates peaked during the hours of 18-24 (41.3%). Male and female patients did display any difference regarding the variables. Children between the ages of 0-2 years old had the highest rate of injury to the head and neck area (40.3%) (p=0.024). Falls and road traffic accidents displayed increasing rates from the ages of 0-2 to 3-6 and decreasing rates to the ages of 7-10 years old (p=0.013). From the ages of 0-2 to 3-6 years old, street accidents increased and household traumas decreased. After that age household trauma rates increased and street accidents decreased (p=0.005). Children between the ages of 7-10 years old had the highest rate of orthopedic injury (p=0.029).Special planning and health policies are needed to prevent road accidents especially in children between the ages of 3-6 years old. Since homes were the place where children between the ages of 0-2 were mostly injured, parents should be educated about the correct safety measures that they need to take regarding their children’s environments. The orthopedics department needs to receive the most training and resources for the management of pediatric trauma. Trauma is defined as any type of wound or penetrating/non-penetrating injury caused intentionally or unintentionally by external factors and this includes a variety of events like traffic-related trauma, poisoning, falling, drowning, and etc. . Trauma The epidemiology and pattern of trauma related accidents in the pediatric population differ from one country to another based on variables like the socio-economic status, the geographical and population related characteristics of that particular region .Considering the fact that the majority of the trauma accidents are preventable, especially in the pediatric population, understanding the pattern of trauma in every region is necessary for health related policy making and preventive measures .In this study we investigated the epidemiology of non-intentional trauma regarding etiology spectrum, location of trauma, anatomical site of injury and distribution of trauma based on different factors in children bellow ten years old.This cross-sectional study was conducted in Taleghani trauma center in Kermanshah, Iran. The archives of all trauma cases that referred to our care center and were below the ages of 10 years old, from March 2008 to September 2008, were reviewed. The study protocol was approved by both the Ethics Committee and the institutional review board of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Secrecy of patients’ information was maintained throughout the study and no data regarding patients’ personal information was disclosed. Our medical care center is one of the most important referral trauma centers in the west of Iran and the majority of trauma patients from the neighboring provinces refer to our center to receive medical services.For determining the study sample, 3 days were selected randomly in each month using random numbers and the patients’ records that referred on that day were included in the study. Any records that had missing data included self-inflicted or intentional injuries and if the child did not have any parents or guardians, were excluded from the study.Finally 304 cases were evaluated. Patients’ data were extracted using a checklist that included: demographic information, cause of trauma, anatomical site of injury, location in which the trauma had occurred, the department which the trauma related to (considered as the type of injury) and the time of day in which the trauma had occurred.For better comparison we categorized the participants into three age groups of 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10 years old and the data was compared among age groups. Injury related data was also compared between males and females.The analysis of the data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, SPSS for windows, version 16 . For comparison of data between the groups the independent t-test and the chi-square test were used for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Data are displayed as frequency, percent, means and standard deviations. A two-tailed p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.About 58.9% out of the 304 children were males. The most common cause for trauma for both males and females was falling from heights  and traffic-related accidents (16.4%).The most common anatomical sites of injury were the upper limb, head and neck and lower limbs, respectively .Regarding the setting of the accidents, they mostly occurred in homes (67.4%). Evaluating the type of injury based on the department which the injuries were referred to, showed that the majority of the injuries were related to the orthopedics division followed by the neurosurgery division . Accidents mostly occurred afternoon, peaking during the hours of 18-24 (41.3%).Although male patients had higher rates of multiple trauma (15.1% vs. 4.8%) and females displayed higher rates of upper extremity and head and neck injuries , overall there was no significant difference between the two sexes regarding site of injury (p = 0.122).A higher percent of girls were injured in their homes compared to boys (72% vs. 64.2%), meanwhile males had an overall higher rate of trauma outside their homes compared to females. Males and females did not display a significant difference regarding their setting of trauma (p = 0.68).There was no difference between male and female patients regarding mechanism of injury, type and time of injury  .When we compared the data among the different age groups, our results showed that children between the ages of 3-6 had the highest rates of accidents compared to the other age groups .Children between the ages of 0-2 years old had the highest rate of injury to the head and neck area (40.3%) while this was less in older children (30.6% in children between 7-10). Contrary to the rate of injuries to the head and neck, injuries to the extremities were highest in older children. Overall the age groups displayed a significant difference regarding their anatomical site of injury (p = 0.024).Regarding the etiology of trauma, falls and road traffic accidents displayed increasing rates from the ages of 0-2 to 3-6 . After which they displayed subsequent decreased rates to the ages of 7-10 years old . The three age groups displayed a meaningful difference in their mechanism of trauma (p = 0.013).From the ages of 0-2 to 3-6 years old, trauma rates occurring in the streets increased and those occurring in the setting of households decreased. After that age household trauma increased and street accidents decreased. Overall the age groups showed a meaningful difference regarding their location of trauma (p = 0.005).Regarding type of injury, orthopedics related trauma had the highest number of patients in all age groups. Overall the types of injury were significantly different among the three age groups (p = 0.029).Although the age groups did not display a significant difference regarding their time of trauma (p = 0.97), children between the ages of 0-2 had the highest rates of trauma during the hours of 18-24 (44.2%) and children between the ages of 3-6 years old had the highest rates of trauma during the hours of 12-18 (34.5%) .The findings of the present study showed that the prevalence of pediatric trauma in boys exceeds trauma rates in girls, though the difference was not significant, it was similar to the findings of Mutto et al.  in 2011,Regarding the etiology of pediatric trauma our results showed that falling from heights is the leading cause of trauma in both sexes and traffic accidents was the second cause in Iran. In the study by The results of the present study show that trauma to the upper extremities is the most prevalent anatomic site of injury in both sexes. Studies have shown different results regarding this matter like in the study by Mayer et al.  also shoBetween the hours of 18-24, was the time when the majority of the accidents had occurred. If we consider day time between the hours of 6 to 18, this was the time which the majority of the trauma had occurred (53.5%), which was also seen in the study by Simon et al.  where 83Our results showed that the most common location of trauma for both sexes was in homes (67.4%). In the study by Maclnnes et al.  they evaWhile Mutto  found scMclness et al.  found thThis pattern was also seen regarding the etiology of injury and with increased age we saw a decrease in the rates of fall injuries and collision injuries, while injuries due to traffic accident and cuts increased. The same pattern was seen in the study by Mclness and colleagues  regardinOur study showed that injuries in homes decreased by increased age and injuries in other areas increases which is expected since children, as they grow discover new environments and spend more time outside the house.We also found that with increased age neurosurgical related trauma decreased, while orthopedics trauma increased. This might have been due to the fact that children as they become older they become more aware of their environment and with a decrease in injuries to the head and neck, neurosurgical related trauma also decrease.Our findings indicate that special planning and health policies are needed to prevent road accidents especially in children between the ages of 3-6 years old, when children are at an age where they learn how to walk independently and are faced with a new environment putting them at higher risks of road accidents.Since homes were the place where children between the ages of 0-2 were mostly injured, parents should be educated regarding the correct safety measures that they need to take regarding their children’s environment. In different age groups the orthopedics department was the most referred division, so this department needs to receive the most training and resources for the management of pediatric trauma.This study had some limitation, first of all was its retrospective nature which did not give us complete control over the variables, secondly we used the departments which the injuries were referred to as an indicator of the type of injury which is not very precise and different departments might have had an overlap in some cases. The study had some strength as it was among the very few epidemiologic studies evaluating pediatric trauma in the region.Studies in a wider scale need to be conducted to evaluate and compare the epidemiologic patterns between developing and developed countries, to give a better understanding of the health related programs that are needed in these countries.


To investigate the relationship between the functional visual acuity (FVA) and useful field of view (UFOV) in elderly drivers and assess the usefulness of the FVA test to screen driving aptitude in elderly drivers.This study included 45 elderly drivers  and 30 younger drivers  who drive regularly. All participants underwent measurement of the binocular corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), binocular corrected distant FVA (CDFVA), and Visual Field with Inhibitory Tasks Elderly Version (VFIT-EV) to measure UFOV. The tear function and cognitive status also were evaluated.P = 0.000 for all parameters). The cognitive status was correlated significantly with the CDVA , CDFVA , and the CAR of the VFIT-EV  in all subjects. The results of the tear function tests were not correlated with the CDVA, CDFVA, or VFIT-EV in any subjects. Stepwise regression analysis for all subjects in the elderly and control groups showed that the CDFVA predicted the CAR most significantly among the clinical factors evaluated.The CDVA, the CDFVA, cognitive status, and the correct response rate (CAR) of the VFIT-EV were significantly worse in the elderly group than in the control group (The FVA test is a promising method to screen the driving aptitude, including both visual and cognitive functions, in a short time. Rapid growth in the number of elderly individuals and the proportion of the population that is aged in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia is expected in the near future , raisingVision, cognition, and motor functions are three key domains required for safe driving , and resThe functional visual acuity (FVA) recently has been reported to be an important method for measuring the detailed visual performance that cannot be detected by conventional VA testing –8. The dThe cognitive ability, i.e., the useful field of view (UFOV), is considered a good predictor of at-fault crash risk in elderly drivers –11. The The conventional UFOV test consists of dual-task testing with simultaneous central and peripheral targets. The test requires a touch panel screen or other complicated device and is subject to bodily and language functions . HoweverWe investigated the relationship between the results of the FVA test and the VFIT-EV in elderly and young drivers and the possibility of using the FVA test to screen the driving aptitude of elderly drivers.This prospective study included 45 elderly individuals (elderly group) (age 60 years or older) who drove regularly. Thirty younger individuals (control group) (age 59 years or younger) who drove regularly were also included. The study inclusion criteria were general good health, driving frequency greater than once weekly, and possession of a current driver’s license. In Japan, a binocular VA of 0.7 (20/29) or better and a bilateral monocular VA of 0.3 (20/60) or better are required and tested at 5-year intervals at the driver license center during the process of driver’s license renewal. The exclusion criterion was the presence of systemic or ocular diseases that might affect driving.The elderly group included 31 men and 14 women. The mean age of the participants was 68.1 ± 4.4 years (standard deviation) . The control group included 26 men and four women. The mean age of the participants was 34.2 ± 7.9 years range, 22–51 years). All examinations were performed in a room in which the temperature was between 22 and 25 degrees centigrade, and the mean humidity was 27.0% ± 4.8%.The institutional review board of Keio University School of Medicine approved the study . All subjects provided written informed consent. The study adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki. The individuals who participated in the study provided written informed consent to publish the case details.Binocular measures were used for visual function tests because driving is typically performed with both eyes. All participants underwent measurement of the binocular corrected distant VA (binocular CDVA) using Landolt vision charts and the binocular corrected distant functional VA (CDFVA) using the AS-28 FVA Measurement System  , which wThe tear function was evaluated in all subjects because it affects visual function, especially the FVA , 18. TheThe Mini-Mental State Examination–Japanese  was performed to evaluate cognitive status.Data on the years of driving experience, kilometers driven annually, and the self-reported number of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) during the previous 5 years were collected through a self-reporting questionnaire for all participants.The UFOV was measured using a visual field with the VFIT-EV , proposeThe VFIT-EV consists of the three preliminary tests and an actual test. The three preliminary tests were the simple reaction test, the central discrimination test, and the peripheral field test. The actual test is the dual-task test.The VFIT-EV was conducted as follows. First, the examiner displayed a cross in the center of the screen to confirm the central fixation point for the participant.After presentation of the central fixation cross for 500 ms, two identical adjoining targets were chosen randomly from among an open circle, open triangle, open square, and open star and presented simultaneously in the center of the monitor for 200 ms. The participants were instructed to push the A button on the right side of the controller when the targets were presented. The software automatically recorded the participant’s response as no response when the participant did not push the button within 2,000 ms and automatically moved to the next stimulus. The participants carried out only one trial in a run.After presentation of the central fixation cross for 500 ms, two adjoining targets were chosen randomly from among an open circle, open triangle, open square, and open star and presented simultaneously in the center of the monitor for 200 ms. The participants were instructed to push the A button on the right side of the controller when the two central targets differed and to not push the button when the two targets were the same. The software automatically recorded the participant’s response as no response when the participant did not push the button within 2,000 ms and automatically moved to the next stimulus. The participants carried out 32 trials in a run.After presentation of the central fixation cross for 500 ms, a peripheral target chosen randomly from among the open circle, open triangle, open square and, open star was presented for 200 ms at the peripheral locus randomly chosen from the eight locations: top, top right, right, bottom right, bottom, bottom left, left, and top left. The peripheral targets were at 11 degrees of the visual angle positioned at the top and bottom, at 14 degrees of the visual angle positioned at the right and left, and at the square root degree of the sum of the squares of 11 and 14 at the top right, bottom right, bottom left, and top left, respectively. After the 2,000-ms interval, the figures were presented in the center of the monitor, and the participants were instructed to select the same figure as presented in the periphery using the directional key on the game controller. The software automatically recorded the participant’s response as no response when the participant did not push the button within 2,000 ms and automatically moved to the next stimulus. The participants carried out 16 trials in a run.After presentation of the central fixation cross for 500 ms, two central targets and one peripheral target were simultaneously presented for 200 ms. The peripheral targets were at 11 degrees of the visual angle positioned at the top and bottom, at 14 degrees of the visual angle positioned at the right and left, and at the square root degree of the sum of the squares of 11 and 14 at the top right, bottom right, bottom left, and top left, respectively . The intP < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 12.0J for Windows .The CDVA and CDFVA were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between the binocular CDFVA and the CAR of the VFIT-EV. Multivariate analysis with stepwise regression was performed to investigate the relation between the CAR of the VFIT-EV and clinical parameters including age, sex, self-reported number of MVCs during the past 5 years, refraction , average values of the tear function tests (BUT and Schirmer’s tests) in both eyes, MMSE, and the parameters of the bilateral FVA  and CDVA. P = 0.000, respectively).The CDVA and all parameters of the FVA test except for the VMR were significantly better in the control group than in the elderly group. The binocular CDVA was significantly higher than the binocular CDFVA in both of the control and the elderly groups (P = 0.638) difference in the value of the Schirmer’s test, but the value of the BUT was significantly (P = 0.033) shorter in the elderly group than in the control group. All cases in the both groups did not fulfill the new Japanese dry eye diagnosis criteria [P = 0.000).The mean values of the Schirmer’s test and BUT were 8.6 ± 7.4  mm and 4.1± 1.4 seconds  in the elderly group, and 10.8 ± 10.3  mm and 5.0± 2.6 seconds  in the control group, respectively. There was no significant (criteria . The meaP = 0.000 for both comparisons). Six of 45 subjects in the elderly group and six of 30 subjects in the control group reported only one motor vehicle collision during the previous 5 years irrespective of the accident severity; however, the rate did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.526).The mean values of the years of driving experience and the kilometers driven annually were 39.6 ± 12.5 (SD)  years and 396.4 ± 308.6 (SD)  kilometers in the elderly group and 14.2 ± 8.6  years and 1717.6 ± 1757.0  in the control group, respectively. The values of the years of driving experience and the kilometers driven annually differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.000), maxVA , and minVA . The binocular CDFVA was correlated significantly with the binocular maxVA , minVA , VMR , and ART . The VFIT-EV parameters, the CAR and the FAR, were not correlated with each other (P > 0.05). The binocular CDFVA was correlated significantly with the CAR of the VFIT-EV , although the CDVA was not correlated with the CAR of the VFIT-EV .The correlations between the CDVA and the parameters of the FVA and VFIT-EV in the elderly group are shown in P = 0.003), minVA , ART , and FAR . The binocular CDFVA was correlated significantly with the binocular minVA  and VMR . The VFIT-EV parameters, the CAR and the FAR, were correlated with each other . Neither the binocular CDVA nor the CDFVA was correlated significantly with the CAR of the VFIT-EV (P > 0.05).The correlations between the CDVA and the parameters of the FVA and VFIT-EV in the control group are shown in P = 0.009), CDFVA , and the CAR of the VFIT-EV  for all subjects in the elderly and the control groups. The results of the tear function tests were not correlated with the CDVA, CDFVA, or VFIT-EV for all subjects in the elderly and the control groups.The MMSE was correlated significantly with the CDVA  predictors of the CAR of the VFIT-EV.The results of stepwise regression analysis in all subjects are shown in The multiple regression equation was: CAR of the VFIT-EV = 20.664 + (-89.535 × CDFVA) + (2.521× MMSE) + (66.974 × maxVA).Standardized regression coefficients were assessed to discern the magnitude of the effect of each variable. The CDFVA was the most relevant variable followed by the maxVA . The corIn the current study, the CDFVA in the elderly group was correlated not only with the CDVA but also with the VFIT-EV, which is one of the modified UFOV tests for elderly drivers, although there were no such correlations in the control group. Stepwise regression analysis for all subjects also showed that the CDFVA was the most relevant factor predictive of the CAR of the VFIT-EV, which was correlated significantly with the results of the actual vehicular test of Japanese driver license renewal for elderly drivers followed by the maxVA. The result suggested that the CDFVA may be useful for simultaneous screening of the visual and cognitive functions related to the driving aptitude of elderly drivers.There are a variety of vision screening methods, and the conventional VA test is the most popular method used by the licensing authorities in many countries, although other visual function tests also are screening tools in some countries . HoweverThe UFOV can examine the minimal target duration required to perform the central discrimination task, the ability to divide attention between central and peripheral tasks, and the ability to filter out distracting stimuli, i.e., the visual processing speed and visual attention can be assessed with the UFOV test , 20. PreHowever, the CAR of the VFIT-EV is correlated with the results of the on-road actual vehicular test of Japanese driver’s license renewal for elderly drivers . The curThe current study had some limitations, i.e., a small number of participants, differences in the years of driving experience and the kilometers driven annually between the groups, and the lack of data on the actual MVC involvement rate in Japan. According to the results of the questionnaire used in the current study, six of 45 participants in the elderly group and six of the 30 participants in the control group reported that they had a MVC only once during the past 5 years, although the severity of the accidents was unknown. Further investigations are needed to consider these factors.Another potential limitation is that, different from the UFOV, the FVA test evaluates only the central visual function, although the results of both tests are significantly correlated. Tafaj et al. recently reported a new method that goes beyond the typical assessment of the visual functioning . The metIn summary, the FVA test may be a promising method to screen the driving aptitude including both visual and cognitive functions within a short measurement time (60 seconds).


A method was developed for determining the composition of the conjugates between gold nanoparticles and proteins based on the intrinsic fluorescence of unbound protein molecules. The fluorescence was evaluated after separation of the conjugates from the reaction mixture by centrifugation. Gold nanoparticles obtained using the citrate technique (average diameter 24 nm) were conjugated at pH 5.4 with the following four proteins: human immunoglobulin G (IgG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), recombinant streptococcal protein G (protein G), and Kunitz-type soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI). The compositions of these conjugates were determined using the developed method. The conjugate compositions were dependent on the concentration of the added protein, and in all cases reached saturation. The equilibrium dissociation constants of the gold nanoparticle conjugates with IgG, BSA, protein G, STI in the initial section of the concentration dependence curve were 4, 6, 10, and 15 nM, respectively. Close to saturation, the corresponding values were 25, 76, 175, and 100 nM, respectively. The maximal binding capacities of a single gold nanoparticle for IgG, BSA, Protein G, and STI were 52, 90, 500, and 550, respectively, which agrees well with the hypothesis of monolayer immobilization. Gold nanoparticles are widely used in various fields of biochemistry, medicine, and analytical chemistry because of their unique physical and chemical properties ,3,4,5,6.et al.  is the concentration of the added protein, [R0] is the concentration of nanoparticles, and RL is the quantity of protein molecules bound to a single gold nanoparticle.Based on the difference between the signals for the samples and calibration solutions and on the quantity of gold nanoparticles in the solution, which was 1.8 × 10The obtained values of protein adsorbed on a single nanoparticle for different added concentrations of four studied proteins are given as curves at D is the equilibrium dissociation constant of the complex, and N is number of binding sites on a single gold nanoparticle.The constants of the protein-nanoparticle interaction were determined by the Scatchard method  in accorD values from curves of the dependence of the RL/[L] ratio on RL. The KD was equivalent to the cotangent of the angle of the tangent. The KD and N were calculated for the protein concentrations that had the following characteristics: (i) a large difference between the supernatant and background signals; and (ii) did not reach saturation. According to (i), protein concentrations ≥16 μg/mL were selected; and for (ii) the range was <125 μg/mL. The point of the intersection between the horizontal axis and the linear section of the graph at protein concentrations close to saturation gives the total number of sorption sites on a single nanoparticle.We determined the KPlotting the data in Scatchard coordinates produced hyperbolic curves . The slod(1)), and concentrations close to the saturation value (Kd(2)). The point of intersection of the linear finite section of the chart with the x-axis gives the maximum number of binding sites (N). All data obtained are summarized in For quantitative characterization of the strength of the binding, we calculated the average values of the equilibrium dissociation constants for the following two linear sections of the Scatchard graph: concentrations significantly below the saturation value . Howeve [et al.  recentlyet al. [et al. [The decreasing slope of the Scatchard curves with increasing protein concentration may be explained by steric hindrance between adjacent adsorbed protein molecules when their density on the surface of the particle increases. The number of sites for saturation sorption (N) has an almost linear dependence on the reciprocal value of the protein’s molecular weight . These det al.  with goo [et al. .The consideration of proteins adsorption on the nanoparticles surface should include the analysis of possible structural changes of proteins after immobilization and corresponding changes in their shape and interacting surface. The literature data contain different examples of changes in protein structure after adsorption as well as absences of registered changes . Recent etc.). In the course of the adsorption proteins generally retain their size. Thus, correlation between the thickness of monolayer protein corona and linear size of adsorbed proteins was demonstrated in [Results of some earlier studies show that proteins can be adsorbed on the surface of gold nanoparticles forming several layers ,13,36, wrated in . Our datAs an illustration of this hypothesis, we constructed three-dimensional models of these conjugates. A sphere 24 nm in diameter was created as an analog of the nanoparticle; protein models were placed on its surface. The fluorescence properties of proteins vary greatly depending on their internal and external environment. The particularity of the proposed approach consists in the fact that the fluorescence is measured at a particular wavelength in the same condition, namely in the presence of supernatant obtained during the conjugation. Thus, the same conditions are provided for all the compared preparations, and the recorded fluorescence reflects only the protein concentration, and does not reflect other factors. The calculations are based only on the comparison of the parameters obtained for the same protein that was added to the nanoparticles and is not associated with them. Therefore the differences between proteins in the content of fluorescent amino acids do not affect the correctness of the calculations. This feature is distinguished the proposed methodology exactly from other approaches, which involve fluorescent data obtained under different conditions to characterize processes of protein immobilization .Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chloroauric acid were from Sigma-Aldrich . Kunitz-type soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) was from MP Biomedicals , protein G and human IgG were from Imtek . The protein G used in the work is a recombinant mutant with a molecular mass of 26 kD, and consists of three IgG-binding fragments .All salts were of analytical or reagent grade. Deionized water, with a resistance of 18.2 MV/cm at 25 °C, was obtained using a Simplicity system from Millipore  and used to prepare all aqueous solutions.Gold nanoparticles were synthesized according to the Frens method . A chlorTransmission electron microscopy images of the gold nanoparticles were obtained following an established procedure . Gold naNegative films were scanned in gray scale mode on the scanner to obtain images with a resolution of 1200 dpi. The images are saved in tiff format and processed using Image Tool software . The average particle size and size distribution were calculated.Dynamic light scattering of gold nanoparticles was recorded with a Photocor spectrometer  equipped with a helium–neon laser (632.8 nm). The hydrodynamic radius distribution of the gold nanoparticles was obtained at 25 °C by measuring the intensity of scattered light at an angle of 90°. The results of the measurements were processed with DynaLS version 2.5.2 . Each experiment was repeated ten times.g. The supernatant was collected. The pellet of nanoparticle was agitated, and the volume of liquid in the tube was adjusted up to 0.2 mL using the supernatant. The supernatant was used to dilute a protein stock solution (100 mg/mL) to 1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5, 31, 16, and 8 μg/mL. The protein solutions were freshly prepared before each experiment.Eight 2.0 mL tubes were filled with a solution of gold nanoparticles, and then centrifuged at 12,000× g. After the centrifugation aliquots (0.2 mL) of supernatant were taken and transferred to the microplate for fluorescence measurements.An aliquot (0.2 mL) of each diluted protein solutions was added to 0.2 mL of the gold nanoparticles solution remaining after centrifugation. The protein and gold nanoparticle mixtures were incubated for 1 h at room temperature and then centrifuged at 12,000× The fluorescence spectra of proteins were recorded on a microplate reader . Spectra were measured using Nunc MaxiSorp white microplates , with excitation and emission wavelengths of 280 nm and 290–500 nm, respectively See .Models of the conjugates were constructed using 3DS Max 6 software . Three-dimensional models of proteins were taken from the RCSB PDB database. The PDB codes were as follows: IgG, 1IGY; BSA, 4F5S; STI, 1AVU; and protein G (IgG-binding fragment), 1PGB. The recombinant mutant of protein G consisting of three IgG-binding fragments, D1 and D2 intermediate fragments, was used. The proteins models were converted to VRML World File (*.wrl) format using DS Viewer Pro software .A simple method was developed for the determination of the composition of protein conjugates based on the measurement of the fluorescence of tryptophan residues in the proteins. Using this method, conjugates between gold nanoparticles (diameter 24 nm) and four proteins  were studied. This method could be suitable for the analysis of protein conjugates with other nanoparticles.


The SP10 treatment yield was not different from other treatments, and it allowed a better quality of the berries  and higher environmental sustainability due to a lower discharge of total nutrients into the environment . The recovery solution used in the second trial allowed a more punctual NS management, by adapting to the real needs of the crop. Moreover, it allowed a lesser amount of water and nutrients to be discharged into the environment and a better use of brackish water, due to a more accurate management of the EC of the NS. The targeted management, based on transpiration–biomass ratio, indicates that, in some stages of the plant cycle, the NS used can be diluted, in order to save water and nutrients. With such management a closed cycle can be realized without affecting the yield, but improving the quality of the tomato berries.The adoption of closed soilless systems is useful in minimizing the environmental impact of the greenhouse crops. Instead, a significant problem in closed soilless systems is represented by the accumulation of ions in the recycled nutrient solution (NS), in particular the unabsorbed or poorly absorbed ones. To overcome such problem, we: (1) studied the effect of several values of the electrical conductivity (EC) of NS in a NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system on a cherry type tomato crop, and (2) define a NS , based on the concept of “uptake concentration” and transpiration–biomass ratio, that fits the real needs of the plant with respect to water and nutrients. Three levels of EC set point (SP), above which the NS was completely replaced (SP5, SP7.5, and SP10 for the EC limit of 5, 7.5, and 10 dS m Its cultivation is widespread in the Mediterranean basin, in particular in the coastal zone. Unfortunately, the water used for crops irrigation in these zones is often scarce and of poor quality, because of the infiltration of brackish water into underground aquifers.Tomato is the most important vegetable crop in the world The soilless systems allow the use of brackish water without problems for the growing media and, furthermore, can help to decrease the consumption of water in greenhouses, because of more accurate management of fertigation . In tomaThe adoption of closed soilless systems is useful in minimizing the environmental impact of the production process of greenhouse crops . In suchA problem that should be taken into consideration in closed soilless systems is represented by the accumulation of ions, in particular the unabsorbed or poorly absorbed ones, a phenomenon which originates from higher ion to water inlet ratios  than the corresponding ion to water uptake ratios , resultiTo overcome such problems both automated sensing  and math+ level (and the related EC) in the NS without causing a decrease in yield or quality of a cherry type tomato crop grown with a closed soilless system and (ii) develop a NS , based on the concept of “uptake concentration”  verify the concentration Natration”  and tranTwo trials were carried out at the ‘La Noria’ Farm of the Institute of Sciences of Food Production of the National Research Council, Mola di Bari , in a polymethacrylate greenhouse with a maximum height of 4.5 m.Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Naomi). Plants were arranged on eleven aluminum benches ; two external rows and two extra plants at the beginning and end of every row served as guards. All benches were covered with plastic sheeting, black colored on the underside and white on the upperside.In both trials, the plants were transplanted at the fourth true leaf stage, on 23 January for the first and 3 February for the second trial, using a hybrid cultivar of cherry tomato , whereas above 20°C the greenhouse temperature was controlled by natural ventilation through the automatic ridge openings. Pollination was guaranteed by the introduction into the greenhouse of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris).Plants were placed with a density of 3.3 plants⋅m-1. Every 2 days fresh NS was added to the tanks, up to the initial volume of 100 L, in order to replenish NS consumed. After the replenishment, the EC and pH of the NS were measured and the latter, where appropriate, corrected with H2SO4 or NaOH, in order to maintain the pH in the 5.5–6.5 interval.Plants were grown with the Nutrient Film Technique , and the NS was supplied over the whole benches using pumps (one for each bench). Every bench was served by a tank containing 100 L of NS. The fertigation was supplied discontinuously (50 min every hour) with a flux of 3–4 L⋅minThe water consumption was calculated on alternate days by measuring the volume of NS added to each tank by means of a volume meter. The volume of NS discharged during the cycle or at the end of it was measured in the same way as the NS added. Fortnightly samples of NS were withdrawn from tanks, after replenishment with the fresh NS, in order to verify the level of the inorganic ions. A sample of NS was also withdrawn at the end of the crop cycle in order to verify the concentration of the residual nutrients not absorbed by the crop.During the crop cycle, to avoid the excessive raising of the greenhouse temperature, the greenhouse was protected with a 50% shadow cloth from 116 days after transplant (DAT).Harvest started 121 DAT and 115 DAT, and finished, together with crop cycle, 169 and 167 DAT, for the first and second trial, respectively. Fruits were harvested when 80% of the berries on the truss were completely red. The fruits were divided into marketable and discarded classes . The fruits in the discarded class were counted, weighed and discarded. The fruits in the marketable class were numbered, separated into two size classes (diameter 25–35 mm and >35 mm) and weighed for the fresh mass.In the first trial total soluble solids (TSS) and dry matter (DM) of the harvested fruits were determined for every truss. In the second trial DM was determined for every truss, while the TSS was only determined in one harvest.Inorganic ions  were determined by ion chromatography  with a conductivity detector, using the pre-column IonPack AG14 and the column of separation IonPack AS14 for the anions, and the pre-column IonPack CG12A and the column of separation IonPack CS12A for the cations . Ultrapu3-N . Plant phosphorus content was determined by spectrophotometry.Total Kjeldahl nitrogen in the plant was determined from 0.1 g of dried and ground leaf tissue by the Kjeldahl method  adding salicylic acid to recover the NOThe pH and EC of NS were measured using the portable pH-meter HI 9025 and the conductivity-meter HI-9033 . The pH was not subjected to analysis because its correction was done only to maintain its value in the 5.5–6.5 range, in the same manner for all the treatments.Total soluble solids were measured using a portable reflectometer ; the DM was determined after drying until constant weight in a forced-draft oven at 65°C.Figure 1I): (1) SP5: full replacement of the NS when the EC in the tanks exceeded 5 dS m-1; (2) SP7.5: full replacement of the NS when the EC in the tanks exceeded 7.5 dS m-1 and (3) SP10: full replacement of the NS when the EC in the tanks exceeded 10 dS m-1.The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications, and they differed for the EC set point (SP) above which the NS inside the tanks was completely replaced, were the following .The starting value of the EC of the NS was 1.7 dS mThe reaching of the EC value was verified after the addition of NS to the single tanks to the volume of 100 L.Table 1.The concentration of NS during the crop cycle is reported in Table 1 was defined “full strength” NS, where the strength means the concentration of the nutrients per part of water, and it was assigned an arbitrary value of 1. During the crop cycle the strength of the NS used to replenish the consumption, when needed, was decreased from 1 to 0.5 or 0.33 in order to avoid the excessive increase of the EC due to the recycling of the NS inside the system.The NS with the concentrations reported in 3- and NH4+), H2PO4--P, K+, SO42--S, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+.When the NS in a treatment was replaced, a sample of the discharged solution was collected and analyzed to determine the concentration of the following elements: N , calculated in correspondence with the fortnightly samples, the CGR was calculated as follows :W2 and W1 are the dry weights of the plants at time t2 and t1, respectively.Where, Transpiration, which in a NFT system can be considered approximately equal to the water used by the plant, since there are no losses by evaporation, was calculated as outlined in “Nutrient Solution Management and Water Consumption” section, and was expressed on a daily basis for each interval of time between two destructive sampling of plants.The transpiration–biomass ratio, calculated for the time unit, is the amount of water required (in grams) to produce the unit of dry matter , and was calculated from the ratio between transpiration and CGR.+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and Na+ in the plant tissues and the transpiration of the crop. The concentration was determined for the several organs of the plant for every destructive sampling, leaf pruning and harvest. Since the different organs in plant account differently for DM percentage, element concentrations and absolute weight, the mineral composition of the plant was calculated by pondering the concentrations of the individual elements above reported of the various organs  to their respective dry weights.For the determination of the recovery NS, we considered the concentration of the main elements , Crop Transpiration, and Transpiration–Biomass Ratio” section].Such data, together with the mineral composition of the plants for each phenological stage, weighted for the different organs of the plant, were inserted into spreadsheet software in order to calculate in real time, as a function of transpiration, the composition of recovery NS for the reintegration of nutrients and water removal from the plant. Finally, the concentration of each element in the plant was divided by the transpiration–biomass ratio to obtain the respective concentration (in mM) to be used in the recovery NS of the algorithm treatment.Figure 1II): (1) DS: the starting NS was Double Strength with respect to the full strength as defined in Table 1. The full strength was maintained up to the limit of 5 dS/m. From 5 to 7 dS/m the NS was full strength, from 7 to 9 dS/m it was ½ strength, and for values greater than 9 dS/m the NS used was 1/3 strength, according with the management in commercial greenhouses; (2) NaCl: the starting NS was full strength, and its EC was increased until the starting EC (3.2 dS/m) by adding NaCl to the NS. This strength was maintained up to the limit of 5 dS/m. Above this value the NS management was the same as the DS treatment and (3) TRASPBIO: the starting NS was the same as the DS treatment, until the EC value of 5 dS/m. When the EC value reached 5 dS/m, the NS was managed using the recovery solution which composition was defined in the first trial. The NS was not discharged into the environment in any treatment during the crop cycle.The treatments, which had all the same starting EC, differed in the management of the NS and were the following  using the General Linear Model  for the analysis of variance, the RGR procedure (regression) for the study of polynomial functions and the NLIN procedure for the study of non-linear functions.P = 0.05).For all morphological parameters, production, quality and chemical composition data, the comparison between the means point was performed by calculating the least significant difference .During the crop cycle, the NS was never replaced in SP10, while it was replaced five and two times for SP5 and SP7.5, respectively , while total water consumption at the end of the crop cycle was, on average, 137 L plant-1 (Table 2).The NS consumptions were similar in the three treatments and reached, on a daily basis and on average, 1.4 L⋅plant-1 (Table 2). The fruit number per plant was unaffected by salinity (data not shown), while the number of fruits falling into the diameter class of 25–35 mm was, on average, 33% greater with the SP7.5 and SP10 treatments compared to SP5 treatment (Table 2).The total yield was not influenced by treatments, with an average production of 3.054 kg plantFigure 4I). The treatments did not show differences until the second truss, with an average value of TSS of 7.7°Brix, then the TSS content was highest in the SP10 treatment , reaching a maximum value of 9.3°Brix . Dry matter of the fruits showed a similar trend to the TSS values for all treatments and reached the maximum of 117 g kg-1 in SP10 .The SP10 treatment showed a growing TSS trend during all harvest period while with the SP5 and SP7.5 treatments it increased until the fifth–sixth truss and then decreased . The total weight of fruits per plants (0.298 kg plant-1), accounted for 53% of the total dry biomass, while leaves and stems accounted for 28 and 19%, respectively .There were no differences between treatments for the dry biomass production of plants which amounted, on average, to 0.563 kg plant+ concentration during the cycle was decreased by the SP7.5 and SP10 treatments 106 and 117 DAT, while at the end of the cycle only SP10 produced a lower K+ concentration . The concentrations of K+ showed a decreasing trend in all treatments, but the lowest concentration was recorded in the SP10 100 DAT, mainly because of the lower concentrations in fruits and pruned leaves (data not shown). No differences between treatments were found for N and Ca2+ , while for P, Mg2+, and Na+ occasional differences were recorded . The highest concentration of Na+ was recorded in SP10 since the accumulation of NaCl in the NS (data not shown) caused an increase in Na+ concentration in all the plant tissues , especially in pruned leaves (data not shown). The tissue concentrations of Na+ reached lower levels (ranging from 3.8 to 7.4 g kg-1 – data not shown).Considering the entire canopy , the KFigure 6I) where the SP7.5 showed a higher content.The P concentration showed a decreasing trend without differences between the treatments until 120–140 DAT; subsequently the concentration of P increased until 180 DAT  was lower 61 DAT in the SP10 treatment (because of its concentration into the fruits – data not shown), and with SP5 at the end of the cycle (due to its concentration into the leaves – data not shown).The MgThe recovery solution has its basis in the concept of “uptake concentrations” , and it -1⋅day-1 .The consumption of NS reached a maximum of 1.4 L⋅plantFigure 3I) with CGR , and we obtained a curve describing the transpiration–biomass ratio . Every point of such curve has a correspondent concentrations of a given nutrient into the recovery NS, which values are reported in Table 3.We correlated the NS consumption  the transpiration–biomass ratio is quite high (about 300 L kg-1 dry weight), and later it tends to decrease with increasing of DAT (until 100 DAT). In this zone we can observe a rather stable phase, in which the concentration of the recovery NS should be higher than in the first zone of the curve. Finally, in the final part of the curve (after 100 DAT), the transpiration–biomass ratio increases again, up to almost 400 L kg-1 of dry weight.Observing the curve in Table 4). Compared to SP5, for SP7.5 and SP10 the percentage savings of nutrients were, respectively: 20 and 25% (N), 21 and 27% (P), 19 and 27% (K+), 19 and 25% (Ca2+), 21 and 27% (Mg2+), 13 and 22% (S), 19 and 26% .The input of water into the system was 14% greater in SP5 than in SP7.5 and SP10 (Table 5).The differences were even more marked for the quantities of water and elements removed from the system and discharged into the environment both during the cycle (only for SP5 and SP7.5) and at the end of it .The SP10 allowed water savings of about 79 and 57% compared to SP5 and SP7.5, respectively (Table 5): for N and K+, the savings, with respect to SP5, were, respectively, 59 and 96% (N) and 60 and 59% (K+). For P there was no difference between SP7.5 and SP10, so the discharged P, compared with SP5 was 64% on average. The differences for Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+ varied between SP10 and the other treatments. With respect to SP5 and SP7.5, the saving of SP10 was, on average, 63, 43 and 45%, for Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+, respectively; while for Cl- the quantity of mineral discharged was lower only for SP10 compared to SP5 (46%).Considering the mineral savings, the SP7.5 and SP10 treatments allowed a saving of nutrients, with some considerations .For the total of the elements discharged, except for NaTable 6).The TRASPBIO treatment showed a greater yield with respect to other treatments, due primarily to bigger berries (Table 6). This finding was reflected in the average weight of the fruits, which was 12% greater in the TRASPBIO treatment (Table 6).The number of fruits falling into the class diameter of 25–35 mm was more frequent with the DF and NaCl treatments and was, on average, 41% greater than those of the TRASPBIO treatment (Table 6), but the WUE was not influenced by treatments, with a mean of 21 g/L (data not shown).The NaCl treatment showed the lowest transpiration  and showed an increasing trend up to 30 days after the first harvest, then decreased.The TSS content of berries was 5.4% greater in DF and NaCl than those of the TRASPBIO treatment .The DM of berries of NaCl treatment was 7.9% higher than in the TRASPBIO treatment, with the exception of the last three harvests while, with respect to the DS treatment, it was only higher at three points , with TRASPBIO treatment that produced the best NUE.Significant differences were observed for the NUE of all nutrients, with the exception of N (Table 8), with the exception of N and Na+ (higher concentrations) and P (no difference). Ca2+ and S accumulated more in the DS treatment, while TRASPBIO produced a saving of 48% for the K+ compared with DS and NaCl (Table 8). As expected, Na+ and Cl- accumulated more in the NaCl treatment (Table 8).Less nutrients were moved away from the system in TRASPBIO (Table 2), with an average production of 3.054 kg plant-1, i.e., 10 kg m-2, a good production for a cherry tomato, considering the short period of production . This fact is not surprising, since salinity is a complex phenomenon acting on several aspects of plants. High salinity levels can result in inhibition of growth, smaller development of the plant and lower yield by way of osmotic stress, the injurious effects of toxic Na+ and Cl- ions and nutrient imbalance caused by excess of these ions (Table 2), guaranteeing greater appreciation from the consumer , while for SP7.5 and SP5 it reached a maximum then decreased. This behavior is most likely due to the accumulation of Na+ in the NS and its subsequent accumulation in the plant tissues (see below), since no difference was found for transpiration values. High EC levels are required in the root zone from the start of the crop cycle to improve fruit quality in hydroponic tomato crops, especially for cherry type, although the EC values reported are not constant among the various authors. -1 are adequate in the root zone, while other Authors , so almost certainly there were no conditions that could have led to a different absorption of water or nutrients in the different treatments.Such results demonstrate that when the supply of assimilate is not limiting, the amount of assimilates being imported by a fruit is not affected by the water relation in the plant, according to -1 in the first trial (Table 2), without differences between the treatments and, since evaporation and uncontrolled bleeding from NFT systems are negligible . The concentrations of K+ showed a decreasing trend in all treatments, but the lowest concentration was recorded in the SP10 100 DAT, mainly because of the lower concentrations in fruits and pruned leaves (data not shown). This result corroborates previous findings , is essential for plant survival in saline habitats , the Kfindings  which inn leaves . However results . In our e leaves . Since thabitats , and in 2+ , while for P, Mg2+, and Na+ occasional differences were recorded . The highest concentration of Na+ was recorded in SP10 since the accumulation of NaCl in the NS (data not shown) caused an increase in Na+ concentration in all the plant tissues , especially in pruned leaves (data not shown) confirming previous findings (+ reached lower levels (ranging from 3.8 to 7.4 g kg-1 – data not shown) than those reported by + was mainly compartmentalized into the pruned leaves or into the root (data not shown). The partitioning into the roots can be explained as an effort by the plant to strengthen the ion detoxification capability of roots  the accumulation of Na+ in the NS of SP10 treatment (data not shown) because of continuous recycling and (ii) the periodic discharge of NS for SP5 and SP7.5 treatment, because of reaching the EC SP .The notable differences in NaFigure 6I) where the SP7.5 showed a higher content.The P concentration showed a decreasing trend without differences between the treatments until 120–140 DAT; subsequently the concentration of P increased until 180 DAT  was lower 61 DAT in the SP10 treatment (because of its concentration into the fruits – data not shown), and with SP5 at the end of the cycle (due to its concentration into the leaves – data not shown).The Mg-1⋅day-1  a few days before of the maximum CGR , since the mineral elements must be photosynthesized in order to be available. The curve in Figure 3III is composed by three different zones: in the first and last one, the transpiration–biomass is quite high, that means lower concentrations of the nutrients into the NS. In the middle zone, the transpiration–biomass ratio is lower, indicating that the crop needs a more concentrated recovery NS.The consumption of NS reached a maximum of 1.4 L⋅plantFigure 3III (and the corresponding concentrations in Table 3) suggests that in the first and last phase of the curve, the recovery NS may contain lower concentrations of nutrients, since the transpiration component assumes greater importance. In the middle part of the curve, the transpiration component is less prominent, so in this phase the recovery NS should be more concentrated. The concentrations of macronutrients (in mM) of recovery NS during the crop cycle, in function of several stages, are reported in Table 3. The nutrient concentrations until 28 DAT  match the first part of the curve, from 28 to 105 DAT the central phase, and those concentrations from 105 until the end of the crop the third part of the curve .The increase in the transpiration–biomass ratio in the final stage is probably the sum of several factors. A first factor is the different behavior of photosynthesis and transpiration with increasing solar radiation. Indeed, from a certain point onward, photosynthesis stops or tends to decrease, while the transpiration continues to increase . The treTable 3), in order to increase the NUE and to reduce the environmental impact of soilless systems  incTables 4 and 5) for all the parameters, with the exception of SO42--S that was moved away from system.Unlike other Authors , who comTable 6) is probably due to differences in the management of the NS. Indeed, from 40 DAT, the NS was managed according to the algorithm in the ALGO treatment, allowing more punctual management of nutrient concentrations. Since no differences were found for transpiration, the differences in yield performance can be explained by the higher concentrations of macronutrients in the DS treatment, because a high EC due to macronutrients may adversely affect vegetative growth . Improving the NUE (together with WUE) is of a fundamental importance, since in the latest years soilless closed systems have gained popularity as a means to reduce water and fertilizer consumption (Table 8), with the exception of N, probably because of the double concentration at the beginning of the crop cycle. With reference to the quantity of Ca2+ and Mg2+ discharged at the end of the cycle, TRASPBIO showed no differences with respect to NaCl treatment, but in comparison with DF, which had the same double concentration of macronutrients at the beginning of the cycle, TRASPBIO showed a greater saving. This is surely due to a better management of the NS, in particular in the final part of the cycle, when a more dilute NS is needed, according with our results in the first trial.The TRASPBIO treatment allowed a better NUE with respect to all the nutrients, with the exception of N  would allow a great saving of water and nutrients resulting in a lower environmental impact and cost savings for the farmer.Tomato is reported as a crop moderately tolerant to salinity. In fact, at least for cherry tomato in NFT systems, the production can be realized with high values of EC in the NS, up to (at least) 10 dS mAS: Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; Drafting the work; Final approval of the version to be published; Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. FS: interpretation of data; revised the article critically; Final approval of the version to be published; Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. PS: Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; Analysis and interpretation of data; Final approval of the version to be published; Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


The differences in the accident process are reflected in the composition of the discharged radioactivity as well as in the composition of the ground contamination. Volatile radionuclides  contributed to the gamma-ray exposure from the ground contamination around Fukishima-1, whereas a greater variety of radionuclides contributed significantly around Chernobyl. When radioactivity deposition occurred, the radiation exposure rate near Chernobyl is estimated to have been 770 μGy h−1 per initial 137Cs deposition of 1000 kBq m−2, whereas it was 100 μGy h−1 around Fukushima-1. Estimates of the cumulative exposure for 30 years are 970 and 570 mGy per initial deposition of 1000 kBq m−2 for Chernobyl and Fukusima-1, respectively. Of these exposures, 49 and 98% were contributed by radiocesiums (134Cs + 137Cs) around Chernobyl and Fukushima-1, respectively.In this report, we have reviewed the basic features of the accident processes and radioactivity releases that occurred in the Chernobyl accident (1986) and in the Fukushima-1 accident (2011). The Chernobyl accident was a power-surge accident that was caused by a failure of control of a fission chain reaction, which instantaneously destroyed the reactor and building, whereas the Fukushima-1 accident was a loss-of-coolant accident in which the reactor cores of three units were melted by decay heat after losing the electricity supply. Although the quantity of radioactive noble gases released from Fukushima-1 exceeded the amount released from Chernobyl, the size of land area severely contaminated by  The worst-case scenarios at nuclear power plants are accidents that result in direct release of accumulated radioactivity into the environment from the reactor core , 2. Two In order to investigate the radiological impacts on biota from nuclear accidents, it is important to obtain detailed information about the composition of the radioactivity contamination and about the level of radiation exposure in the environment. In this paper, the basic features of the accident processes and the radiological consequences  are compared between Chernobyl and Fukushima-1.a positive void reactivity coefficient that appears when the steam fraction increases in the fuel channels;a ‘positive scram’ effect when all control rods are inserted into the core at the same time under certain extreme operation conditions;complexity of reactor control, due to a large number of channels in the core.At midnight 24 April 1986, operation staff at the Chernobyl-4 unit (3200 MWt) began to prepare the reactor for shutdown for maintenance for the first time since the start of operation in December 1983. During the process of the shutting down the reactor, several tests were planned, including testing of a new emergency generator system using the inertial energy of the freewheeling turbines post shutdown. Although this test was scheduled for during the day on 25 April at a power level of 700–1000 MWt, it was postponed till the midnight. At around 00:30 on 26 April, the reactor power suddenly fell to almost zero. The operators tried to revive the reactor power, by pulling out almost all control rods from the reactor core. At around 01:00, when the reactor was stabilized at a power level of 200 MWt, it was decided to carry out the generator test at a power level less than that planned.The Chernobyl-type reactor  was developed by the former USSR based on the reactor for producing plutonium for nuclear weapons, and it was only used inside USSR territory. At the time of the Chernobyl accident in April 1986, there were 15 RBMK reactors operating at five NPSs in the USSR. At the Chernobyl NPS in the Ukraine, four RBMK-1000 reactors were operating and two others were under construction. From the structure of the reactor, RBMK can be classified as a graphite-moderator, boiling light-water cooling and channel-type reactor, which have the following weaknesses:At 01:23:04, by closing the steam valve to the turbine, the generator test started. An emergency event started at 01:23:40 when the operators turned on the AZ-5 button to shut down the reactor by inserting all control rods into the core. Contrary to the intention of the operator, a positive scram phenomenon led to a small power surge in the lower part of the core, damaging the nuclear fuels and channel tubes. Following rupture of the channel tubes, a large amount of water vapor appeared at the core. Then, a bigger-scale power surge was caused by the effect of the positive void coefficient of reactivity, which led an explosion of the reactor and destruction of the building. According to the analysis after the accident, the explosion is believed to have occurred 6–7 s after turning on AZ-5. Eyewitnesses outside the reactor building said that there was a series of explosion-like fireworks reaching up into the night sky.  is showThere were six boiling water reactor (BWR) units on the site of the Fukushima-1 NPS . When the earthquake occurred at 14:46 on 11 March 2011, three units  were operating in full power, and the remaining three were out of operation due to annual maintenance.On the arrival of seismic waves, all three operating units were successfully tripped by automatic insertion of control rods. However, the transmission line for the offsite power supply was broken due to a transmission tower falling down, as well as transformer damages at the substation. In order to avoid blackout of the NPS, an Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) was automatically actuated at each unit. About 40 min later, a series of tsunami waves hit the Fukushima-1 NPS, with wave heights of more than 10 m. The anti-tsunami protection was designed for ∼6 m. All EDGs from Unit 1 to Unit 4 were located in the basement of the turbine buildings and flooded with seawater. Consequently, AC power was lost for cooling the reactor cores of Unit 1 to Unit 3. In addition, the DC batteries also became unavailable in Unit 1 and Unit 2 for powering the process instruments and control valves.When the cooling system does not work after shutdown of the reactor, decay heat from fission products in the core will cause increase in both the temperature and the pressure of the coolant water, which will eventually result in meltdown of the reactor core and melt-through of the reactor vessel. In order to avoid such a situation, several emergency cooling systems working without AC power were installed in the BWR: an Isolation Condenser (IC) in Unit 1, a Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system in Units 2 and 3 and a High Pressure Core Injection (HPCI) system in Units 1 to 3. In reality, however, these emergency systems could not prevent further development of the situation, partly because the DC power necessary to actuate and control them was lost at Units 1 and 2, and partly because they were not designed to be effective for such a long period as was needed during the event in Fukushima-1.At Unit 1, its reactor core began to be damaged in the evening of 11 March, and a high Containment Vessel (CV) pressure of 840 kPa was recorded at midnight, which was about two times higher than the pressure for which it was designed (427 kPa). It was clear that CV destruction at this stage would mean the worst situation at the NPS. Around 14:30 on 12 March, CV venting was finally carried out to reduce the CV pressure. Then at 15:36 a hydrogen explosion occurred inside the upper part of the reactor building. Core cooling of Unit 1 by fire engines started in the evening of 12 March.At Unit 3, after the tsunami hit, core cooling was maintained by RCIC until 11:36 on 12 March. After RCIC stopped, HPCI was automatically actuated and continued working until 02:42 on 13 March. Its core damage is believed to have begun on the morning of 13 March. PC venting was carried out several times on 13 March. At 11:01 on 14 March, a hydrogen explosion occurred inside the reactor building.At Unit 2 at the time the tsunami hit, the RCIC was working. It continued to work without DC power until 13:25 on 14 March. Its core damage is believed to have begun on the evening of 14 March. CV venting was tried but was unsuccessful. A high CV pressure of 600 kPa was recorded during the night and this high pressure continued until the next morning. A rapid decrease in the CV pressure was observed at about 06:00 on 15 March, which indicated serious damage to the CV integrity of Unit 2. This resulted in the largest radioactivity release that occurred during the course of the Fukushima-1 accident.131I and 134Cs + 137Cs from the Fukushima-1 NPS is shown in Fig. The daily radioactivity discharge of The radioactivity released into the atmosphere for Chernobyl and Fukushima-1 is compared in Table et al. . Funding to pay the Open Access publication charges for this special issue was provided by the Grant-in-Aid from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) [KAKENHI Grant No. 26253022].


In mammals, the ability to sense and respond to both intracellular and extracellular nutrient levels requires the integration and cooperation of multiple complex metabolic regulatory networks. Key among these are the mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways, which are activated in response to increased or decreased cellular energy levels, respectively. These pathways control cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and autophagy, and their dysregulation has been associated with both cancer and metabolic disease. The anti-diabetes drug metformin has been shown to function, at least in part, through activation of AMPK, however it also inhibits mTORC1 signaling, suggesting a potential role for mTORC1 inhibition in the beneficial effects of metformin. AMPK can suppress mTORC1 through activation of the TSC complex, an inhibitor of mTORC1, or inhibition of Raptor, an essential component of mTORC1. The liver plays a critical role in the maintenance of systemic metabolic homeostasis, and is thought to be the major target organ for the physiological effects of metformin, thus we are investigating the hepatic regulation of mTORC1 by metformin.The effects of metformin on mTORC1 were assessed in livers and primary hepatocytes from LTSC1KO mice that have conditional loss of TSC1 in the liver. mTORC1 activity was determined by analysis of the phosphorylation state of its targets, and the rate of protein synthesis using 35S-methionine incorporation. Physiological effects of metformin were determined using glucose and metformin tolerance tests.Dose-response and time-course assessments of mTORC1 activity in response to metformin show that inhibition of mTORC1 signaling is resistant to metformin in primary hepatocytes of LTSC1KO mice under conditions that fully suppress mTORC1 signaling in control hepatocytes. The rate of protein synthesis is also maintained at a higher level in these hepatocytes. Furthermore, while metformin results in decreased phosphorylation of mTORC1 targets in the livers of control mice, its activation is not as severely compromised in livers of LTSC1KO mice. However, conditional loss of TSC1 in the liver seems to have no effect on the systemic glucose lowering ability of metformin.Our findings demonstrate that conditional disruption of the TSC1-TSC2 complex desensitizes hepatocytes to the inhibition of mTORC1 by metformin, suggesting a dominant role for this tumor suppressor complex in the hepatic control of mTORC1 by energy stress. We are continuing to use this genetic model to determine the contribution of mTORC1 inhibition by metformin in the liver to the cellular and physiological effects of metformin.


Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, resulted in great progress in understanding the functions of four enzymes that are involved in this process. We performed in silico analyses, including the identification of the cis-regulatory elements in the promoters of genes encoding proteins of the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway and the identification of the miRNAs that are able to regulate their posttranscriptional level. We also searched the databases that contain the microarray data for the genes that were analyzed from both species in order to check their expression level under different growth conditions. The results that were obtained indicate that there are universal regulations of expression of all of the genes that are involved in the strigolactone biosynthesis in Arabidopsis and rice, but on the other hand each stage of strigolactone production may be additionally regulated independently. This work indicates the presence of crosstalk between strigolactones and almost all of the other phytohormones and suggests the role of strigolactones in the response to abiotic stresses, such as wounding, cold or flooding, as well as in the response to biotic stresses.Strigolactones were described as a new group of phytohormones in 2008 and since then notable large number of their functions has been uncovered, including the regulation of plant growth and development, interactions with other organisms and a plant’s response to different abiotic stresses. In the last year, investigations of the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway in two model species,  Strigolactones are a hormone group that has been intensively studied during the last few years. Although they were originally described as an inductor for the germination of the seeds of parasites , they wearbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or N-fixing rhizobial bacteria to be enhanced and the development program to be adapted in order to promote the most efficient use of the available resources  and nitrogen (N) deficiency, has been proposed ,16. It wiewed by ). The imiewed by ,23,24.trans-β-carotene into 9-cis-β-carotene -2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol and 13C-orobanchol, which are the two main precursors of other strigolactones [MAX1 was originally characterized in Arabidopsis (At2g26170) and for a long time its function remained unknown, but grafting experiments have suggested that MAX1 acts downstream of both CCDs [MAX1 homologues in rice (cv. Azucena) and that the deletion of these two MAX1 homologues on chromosome 1 was associated with the natural variation of strigolactone biosynthesis in rice [MAX1 homologues was characterized—Os01g0700900 catalyzes the oxidation of carlactone to produce the first strigolactone ent-2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol, whereas Os01g0701400 is involved in the production of orobanchol via the hydroxylation of the ent-2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol, and thus plays a role in the structural diversification of strigolactones [Arabidopsis, only one gene encoding MAX1 is present, and recently it was proven experimentally that this monooxydase converts carlactone into carlactonoic acid (9-desmethyl-9-carboxy-carlacton) [Arabidopsis that was reconstructed in Nicotiana benthamiana, it was shown that MAX1 is not able to produce orobanchol, but only small amount of epi-5-deoxystrigol and 5-deoxystrigol [MAX1 in the Arabidopsis genome and questions about other enzymes that may be involved in the production of different strigolactones from 5-deoxystrigol in this species remains unanswered.The structure of carlactone is similar to the one that has been described for strigolactones, because it consists of a Clactones . Moreovelactones ,38. The lactones . This colactones , is medioth CCDs . Further in rice b, but tw in rice . In the lactones . As was rlacton) . Additioystrigol . There ain silico analyses of genes encoding proteins that are involved in strigolactone biosynthesis may shed a new light on the roles that strigolactones play in plants. In the presented work, we analyzed the sequences of genes that are involved in strigolactone production in two model species Arabidopsis and rice in an attempt to determine new potential functions of strigolactones. The new reports on the multiple functions of strigolactones in plant growth and development, as well as in stress responses or crosstalk with other hormones, have indicated that there might still be some uncovered roles of strigolactones in plants. Because the genetic background of the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway seems to be well studied and increased production of these hormones during responses to different stress stimuli has been described, AtD27, MAX1, 3 and 4), which encode the proteins that are involved in strigolactone biosynthesis in Arabidopsis revealed 55 different motifs for the binding of transcription factors (TFs) . A similar number of binding sites for TFs was found in the promoters of MAX1 and MAX4 , but the greatest number of individual binding sites was observed in the MAX4 promoter in comparison to MAX1 (131 vs. 96). The lowest number of TF motifs was found in the promoter of AtD27 (26 TF families and 94 motif repeats). Among the TF families that were identified, the greatest number of them were related to hormonal regulation (26), abiotic stresses (23) and plant growth and development (19), whereas the TFs that are involved in the response to light (12), biotic stresses (7) and metabolism (6) were low , auxin (7), brassinosteroid (1), cytokinin (2), ethylene (6), gibberellin (4) jasmonic acid (4) and salicylic acid (8)  . The higwere low a. The laacid (8) b. Among acid (8) c, while Arabidopsis genes that were analyzed .Special attention should be paid to those of the 19 TF families  that were found in the promoter sequences of all of the analyzed . Among tcis-regulatory motifs was found between AtD27 and MAX1 , but the highest number of binding sites was shared by two genes encoding carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases—MAX3 and MAX4 .The highest similarity in the Arabidopsis genes. Interestingly, almost all of TF motifs described for D27 (6 from 7) and for OsMAX1 (6 from 9) were shared with other genes involved in strigolactone biosynthesis in rice , GT1CONSENSUS  and GATABOX , which are related to the response to abiotic stresses, hormonal regulation and the response to light.Analysis of the promoter region of four rice genes encoding proteins involved in strigolactone biosynthesis revealed binding sites for 18 TFs families, whereof six were present in each promoter sequence . Some of in rice . The moscis-regulatory elements were observed in the promoter sequences of all of the Arabidopsis and rice genes that were analyzed  and additionally those binding sites were repeated several times in each gene of both species.Some MAX1, MAX3 and MAX4. In MAX3 and MAX4 one target site, which was complementary to nine different miRNAs, was identified, whereas for MAX1, two target sequences that were recognized by 20 miRNAs were identified. The target sequences for seven different miRNAs  were found in the mRNA of all three MAX genes. Additionally, the mRNA of MAX1 and MAX3 contains sequences that were recognized by the miRNAs that were specific only to them .A large number (69) of target sequences for different miRNAs were identified in the mRNA of four rice genes encoding proteins of the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway. Among them, only three were present in all of the genes: osa-miR444, osa-miR528 and osa-miR531. However, osa-miR531 was also annotated as repetitive sequences [Arabidopsis genes that are responsible for the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway. There is no universal response in the expression of all of the genes that is induced by abscisic acid, auxin, brassinolide, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin acid or methyl jasmonate. Moreover, for some of the genes that were analyzed, the opposite effect (induction or repression) was observed at different time points during treatment with the same hormone .in silico analysis is their participation in the response to flooding (because of the presence of the ANAERO1-3CONSENSUS motifs). These motifs were found in the promoter region of anaerobically induced genes that are involved in the fermentative pathway [Arabidopsis genes that are known to be responsible for strigolactone biosynthesis as well as in individual rice genes (D17/HTD1 and MAX1). The response to flooding mainly covers cell protection against cytosolic acidification and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and toxins as well as the activation of the enzymes in the fermentation pathway [i.e., PYRIMIDINEBOXOSRAMY1A, AMYBOX1, CGACGOSAMY3), whereas in Arabidopsis they were mainly related with fatty acid beta-oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation or polyamine catabolic process , which may be related to the response to flooding  molecules, which based on the sequence complementarity join to mRNA, thus resulting in the degradation or repression of translation . TheIR1/AFB2 . MoreoveIR1/AFB2  or woundIR1/AFB2 . In the is ATHB9 . Other mdy known . HoweverArabidopsis genes , TFs that are associated with almost all of phytohormones were identified, including abscisic acid, auxin, brassinosteroid, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin, jasmonic acid or salicylic acid, whereas the analysis of the rice genes encoding proteins that are involved in strigolactone production revealed that their expression can be regulated via the TFs that are related to auxin, ethylene, gibberellin, jasmonic acid or salicylic acid. The question is whether other hormones may really affect strigolactone production.Analysis of the TFs that induced the expression of the strigolactone biosynthesis genes showed a large number of TF families that are related to hormonal regulation. In the case of the MAX3 and MAX4 in Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis and rice seedlings affects the expression of the different components of strigolactone biosynthesis pathway differently, including MAX3 and MAX4, and additionally that this effect depends on the time of treatment . The bebidopsis , as wellbidopsis ,86. Howereatment . SimilarMAX1 homologues in rice revealed that the expression of Os01g0700900 is induced under P starvation, whereas Os01g0701400 expression remained unchanged under the same conditions [ent-2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol and orobanchol, respectively [Arabidopsis and rice plants that were growing in low P conditions demonstrated that only the level of 5-deoxystrigol was significantly elevated, but that the carlactone level decreased slightly [in silico results that are obtained for strigolactone biosynthesis genes expression and the level of strigolactone compounds under different stresses or after hormone treatment is assumed to be that some strigolactone metabolites are stored by plants and constitute a reservoir for the rapid synthesis of their derivatives, which is mediated by individual enzymes in response to stress or hormone treatment.One explanation of different effects of hormone treatment on the expression of specific genes from the strigolactone production pathway might be the fact that the different stages of strigolacone production have their own mechanisms of regulation and additionally that strigolactones are tissue-specific  or that nditions . This meectively , only onslightly ,88. The in silico analysis of genes encoding proteins that are involved in strigolactone biosynthesis revealed new, as yet unconfirmed, roles of strigolactones in a plant’s response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as new crosstalk between strigolactones and other hormones. Moreover, the studies that are presented confirm the contribution of strigolactones in response to dehydration stresses, which have been described very recently [max3-11, max4-7) and signaling (max2-3) mutants were hypersensitive to dehydration and concluded that strigolactones modulate the stress response to drought via abscisic acid-dependent and abscisic acid-independent pathways in Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis mutants  are hypersensitive to drought, but that the strigolactone-deficient ones  do not differ in comparison to the wild-type, which means that strigolactones are not involved in the abscisic acid response pathway [The results that were obtained during an recently ,24. Both pathway . These dArabidopsis genes  were obtained using the PlantPAN analytical resource [Arabidopsis and rice genes that are involved in strigolactones biosynthesis.The 1000 bp long promoter sequences of resource ,90, wherresource . The proresource ,93, JASPresource ,95 and Presource ,97 in orTFs were assigned to the different processes based on the information that are available in the TRANSFAC Database ,99, the Arabidopsis and rice genes were obtained from the NCBI GeneBank and analyzed using the PlantPAN Database [The sequences of mRNA for all of the Database ,90 in orDatabase ,103 and Arabidopsis genes was analyzed using the eFP Browser tool [AtD27, MAX3 and MAX1, their TAIR ID was used to explore the databases, whereas for MAX4 its Affymterix Probe ID was used (253398_at). The data for abiotic stresses was obtained from the results that were published by Kilian and co-workers [Arabidopsis thaliana, Columbia-0 ecotype.The expression of ser tool ,46 and tser tool ,48. For -workers  and incl-workers ,47. ThosD17/HTD1, D10 and OsMAX1 (Os01g0701500). The expression in the roots was investigated under hormonal treatment using abscisic acid, auxin, brassinolide, cytokinin, gibberellin or jasmonic acid and the data was obtained from the RiceXPro Database [Oryza sativa L. japonicacv. Nipponbare  and biotic stresses  that have not been linked to this group of hormones before. Additionally, strigolactone production can be regulated in many different ways since genes that are involved in this process are under the regulation of the TFs that are related to almost all classes of plant hormones. During the analysis of the genes in both species, it was possible to distinguish the group of TFs that is able to regulate the expression of all of the genes from individual species that were analyzed, as well as TFs that bind the promoters of all of the genes that have already been identified for We believe that data that is presented will facilitate the planning of future experiments that will allow our assumptions about the new roles of strigolactones in plants, especially those that are related to the responses to biotic stresses or metabolism that have not been postulated before, to be confirmed.