Functional renormalization group approach to the sine-Gordon model.

The renormalization group flow is presented for the two-dimensional sine-Gordon model within the framework of the functional renormalization group method by including the wave-function renormalization constant. The Kosterlitz-Thouless-Berezinski type phase structure is recovered as the interpolating scaling law between two competing IR attractive area of the global renormalization group flow.

[Primary ciliary dyskinesia--importance of early diagnosis].

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited disease characterized by specific ultrastructural defects of cilia and sperms. The impairment of mucociliary clearance (MCC) results in chronic respiratory infections and subsequently in bronchiectasis.

Main Purpose: The evaluate rational decisions in early diagnosis of PCD.

Phenolic acids inhibit chloroplast mutagenesis in Euglena gracilis.

The mutagenicity (bleaching activity) of ofloxacin (43 microM) and acridine orange (AO) (13.5 microM) in Euglena gracilis is inhibited by plant phenolics. Caffeic acid (CA), p-coumaric acid (PCA), ferulic acid (FA) and gentisic acid (GA) (25, 50, 100 and 250 microM) exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect against ofloxacin-induced mutagenicity, which was very effectively eliminated by the highest concentration of all four of those phenolic acids.

Lignin reduces ofloxacin-induced mutagenicity in Euglena assay.

The possible protective effect of sulphur-free beech lignin polymer on the mutagenicity of ofloxacin in Euglena gracilis was studied. The generation of oxygen species by ofloxacin and their possible interaction with lignin was verified by physico-chemical measurements. The UV absorbance spectra of ofloxacin with and without lignin showed no interaction between these two compounds.

Antimutagenicity of a suberin extract from Quercus suber cork.

The possible protective effect of a suberin extract from Quercus suber cork on acridine orange (AO)-, ofloxacin- and UV radiation-induced mutagenicity (bleaching activity) in Euglena gracilis was examined. To our knowledge, the present results are the first attempt to analyse suberin in relation to mutagenicity of some chemicals. Suberin exhibits a significant dose-dependent protective effect against AO-induced mutagenicity and the concentration of 500 micrograms/ml completely eliminates the Euglena-bleaching activity of AO.