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Deschampsia antarctica is one of the only two native vascular plants in Antarctica, mostly located in the ice-free areas of the Peninsula's coast and adjacent islands. This region is characterized by a short growing season, frequent extreme climatic events, and soils with reduced nutrient availability. However, it is unknown whether its photosynthetic and stress tolerance mechanisms are affected by the availability of nutrients to deal with this particular environment. We studied the photosynthetic, primary metabolic, and stress tolerance performance of D. antarctica plants growing on three close sites (<500 m) with contrasting soil nutrient conditions. Plants from all sites showed similar photosynthetic rates, but mesophyll conductance and photobiochemistry were more limiting (~25%) in plants growing on low-nutrient availability soils. Additionally, these plants showed higher stress levels and larger investments in photoprotection and carbon pools, most probably driven by the need to stabilize proteins and membranes, and remodel cell walls. In contrast, when nutrients were readily available, plants shifted their carbon investment towards amino acids related to osmoprotection, growth, antioxidants, and polyamines, leading to vigorous plants without appreciable levels of stress. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that D. antarctica displays differential physiological performances to cope with adverse conditions depending on resource availability, allowing it to maximize stress tolerance without jeopardizing photosynthetic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) is required by many vertebrates to stimulate the photobiochemical synthesis of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body, including assisting in the absorption of calcium at the level of the intestines. Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to the development of nutritional disease. Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are naturally nocturnal to crepuscular; therefore, it is not known whether they benefit from UVB radiation. The purpose of this study was to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in leopard geckos exposed to short duration UVB light. Twelve adult, male leopard geckos were used for this study. Blood samples were collected from the cranial vena cava to establish baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. Once the baseline samples were collected, the animals were randomly divided into two groups. The animals provided UVB radiation were exposed to non-UVB producing light for 12 h and UVB for 2 h, whereas animals in the control group only received non-UVB producing light for 12 h. Exposure to the UVB light occurred for 2 h per day: 1 h at 0600 h and 1 h at 1800 h to mimic dawn and dusk, respectively. An additional blood sample was collected 30 days after the initiation of UVB exposure. There was a significant difference (F = 9.7, P = 0.012) in 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations between the two groups, with UVB exposed geckos having significantly higher concentrations. The results of this study demonstrate that short duration exposure to UVB light can lead to increased circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in leopard geckos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low phosphorus (P) availability elicits efflux of organic substances viz. carboxylic acids, phenolics, proteins, amino acids, sugars and other low molecular weight compounds in many leguminous crops including soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.). The potential for root exudation varies widely among soybean genotypes, as synthesis and secretion of root exudates place additional burden on the carbon demand of the plant. Hence, efficient photosynthetic machinery may attribute to the differential root exudation potential of soybean genotypes in response to low soil P availability. An attempt was made to understand the varietal differences in photo-biochemical processes of soybean genotypes identified previously with contrasting root exudation potential under low P (Vengavasi and Pandey, 2016). Genotypes EC-232019 (P-efficient) and EC-113396 (P-inefficient) were grown in soil with low (2 mg P kg −1 soil) and sufficient (25 mg P kg −1 soil) P levels under natural environment and observations were recorded at anthesis. The genotype EC-232019 exhibited higher maximal carboxylation rate (V cmax ), maximal photosynthesis (A max ), apparent quantum efficiency (Φ), mesophyll conductance (g m ), triose phosphate utilization rate (TPU), photochemical quenching (qP) and electron transport rate (ETR), along with higher chlorophyll a , total chlorophyll and total carotenoid concentration as compared to the P-inefficient EC-113396. Low P-induced reduction in maximal electron transport rate (J max ) and Φ was higher in EC-113396 rather than EC-232019, suggesting superior photo-biochemical efficiency in the latter. The observed variation in P uptake and growth responses might be attributed in part to the improved photo-biochemical processes exhibited by the P-efficient genotype EC-232019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban effluent potential toxicity was assessed by a battery of biomarkers aimed at determining sub-lethal effects after continuous exposure on the marine organism Solea senegalensis . Specimens were exposed to five effluent concentrations (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32) during 7-days, simulating the dispersion plume at the discharge point. Three different groups of biomarkers were selected in the present study: biomarkers of exposure (Phase I: EROD and DBF; Phase II: GST), biomarkers with antioxidant responses (GR and GPX) and biomarkers of effects (DNA damage and LPO). Additionally, a biological depuration treatment (photobiotreatment (PhtBio)) was tested in order to reduce the adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Effluent exposure caused sub-lethal responses in juvenile fish suggesting oxidative stress. After PhtBio application, concentrations of the major part of measured contaminants were reduced, as well as their bioavailability and adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate, in vitro , the effect of Aloe vera associated with endodontic medication, with or without laser photobiomodulation (FTL) irradiation in FP6 human pulp fibroblasts. The materials were divided into eight groups: CTR - control; CL - FTL alone; AA - Aloe vera with distilled water; AL - Aloe vera with distilled water and FTL; HA - calcium hydroxide P.A. with distilled water; HL - calcium hydroxide P.A. with distilled water and FTL; HAA - calcium hydroxide P.A. with Aloe vera and distilled water; HAL - calcium hydroxide P.A. with Aloe vera , distilled water, and FTL. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h and the genotoxicity by micronucleus test assay. This study was performed in triplicate. Data obtained in both tests were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests ( p ≤ 0.05). Group AA presented high genotoxicity and low cytotoxicity. After 24, 48, and 72 h, the group HAA significantly reduced the cell viability. Interaction with FTL showed slightly increase cell viability after 24 and 48 h in groups CL and HL ( p < 0.001), despite the high genotoxicity in group CL and low genotoxicity in group HL. Group AL showed higher cell survival rate at 72 h ( p < 0.05) and high genotoxicity ( p < 0.001). It was concluded that Aloe vera allowed higher cell viability in human pulp fibroblasts in the presence of calcium hydroxide or with FTL separately, but genotoxicity increased in these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical photosensitivity can be elicited by exposure of the skin to various pharmaceutical substances, foods, cosmetics and other environmental chemicals, followed by exposure to sunlight. There are at least three types of chemical photosensitivity, i.e. , photoirritancy (narrowly defined as phototoxicity), photogenotoxicity and photoallergenicity, and their clinical characteristics and mechanisms are quite different. Concerns about chemical photoallergy is increasing, and various studies have been made to clarify the photobiochemical characteristics of photoallergens and the mechanisms involved. Various methodologies, including in silico prediction models, photochemical assay systems, and in vitro phototoxicity prediction tools, have been developed to predict the photoallergenic potential of chemicals over the past few years. The aim of this manuscript is to review the clinical characteristics, pathogenetic mechanisms and photobiochemical features of photoallergens, with special emphasis on the current status about development of screening systems for predicting photoallergenic potential of chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosequestration of CO 2 in a 1.8 L Flat Plate Photobio-Bubble-Reactor using power plant algae ( Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum JUCHE2 ) has been studied. CO 2 concentration and light intensity have been varied in the range of 5–25% and 82 μmol m −2 s −1 –398.71 μmol m −2 s −1 , respectively. Dependence of initial specific growth rate of algae has been explained by Haldane type kinetics and by Langmuir–Hinshelwood type kinetics including shape factor with respect to liquid phase CO 2 concentration and the intensity of light, respectively. Half saturation constants for CO 2 (= K s ) and light (= K E ), inhibition constant for CO 2 (= K I ) and maximum specific growth rate (= μ max ) have been determined, respectively as 1.25 × 10 −7 Mol/L, 120 μmol m −2 s −1 , 0.00165 Mol/L and 0.996 d −1 . A mathematical model of the Flat Plate Photobio-Bubble-Reactor has been developed incorporating effects of phenomena like gas to liquid mass transfer of CO 2 , stripping of dissolved CO 2 to overhead gas space of the reactor, CO 2 uptake by algal biomass. Population dynamics of long term growth of algal biomass have been incorporated by using a Gaussian time function. The model has been validated up to gas phase CO 2 concentration of 25% through successful comparison of predicted data with corresponding experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that low-level lysosomal photodamage enhanced the efficacy of subsequent mitochondrial photodamage, resulting in a substantial promotion of apoptotic cell death. We now extend our analysis of the sequential PDT protocol to include two additional lysosomal-targeting photosensitizers. These agents, because of enhanced permeability, are more potent than the agent (N-aspartyl chlorin E6, NPe6) used in the initial study. Addition of the cell-permeable cysteine protease inhibitor E-64d and calcium chelator BAPTA-AM almost completely suppressed sequential PDTinduced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of procaspases-3 and -7. These inhibitors did not, however, suppress the proapoptotic effect of a BH3 mimetic or mitochondrial photodamage. Knockdowns of ATG7 or ATG5, proteins normally associated with autophagy, suppressed photodamage induced by the sequential PDT protocol. These effects appear to be independent of the autophagic process as pharmacological inhibition of autophagy offered no such protection. Effects of ATG7 and ATG5 knockdowns may reflect the role that ATG7 plays in regulating lysosome permeability, and the likelihood that a proteolytic fragment of ATG5 amplifies mitochondrial proapoptotic processes. Our results suggest that low-dose photodamage that sequentially targets lysosomes and mitochondria may offer significant advantages over the use of single photosensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the research was to study the reactivity of the hydrophobic 2- and 3-pyridineketoximes under exposure to UV-VIS light. The photodegradation was conducted in both toluene and heptane for 10 h under atmosphere of argon. Ten-hour irradiation experiments demonstrated that the pyridineketoximes underwent the facile E-Z photoisomerization, photo-Beckmann rearrangement, and to a lesser extent, the photosubstitution to the pyridine ring. From LC-MS and NMR analysis of the irradiated solutions, it was found that the photosubstitution proceeded to give the corresponding 6- substituted 2- or 3-pyridylketoxime via the replacement of the ring hydrogen by the benzyl or heptyl group. The photo- Beckmann rearrangement led to the formation of the corresponding amides, but also other products formed in the photo-decomposition reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One inescapable feature of life on the earth is exposure to ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to gamma-radiation and endocrine disrupters. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study was to gauge the value of using Helium-Neon laser to repair the damaged tissues of thyroid gland after gamma-irradiation. Albino rats were used in this study (144 rats), divided into control, gamma, laser, and gamma plus laser-irradiated groups, each group was divided into six subgroups according to time of treatment (total six sessions). Rats were irradiated once with gamma radiation (6 Gy), and an external dose of laser (Wavelength 632.8 nm, 12 mW, CW, Illuminated area 5.73 cm2, 2.1 mW cm-2, 120 s, 1.4 J, 0.252 J cm-2) twice weekly localized on thyroid region of the neck, for a total of six sessions. Animals were sacrificed after each session. Analysis included thyroid function, oxidative stress markers, liver function and blood picture. Results revealed improvement in thyroid function, liver function and antioxidant levels, and the blood cells count after LLLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous single-site mutants of photoactive yellow protein (PYP) from Halorhodospira halophila and as well as PYP homologs from other species exhibit a shoulder on the short wavelength side of the absorbance maximum in their darkadapted states. The structural basis for the occurrence of this shoulder, called the "intermediate spectral form," has only been investigated in detail for the Y42F mutation. Here we explore the structural basis for occurrence of the intermediate spectral form in a M121E derivative of a circularly permuted H. halophila PYP (M121E-cPYP). The M121 site in M121E-cPYP corresponds to the M100 site in wild-type H. halophila PYP. High-resolution NMR measurements with a salt-tolerant cryoprobe enabled identification of those residues directly affected by increasing concentrations of ammonium chloride, a salt that greatly enhances the fraction of the intermediate spectra form. Residues in the surface loop containing the M121E (M100E) mutation were found to be affected by ammonium chloride as well as a discrete set of residues that link this surface loop to the buried hydroxyl group of the chromophore via a hydrogen bond network. Localized changes in the conformational dynamics of a surface loop can thereby produce structural rearrangements near the buried hydroxyl group chromophore while leaving the large majority of residues in the protein unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luciferin-regenerating enzyme (LRE) contributes to in vitro recycling of D-luciferin. In this study, reinvestigation of the luciferase-based LRE assay is reported. Here, using quick change site-directed mutagenesis seven T-LRE (Lampyris turkestanicus LRE) mutants were constructed and the most functional mutant of T-LRE (T69R) was selected for this research and the effects of D- and L-cysteine on T69R T-LRE-luciferase- coupled assay are examined. Our results demonstrate that bioluminescent signal of T69R T-LRE-luciferase-coupled assay increases and then reach equilibrium state in the presence of 5 mM D-cysteine. In addition, results reveal that 5 mM D- and L-cysteine in the absence of T69R T-LRE cause a significant increase in bioluminescence intensity of luciferase over a long time as well as decrease in decay rate. Based on activity measurements, far-UV CD analysis, ANS fluorescence and DLS (Dynamic light scattering) results, D-cysteine increases the activity of luciferase due to weak redox potential, antiaggregatory effects, induction of changes in conformational structure and kinetics properties. In conclusion, in spite of previous reports on the effect of LRE on luciferase bioluminescent intensity, the majority of increase in luciferase light output and time-course originate from the direct effects of D-cysteine on structure and activity of firefly luciferase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the photocatalytic efficiency of anatase-type TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized using the sol--gel low-temperature method, were enhanced by a combined process of copper reduction and surface hydroxyl groups enhancement. UV-- light-assisted photo and NaBH4-assisted chemical reduction methods were used for deposition of copper onto TiO2. The surface hydroxyl groups of TiO2 were enhanced with the assistance of NaOH modification. The prepared catalysts were immobilized on glass plates and used as the fixed-bed systems for the removal of phenazopyridine as a model drug contaminant under visible light irradiation. NaOH-modified Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated higher photocatalytic efficiency than that of pure TiO2 due to the extending of the charge carriers lifetime and enhancement of the adsorption capacity of TiO2 toward phenazopyridine. The relationship of structure and performance of prepared nanoparticles has been established by using various techniques, such as XRD, XPS, TEM, EDX, XRF, TGA, DRS and PL. The effects of preparation variables, including copper content, reducing agents rate (NaBH4 concentration and UV light intensity) and NaOH concentration were investigated on the photocatalytic efficiency of NaOH-modified Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the factors determining the spectral shapes and widths of the absorption and fluorescence spectra for keto and enol oxyluciferin and their conjugate bases in aqueous solutions, the intensities of vibronic transitions between their ground and first electronic excited states were calculated for the first time via estimation of the vibrational Franck-Condon factors. The major normal modes, overtones and combination tones in absorption and fluorescence spectra are similar for all species. The theoretical full widths at half maximum of absorption spectra are 0.4-0.7 eV and those for the fluorescence spectra are 0.4-0.5 eV, except for phenolate-keto that exhibits exceptionally sharp peak widths due to the dominance of the 0-0' or 0'-0 band. These spectral shapes and widths explain many relevant features of the experimentally observed spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most important interface between human body and external environment, skin acts as an essential barrier preventing various environmental damages, among which DNA-damaging UV radiation from the sun remains the major environmental risk factor causing various skin diseases. It has been well documented that wavelengths in the ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation range (290-320 nm) of the solar spectrum can be absorbed by skin and lead to cutaneous injury and various other deleterious effects. During process such as wound healing, the orchestrated movement of cells in a particular direction is essential and highly regulated, integrating signals controlling adhesion, polarity and the cytoskeleton. Cell adhesion and migration are modulated through both of actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. However, little was known about how UVB affects skin wound healing and migration of epidermal keratinocytes. Here, we demonstrate that UVB can delay the wound healing progress in vivo with a murine model of full-thickness skin wound. In addition, UVB significantly inhibited keratinocyte motility by altering focal adhesion turnover and cytoskeletal dynamics. Our results provide new insights into the etiology of UVB exposure-induced skin damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marathon runners spend considerable time in outdoor training for and participating in marathons. Outdoor runners may experience high solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. South Africa, where running is popular, experiences high ambient solar UVR levels that may be associated with adverse health effects. This feasibility study explores the use of personal dosimeters to determine solar UVR exposure patterns and possible related acute health risks of four marathon runners during marathons and training sessions in Cape Town and Pretoria. Runners running marathons that started early in the day, and that did not exceed 4 hours, yielded low total solar UVR exposure doses (mean 0.093 SED per exposure period run, median 0.088 SED, range 0.062–0.136 SED; average of 16.54% of ambient solar UVR). Training sessions run during early morning and late afternoon presented similar results. Several challenges hindered analysis including accounting for anatomical position of personal dosimeter and natural shade. To assess health risks, hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated using a hypothetical runner's schedule. Cumulative, annual solar UVR exposure ‐ calculated acute health risks were low (HQ = 0.024) for training sessions and moderate (HQ = 4.922) for marathon runs. While these data and calculations are based on 18 person ‐ days, one can measure marathon runners' personal solar UVR exposure although several challenges must be overcome. Marathon runners spend considerable time outdoors training for and participating in marathons, and may experience high solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. South Africa, where running is popular, experiences high UVR levels that may be associated with adverse health effects. This feasibility study explores use of personal dosimeters to determine solar UVR exposure patterns of four marathon runners during marathons and training sessions. Runners running marathons that started early in the day, and that did not exceed 4 h, yielded low total solar UVR exposure doses. Several challenges hindered analysis including accounting for anatomical position of personal dosimeter and natural shade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hybrid membrane was prepared by a facile method based on a highly luminescent lanthanide coordination polymer and agarose. The soft membrane was characterized by FT-IR, PXRD, SEM and luminescence. It is found that the soft membrane is a highly selective and sensitive sensor, among 19 metal ion solutions of Fe3+, Mg2+, Li+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Ru3+, Cr3+, Ag+, Sr2+, Cd2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Hg2+ and Ca2+, only Fe3+ quench the luminescence. The sensing results can be distinguished by the naked eye in daylight or by irradiation of a portable UV light at the scene. Mechanism studies reveal the sensing is due to the decomposition of the coordination polymer 1 which induced by slow permeation of Fe3+. Further studies found anions of BO3-, CO32-, H2PO4-, Br-, Cl-, ClO4-, H2PO4-, I-, IO3- and NO3- will not quench the luminescence of the hybrid membrane, which imply that other anions in water would not disturb the detection result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is positively correlated with its effectiveness in root canal disinfection but negatively correlated with its biocompatibility. The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the bactericidal effects among ultrasonic irrigation with different concentration of NaOCl alone or together with photodynamic treatment (PDT) against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in infected root canals. One hundred and twenty bovine root canals contaminated with E. faecalis were randomly distributed into 12 groups treated with different disinfection methods: PDT, ultrasonic irrigation with NaOCl at different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 5.25%), and ultrasonic irrigation with NaOCl at different concentrations plus PDT. Data of microorganism load were collected before and after disinfection and analyzed by one-way ANOVA and LSD tests. Significantly enhanced antibacterial effects were noticed in groups treated by PDT plus 2.0% or 2.5% NaOCl irrigation (P < 0.05). No statistical differences existed in bactericidal efficacy among groups of PDT plus ultrasonic irrigation with 2.0%, 2.5% or 5.25% NaOCl, and ultrasonic irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl alone (P > 0.05). Our study confirmed the feasibility to reduce the concentration of NaOCl to a safer level while maintaining its antibacterial efficiency through synergistic effect of PDT with NaOCl ultrasonic irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A firefly luciferase (LUC)-based bioluminescent assay for total free fatty acids (FFA) is presented. It is based on LUC's capability of converting FFA into fatty acyl-adenylates with consumption of adenosine 50-triphosphate (ATP). Since ATP is a cosubstrate in LUC's bioluminescent reaction, together with firefly D-luciferin (D-LH2) and atmospheric oxygen (O2), any reduction in the assay's ATP content will lead to a decrease in the bioluminescent signal, which is proportional to the amount of FFA. Using FFA mixtures containing myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1) and arachidonic acid (20:4) in ethanol, the assay was optimized through statistical experimental design methodology, namely fractional factorial (screening) and central composite (optimization) designs. The optimized method requires 2 μof sample per tube in a final reaction volume of 50 μL. It is linear in the concentration range from 1 to 20 μM, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 1.3 and 4.5 μM, respectively. The method proved to be simple to perform, demands low reagent volumes, it is sensitive and robust and may be adapted to high-throughput screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation can negatively affect aquatic animals. Macrobrachium olfersi is a prawn that lives in clear freshwaters and during the breeding season, females carry eggs in an external brood pouch. Therefore, we hypothesize that eggs are also exposed to environmental UVB radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether UVB radiation induces DNA damage and compromises cell cycle in embryos of M. olfersi. In laboratory, UVB irradiance (310 mW. cm-2) that embryos receive in the natural environment was simulated. After irradiation, embryos were kept under different light conditions in order to recognize the presence of cell repair. UVB radiation induces DNA damage, specifically thymine dimers. After 48 h of UVB exposure, a significant decrease in the level of these dimers was observed in embryos kept under visible light while it remained constant in the dark. Moreover, under visible light and darkness, a decrease in proliferation was observed after 48 h of irradiation. An increase in PCNA expression and decrease in p53 expression were observed after, respectively, 1 and 48 h of exposure. Our results showed that UVB radiation disturbs the cell cycle and induces DNA damage in M. olfersi embryos. However, under visible light these embryos showed successful DNA repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) production is being explored for tumor fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT). As a prodrug, ALA is converted in heme biosynthesis pathway to PpIX with fluorescent and photosensitizing properties. To better understand the role of heme biosynthesis enzymes in ALA-mediated PpIX fluorescence and PDT efficacy, we used lentiviral shRNA to silence the expression of porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS), porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) and ferrochelatase (FECH) in SkBr3 human breast cancer cells. PBGS and PBGD are the first two cytosolic enzymes involved in PpIX biosynthesis, and FECH is the enzyme responsible for converting PpIX to heme. PpIX fluorescence was examined by flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed after ALA-mediated PDT. Silencing PBGS or PBGD significantly reduced ALA-stimulated PpIX fluorescence, whereas silencing FECH elevated basal and ALA-stimulated PpIX fluorescence. However, compared with vector control cells, the ratio of ALA-stimulated fluorescence to basal fluorescence without ALA was significantly reduced in all knockdown cell lines. PBGS or PBGD knockdown cells exhibited significant resistance to ALA-PDT, while increased sensitivity to ALA-PDT was found in FECH knockdown cells. These results demonstrate the importance of PBGS, PBGD and FECH in ALA-mediated PpIX fluorescence and PDT efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the design, construction and characterization of a novel type of light probe for measuring the angular radiance distribution of light fields. The differential acceptance angle (DAA) probe can resolve the directionality of a light field in environments with steep light gradients, such as microbial mats, without the need to remove, reorient, and reinsert the probe, a clear advantage over prior techniques. The probe consists of an inner irradiance sensor inside a concentric, moveable light-absorbing sheath. The radiative intensity in a specific zenith direction can be calculated by comparing the irradiance onto the sensor at different acceptance angles. We used this probe to measure the angular radiance distribution of two sample light fields, and observed good agreement with a conventional radiance probe. The DAA probe will aid researchers in understanding light transfer physics in dense microbial communities and expedite validation of numerical radiative transfer models for these environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reported UV-B radiation effects on biochemical traits in postharvest flowers of chrysanthemum. The experiment included six levels of UV-B radiation (UV0, 0 μW cm-2; UV50, 50 μW cm-2; UV200, 200 μW cm-2; UV400, 400 μW cm-2; UV600, 600 μW cm-2 and UV800, 800 μW cm-2). Enhanced UV-B radiation significantly increased hydrogen peroxide content (except for UV50), but did not evidently affect malondialdehyde content in flowers. Chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content were significantly increased by UV600 and UV800. UV400 and UV600 significantly increased anthocyanins, carotenoids and UV-B absorbing compounds content, and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase (C4H) over the control. 4-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL) activity was significantly decreased by enhanced UV-B radiation (except for UV50). The relationships between UV-B radiation intensities and the activities of secondary metabolism enzymes were best described by a second-order polynomial. The R2 values for UV-B radiation intensities and the activities of PAL, C4H and 4CL were 0.8361, 0.5437 and 0.8025, respectively. The results indicated that enhanced UV-B radiation could promote secondary metabolism processes in postharvest flowers, which might be beneficial for the accumulation of medically active ingredients in medicinal plants. The optimal UV-B radiation intensities in the study were between UV400-UV600. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vitro analysis of the effects of photosynthetically active and ultraviolet radiations was executed to assess the photostability of biologically relevant pigments phycocyanin (PC), phycoerythrin (PE) and allophycocyanin (APC) isolated from Lyngbya sp. A09DM. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiances significantly affected the integrity of PC, PE and APC; however, PAR showed least effect. UV radiation affected the bilin chromophores covalently attached to phycobiliproteins (PBPs). Almost complete elimination of the chromophore bands associated with α- and β-subunit of PE and APC occurred after 4 h of UV-B exposure. After 5 h of UV-B exposure, the content of PC, PE and APC decreased by 51.65%, 96.8% and 96.53%, respectively. Contrary to PAR and UV-A radiation, a severe decrease in fluorescence of all PBPs was observed under UV-B irradiation. The fluorescence activity of extracted PBP was gradually inhibited immediately after 15-30 min of UV-B exposure. In comparison to the PC, the fluorescence properties of PE and APC were severely lost under UV-B radiation. Moreover, the present study indicates that UV-B radiation can damage the structural and functional integrity of phycobiliproteins leading to the loss of their ecological and biological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) laser, using a high final energy of 4.8 J, during muscle regeneration after cryoinjury. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control (C, n = 10); Injured (I, n = 10) and Injured and laser treated (Injured/LLLT, n = 10). The cryoinjury was induced in the central region of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA). The applications of the laser (904 nm, 50 mW average power) were initiated 24 h after injury, at energy density of 69 J cm-1 for 48 s, for 5 days, to two points of the lesion. Twenty-four hours after the final application, the TA muscle was removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen to assess the general muscle morphology and the gene expression of TNF-α, TGF-β, MyoD, and Myogenin. The Injured/LLLT group presented a higher number of regenerating fibers and fewer degenerating fibers (P < 0.05) without changes in the collagen remodeling. In addition, the Injured/LLLT group presented a significant decrease in the expression of TNF-α and myogenin compared to the injured group (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the GaAs laser, using a high final energy after cryoinjury, promotes muscle recovery without changing the collagen remodeling in the muscle extracellular matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of LLLT on the expression of inflammatory cytokines related to the development of oral mucositis by gingival fibroblasts. Primary gingival fibroblasts were seeded on 24-well plates (105 cells/well) for 24 h. Fresh serum-free culture medium (DMEM) was then added, and cells were placed in contact with LPS (Escherichia coli, 1 μg mL-1), followed by LLLT irradiation (LaserTABLE-- InGaAsP diode prototype--780 nm, 25 mW) delivering 0, 0.5, 1.5 or 3 J cm-2. Cells without contact with LPS were also irradiated with the same energy densities. Gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 was evaluated by Real- Time PCR, and protein synthesis of these cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. Data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, complemented by the Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05). LPS treatment increased the gene expression and protein synthesis of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, while the expression of IL-1β was not affected. For LPS-treated groups, LLLT promoted significant decreases in the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 at 1.5 J cm-2 and 3 J cm-2. These results demonstrate that LLLT promoted a beneficial biomodulatory effect on the expression of inflammatory cytokines related to oral mucositis by human gingival fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UVA-visible light has been proposed as a risk factor in the photo-aging of the human eye lens, as well as in the etiology of cataract disease. There is accumulating evidence indicating that photosensitizing reactions mediated by endogenous chromophores, which are generated during human eye lens aging, can play an important role in the generation of these processes. These reactions can lead to protein impairment by inducing non-enzymatic post-translational modifications such as protein oxidation and crosslinking. Although numerous chromophores have been characterized as both bound to human eye lens proteins and as unbound low-molecular-mass compounds, their contribution to eye lens photoaging and cataract disease is not completely understood. In this article we discuss the photochemical contribution of UV-filters derived from tryptophan catabolism and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to human eye lens aging and cataract disease. We also discuss the recently described photosensitizing capacity of chromophores derived from newly discovered glucose and ascorbate degradation as a parallel pathway to their role in AGEs generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet light B (UVB) exposure induces cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), one of the most prevalent human cancers. Reoccurrence of cSCC in high-risk patients is prevented by oral retinoids. But oral retinoid treatment causes significant side effects; and patients develop retinoid resistance. Exactly how retinoids prevent UVB-induced cSCC is currently not well understood. Retinoid resistance blocks mechanistic studies in the leading mouse model of cSCC, the UVB-exposed SKH-1 hairless mouse. To begin to understand the role of retinoids in UVB-induced cSCC we first examined the localization pattern of key retinoid metabolism proteins by immunohistochemistry 48 h after UVB treatment of female SKH-1 mice. We next inhibited retinoic acid (RA) synthesis immediately after UVB exposure. Acute UVB increased RA synthesis, signaling and degradation proteins in the stratum granulosum. Some of these proteins changed their localization; while other proteins just increased in intensity. In contrast, acute UVB reduced the retinoid storage protein lectin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) in the epidermis. Inhibiting RA synthesis disrupted the epidermis and impaired differentiation. These data suggest that repair of the epidermis after acute UVB exposure requires endogenous RA synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence properties of 2,6- and 2,5-diphenylthiazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine (TPy) derivatives having an electron-donating substituent (methoxy and dimethylamino) on the 6- and 5- phenyl groups were studied. It was found that 2,6-diphenyl derivatives fluoresce more efficiently than 2,5-diphenyl derivatives. Furthermore, a 2,6-diphenyl derivative having an additional cyano group on the 2-phenyl ring was an excellent fluorophore showing a wide solvatochromism with great fluorescence yields. Based on the obtained spectroscopic data and mechanistic explanations concerning the substituent effects on the fluorescence properties, useful information on designing new TPy fluorophores is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the athermal effects of water-filtered infrared A (wIRA)-irradiation (780-1400 nm) on human dermal fibroblasts were investigated. For this purpose, cells were exposed to wIRA-irradiation (178 mW cm-2 for 1 h), while a sophisticated experimental setup prevented warming of the samples exceeding 0.1°C. The investigated parameters were the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide release, protein oxidation, proliferation rate, as well as intracellular Ca2+-release in single cells, most of them quantified via fluorescence microscopy and fluorimetric techniques. The existence of actual athermal wIRA-effects is still intensively discussed, since their detection requires a careful experimental setup and both efficient and powerful temperature regulation of the exposed samples. Here, we can definitively show that some of the supposed athermal wIRA-effects may be rather artifacts, since wIRA did not reveal any impact on the above mentioned parameters-- as long as the temperature of the exposed cells was carefully maintained. Though, we were able to identify an athermal DNA-protective wIRA-effect, since the induced DNA damage (quantified via 8-Oxo-G-formation) was significantly decreased after a subsequent UVB-exposure. These results suggest that many of the supposed athermal wIRAeffects can be induced by pure warming of the samples, independent from any wIRA-irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to detect the susceptibility of Ureaplasma urealyticum to methylene blue-mediated photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). Three U. urealyticum strains including the standard serotype 1 and 5, and a clinically collected strain were used in this study. Strains were first incubated in 96-well culture plates in the presence of methylene blue with decreasing concentrations (from 1 to 0.015625 mg mL-1) for 20 or 60 min, and then submitted to irradiation with a light-emitting diode laser with a power density of 100 mW cm-2 for 8, 17, 34 or 68 min. Regrowth of the strains was performed soon after irradiation. A significant inactivation effect was observed after PACT. Longer incubation time induced more extensive inactivation of U. urealyticum. No difference in response to PACT was observed between the two biovars of U. urealyticum. It was concluded that PACT had a significant inactivation effect on U. urealyticum, and it might be a promising alternative treatment for resistant U. urealyticum infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the chronic skin effects caused by the interaction of infrared and ultraviolet B radiations, male Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) (2 months old) were exposed for 15 days to infrared radiation (600-1500 nm, with a peak at 1000 nm, n = 12) for 30 min (1080 J cm-2) (IRo); to ultraviolet B radiation (peak emission at 313 nm, n = 9) for 90 min (55.08 J cm-2) (UVB); to infrared radiation followed after 90 min by ultraviolet B (n = 6) (IRUVB) and to ultraviolet B followed after 90 min by infrared radiation (n = 9) (UVBIR). Skin samples were collected and histopathological analysis showed the presence of acanthosis, parakeratotic and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, intraepidermal pustules, keratin pearls, detachment of epidermis, collagen necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate, vasodilation, basal cell vacuolization and superficial dermis degeneration both in UVB and UVBIR treatments. IRUVB animals showed the same characteristics as above except for parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, keratin pearls and superficial dermis degeneration. To conclude, infrared radiation exposure after ultraviolet B irradiation increases skin damage without protecting the tissue, while infrared radiation exposure before ultraviolet B irradiation showed a protective effect against ultraviolet skin damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric and in-water solar radiation, including UVR-B, UVR-A and PAR, as well as chromophoric dissolved organic matter absorption [aCDOM(λ)] in surface waters were monthly measured from November 2007 to December 2008 at a coastal station in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea (Bay of Marseilles, France). Our results showed that the UVR-B/ UVR-A ratio followed the same trend in the atmosphere and at 2 m depth in the water (P < 0.0001) with an increase (eight-fold higher) during summer. The low diffuse attenuation coefficients for downward irradiance [Kd(λ)] of UVR-B, UVR-A and PAR indicated that the waters were highly transparent throughout the year. The relationships between aCDOM(λ) and Kd(λ) in this oligotrophic system suggested that CDOM contributed to UVR attenuation in the UVA domain, but also played a significant role in PAR attenuation. Mean UV doses received in the mixed layer depth were higher by a factor 1.4-33 relative to doses received at fixed depths (5 and 10 m) in summer (stratified period), while the inverse pattern was found in winter (mixing period). This shows the importance of taking into account the vertical mixing in the evaluation of UVR effects on marine organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising incidence of skin cancers attributable to excessive sun exposure has become a major health concern worldwide. While numerous studies have analyzed the sun protective effect of sunscreens, clothing and antioxidants, none to date have measured the photoprotective effect of hair, despite clinical evidence that individuals with balding or thinning hair are at greater risk of skin lesions that can progress to cancer, hence the recommendation to use hats or umbrellas. We analyzed the level of protection offered by hair according to hair density, thickness and color using the spectral transmittance and corrected for relative erythema effectiveness. Our results show that hair provides a barrier against both UVB and UVA radiation which is significantly increased with respect to the hair density, thickness and the presence of melanins. This is the first study to quantify sun protection factor offered by hair, namely hair ultraviolet protection factor (HUPF). We believe that hair should be recognized as an important natural sun barrier in the prevention of UV-induced skin cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, porous 3D CdO-microstructured electrode obtained by pyrolysis of 3D CdCO3 microstructures is self-sensitized with CdSe using an ion exchange reaction. After sensitization, an interfacial treatment of the CdO-CdSe interface is performed by depositing a thin film of PEDOT using a photoinduce polymerization route. The microstructured electrode before and after interfacial treatment is characterized using field-emission scanning microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analyzer, contact angle measurement, UV- Visible absorption spectrophotometer and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. After constructing a liquid junction solar cell with a Pt counter electrode, the photovoltaic performance and interfacial charge transfer kinetics across the CdO-CdSe interface before and after PEDOT treatment are investigated. The results exhibit an improved interfacial charge-transfer resistance after the PEDOT treatment, which leads to enhance the short-circuit current by 15.81% and the power conversion efficiency by 19.82%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Man is endowed with brain and mind for comprehending reality of the world. Brain is material entity and is observable, while mind is a non-physical conceived entity. Scientific investigations enhance our knowledge of the functioning of brain and its constituents. They indicate mind-brain association but do not rule out the possibility, in which mind is a property of brain. The perceived reality of the world has both objective and subjective components. The objective components are attributed to brain either alone or in association with mind. The subjective components are considered to be the creations of mind but they appear to contain grains of reality. Attempts made to separate these grains have succeeded partially. One hopes for complete success only after the incorporation of a few missing ingredients. It is our contention that the missing ingredients are human being as an entangled quantum entity - photon field, quantum entity's capability to read information from photon fields of other humans and from its own field reflected by the environment. The evidence for the first ingredient is provided by the analysis of spontaneously emitted visible range photon signals by human beings. The other two ingredients put usual charge- photon interaction in proper context. The experimental results relevant to mind- brain interface are briefly described. A few minutes' time series of small portion of these signals determines their nine properties, which establish quantum nature of signal, and specify quantum state of the dominant component to be squeezed state. Six properties differ in signals emitted at 12 anatomical sites of the same person. Profile of a property for a person is the set of its values at 12 sites. Profile is very informative and can discriminate persons with differing holistic features. Cluster analysis offers procedures for measuring qualitative holistic features e.g. procedure for measuring 'meditativeness' of a person. The incorporation of other two ingredients chalks out a route for answering the question who we are? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been studied extensively within the biofuel industry as a model organism, as researchers look towards algae to provide chemical feedstocks (i.e., lipids) for the production of liquid transportation fuels. C. reinhardtii, however, is unsuitable for high-level production of such precursors due to its relatively poor lipid accumulation and fresh-water demand. In this study we offer insight into the primary light harvesting and electron transfer reactions that occur during phototropic growth in a high-salt tolerant strain of Chlorella (a novel strain introduced here as NE1401), a single-celled eukaryotic algae also in the phylum Chlorophyta. Under nutrient starvation many eukaryotic algae increase dramatically the amount of lipids stored in lipid bodies within their cell interiors. Microscopy and lipid analyses indicate that Chlorella sp. NE1401 may become a superior candidate for algal biofuels production. We have purified highly active Photosystem 1 (PS1) complexes to study in vitro, so that we may understand further the photobiochemisty of this promising biofuel producer and how its characteristics compare and contrast with that of the better understood C. reinhardtii. Our findings suggest that the PS1 complex from Chlorella sp. NE1401 demonstrates similar characteristics to that of C. reinhardtii with respect to light-harvesting and electron transfer reactions. We also illustrate that the relative extent of the light state transition performed by Chlorella sp. NE1401 is smaller compared to C. reinhardtii, although they are triggered by the same dynamic light stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic light-emitting materials in marine macrophytes from various coastal environments were identified. Twentyeight species from the solvent fractions were examined and identified as candidates for bioorganic light-emitting materials using photoluminescence (PL) spectra and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We selected 16 solvent fractions from a total of 1,221 prepared from Ishige okamurae, Sargassum confusum, Grateloupia elliptica, Chondracanthus intermedius, Porphyra yezoensis, Meristotheca papulosa, Gelidium amansii, and Scytosiphon lomentaria. The maximum light-emitting PL spectra appeared at various colors, mainly between blue and green, based on chromaticity coordinates, from solvent fractions of M. papulosa, G. amansii, G. elliptica, P. yezoensis, S. lomentaria, I. okamurae, and C. intermedius. These results will contribute to the development of novel organic light-emitting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the photobiochemical production of carbon monoxide by a terminal ba3-cytochrome c oxidase from T. thermophilus HB8. FTIR and time-resolved step-scan FTIR spectroscopies were combined to probe this process and also monitor the concomitant binding of the produced gas to other intact ba3 molecules forming the ba3-CO complex. The activation of this mechanism by ba3-oxidase under visible excitation raises the question as to whether such a mechanism is physiologically relevant to the extreme environment in which it operates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic coupling between a robust red algal photosystem I (PSI) associated with its light harvesting antenna (LHCI) and nanocrystalline n-type semiconductors, TiO2 and hematite (α-Fe2O3) is utilized for fabrication of the biohybrid dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). PSI-LHCI is immobilized as a structured multilayer over both semiconductors organized as highly ordered nanocrystalline arrays, as evidenced by FE-SEM and XRD spectroscopy. Of all the biohybrid DSSCs examined, α-Fe2O3/PSI-LHCI biophotoanode operates at a highest quantum efficiency and generates the largest open circuit photo­current compared to the tandem system based on TiO2/PSI-LHCI material. This is accomplished by immobilization of the PSI-LHCI complex with its reducing side towards the hematite surface and nanostructuring of the PSI-LHCI multilayer in which the subsequent layers of this complex are organized in the head-to-tail orientation. The biohybrid PSI-LHCI-DSSC is capable of sustained photoelectrochemical H2 production upon illumination with visible light above 590 nm. Although the solar conversion efficiency of the PSI-LHCI/hematite DSSC is currently below a practical use, the system provides a blueprint for a genuinely green solar cell that can be used for molecular hydrogen production at a rate of 744 μmoles H2 mg Chl−1 h−1, placing it amongst the best performing biohybrid solar-to-fuel nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is the most popular anode buffer coated on indium tin oxide. It is thought to improve the inorganic-organic contact, but little is known about its role in organic-organic contact. This study addresses the latter issue by examining how the PEDOT:PSS layer affects the crystallization process of the neighboring layer composed of p-type organic semiconductors in an organic photovoltaic device. Low landing voltage scanning electron microscopic analysis of crystals and aggregates of two donor compounds, tetrabenzoporphyrin (BP) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), showed that PEDOT:PSS effectively nucleates the crystallization or aggregation of the donor material on its surface to form a uniformly thick film of polycrystalline BP or aggregated P3HT molecules. By contrast, a graphitic surface cannot induce structural order of the donor molecules on it. This result implies that pinning of the donor molecules to the acidic PEDOT:PSS surface promotes the heterogeneous nucleation at the organic-organic interface. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 833-841 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fluorescence microscopy, the photophysical properties of the fluorescent markers play a fundamental role. The beauty of phototransformable fluorescent proteins (PTFPs) is that some of these properties can be precisely controlled by light. A wide range of PTFPs have been developed in recent years, including photoactivatable, photoconvertible and photoswitchable fluorescent proteins. These smart labels triggered a plethora of advanced fluorescence methods to scrutinize biological cells or organisms dynamically, quantitatively and with unprecedented resolution. Despite continuous improvements, PTFPs still suffer from limitations, and mechanistic questions remain as to how these proteins precisely work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide here a brief News Report on the 100th birth anniversary of Academician Alexander Abramovich Krasnovsky, one of the greatest photobiochemists of our time, who was born on August 26, 1913 and died on May 16, 1993. We provide here a short description of his research, followed by some photographs. He was a pioneering intellectual in the area of chlorophyll photochemistry, and was always ahead of his time; he, indeed, was a remarkable human being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Near-infrared (NIR, 700–900 nm) fluorescent quantum dots are highly promising as NIR bioprobes for high-resolution and high-sensitivity bioimaging applications. In this article, we present a class of NIR-emitting CdTe/CdS/ZnS core–shell–shell quantum dots (QDs), which are directly prepared in aqueous phase via a facile microwave synthesis. Significantly, the prepared NIR-emitting QDs possess excellent aqueous dispersibility, strong photoluminescence, favorable biocompatibility, robust storage-, chemical-, and photo-stability, and finely tunable emission in the NIR range (700–800 nm). The QDs are readily functionalized with antibodies for use in immunofluorescent bioimaging, yielding highly spectrally and spatially resolved emission for in vitro and in vivo imaging. In comparison to the large size of 15–30 nm of the conventional NIR QDs, the extremely small size (∼4.2 nm or 7.5 nm measured by TEM or DLS, respectively) of our QDs offers great opportunities for high-efficiency and high-sensitivity targeted imaging in cells and animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]