bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Activity of the Extract and Isolated Compounds from Baccharis dracunculifolia D. C. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Filho Ademar A. da Silva , de Sousa João P. B. , Soares Sandra , Furtado Niege A. J. C. , Andrade e Silva Márcio L. , Cunha Wilson R. , Gregório Luís E. , Nanayakkara N. P. Dhammika , Bastos Jairo K.
Published: February 2015

Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) is the most important plant source of the Brazilian green propolis. Since propolis is known for its antimicrobial activity, the aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of B. dracunculifolia and some of its isolated compounds. The results showed that the leaves extract of B. dracunculifolia (BdE) presents antifungal and antibacterial activities, especially against Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans, for which the BdE showed IC50 values of 65 μg mL −1 and 40 μg mL−1, respectively. In comparison to the BdE, it was observed that the green propolis extract (GPE) showed better antimicrobial activity, displaying an IC50 value of 9 μg mL−1 against C. krusei. Also, a phytochemical study of the BdE was carried out, affording the isolation of ursolic acid (1), 2α-hydroxy-ursolic acid (2), isosakuranetin (3), aromadendrin-4′-methylether (4), baccharin (5), viscidone (6), hautriwaic acid lactone (7), and the clerodane diterpene 8. This is the first time that the presence of compounds 1, 2, and 8 in B. dracunculifolia has been reported. Among the isolated compounds, 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus, displaying IC50 values of 5 μg mL−1 and 3 μg mL−1, respectively. 3 was active against C. neoformans, showing an IC50 value of 15 μg mL−1 and a MIC value of 40 μg mL−1, while compounds 4→8 were inactive against all tested microorganisms. The results showed that the BdE, similar to the GPE, displays antimicrobial activity, which may be related to the effect of several compounds present in the crude extract.
Biotransformation of Indole Derivatives by Mycelial Cultures
Authors: Alarcón Julio , Cid Eliseo , Lillo Luis , Céspedesa Carlos , Aguila Sergio , Alderete Joel B.
Published: February 2015

Biotransformation of tryptophan to tryptamine and 3-methyl-indole by Psilocybe coprophila was performed. On the other hand, Aspergillus niger was able to transform tryptophan to 5-hydroxy-tryptophan. P. coprophila biotransformed 5-hydroxy-tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptamine. These results prove once more that fungi are good tools to establish hydroxyindole derivatives.
Outdoor and Indoor Cultivation of Spirulina platensis in the Extreme South of Brazil
Authors: Andrade Michele R. , Costa Jorge A. V.
Published: February 2015

Water supplemented with 10% or 20% (v/v) of Zarrouk medium was used to cultivate Spirulina platensis in closed and open bioreactors under controlled conditions (30 °C, 32.5 μmol m−2 s−1, 12 h light/dark photoperiod) and in a greenhouse (9.4 to 46 °C, up to 2800 μmol m−2 s−1, variable day length photoperiod) using different initial biomass concentrations (X0) in the extreme south of Brazil (32.05° S, 52.11° W). Under controlled conditions the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) was 0.102 d−1, the biomass doubling time (td) was 6.8 d, the maximum dry biomass concentration (Xmax) was 1.94 g LD1 and the maximum productivity (Pmax) was 0.059 g L−1 d−1, while the corresponding values in the greenhouse experiments were μmax = 0.322 d−1, td = 2.2 d, Xmax = 1.73 g L−1 and Pmax = 0.112 g L−1 d−1. Under controlled conditions the highest values for these parameters occurred when X0 = 0.15 g L−1, while in the greenhouse X0 = 0.4 g L−1 produced the highest values. These results show that the cultivation of S. platensis in greenhouses in the extreme south of Brazil is technically viable and that the S. platensis inoculum and the concentration of Zarrouk medium can be combined in such a way as to obtain growth and productivity parameters comparable, or superior, to those occurring in bioreactors under controlled conditions of temperature, illuminance and photoperiod.
Capillary Electrophoresis Study on the Dimeric SOD Enzyme in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Abe Keita , Nishida Yuzo
Published: February 2015

A Notable decrease of the peak intensity of the capillary electrophoregram due to the dimeric SOD molecule was observed when a solution containing copper(II) chloride and ascorbic acid was added to the SOD solution, indicating that the capillary electrophoresis method is useful to detect the dissociation of the dimeric SOD molecule in solution, and that dissociation of the dimeric SOD molecule is induced by the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The present results may give reasonable countermeasures towards the sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in future.
Activity-Guided Isolation of Antioxidant Principles from Limoniastrum feei (Girard) Batt
Authors: Chaabi Mehdi , Beghidja Noureddine , Benayache Samir , Lobstein Annelise
Published: February 2015

Bioguided fractionation of a leaves extract from Limoniastrum feei (Girard) Batt. (Plumbaginaceae) led to the isolation of seven polyphenolic constituents: gallic acid (1), myrciaphenone A (2), myricetin-3-O-β-galactopyranoside (3-1), epigallocatechin gallate (3-2), myricetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin (5) and myricetin (6). Gallic acid was the most antioxidant compound in DPPH [(0.94 d 0.68) μg/mL] and FRAP [(0.83 d 0.15) μm Fe2+/mL] tests, whereas myricetin was a more specific superoxide radical scavenger since it was the most active product in the superoxide nitroblue tetrazolium hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase test [(1.86 d 0.12) μg/mL].
Structure and Spasmolytic Activity Relationships of Monoterpene Analogues Found in Many Aromatic Plants
Authors: Sousa Damião P. de , Júnior Genival A. S. , Andrade Luciana N. , Calasans Flávia R. , Nunes Xirley P. , Barbosa-Filho José M. , Batista Josemar S.
Published: February 2015

Rotundifolone, a monoterpene isolated from the essential oil of the leaves of Mentha x villosa, is a constituent of several essential oils and known to have spasmolytic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between structure and spasmolytic activity of rotundifolone and its analogues in ileum isolated from guinea-pig. Five of the seven tested analogues were found to have a spasmolytic effect more potent than rotundifolone itself, except for pulegone and (+)-limonene. The comparison between rotundifolone and limonene oxide showed that the absence of the keto group did not decrease the relaxant effect. Comparison of the spasmolytic activity between rotundifolone and (+)-pulegone showed that the absence of the epoxy group did not decrease the relaxation of the ileum. Carvone epoxide was found to be significantly more potent than rotundifolone. The monoterpene (-)-carvone produced ileum relaxation and was more potent than its enantiomer (+)-carvone. (+)-Limonene and pulegone oxide showed a similar effect. The study showed that the functional groups and their position at the ring of rotundifolone contributed to the relaxation activity of the ileum. The absence of the oxygenated molecular structure is not a critical requirement for the molecule to be bioactive.
Biosorption of Nickel by Yeasts in an Osmotically Unsuitable Environment
Authors: Breierová Emilia , Čertík Milan , Kovárová Annamaria , Gregor Tomaš
Published: February 2015

The tolerance, sorption of nickel(II) ions, and changes in the production and composition of exopolymers of eight yeast strains grown under nickel presence with/without NaCl were studied. Strains of Pichia anomala and Candida maltosa known as the most resistant yeasts against nickel tolerated up to 3 mm Ni2+. NaCl addition decreased both the resistance of the yeast strains toward nickel ions and the sorption of metal ions into cells. All yeasts absorbed nickel predominantly into exopolymers (glycoproteins) and on the surface of cells. However, while the amount of polysaccharide moieties of exoglycoproteins of most of the resistant yeasts was induced by stress conditions, the ratio polysaccharide/protein in the exopolymers remained unchanged in the sensitive species Cystofilobasidium. The exopolymer composition might play a key role in yeast adaptation to stress conditions caused by heavy metal ions.
Increasing CoQ10 Production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris J001 Using a Two-Stage Fermentation Process
Authors: Jiang Shi-yun , Yu Long-jiang
Published: February 2015

CoQ10 is used not only as a medicine but also as a food supplement due to its various physiological activities. The production of CoQ10 by microbes is a successful approach for generating large amounts of this natural product. The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) contents and the two-stage fermentation process on cell growth and CoQ10 production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris J001 were investigated. The optimal DO contents for cell growth and CoQ10 production were 45% and 15%, respectively. A two-stage fermentation process, which consists of a 1st stage with 45% DO, a 2nd stage with 15% DO and a synchronous feeding of 2.0% NaAc at the switching time (42 h after inoculation), has proven to be the optimum fermentation process for the production of CoQ10. The maximum biomass, CoQ10 production and CoQ10 production rate were 1.31 g l-1, 89.1 mg l-1, and 1.142 mg l-1 h-1, respectively, increased by 28%, 585% and 426% as compared to the one-stage batch production with 45% DO. The DO level was the major factor to increase the CoQ10 production by the two-stage process.
Growth Inhibition of Candida albicans in the Presence of Antiserum Elicited in Rabbits by Mannan-Protein Conjugate
Authors: Machová Eva , Bystrický Slavomír
Published: February 2015

Antifungal properties of rabbit antiserum prepared by immunization are reported. The immunization was done by a chemically prepared conjugate consisting of Candida albicans (serotype A) surface mannan and human serum albumin. Addition of rabbit antiserum to d-glucose medium inoculated with C. albicans effectively inhibited its growth. Moreover, C. albicans cells treated with rabbit antiserum revealed the entire loss of viability (expressed as decreased mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity). No growth of treated cells on an agar plate was observed. The results confirmed that the mannan-protein conjugate could be considered as an effective component of perspective vaccine.
Quantification of Major Flavonoids in Carnation Tissues (Dianthus caryophyllus) as a Tool for Cultivar Discrimination
Authors: Galeotti Francesco , Barile Elisa , Lanzotti Virginia , Dolci Marcello , Curir Paolo
Published: February 2015

One flavone-C-glycoside and two flavonol-O-glycosides were recognized and isolated as the main flavonoidal components in nine different carnation cultivars, and their chemical structures have been determined by spectroscopic methods, including UV detection, MS and NMR. The distribution of these three compounds in flowers, leaves, stems, young sprouts, and roots of each cultivar was evaluated by a simple HPLC-UV method: the graphic representation of their content in the different tissues allows to identify and characterize unambiguously each considered carnation cultivar. The presented method could be an easy, inexpensive and reliable tool for carnation cultivar discrimination
Chemistry in Eriocaulaceae
Authors: Dokkedal Anne Lígia , dos Santos Lourdes Campaner , Sano Paulo Takeo , Vilegas Wagner
Published: February 2015

Eriocaulaceae is a pantropical family that comprises about 1100 species distributed in 11 genera. The infrafamilial relationships are still unsatisfactorily resolved, because of the tiny flowers and generalized morphology, which makes the taxonomy very difficult. Flavonoid and naphthopyranone profiles have proved to be important in order to contribute to the alignment of genera into the family. We here present a survey of the chemical data of Eriocaulaceae with a discussion about their contribution to the taxonomy of Eriocaulaceae
Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Potential of Major Phenolics from Verbascum salviifolium Boiss
Authors: Tatli I. Irem , Akdemir Zeliha S. , Yesilada Erdem , Küpeli Esra
Published: February 2015

The potential effects of flavonoids, phenylethanoid and neolignan glycosides from the aerial parts of Verbascum salviifolium Boiss. were studied in the p-benzoquinone-induced writhing reflex, for the assessment of the antinociceptive activity, and in carrageenan- and PGE1- induced hind paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema models in mice, for the assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures ten compounds from the aqueous extract of the plant, luteolin 7-O-glucoside (1), luteolin 3′-O-glucoside (2), apigenin 7-O-glucoside (3), chrysoeriol 7-O-glucoside (4), β-hydroxyacteoside (5), martynoside (6), forsythoside B (7), angoroside A (8), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-9-O′-d-glucopyranoside (9) and dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol- 9′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Results have shown that 1, 2, 3 and 5 significantly inhibited carrageenaninduced paw edema at a 200 mg/kg dose, while 1, 2 and 5 also displayed anti-inflammatory activity against the PGE1-induced hind paw edema model. However, all the compounds showed no effect in the TPA-induced ear edema model. The compounds 1 and 2 also exhibited significant antinociceptive activity
Isolation and Biological Activity of New Norhirsutanes from Creolophus cirrhatus
Authors: Birnbacher Judith , Schüffler Anja , Deininger Friederike , Opatz Till , Anke Timm
Published: February 2015

Five new norhirsutanes, named creolophins ADE, and complicatic acid were isolated from the culture broth of the rare tooth fungus Creolophus cirrhatus by solvent extraction, silica gel column chromatography and HPLC. In addition, neocreolophin, a complex dimerization product, was formed as an artefact during purification. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and are published in a separate paper. Two of the metabolites showed moderate antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities
Expression of Caffeine Biosynthesis Genes in Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Li Yeyun , Ogita Shinjiro , Keya Chaman Ara , Ashihara Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

Using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, we studied the expression of genes encoding caffeine synthase (TCS1), inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (TIDH), Sadenosyl- l-methionine synthase (sAMS), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and α-tubulin (Tua1) in young and mature leaves, stems and roots of 4-month-old tea seedlings and young and old tea tissue cultures. The amounts of transcripts of TCS1 were much higher in young leaves than in other parts of the plant. Expression of TIDH was greater in leaves than in other parts. Little difference in the amounts of transcripts of PAL, sAMS and Tua1 was found between various organs of tea seedlings. Larger amounts of transcripts of TCS1 and PAL were found in young callus tissues than in old tissues. These results support our conclusion deriving from previous enzymatic and metabolic studies that caffeine is synthesized mainly in young leaf tissues. We propose that marked caffeine biosynthesis in young leaves is dependent on a greater expression of the TCS1 gene in the organ
Secretion of the Antibacterial Recombinant Protein Enbocin
Authors: Goo Tae Won , Yun Eun Young , Kim Sung Wan , Choi Kwang Ho , Kang Seok Woo , Kwon Kisang , Choi Joung-Soon , Kwon O-Yu
Published: February 2015

The insect baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is useful for the production of biologically active recombinant proteins. However, the overexpression of foreign proteins in this system often results in misfolded proteins and the formation of protein aggregates. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a versatile baculovirus expression and secretion system using the Bombyx mori protein disulfide isomerase (bPDI) as a fusion partner. bPDI gene fusion improved the secretion and antibacterial activity of recombinant enbocin proteins. Thus, bPDI gene fusion is a useful addition to the BEVS for the large-scale production of bioactive recombinant proteins
Influence of Interferons on the Repair of UV-Damaged DNA
Authors: Tsoncheva Vania L. , Todorova Kristina A. , Ivanov Ivan G. , Maximova Vera A.
Published: February 2015

The capacity for nucleotide excision repair of a normal (WISH) and three tumour (MCF-7, HeLa, Namalva) cell lines treated with human recombinant interferons (hrIFN-α and hrIFN-γ) was compared by the host cell reactivation assay. The cells were transfected with in vitro UV-damaged plasmid DNA (pEGFP-N1). The repair capacity was determined by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the expressed marker protein in total cell lysates. The correlation between the interferon-induced NO content and the suppressive effect of interferons on DNA repair was shown. The decrease of repair activity and NO induction by hrIFN-α were greatest in WISH, followed by MCF-7, Namalva and HeLa cells, whereas hrIFN-γ was the best NO inducer and inhibitor for the repair of Namalva, followed by WISH, MCF-7 and HeLa cells. Our data clearly show that the two types of interferon have a strong inhibitory effect on the repair of UV-damaged DNA and this effect is cell type-dependent
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Licochalcone A Isolated from Glycyrrhiza inflata
Authors: Cui Yongming , Ao Mingzhang , Hu Jing , Yu Longjiang
Published: February 2015

Licochalcone A was isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity in xylene-induced mice ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests. At the same time, the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by licochalcone A was also studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophage cells. At 5 mg/ ear, licochalcone A showed remarkable effects against acute inflammation induced by xylene, and at the doses of 2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg (p.o.), licochalcone A reduced significantly paw edema induced by carrageenan compared to the control at the fourth hour. Both COX-2 activity and expression were significantly inhibited by licochalcone A at all the test doses. Therefore, licochalcone A could be a useful compound for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.
Ketoisophorone Transformation by Marchantia polymorpha and Nicotiana tabacum Cultured Cells
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed-Elamir F. , Hirata Toshifumi , Abdel-Lateff Ahmed , El-Razek Mohamed H. Abd , Mohamed Abou El-Hamd H. , Hassan Nahed M. , Paré Paul W. , Mahmoud Ahmed A.
Published: February 2015

Stereospecific olefin (C=C) and carbonyl (C=O) reduction of the readily available prochiral compound ketoisophorone (2,2,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione) (1) by Marchantia polymorpha and Nicotiana tabacum cell suspension cultures produce the chiral products (6R)-levodione (2), (4R,5S)-4-hydroxy-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone (3), and (4R,6R)-actinol (4) as well as the minor components (4R)-hydroxyisophorone (5) and (4S)-phorenol (6).
Transepithelial Transport and Stability in Blood Serum of Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Dipeptides
Authors: Pentzien Anne-Kathrin , Meisel Hans
Published: February 2015

The dipeptides Ala-Trp, Val-Phe, and Val-Tyr inhibit the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme. They are encrypted within the primary sequences of different food proteins, e. g. milk proteins. The angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory potency of these synthetic dipeptides was quantified using a spectrophotometric assay. The dipeptides showed no adverse effects on differentiated Caco-2 cells (model for human intestinal epithelium), as confirmed by transepithelial electrical resistance, microscopy and the activity of the brush-border enzyme dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV. Furthermore, the transport of these bioactive dipeptides through intact Caco-2 monolayers and their stability to incubation in human blood serum has been demonstrated for the first time. Low molecular mass peptides represent the minimal structures required for angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibition which have a high potential bioavailability. Therefore, they may act as target peptides in enriched hydrolysates for the preparation of an angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptide and for the use in special formulations as functional foods/foods of specified health use.
Effects of Proteus mirabilis Lipopolysaccharides with Different O-Polysaccharide Structures on the Plasma Membrane of Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Arabski Michał , Gwoździński Krzysztof , Sudak Beata , Kaca Wiesław
Published: February 2015

The effects of O33 and O49 P. mirabilis lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) on human erythrocyte membrane properties were examined. Physical parameters of the plasma membrane, such as membrane lipid fluidity, physical state of membrane proteins, and osmotic fragility, were determined. The fluidity of the lipids was estimated using three spin-labeled stearic acids of doxyl derivatives: 5-doxylstearic acid, 12-doxylstearic acid, and 16-doxylstearic acid. All the applied labels locate to different depths of the lipid layer and provide information on the ordering of phospholipid fatty acyl chain mobility. LPSs O49 increased the membrane lipid fluidity in the polar region of the lipid bilayer as indicated by spin-labeled 5-doxylstearic acid. An increase in fluidity was also observed in the deeper region using 12-doxylstearic acid only for O33 LPSs. The highest concentration of O33 LPSs (1 mg/ml) increased the motion of membrane proteins detected by the spin-label residue of iodoacetamide. These results showed different actions of O33 and O49 LPSs on the plasma membrane due to the different chemical structures of O-polysaccharides. P. mirabilis O33 and O49 LPSs did not induce changes in the membrane cytoskeleton, osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes. On the other hand a rise in the content of carbonyl compounds was observed for the highest concentrations of O33 LPS. This result indicated protein oxidation in the erythrocyte membrane. Lipid A, the hydrophobic part of LPS, did not change the membrane lipid fluidity and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes. Smooth and rough forms of P. mirabilis LPSs were tested for their abilities for complement-mediated immunohemolysis of erythrocytes. Only one out of seven LPSs used was a potent agent of complement-mediated hemolysis. It was rough, Ra-type of P. mirabilis R110 LPS. The O-polysaccharide-dependent scheme of reaction is presented.
Chemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Metaxya rostrata
Authors: Virtbauer Judith , Krenn Liselotte , Kählig Hanspeter , Hüfner Antje , Donath Oliver , Marian Brigitte
Published: February 2015

In a bioassay-guided approach the chemical composition of rhizomes of Metaxya rostrata (Kunth C. Presl) was studied for the first time. Investigations of the cytotoxicity of extracts and fractions on SW480 colorectal carcinoma cells resulted in the isolation of two polyphenols D cinnamtannin B-1 and aesculitannin B. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by different NMR experiments. Additionally, sugars, common sterols, such as sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol, as well as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were identified in Metaxya rostrata.
Cytotoxic β-Dihydroagarofuran Sesquiterpenoids from the Fruits of Celastrus orbiculatus
Authors: Xu Jing , Guo Yuan-Qiang , Li Xian , Wei Kun , Zhao Xiaojun , Zhang Shuzhong
Published: February 2015

Assay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of nine β-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Celastrus orbiculatus. All isolated β-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoids were tested for their cytotoxic activity against human melanoma A375-S2 and human cervical carcinoma Hela cell lines. Among them, compounds 1-5 and 7 showed cytotoxic activity. Compound 3 exhibited promising cytotoxicity against both human melanoma A375- S2 and human cervical carcinoma Hela cell lines. The structure-activity relationship was discussed briefly.
Glycosylation of Xanthohumol by Fungi
Authors: Huszcz Ewa , Bartmanska Agnieszka , Tronin Tomasz
Published: February 2015

A screening test on 29 microorganisms for transformation of xanthohumol led to the selection of twelve fungal strains. One of them, Beauveria bassiana AM278, converted xanthohumol into a glucosylated derivative. This product was identified as xanthohumol 4’-O-β-D-4’’’- methoxyglucopyranoside.
PSII Photochemistry and Antioxidant Responses of a Chickpea Variety Exposed to Drought
Authors: Kalefetoǧlu Macar Tuǧçe , Ekmekçi Yasemin
Published: February 2015

The effect of drought on the chickpea variety ILC 3279 was investigated at the vegetative stage. After 20 days from sowing, the plants subjected to drought stress for 3, 5 and 7 days imposed by withholding water were permitted to recover by rewatering for 2 days after 3, 5 and 7 days of drought. Shoot elongation, leaf production, fresh and dry biomass reduced while MDA and proline accumulation increased with extended duration of stress. The plants stressed for 3 days exhibited a rapid drop in their relative and absolute water contents. The quantum efficiency of PSII open centres in the dark-adapted and light-saturated state, excitation energy trapping of PSII and electron transport rate decreased significantly from the 5th day to the end of the drought treatments. Plants drought-stressed for 7 days brought about a marked increase in non-photochemical energy dissipation and a marked decline in photochemical quenching. After rewatering all chlorophyll a fluorescence characteristics except for FM completely recovered and reached the control values. Under 5 and 7 days of drought, the anthocyanin content increased gradually while the total chlorophyll content of leaves declined compared to the controls. The total carotenoid content remained unchanged during the experiments. The antioxidant enzyme response to drought treatments was quite variable. The total SOD activity upregulated with increasing duration of stress. On the other hand, the total APX activity was significantly higher only on the 7th day while the total POD activity increased from the 5th day. Differences in the total GR activity of treated groups were not statistically significant compared to their controls throughout the treatments. The present results indicate that the chickpea variety ILC 3279 withstands severe drought with its upregulated protective mechanisms at the vegetative stage.
Microtitre Plate Assay for Biofilm Formation, Production and Utilization of Hydroxybiphenyl by Rhodococcus sp. Isolated from Gasoline-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Etemadifar Zahra , Emtiazi Giti
Published: February 2015

Gasoline-contaminated soil from Isfahan, Iran was selected to isolate a bacterium capable of desulfurizing dibenzothiophene (DBT). The isolated strain was named R1 and identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis through biochemical tests as well as sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. This strain could efficiently produce 2-hydroxybiphenyl (HBP) from DBT via the 4S metabolic pathway. The highest HBP amount was produced at 2 mm DBT with addition of glucose (10 g l-1), ethanol (3 g l-1), glycerol (2 g l-1) or succinate (10 g l-1) as carbon sources at pH 7. Highest respiration and growth rates were observed by microplate titration on 0.1 mm HBP, and addition of 0.2 mm HBP to glucose (1 g l-1) and DBT (0.3 mm) could inhibite the respiration of the isolate. The isolated strain could grow up to 0.4 mm of HBP when it is used with mineral sulfur as sole sulfur source. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on a microtiter assay for the production and utilization of HBP by Rhodococcus.
Triterpenoids as Major Components of the Insect-Trapping Glue of Roridula Species
Authors: Simoneit Bernd R. T. , Medeiros Patricia M. , Wollenweber Eckhard
Published: February 2015

Roridula dentata and R. gorgonias, two South African plants that were formerly believed to be carnivorous, exhibit an extremely sticky exudate at the tips of secretory trichomes. Unlike the trapping mucilage of Droseraceae, it does not consist of acidic polysaccharides. The Roridula trapping glue was found to be a mutual solution of mainly dihydroxytriterpenoids, instead. All samples contain two isomers of ring A dihydroxyolean-12-enes and dihydroxyurs- 12-enes. The difference between the two species is the additional presence of taraxeradiol in the glue of R. gorgonias. The absolute chemical structures of the reported triterpenoids still need confirmation.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Pentanema divaricatum and Its Active Constituent
Authors: Momen-Roknabadi Nastaran , Gohari Ahamd R. , Monsef-Esfehani Hamid R. , Attar Farideh , Hajiaghaee Reza , Saeidnia Soodabeh , Jamalifar Hossein , Kamalinia Golnaz , Shahverdi Ahamd R.
Published: February 2015

The antimicrobial activity of ethanol and chloroform extracts of Pentanema divaricatum Cass. was studied using the conventional disk diffusion method. The extracts’ highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Aspergillus niger. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) showed one antimicrobial fraction which was especially effective against Aspergillus niger. By conventional spectroscopy the active fraction was identified as 4α,5α-epoxy-10α,14H-1-epi-inuviscolide. This compound represented the most potent antimicrobial candidate, with MIC values of < 25 μg/disk against A. niger strains and 200 μg/disk against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus.
Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Major Flavonoids of Cynanchum acutum L. (Asclepiadaceae) Growing in Egypt
Authors: Fawzy Ghada A. , Abdallah Hossam M. , Marzouk Mohamed S. A. , Soliman Fathy M. , Sleem Amany A.
Published: February 2015

Seven flavonoids were isolated from the butanol fraction of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Cynanchum acutum L. (Asclepiadaceae). All of which have been isolated for the first time from the genus Cynanchum. Their structures were established as quercetin 3-O-β-galacturonopyranoside (1), quercetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (2), tamarixtin 3-O-β-galacturonopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-β-galacturonopyranoside (4), 8-hydroxyquercetin 3-O-β-galactopyranoside (5), tamarixtin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (6), and tamarixtin 7-O-α-arabinopyranoside (7) on the basis of their chromatographic properties, chemical and spectroscopic data. The major isolated flavonoids 1, 2 and 3 were found to exhibit significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities (by measuring blood glucose and insulin levels). This is the first report about the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of compounds 1 - 3.
Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activity of New 1,2,4-Triazol-2-yl- and 1,3,4-Oxadiazol-2-yl-2-pyridinone Derivatives
Authors: El-Essawy Farag A. , El-Sayed Wael A. , El-Kafrawy Sherif A. , Morshedy Asmaa S. , Abdel-Rahman Adel-H.
Published: February 2015

A number of 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 3 - 9, and 1,2,4-triazole derivatives, 13 - 15, were synthesized starting form the acid hydrazide 1. The 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative 12 was prepared from the substituted phenylthiosemicarbazide derivative 11 by treatment with sulfuric acid. The aryl hydrazone derivatives 10a - c were synthesized by reaction of the hydrazide 1 with the corresponding ketones. The thioalkyl derivatives 16a - e were prepared by akylation of the thiol derivatives 3 and 13 with different alkylating agents. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for their anti-HBV activity and some of these compounds showed high antiviral activity
Biosynthetic Origin of the 1-Oxygen of Umbelliferone in the Root Tissue of Sweet Potato
Authors: Shimizu Bun-ichi , Kai Kosuke , Tamai Michiko , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Mizutani Masaharu , Sakata Kanzo
Published: February 2015

Oxidation of p-coumarate at the ortho-position is a key step to form umbelliferone. A tracer analysis using 18O2 was performed in order to take information about the formation of umbelliferone in the root tissue of sweet potato. Mass fragmentation experiments revealed incorporation of an 18O atom into the 1-position of umbelliferone. This result indicates that the lactone of umbelliferone is formed via ortho-hydroxylation of the p-coumarate unit using O2.
Genetic Variability and Relationships among Seventeen Trichoderma Isolates to Control Dry Root Rot Disease Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Gopal Kuruba , Sreenivasulu Yasodam , Gopi Venati , Prasadbabu Gundala , Bharat Kumar Teruvai , Madhusudhan Puchakayala , Ahemed Shaik Khayum , Palanivel Sellappa Gounder
Published: February 2015

Trichoderma spp. has been identified as potential antagonist of Fusarium solani, which is causing dry root rot of Citrus. A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker was used to estimate the genetic variation among 17 isolates of Trichoderma. These isolates were characterized using 20 random primers of the OPM series, out of which 16 primers gave a total of 145 DNA fragments, showing 91.8% polymorphism. The genetic distance between each isolate was calculated, and cluster analysis was used to generate a dendrogram showing the relationship among them. The isolates grouped into two major clusters, the first major cluster consisted of TCT14, TCT17, TCT13, TCT12 and TCT16. The remaining isolates in the second major cluster separated in two sub-clusters; the first cluster consisted of TCT4, TCT10, TCT2, TCT3, TCT8, TCT6, TCT9, and the second sub-cluster consisted of TCT1 TCT15 TCT5, TCT11, and TCT7. The similarity matrix indicated that TCT6 and TCT13 were genetically distinct as they showed only 22.6% similarity followed by TCT5 and TCT16; TCT6 and TCT16 (25%), while the isolates TCT4 and TCT10 were found to be genetically similar, as 66.7% similarity was observed between the isolates followed by 61.3% similarity between the TCT2 and TCT4 isolates.
Antifeedants of Indian Barnyard Millet, Echinochloa frumentacea Link, against Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Kim Chul-Sa , Alamgir Kabir Md , Matsumoto Sachi , Tebayashi Shin-ichi , Koh Hen-Sik
Published: February 2015

Eight compounds isolated from Indian barnyard millet have been identified as l-malic acid, trans-aconitic acid, (+)-isocitric acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, isocarlinoside, 2″-O-rhamnosylisoorientin, and 7-O-(2″-O-glucuronosyl)glucuronosyltricin, respectively. These compounds showed high antifeeding activity against brown planthopper only when they were combined.
A future of archaeology
Authors: Mizoguchi Koji
Published: February 2015

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FUTURES

As archaeologists we look to the past, but where might archaeology be going in the future? In this issue ofAntiquitywe begin a new feature where we invite archaeologists from different parts of the world to consider how the subject may or should develop in the coming years. For the first of these, Koji Mizoguchi, President of the World Archaeological Congress and Professor at Kyushu University in Japan, offers a perspective on the regional traditions of archaeology within an increasingly globalised world.
Impaired Presynaptic Long-Term Potentiation in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex ofFmr1Knock-out Mice
Authors: Koga Kohei , Liu Ming-Gang , Qiu Shuang , Song Qian , O'Den Gerile , Chen Tao , Zhuo Min
Published: February 2015

Fragile X syndrome is a common inherited form of mental impairment. Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) plays important roles in the regulation of synaptic protein synthesis, and loss of FMRP leads to deficits in learning-related synaptic plasticity and behavioral disability. Previous studies mostly focus on postsynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) inFmr1knock-out (KO) mice. Here, we investigate the role of FMRP in presynaptic LTP (pre-LTP) in the adult mouse anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Low-frequency stimulation induced LTP in layer II/III pyramidal neurons under the voltage-clamp mode. Paired-pulse ratio, which is a parameter for presynaptic changes, was decreased after the low-frequency stimulation inFmr1wild-type (WT) mice. Cingulate pre-LTP was abolished inFmr1KO mice. We also used a 64-electrode array system for field EPSP recording and found that the combination of low-frequency stimulation paired with a GluK1-containing kainate receptor agonist induced NMDA receptor-independent and metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent pre-LTP in the WT mice. This potentiation was blocked inFmr1KO mice. Biochemical experiments showed thatFmr1KO mice displayed altered translocation of protein kinase A subunits in the ACC. Our results demonstrate that FMRP plays an important role in pre-LTP in the adult mouse ACC, and loss of this pre-LTP may explain some of the behavioral deficits inFmr1KO mice.
Assessment of the Limits of Neural Phase-Locking Using Mass Potentials
Authors: Verschooten Eric , Robles Luis , Joris Philip X.
Published: February 2015

In the diverse mechanosensory systems that animals evolved, the waveform of stimuli can be encoded by phase locking in spike trains of primary afferents. Coding of the fine structure of sounds via phase locking is thought to be critical for hearing. The upper frequency limit of phase locking varies across species and is unknown in humans. We applied a method developed previously, which is based on neural adaptation evoked by forward masking, to analyze mass potentials recorded on the cochlea and auditory nerve in the cat. The method allows us to separate neural phase locking from receptor potentials. We find that the frequency limit of neural phase locking obtained from mass potentials was very similar to that reported for individual auditory nerve fibers. The results suggest that this is a promising approach to examine neural phase locking in humans with normal or impaired hearing or in other species for which direct recordings from primary afferents are not feasible.
Brown Adipose Tissue Has Sympathetic-Sensory Feedback Circuits
Authors: Ryu Vitaly , Garretson John T. , Liu Yang , Vaughan Cheryl H. , Bartness Timothy J.
Published: February 2015

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important source of thermogenesis which is nearly exclusively dependent on its sympathetic nervous system (SNS) innervation. We previously demonstrated the SNS outflow from brain to BAT using the retrograde SNS-specific transneuronal viral tract tracer, pseudorabies virus (PRV152) and demonstrated the sensory system (SS) inflow from BAT to brain using the anterograde SS-specific transneuronal viral tract tracer, H129 strain of herpes simplex virus-1. Several brain areas were part of both the SNS outflow to, and receive SS inflow from, interscapular BAT (IBAT) in these separate studies suggesting SNS–SS feedback loops. Therefore, we tested whether individual neurons participated in SNS–SS crosstalk by injecting both PRV152 and H129 into IBAT of Siberian hamsters. To define which dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are activated by BAT SNS stimulation, indicated by c-Fos immunoreactivity (IR), we prelabeled IBAT DRG innervating neurons by injecting the retrograde tracer Fast Blue (FB) followed 1 week later by intra-BAT injections of the specific β3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 in one pad and the vehicle in the contralateral pad. There were PRV152+H129 dually infected neurons across the neuroaxis with highest densities in the raphe pallidus nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, periaqueductal gray, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and medial preoptic area, sites strongly implicated in the control of BAT thermogenesis. CL316,243 significantly increased IBAT temperature, afferent nerve activity, and c-Fos-IR in C2–C4 DRG neurons ipsilateral to the CL316,243 injections versus the contralateral side. The neuroanatomical reality of the SNS–SS feedback loops suggests coordinated and/or multiple redundant control of BAT thermogenesis.
A Subpopulation of Neurochemically-Identified Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons Is Excited by Intravenous Cocaine
Authors: Mejias-Aponte Carlos A. , Ye Changquan , Bonci Antonello , Kiyatkin Eugene A. , Morales Marisela
Published: February 2015

Systemic administration of cocaine is thought to decrease the firing rates of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons. However, this view is based on categorizations of recorded neurons as DA neurons using preselected electrophysiological characteristics lacking neurochemical confirmation. Without applying cellular preselection, we recorded the impulse activity of VTA neurons in response to cocaine administration in anesthetized adult rats. The phenotype of recorded neurons was determined by their juxtacellular labeling and immunohistochemical detection of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a DA marker. We found that intravenous cocaine altered firing rates in the majority of recorded VTA neurons. Within the cocaine-responsive neurons, half of the population was excited and the other half was inhibited. Both populations had similar discharge rates and firing regularities, and most neurons did not exhibit changes in burst firing. Inhibited neurons were more abundant in the posterior VTA, whereas excited neurons were distributed evenly throughout the VTA. Cocaine-excited neurons were more likely to be excited by footshock. Within the subpopulation of TH-positive neurons, 36% were excited by cocaine and 64% were inhibited. Within the subpopulation of TH-negative neurons, 44% were excited and 28% were inhibited. Contrary to the prevailing view that all DA neurons are inhibited by cocaine, we found a subset of confirmed VTA DA neurons that is excited by systemic administration of cocaine. We provide evidence indicating that DA neurons are heterogeneous in their response to cocaine and that VTA non-DA neurons play an active role in processing systemic cocaine.
S-SCAM, A Rare Copy Number Variation Gene, Induces Schizophrenia-Related Endophenotypes in Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Nanyan , Zhong Peng , Shin Seung Min , Metallo Jacob , Danielson Eric , Olsen Christopher M. , Liu Qing-song , Lee Sang H.
Published: February 2015

Accumulating genetic evidence suggests that schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with individually rare copy number variations (CNVs) of diverse genes, often specific to single cases. However, the causality of these rare mutations remains unknown. One of the rare CNVs found in SZ cohorts is the duplication ofSynaptic Scaffolding Molecule(S-SCAM, also calledMAGI-2), which encodes a postsynaptic scaffolding protein controlling synaptic AMPA receptor levels, and thus the strength of excitatory synaptic transmission. Here we report that, in a transgenic mouse model simulating the duplication conditions, elevation of S-SCAM levels in excitatory neurons of the forebrain was sufficient to induce multiple SZ-related endophenotypes. S-SCAM transgenic mice showed an increased number of lateral ventricles and a reduced number of parvalbumin-stained neurons. In addition, the mice exhibited SZ-like behavioral abnormalities, including hyperlocomotor activity, deficits in prepulse inhibition, increased anxiety, impaired social interaction, and working memory deficit. Notably, the S-SCAM transgenic mice showed a unique sex difference in showing these behavioral symptoms, which is reminiscent of human conditions. These behavioral abnormalities were accompanied by hyperglutamatergic function associated with increased synaptic AMPA receptor levels and impaired long-term potentiation. Importantly, reducing glutamate release by the group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268 ameliorated the working memory deficits in the transgenic mice, suggesting that hyperglutamatergic function underlies the cognitive functional deficits. Together, these results contribute to validate a causal relationship of the rare S-SCAM CNV and provide supporting evidence for the rare CNV hypothesis in SZ pathogenesis. Furthermore, the S-SCAM transgenic mice provide a valuable new animal model for studying SZ pathogenesis.
Enhanced Auditory Evoked Activity to Self-Generated Sounds Is Mediated by Primary and Supplementary Motor Cortices
Authors: Reznik Daniel , Ossmy Ori , Mukamel Roy
Published: February 2015

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that responses in auditory cortex to auditory consequences of self-generated actions are modified relative to the responses evoked by identical sounds generated by an external source. Such modifications have been suggested to occur through a corollary discharge sent from the motor system, although the exact neuroanatomical origin is unknown. Furthermore, since tactile input has also been shown to modify responses in auditory cortex, it is not even clear whether the source of such modifications is motor output or somatosensory feedback. We recorded functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from healthy human subjects (n= 11) while manipulating the rate at which they performed sound-producing actions with their right hand. In addition, we manipulated the amount of tactile feedback to examine the relative roles of motor and somatosensory cortices in modifying evoked activity in auditory cortex (superior temporal gyrus). We found an enhanced fMRI signal in left auditory cortex during perception of self-generated sounds relative to passive listening to identical sounds. Moreover, the signal difference between active and passive conditions in left auditory cortex covaried with the rate of sound-producing actions and was invariant to the amount of tactile feedback. Together with functional connectivity analysis, our results suggest motor output from supplementary motor area and left primary motor cortex as the source of signal modification in auditory cortex during perception of self-generated sounds. Motor signals from these regions could represent a predictive signal of the expected auditory consequences of the performed action.
Antagonism of PACAP or Microglia Function Worsens the Cardiovascular Consequences of Kainic-Acid-Induced Seizures in Rats
Authors: Bhandare Amol M. , Mohammed Suja , Pilowsky Paul M. , Farnham Melissa M.J.
Published: February 2015

Seizures are accompanied by cardiovascular changes that are a major cause of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Seizures activate inflammatory responses in the cardiovascular nuclei of the medulla oblongata and increase neuronal excitability. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with autocrine and paracrine neuroprotective properties. Microglia are key players in inflammatory responses in the CNS. We sought to determine whether PACAP and microglia mitigate the adverse effects of seizure on cardiovascular function in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures increased splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity by 97%, accompanied by increase in heart rate (HR) but not blood pressure (BP). Intrathecal infusion of the PACAP antagonist PACAP(6–38) or the microglia antagonists minocycline and doxycycline augmented sympathetic responses to KA-induced seizures. PACAP(6–38) caused a 161% increase, whereas minocycline and doxycycline caused a 225% and 215% increase, respectively. In intrathecal PACAP-antagonist-treated rats, both BP and HR increased, whereas after treatment with microglial antagonists, only BP was significantly increased compared with control. Our findings support the idea that PACAP and its action on microglia at the level of the spinal cord elicit cardioprotective effects during seizure. However, intrathecal PACAP did not show additive effects, suggesting that the agonist effect was at maximum. The protective effect of microglia may occur by adoption of an M2 phenotype and expression of factors such as TGF-β and IL-10 that promote neuronal quiescence. In summary, therapeutic interventions targeting PACAP and microglia could be a promising strategy for preventing SUDEP.