bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Hydroxycinnamic Acid Amides and Tryptophan by Jasmonic Acid, Abscisic Acid and Osmotic Stress in Barley Leaves
Authors: Ogura Yuki , Ishihara Atsushi , Iwamura Hajime
Published: February 2015

The effects of jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic aid (ABA) on secondary metabolism in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were investigated. Treatment with JA at 100 μᴍ for 48 h induced accumulation of four compounds in barley primary leaves. The accumulation of these com­pounds was also observed after treatment with ABA at 100 μᴍ. The induced compounds were identified as p-coumaroylputrescine, p-coumaroylagmatine, p-coumaroyl-3-hydroxyagmatine and tryptophan by spectroscopic methods. The profiles of compounds induced by application of JA and ABA were different. JA exhibited stronger inducing activity for hydroxycinnamic acid amides than ABA, while ABA was more active in tryptophan accumulation. The major hydroxycinnamic acid amides in JA-and ABA-treated leaves were p-coumaroylagmatine and p-coumaroyl-3-hydroxyagmatine, respectively. These differences suggested that JA and ABA act in distinct modes. The induction of these compounds was also observed in leaf segments treated with 1 ᴍ sorbitol and glucose. These findings suggested that JA and ABA are involved in accumulation of hydroxycinnamic acid amides and tryptophan in response to osmotic stress in barley.
Chemical Intra-Mediterranean Variation and Insecticidal Activity of Crithmum maritimum
Authors: Tsoukatou Maria , Tsitsimpikou Christina , Vagias Constantinos , Roussis Vassilios
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the volatile metabolites of Crithmum maritimum harvested from several geographic localities along the Mediterranean coasts was studied by GC and GC-MSD. The major oil constituents were found to be dillapiole, γ-terpinene, sabinene, limo-nene and β-phellandrene. The Western populations were richer in dillapiole, whereas the Southern collections were characterized by increased amounts of thymol methyl ether and y-terpinene. The Italian chemical profiles differentiated by the significant contributions of carvacrol methyl ether and isoterpinolene. The essential oils were also investigated for their insecticidal activity and their repellency against Pheidole pallidula (Nylander) ants and found to possess significant activity.
Antifeedants against Acusta despesta from the Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Chen Xiao Hui , Kim Chul-Sa , Kashiwagi Takehiro , Tebayashi Shin-ich , Horiike Michio
Published: February 2015

During our studies on the components in Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica, we found that the crude methanol extract of C. japonica showed intense antifeeding activity against one snail species, Acusta despesta, which is well-known as a pest of many vegetables and crops.

The active components in the extract were separated into the hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions. From the active ethyl acetate soluble fraction, two norlignans, sequirin-C and agatharesinol, were isolated and identified as the active compounds. Both compounds inhibited feeding behavior of A. despesta at 30 μg/cm2 and 40 μg/cm2 concentrations, respectively, when applied by an eggplant leaf or filter paper containing 20 μl of 5% sucrose solution.
Human Alveolar Macrophages Express Elafin and Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor
Authors: Mihaila Alina , Tremblay Guy M.
Published: February 2015

Elafin and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) are two structurally related serine protease inhibitors present in the lung. The cellular origin of elafin in the alveolar space is unknown. It has been suggested that at least one alveolar leukocyte population express elafin. We therefore postulated that the alveolar macrophage, as the most numerous leukocyte in the alveolar space, express elafin. On the other hand, it is unclear whether human alveolar macrophages are a source of SLPI. In the present study, we showed by RT-PCR that human alveolar macrophages, but not peripheral blood monocytes, express elafin and SLPI transcripts. Elafin, but not SLPI, m RNA expression was increased time dependently in alveolar macrophages stimulated with Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula antigen (50 μg/ml), a causative agent of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but not LPS (10 μg/ml). Intracellular or cell-associated elafin protein accumulated after 24 h of culture only in S. rectivirgula antigen-stimulated alveolar macrophages as shown by Western blot. In contrast, alveolar macrophages release 50 ± 6 pg/ml of SLPI in culture medium with no increase in function of time. Alveolar macrophages could be a source of elafin in the lung. In addition to lung structural cells, SLPI could also be derived from alveolar macrophages.
Common Solvent Toxicity: Autoxidation of Respiratory Redox-Cyclers Enforced by Membrane Derangement
Authors: Garbe Thomas R. , Yukawa Hideaki
Published: February 2015

Unspecific biological effects of chemically diverse solvents strikingly reveal the unifying motif of oxidant toxicity both in higher organisms and in aerobic bacteria. In a few spectacular cases, solvent metabolites with oxidant properties were demonstrated, which however cannot explain extrahepatic toxicity, e.g. in muscle and nerve cells. A common source of solvent-inducible oxidants, by contrast, is suggested to be located in mitochondria or, more general, in membranes where the respiratory chain operates. Orderly respiration depends on membrane integrity, which is invariably compromised by exposure to most solvents and many other lipophils. In rat mitochondria, toluene-induced membrane derangement has been directly implicated with superoxide production, resulting from autoxidation of the membrane-located respiratory redox-cycler ubisemiquinone. A related mechanism may occur in bacteria: Exposure of Escherichia coli to lipophils such as ethanol, tetralin, indole, chlorpromazine and procaine, or to heat shock, induces anti-oxidant proteins, which are reliable indicators of increased oxidant levels. Although many molecular details remain to be elucidated, this review documents that oxidant toxicity of lipophilic compounds is a common physiological phenomenon correlated with derangement of membranes where respiratory processes take place. Subjective consequences of acute oxidant injury are probably the hangover from alcohol and nicotine consumption, and the sudden death from recreational solvent abuse. Suggestions concerning oxidants as major contributors to ageing remain unchallenged
Flavon- and Flavonolglycosides from Achillea pannonica Scheele
Authors: Kasaj Denata , Krenn Liselotte , Prinz Sonja , Hüfner Antje , Yuc Shi Shan , Kopp Brigitte
Published: February 2015

The detailed investigation of a methanolic extract of aerial parts of Achillea pannonica SCHEELE. within a chemotaxonomic study led to the isolation of 6 flavonoid glycosides. Besides rutin, apigenin-7-O-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-glucopyranoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside and acacetin-7-O-rutinoside, an unusual flavondiglucoside was isolated. Its structure was established by UV, 1HNMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR techniques and ESI-MS as luteolin-7,4′-O-β-diglucoside. This substance is reported for the first time in the genus Achillea. Chemotaxonomic aspects are discussed briefly
N,N′,N″-Triferuloylspermidine, a New UV Absorbing Polyamine Derivative from Pollen of Hippeastrum × hortorum
Authors: Youhnovski Nikolay , Werner Christa , Hesse Manfred
Published: February 2015

A new hydroxycinnamoyl polyamine derivative, N,N′,N″-triferuloylspermidine (= (E)-N-(4-aminobutyI)-3,3′,3″-tris(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-N,N′,N″-(butane-1,4-diyl)tris [prop-2-enamide]) (1) was detected in the H2O /MeOH extract of pollen from Hippeastrum × hortorum. The compound was identified by on-line-coupled high-performance liquid chromatography and atmospheric-pressure chemical-ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV(DAD)/ APCI-MS and MS/MS). The structure was proven by comparing the HPLC/MS data after UV-induced (E) ⇄ (Z) photoisomerization and catalytic hydrogenation of the natural compound and the synthetic reference compound. This is the first report of a triferuloylspermidine in nature
Triaziflam and Diaminotriazine Derivatives Affect Enantioselectively Multiple Herbicide Target Sites
Authors: Grossmann Klaus , Tresch Stefan , Plath Peter
Published: February 2015

Enantiomers of triaziflam and structurally related diaminotriazines were synthesized and their herbicidal mode of action was investigated. The compounds caused light and dark-dependent effects in multiple test systems including heterotrophic cleaver and photoautotrophic algal cell suspensions, the Hill reaction of isolated thylakoids and germinating cress seeds. Dose response experiments revealed that the (S)-enantiomers of the compounds preferentially inhibited photosystem II electron transport (PET) and algae growth with efficacies similar to that of the herbicide atrazine. In contrast, the (R)-enantiomers of the diaminotriazines were up to 100 times more potent inhibitors of growth in cleaver cell suspensions and cress seedlings in the dark than the (S)-enantiomers. The most active compound, the (R)-enantiomer of triaziflam, inhibited shoot and root elongation of cress and maize seedlings at concentrations below 1 μm. The meristematic root tips swelled into a club shape which is typical for the action of mitotic disrupter herbicides and cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors. Microscopic examination using histochemical techniques revealed that triaziflam (R)-enantiomer blocks cell division in maize root tips 4 h after treatment. The chromosomes proceeded to a condensed state of prometaphase but were unable to progress further in the mitotic cycle. Disruption of mitosis was accompanied by a loss of spindle and phragmoplast micotubule arrays. Concomitantly, cortical microtubules decreased which could lead to iso-diametric cell growth and consequently to root swelling. In addition, a decline in cellulose deposition in cell walls was found 24 h after treatment. Compared to the (R)-form, triaziflam (S)-enantiomer was clearly less active. The results suggest that triaziflam and related diaminotriazines affect enantioselectively multiple sites of action which include PET inhibitory activity, mitotic disruption by inhibiting microtubule formation and inhibition of cellulose synthesis
Differential Changes in the Steady State Levels of Thylakoid Membrane Proteins during Senescence in Cucumis sativus Cotyledons
Authors: Prakash Jogadhenu S. S. , Baig Masroor A. , Mohanty Prasanna
Published: February 2015

Chloroplast structure and function is known to alter during foliar senescence. Besides, the alterations in the structural organisation of thylakoid membranes changes in the steady state levels of thylakoid membrane proteins occur due to leaf ageing. We monitored temporal changes in some of the specific proteins of thylakoid membrane protein complexes by western blotting in the Cucumis sativus cotyledons as a function of the cotyledon age. We observed that the levels of D1 and D2 proteins of photosystem II started declining at the early stages of senescence of Cucumis cotyledons and continued to decline with the progress of cotyledon age. Similarly the level of Cyt f of Cyt b6/f complex declined rapidly with progress of senescence in these cotyledons. The reaction centre proteins of photosystem I were relatively found to be more stable than that of photosystem II reaction centre proteins reflecting possibly the disorganisation of photosystem II prior to photosystem I. The 33 kDa extrinsic protein (MSP) of oxygen evolving complex, the LHCII apoprotein and the β-subunit of ATPsynthase showed the declined levels with the progress of cotyledon age. However, the extents of loss of these proteins were not as high as the reaction centre proteins of photosystem II and the Cyt f. These results provide that during senescence, proteins of thylakoid membranes degrade in a specific temporal sequence and thereby affect the temporal photo­chemical functions in Cucumis sativus cotyledons
New Bioactive Chalcones in Propolis from El Salvador
Authors: Popova Milena , Bankova Vassya , Spassov Stefan , Tsvetkova Iva , Vides Silva Mario , Tsartsarova Maria , Naydenski Christo
Published: February 2015

2′,3′-Dihydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxychalcone (1) and 2′,3′,4-trihydroxy-4′-methoxy-chalcone, two new chalcones, were isolated from propolis from El Salvador. The compounds showed significant antibacterial ana antifunfag activity and moderate toxicity to Artemia salina nauplii
Chemical Composition and Behavioral Responses of the Marine Insect Halobates hawaiiensis (Heteroptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Tsoukatou Maria , Cheng Lanna , Vagias Constantinos , Roussis Vassilios
Published: February 2015

Halobates is the only insect genus with representatives in the open ocean. How adults find one another at sea has long been an intriguing issue. Since chemical communications have been demonstrated in a related marine veliid Trochopus, and laboratory bioassays indicated behavioral differences between males and females when insect extracts were presented, we carried out similar studies on Halobates. Analyses of surface lipid constituents of female and male Halobates hawaiiensis revealed marked differences. Palmitic and oleic acid, major constituents in the male extracts, were absent in the female extract, whereas nonacosenol, dominating the female extracts, was not detected in the male extracts. Analyses of nymphal extracts indicated an intermediate chemical profile. Surface waxes of all insect stages investigated showed nonacosanol and isononacosanol to be main components. “Headspace” analyses of airborne chemicals showed high levels of 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone and benzal­dehyde from the male, whereas benzyl alcohol was the main component in the female mixture
The Structure of the Pyoverdin Isolated from Various Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars
Authors: Jülich Markus , Taraz Kambiz , Budzikiewicz Herbert , Geoffroy Valerie , Meyer Jean-Marie , Gardan Louis
Published: February 2015

From seven different pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae representing various genetic subgroups, and one strain of Pseudomonas viridiflava the same pyoverdin siderophore (1) was isolated, probably identical with the pyoverdin whose amino acid composition (but not their sequence) had been reported before. 1 is the first pyoverdin where two of the ligands for Fe3+ are β-hydroxy Asp units. Its remarkably high complexing constant for Fe3+ at pH 5 as compared with other pyoverdins offers a definite advantage in plant infection. The structure elucidation of 1 will be described and the taxonomical implications regarding pyoverdins with different structures ascribed previously to P. syringae strains will be discussed.
Chemical Probes for Water-Oxidation: Synthetic Manganese Complexes in Photoactivation of Water Splitting Complex and as Exogenous Electron Donors to Photosystem II
Authors: Bernát Gábor , Padhye Subhash , Barta Csilla , Kovács László , Demeter Sándor
Published: February 2015

Photoactivation of the water splitting enzyme was performed with 13 different synthetic manganese complexes and characterized by oxygen evolution yield, thermoluminescence and chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics. The efficiency of different compounds in photoactivation correlated with the rate of linear electron transport in the presence of these com pounds. The organic ligands, associated with the manganese ions, do not prevent the photoactivation of the water splitting complex (WOC). Photoactivation with different manganese complexes depended on the number of the Mn-ions in the complex, their valence state and the nature of their donor atoms. The most efficient restorations were achieved by using tetram eric complexes having a dimer+dimer structure, complexes containing Mn(II) ions, and having 4-6 oxygen and 0-2 nitrogen atoms as donor atoms. Further, the effectiveness of photoactivation depended largely on the structure of the complexes. Our data support the notion that WOC in intact thylakoids requires the cooperation and well determined arrangement of all four manganese ions, and argue against the hypothesis that two manganese ions are sufficient for water splitting. Photoactivation by some complexes led to anomalous flashoxygen patterns, which are explained by a modified/perturbed water splitting complex.
Expansion of Phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidylserine/Phosphatidylcholine Monolayers by Differently Charged Amphiphiles
Authors: Białkowska Katarzyna , Bobrowska-Hägerstrand Małgorzata , Hägerstrand Henry
Published: February 2015

Monolayer Technique, Nonionic Detergent, Erythrocyte Shape The degree and time-course of expansion of palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (PC) and bovine brain phosphatidylserine (PS)/PC (75:25, mol/mol) monolayers at 32 mN/m caused by differently charged amphiphiles (detergents) added to the sub-phase buffer (pH 7.4, 22 °C) were followed. Amphiphiles were added to the sub-phase at a concentration/monolayer area corresponding to the concentration/erythrocytes surface area where sphero-echinocytic or sphero-stomatocytic shapes are induced (0.46-14.6 μᴍ). Nonionic, cationic and anionic am­ phiphiles expanded the PS/PC monolayer significantly more (1.7-4.2 times) than the PC monolayer. A zwitterionic amphiphile expanded both monolayers to a similar extent. The initial rate of monolayer-expansion was higher for all amphiphiles (1.7-20.4 times) in the PS/PC monolayer than in the PC monolayer.

It is suggested that hydrophobic interactions govern the intercalation of amphiphiles into monolayers, and that monolayer packing, modulated by phospholipid head group interactions and alkyl chain saturation, strongly influence amphiphile intercalation. A possible relation between the monolayer-expanding effect of amphiphiles and their effect on erythrocyte shape is discussed.
Physiological and Hemolytic Toxicity of Some Aminophosphonates
Authors: Trela Zenon , Kleszczyńska Halina , Sarapuk Janusz
Published: February 2015

The effect of novel synthesized aminophosphonates on membrane potential and electrical conductance of internodal cells of Nitellopsis obtusa and hemolysis of erythrocytes (RBC) was studied. It was found that those the organophosphorous compounds, when present at 10-100 μm concentrations, caused depolarization and increased electrical conductance of alga membranes. They also influenced fluidity of erythrocyte membranes. When used at higher concentrations aminophosphonates caused hemolysis of RBC. The changes observed depended on structural features of the aminophosphonates, i.e., substituents at the carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen atoms, and, most probably, may be the result of direct interaction of the am inophosphonates with the lipid phase of the plasma membrane and the induced structural changes. Two modes of interaction are proposed.
Metallothionein Levels in the Bivalves Callista chione and Venus verrucosa from Two Mediterranean Sites
Authors: Cotou Efthimia , Vagias Constantinos , Rapti Theodora , Roussis Vassilios
Published: February 2015

Metallothioneins levels (MTs) in the clams Callista chione and Venus verrucosa, collected from two coastal sites in Greece, were determined and quantified by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and a spectrophotometric assay (Ellm an’s reaction). SDS-AGE separation in the digestive gland, which represents the hepato-pancreas in clams, demonstrated the presence of MTs similar to mammalian MT (rabbit liver Cd, Zn-thionein). No other SH-containing proteins apart from the MTs were detected. MT levels quantified by the Ellman’s reaction indicated seasonal variation for both species. The highest values were recorded in the spring and the lowest in the autumn. The seasonal variation and the differences in the MT levels of the two areas seem to be related to the reproductive cycle of the organisms as well as to abiotic factors of each area. Our results show that both C. chione and V. verrucosa have the potential to be used as biomarkers of metal pollution, provided that the influence of the external factors is safely quantified.
Suppression of Radical-Induced Lipid Peroxidation in a Model System by Alkyl Esters of Cinnamate Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Authors: Krasowska Anna , Stasiuk Maria , Oswiecimska Malgorzata , Kozubek Arkadiusz , Bien Malgorzata , Witek Stanislaw , Sigler Karel
Published: February 2015

Three new groups of phenolic antioxidants, quaternary ammonium salts with a phenol ring and alkyl chains of different length (pyrrolidine ethyl esters of 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxydihydrocinnamic acid n-alkoxymethylchlorides (PYE-n) or n-alkylbromides (PYA-n) and 2-dimethylaminoethyl ester n-alkylbromides (PPA-n), were synthesized. Some of them were previously found to efficiently protect yeast cells against oxidants and to inhibit the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in whole yeast cells and in isolated membrane lipids. The new antioxidants (at 1-100 μm) abolished or diminished peroxidation of oliwe oil emulsions caused by the OH•-producing Fe2+ and RO• and ROO•-producing tertbutylhydroperoxide (TBHP) and the azo compounds 2,2′-azobis-(amidinopropane)dihydronitrile (AAPH) and 1,1′-azobis-(1-cyclohexanecarbonitrile) (ACHN): all present at 10 mᴍ . The efficiency of individual both antioxidants was examined in relation to the type of lipid peroxidation inducer, the site of antioxidant incorporation into the emulsion lipid phase, the length of the alkyl chain, and the maximum concentration of effective antioxidant monomers given by its critical micelle concentration. PYA-n class compounds were highly efficient against all peroxidation inducers and their efficiency did not depend on the position of their molecules in the lipid phase and/or on the aliphatic chain length. In contrast, the efficiency of PYE-n and PPA-n class compounds depended both on the type of oxidant and on the length of their aliphatic chain. Their potency against Fe2+ and ACHN increased with increasing alkyl chain length whereas with AAPH it dropped with increasing alkyl chain length. A similar pattern was found with the action of PYE-n against TBHP whereas in the PPA-n group an extending alkyl chain reduced the anti-TBHP efficiency. These relationships may not be entirely straightforward and other factors (chemical nature of each compound, its possible interaction with fluorescent probes used for diagnostics, etc.) may play a considerable and not yet quite clear role. PPA-n class antioxidants have the lowest critical micelle concentration, which may limit their efficiency. Nevertheless, these phenolic antioxidants can be conveniently employed as highly efficient inhibitors of lipid peroxidation.
Effects of Anticancer Drugs on Transcription in vitro
Authors: Wilmańska Dorota , Czyz Malgorzata , Studzian Kazimierz , Piestrzeniewicz Mariola K. , Gniazdowski Marek
Published: February 2015

The effects of DNA interacting drugs on: (1) total RNA synthesis catalyzed by E.coli and T7 RNA polymerase; (2) synthesis of the initiating dinucleotide (pppApU) by E .coli RNA polymerase (“abortive initiation“); (3) elongation of RNA chains synthesized by T7 RNA polymerase on pT7-7 plasmid DNA bearing T7 RNA polymerase promoter ϕ 10 with human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase coding sequence, (4) interaction of transcription factor Sp1 and its binding site were studied. Intercalating ligands which form quickly dissociating complexes with DNA (anthracyclines, proflavine, ethidium bromide) are compared with the slowly dissociating drug of d(G · C ) specificity (actinomycin D), the non-intercalating, d(A · T ) specific pyrrole antibiotics (netropsin and distamycin A) and covalently binding to DNA 1-nitroacridine derivative (nitracrine). The obtained results indicate that rapidly dissociating ligands, proflavine and ethidium bromide, inhibit total RNA synthesis in vitro and the abortive initiation to a similar extent while they do not induce discrete elongation stops of RNA polymerase. Actinomycin D and nitracrine exhibit a high inhibitory effect on total RNA synthesis and induce stops of RNA polymerase while not affecting abortive initiation. Pyrrole antibiotics primarily inhibit the initiation, while no elongation stops are induced. Actinomycin D inhibits complex formation between nuclear proteins and the Sp1 binding site. Netropsin, ethidium bromide, proflavine and other intercalating acridines do not affect Sp1 binding. The results indicate that the effects primarily depend on sequence specificity and secondarily on the dissociation rate of ligands from their complexes with DNA.
A Survey of Nosema apis of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) Producing the Famous Anzer Honey in Turkey
Authors: Özkırım Aslı , Keskin Nevin
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study is to find out the ratio of Nosema infected honey bees which are producing the famous Anzer honey that is used for the cure of the illnesses such as farangitis, tonsilitis, ulceration, and scratchs due to the experiences of the people living in Turkey. Honey bee samples were collected from two different regions of Anzer plain in July. Honey bee abdomens were homogenized and 1 ml distilled water was added for each honey bee. Later, 0.1 ml out of this solution was examined by Neubauer slides and the number of Nosema apis spores were counted. The results showed that Nosema apis significantly infected the honey bees although it was summer season. However, the summer season at the Anzer plain, when compared with the Mediterranean climate, is considered to be spring.
New Erythroxane-Type Diterpenoids from Fagonia boveana (Hadidi) Hadidi & Graf
Authors: Gedara Sahar R. , Abdel-Halim Osama B. , El-Sharkawy Saleh H. , Salama Osama M. , Shier Thomas W. , Halim Ahmed F.
Published: February 2015

The aerial parts of Fagonia boveana afforded two new erythroxane-type diterpenes, 3β, 15, 16-trihydroxy-erythrox-4(18)-ene (2) and 15, 16-dihydroxy-cis-ent-erythrox-3-ene (fagonene) (3) together with two known ones; 16-O-acetylfagonone (1) and 7β-hydroxy fagonene (8). Also a new guaiane sesquiterpene alcohol, 6,10-epoxy-4α-hydroxy guaiane type sesquiterpene (4) has been isolated In addition three 8-methoxy flavonols, 8-methoxy-quercetin-3, 7, 3′-trimethyl ether (ternatin) (5), gossypetin, 3, 8, 3′, 4′ tetramethyl ether (6) and herbacetin- 3, 8-dimethyl ether (7) were also isolated. The structures of the isolated compounds have been determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidences as well as physical and chemical correlation with known compounds. On performing different assays for biological activities, 6 displayed significant cytotoxic activity against KA3IT and NIH3T3 cell lines, 8 was the most active antiviral against Herpes simplex type 1 while 7 was the most active cancer-preventive agent using protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitory method
New Caffeic Acid Esters from Plazia daphnoides
Authors: Hoeneisen Maritza , Alarcón Julio , Aqueveque Pedro , Bittner Magalis , Becerra Jose , Silva Mario , Jakupovic Jasmin
Published: February 2015

Two new 3,4 dihydroxycinnamic acid esters have been isolated from Plazia daphnoides. The structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy
Alkaloid Spectrum in Diploid and Tetraploid Hairy Root Cultures of Datura stramonium
Authors: Berkov Strahil , Pavlov Atanas , Kovatcheva Petia , Stanimirova Pepa , Philipov Stefan
Published: February 2015

Hairy root cultures were obtained from diploid and induced tetraploid plants of Datura stramonium and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Twenty alkaloids (19 for diploid and 9 for tetraploid hairy root cultures) were identified. A new tropane ester 3-tigloyloxy-6-propionyloxy-7-hydroxytropane was identified on the basis of mass spectral data. Hyoscyamine was the main alkaloid in both diploid and tetraploid cultures. In contrast to diploid hairy roots, the percentage contributions of the alkaloids, with exceptions for hyoscyamine and apoatropine, were higher in the total alkaloid mixture of tetraploid hairy roots
Production and Purification of Statins from Pleurotus ostreatus (Basidiomycetes) Strains
Authors: Alarcón Julio , Águila Sergio , Arancibia-Avila Patricia , Fuentes Oscar , Zamorano-Ponce Enrique , Hernández Margarita
Published: February 2015

Pleurotus ostreatus strains were cultured in liquid medium and on wheat straw. The yields of lovastatin were compared
Spirulina platensis Growth in Open Raceway Ponds Using Fresh Water Supplemented with Carbon, Nitrogen and Metal Ions
Authors: Vieira Costa Jorge Alberto , Colla Luciane Maria , Filho Paulo Duarte
Published: February 2015

To investigate the feasibility of using fresh water from Mangueira Lagoon (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) for biomass production in open raceway ponds (0.7 m long, 0.18 m wide, 0.075 m deep) we studied the influence of nutrient addition (carbon as sodium bicarbonate, nitrogen as urea, phosphate, sulfate, ferric iron, magnesium and potassium) on the growth rate of the cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis using a 22 factorial design. In unsupplemented lagoon water production of S. platensis was 0.78 ± 0.01 g/l (dry weight basis) while the addition of 2.88 g/l of sodium bicarbonate (without added urea, phosphate, sulfate or metal ions) resulted in 0.82 ± 0.01 g/l after 400 hours of culture. The further addition of phosphate and metal ions resulted in growth for up to 750 h and a final S. platensis biomass of 1.23 ± 0.04 to 1.34 ± 0.03 g/l
Light-Dependent Changes in the Leaflet Movement Rhythm of the Plant Desmodium gyrans
Authors: Sharma Vijay Kumar , Bardal Tom Kristian , Johnsson Anders
Published: February 2015

The movements of the lateral leaflets of the Indian telegraph plant Desmodium gyrans (L. F.) DC, have earlier been studied in detail with regards to the effects of chemicals, DC currents, and static magnetic fields. In the present paper we have discussed the oscillation of the lateral leaflets under the influence of white light of various light levels (0-75 μmol · m-2 · s-1), produced by an array of LEDs (light emitting diodes). LEDs were used in contrast to fluorescense tubes as in earlier studies in order to minimize changes of wavelength when light intensity was decreased or increased. Furthermore, care was taken to ensure that the temperature in the experimental chamber was constant.

When the oscillations were first monitored in bright light, the oscillations were found to be very rapid and with decreasing light intensity the oscillations slowed down. For light levels lower than about 20 μmol · m-2 · s-1 the period of the oscillation of the lateral leaflets was almost constant (or even decreased slightly towards complete darkness). We also show that the oscillations could completely stop under prolonged darkness (for longer than about 6 h) and that such halted oscillations could be restarted in most of the leaflets when he light was turned back on. Such stopping of the oscillation of the lateral leaflets in prolonged darkness suggests that these short period oscillations of the lateral leaflets could have a daily component and in natural environment these oscillations could serve the purpose of optimising the amount of light falling on the leaflets or/and facilitating transpiration of water through stomata. Such a finding could have an implication for the answer to the long standing question of adaptive significance of short period oscillation of the Indian telegraph plant Desmodium gyrans (L.F.) DC
Hydrolytic Enzymes and Surfactants of Bacterial Isolates from Lubricant- Contaminated Wastewater
Authors: Vasileva-Tonkova Evgenia , Galabova Danka
Published: February 2015

Fifteen bacterial monocultures were isolated from lubricant-contaminated wastewater of an electric power station in Sofia. Six isolates showed best growth in liquid media with 1.5% hexadecane, and on mineral salt agar plates supplemented with one of the following hydrocarbons: n-hexadecane, paraffin, kerosene and samples of wastewater. The ability of all isolates to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and surface-active glycolipids was assessed on the basis of their growth on hydrocarbons. The study of this relatively closed micro-ecosystem revealed the existence of well-balanced microbial consortium where different members have their own role and support each other. On this basis, an alternative approach is proposed for bioaugmented clean up of wastewater contaminated with hydrocarbons and organic polymers using a mixed culture of indigenous bacteria that combines the best producers of glycolipids and hydrolytic enzymes
Determination of Selenium in Teucrium Species by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Jurišić Renata , Vladimir-Knežević Sanda , Kalođera Zdenka , Grgić Jerica
Published: February 2015

Hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS) was applied for determination of selenium content in dried aerial parts of wild and cultivated Teucrium species (Lamiaceae) growing in Croatia: T. arduini L., T. chamaedrys L., T. flavum L., T. montanum L., T. polium L., and T. scordium L. subsp. scordioides Schreb. Special attention was paid to the wet oxidation procedure for the sample dissolution. The proposed procedure involved microwave-assisted sample digestion using a mixture of HNO3/H2O2. Wild specimens generally had a higher content of selenium, with concentrations of 0.030-0.095 mg/kg of the dry drug. Cultivated plants contained 0.020-0.055 mg Se/kg
Comparative Analysis of the Composition of the Volatile Oils of Two Forms of Achillea crithmifolia W. et. K. – Diploid and Tetraploid
Authors: Kowalczyk Adam , Da̧browska Janina , Mardarowicz Marek , Fecka Izabela , Cisowski Wojciech
Published: February 2015

The genus Achillea L. includes more than 100 species and is a polyploid complex of di-, tetra-, hexa- and octaploids, individuals
Induction of Antimicrobial 3-Deoxyflavonoids in Pome Fruit Trees Controls Fire Blight
Authors: Halbwirth Heidrun , Fischer Thilo C. , Roemmelt Susanne , Spinelli Francesco , Schlangen Karin , Peterek Silke , Sabatini Emidio , Messina Christian , Speakman John-Bryan , Andreotti Carlo , Rademacher Wilhelm , Bazzi Carlo , Costa Guglielmo , Treutter Dieter , Forkmann Gert , Stich Karl
Published: February 2015

Fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease in pome fruits, causes severe economic losses worldwide. Hitherto, an effective control could only be achieved by using antibiotics, but this implies potential risks for human health, livestock and environment. A new approach allows transient inhibition of a step in the flavonoid pathway, thereby inducing the formation of a novel antimicrobial 3-deoxyflavonoid controlling fire blight in apple and pear leaves. This compound is closely related to natural phytoalexins in sorghum. The approach does not only provide a safe method to control fire blight: Resistance against different pathogens is also induced in other crop plants.
Externally Accumulated Flavonoids in Three Mediterranean Ononis Species
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Dörr Marion , Rivera Diego , Roitman James N.
Published: February 2015

The Mediterranean Ononis species, O. fruticosa, O. natrix subsp. ramosissima and O. tridentata, have been analyzed for their exudate flavonoids. More than 20 flavonoid aglycones were identified, some of which are rather rare natural compounds. One of them, namely hypolaetin- 8,3′,4′-trimethyl ether, had been found only once before. The results are presented in a table along with literature data, and the chemotaxonomic impact of the flavonoid patterns is discussed.
Lipophylic Compounds from Euphorbia peplis L. - a Halophytic Plant from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
Authors: Ivanova Albena , Khozin-Goldberg Inna , Kamenarska Zornitsa , Nechev Jordan , Cohen Zvi , Popov Simeon , Stefanov Kamen
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the lipophylic fraction from the halophytic plant Euphorbia peplis L. was investigated. Compared to other terrestrial higher plants an increase of triacylglycerols and especially of glycolipids was observed. The main phospholipid was phosphatidyl choline, followed by almost equal concentrations of phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl glycerol. A relatively high concentration of phosphatidic acids (6.5% of the total phospholipids) was found. The main sterol appeared to be sitosterol and significant amounts of tetracyclic triterpene alcohols were found. The composition of the volatile compounds is relatively simple and only one chlorinated compound, identified as 2,2-diethoxy-1-chloroethane, was found. There was a strong toxicity of the total lipophylic extract towards Artemia salina.
Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Phlomis integrifolia Hub.-Mor.
Authors: Saracoglu Iclal , Varel Mehtap , Hada Junko , Hada Noriyasu , Takeda Tadahiro , Donmez Ali A. , Calisa Ihsan
Published: February 2015

Two new phenylethanoid glycosides integrifoliosides A (2) and B (3), along with a known phenylethanoid glycoside alyssonoside (1) and a flavone glucoside chrysoeriol-7-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from the aerial parts of Phlomis integrifolia. The structures of the new compounds were identified as 3,4-dihydroxy-β-phenylethoxy-O-β-ᴅ-apiofuranosyl- (1 →4)-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 →3)-4-O-feruloyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (2) and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-β-phenylethoxy-O-β-ᴅ-apiofuranosyl-(154)-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-4-O-feruloyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (3), on the basis of spectroscopic (UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR, and HR-FABMS) methods.
Antioxidative Responses of Tobacco Expressing a Bacterial Glutathione Reductase
Authors: Lederer Barbara , Böger Peter
Published: February 2015

Reports on stress response of tobacco expressing a bacterial glutathione reductase (GR) do not agree. To clarify this situation we investigated several parameters using the tobacco BelW3 line and its transformant BelW3gor expressing an E. coli GR.

This alteration in the activity of GR led to an ambiguous modification of the antioxidative system. In contrast to the wild type, the transgenic tobacco suffered lipid peroxidation under moderate light intensities, while it was found to be more resistant towards oxidative stress induced by paraquat or hydrogen peroxide. Transcript levels for violaxanthin deepoxidase and cytosolic Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase were strongly reduced in BelW3gor plants as compared to BelW3.
Effects of Pesticides on Yeasts Isolated from Agricultural Soil
Authors: Sláviková Elena , Vadkertiová Renata
Published: February 2015

The effect of six various pesticides on the growth of yeasts isolated from agricultural soil was investigated. Two herbicides (with the effective substances lactofen and metazachlor), two fungicides (with the effective substances fluquinconazole and prochloraz), and two insecticides (with the effective substances cypermethrin + chlorpyrifos and triazamate) were tested. It is evident that there are considerable differences in inhibition effects of studied pesticides. The fungicide with the effective substance prochloraz inhibited the growth of majority of yeast strains. The insecticide triazamate at concentration 0.6 mm restricted or inhibited growth of all tested strains. The strains of the genus Cryptococcus were the most sensitive to pesticides, while the strains of the species Cystofilobasidium capitatum, Debaryomyces occidentalis var. occidentalis, and Trichosporon cutaneum were the most resistant.
Pyrrolidonyl and Pyridyl Alkaloids in Lymantria dispar
Authors: Deml Reinhold
Published: February 2015

The occurrence and metabolism of nicotine and related N-containing compounds in body fluids of the gipsy moth were addressed. Thin layer chromatographic studies clearly showed the simultaneous presence of GABA and 2-pyrrolidone but not of GABamide in the larval haemolymph and osmeterial secretion of Lymantria dispar as well as in the corresponding body fluids of the saturniids, Saturnia pavonia and Attacus atlas. Furthermore, feeding and injection experiments using alkylated precursors and combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry gave evidence of the transformation of 2-pyrrolidone to nicotine and of nicotinic acid to nicotinamide in caterpillars of L. dispar. Based on these results, on the earlier described variation of the secondary-compound patterns of L. dispar during its development, and on literature data, metabolic pathways for the hitherto detected pyridyl and pyrrolidonyl alkaloids in Lymantriidae (and possibly Saturniidae) are proposed.
Biological Activity of Pentachlorophenol on the Digestive Gland Cells of the Freshwater Mussel Unio tumidus
Authors: Milowska Katarzyna , Gabryelak Teresa , Dudala Joanna , Labieniec Magdalena , Slobozhanina Ekaterina
Published: February 2015

Many chlorinated phenols and their derivatives are used extensively as insecticides, fungicides and herbicides by industrial and agricultural users throughout the world. Among these substances, pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a broad-spectrum biocide, which is still used as a wood preservative. In this paper, the digestive gland cells were used to assess the effect of PCP in the range of concentrations 3.75-75 μᴍ (0.01-0.2 ppm) on oxidative DNA damage, fluidity changes and peroxidation activity in the plasma membrane. The toxic property of PCP on DNA strand breakage was studied using the comet assay. The results showed that pentachlorophenol in the range of 37.5-75 μᴍ contributed to these lesions. To demonstrate the changes in the fluidity of plasma membrane we used the spectrofluorimetric method using two fluorescence probes: 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMAD DPH) and 12-(9-anthroyloxy) stearic acid (12-AS). It was shown that PC did not influence the surface of plasma membrane but contributed to the increase in the fluidity of the internal region of the lipid bilayer in the range of concentrations 18.75-75 μᴍ (0.05-0.2 ppm).We also examined the effect of PCP on the lipid peroxidation. To imply its peroxidation properties the spectrophotometry method was used to measure the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), one of the endpoints of the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The obtained results showed that PCP in the used doses did not initiate the formation of lipid peroxides. Thus, our investigation indicates that PCP can behave as a prooxidant agent but its action depends on the used doses and parameters chosen for the research.
An Alternative Structure Model for the Polypentapeptide in Elastin
Authors: Groß Peter C. , Possart Wulff , Zeppezauer Michael
Published: February 2015

Polypentapeptides (GVGVP)n which are designed in analogy to the connective tissue protein elastin are reported to transform various kinds of energy into mechanical work by the so-called ⊿Tt-mechanism in cross-linked macroscopic polypentapeptide (PPP) films. In the literature, the responsible element of conformation in such polypeptides is described as a β- spiral and the ⊿Tt effect is explained as a sudden change of macroconformation of single polypeptide molecules from an extended but not regular state below a transition temperature Tt to the β-spiral above Tt. We examined the secondary structure of the linear PPPC(GVGVP)6 in solution with DSC, CD, UV absorption, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The results suggest that the β-spiral is not present in the conformational structure of the PPP molecules. The antiparallel β-sheet is proposed to be the basic regular part of conformation because it agrees with all spectroscopic data. As a consequence, the elasticity of natural elastin must be considered from a new perspective.
A Potent Insect Chitinase Inhibitor of Fungal Origin
Authors: Nitoda Teruhiko , Usuki Hirokazu , Kanzaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

A water-soluble polysaccharide was isolated from the culture filtrate of a fungal strain, Sphaeropsis sp. TNPT116-Cz, as a novel insect chitinase inhibitor. It was purified to chromatographic homogeneity by ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Its molecular weight was estimated to be 16 kDa by gel filtration HPLC. Monosaccharide analysis showed that it contained glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and a deoxysugar. This polysaccharide showed potent and specific inhibitory activity against Spodoptera litura chitinase with an IC50 value of 28 nᴍ.
Flavonoids and Terpenoids from the Resinous Exudates of Madia Species (Asteraceae, Helenieae)
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Dörr Marion , Dörsam Marco , Hassan Abu El-Hamed , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Hegazy M. F. , Zeller Klaus-Peter
Published: February 2015

The resinous material accumulated on aerial parts of Madia species is shown to consist mainly of diterpenes, containing a series of flavonoid aglycones. A6- and/or 8-O-substitution is characteristic for many of these flavonoids. Three known rare diterpenes were found and the structure elucidation of a diterpene with a new carbon skeleton, named madiaol, is reported.
Volatile Constituents of the Fruit and Leaf Oils of Thuja orientalis L. Grown in Iran
Authors: Nickavar Bahman , Amin Gholamreza , Parhami Sara
Published: February 2015

The composition of the hydrodistilled essential oils from the fruits and leaves of Thuja orientalis L. grown in Iran was analyzed by GC/MS. Nineteen and twenty-eight compounds have been identified in the volatile oils of the fruit and leaf, respectively. While the fruit oil contained α-pinene (52.4%), Δ-3-carene (14.2%), α-cedrol (6.5%) and β-phellandrene (5.1%), the leaf oil contained α-pinene (21.9%), α-cedrol (20.3%), Δ-3-carene (10.5%) and limonen (7.2%) as the main components.
Investigation of the Immunostimulatory Properties of Oxihumate
Authors: Jooné Gisela Käthe , Dekker Johan , Jansen van Rensburg Constance Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

A unique process has been developed to convert bituminous coal by controlled wet oxidation followed by base treatment to a water-soluble humate called oxihumate. The effects of oxihumate on the proliferative response of lymphocytes has been studied in vitro and ex vivo. Oxihumate increased the proliferative response of phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes, from a concentration of 20 μg/ml and upwards. This response was even more striking in the case of lymphocytes from HIV-infected patients and was not limited to the in vitro setting since similar effects were observed ex vivo following administration of a nontoxic dosage of 4 g oxihumate per day to HIV-positive individuals for two weeks. Mechanistic studies revealed that stimulation of the proliferative response of lymphocytes by oxihumate is associated with an increased production of IL-2, as well as expression of the IL-2 receptor in the setting of decreased production of IL-10. Oxihumate therefore holds promise for the treatment of immunocompromized patients.
Susceptibility of Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria to Nitrification Inhibitors
Authors: Matsuba Douchi , Takazaki Hirotoshi , Sato Yukiharu , Takahashi Reiji , Tokuyama Tatsuaki , Wakabayashi Ko
Published: February 2015

Activity of nitrification inhibitors to several typical ammonia-oxidizing bacteria isolated recently, i. e. Nitrosococcus, Nitrosolobus, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosospira and Nitrosovibrio species was assayed using 2-amino-4-methyl-6-trichloromethyl-1,3,5-triazine (MAST), 2-amino- 4-tribromomethyl-6-trichloromethyl-1,3,5-triazine (Br-MAST), 2-chloro-6-trichloromethylpyridine (nitrapyrin) and others, and compared to confirm the adequate control of ammoniaoxidizing bacteria by the inhibitors. The order of activity of the inhibitors to 13 species of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria examined was approximately summarized as Br-MAST ≥ nitrapyrin ≥ MAST > other inhibitors. Two Nitrosomonas strains, N. europaea ATCC25978 and N. sp. B2, were extremely susceptible to Br-MAST, exhibiting a pI50 ≥ 6.40. These values are the position logarithms of the molar half-inhibition concentration. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity for the highly susceptible 4 strains of genus Nitrosomonas was 94% to 100% of Nitrosomonas europaea, although those of the less susceptible 3 strains of ammoniaoxidizing bacteria, Nitrosococcus oceanus C-107 ATCC19707, Nitrosolobus sp. PJA1 and Nitrosolobus multiformis ATCC25196, were 77.85, 91.53 and 90.29, respectively. However, no clear correlation has been found yet between pI50-values and percent similarity of 16S rRNA gene sequence among ammonia-oxidizing bacteria.