bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coprinol, a New Antibiotic Cuparane from a Coprinus Species
Authors: Johansson Martin , Sterner Olov , Labischinski Harald , Anke Timm
Published: February 2015

Coprinol, a new antibacterial cuparane, was isolated from fermentations of a Coprinus sp. Its biological activities were investigated and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The new antibiotic exhibited activitiy against multidrug-resistant Gram -positive bacteria in vitro. Two derivatives were synthesized and their activities compared to the parent compound.
Cytotoxic Triterpenoids from Erica andevalensis
Authors: Martín-Cordero Carmen , Reyes Mariana , Ayuso M. Jesús , Toro Victoria
Published: February 2015

The cytotoxic activity of two pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic acid and α-amyrine) isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts from Erica andevalensis, whose structures have been established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence, has been assessed against three human cancer cell lines, TK -10 (renal adenocarcinom a), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) and UACC-62 (melanoma), recommended by NCI (National Cancer Institute) and we also evaluated the antimitotic effect in root meristematic cells of Allium cepa. Ursolic acid was found to possess the highest cytotoxic activity.
Electronic Property and Reactivity of (Hydroperoxo) Metal Compounds
Authors: Nishida Yuzo , Nishino Satoshi
Published: February 2015

DFT calculations were done for the (hydroperoxo)metal complexes with η1-coordination mode, where metal ions are Fe(III), Al(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II). Results shows that 1) the electron density at the two oxygen atoms of the hydroperoxide ion is highly dependent on the angle O-O-H in M-OOH species and the difference in electron density between the two oxygen atoms reaches a maximum at the angle O-O-H = 180°, 2) total electron density at the two oxygen atoms of the peroxide ion increases by approach of methane to the (hydro-peroxo)metal species in the cases of Fe(III) and Cu(II); on the other hand, significant decrease of the electron density on peroxide oxygen atoms was observed for the cases of Al(III) and Zn(II) compounds. These findings suggest that the (hydroperoxo)metal species acts as an electrophile in the former cases (M = Fe(III), Cu(II)) and as a nucleophile for the latter two compounds (M = Zn(II), Al(III)). The electrophilicity observed for the Fe(III) and Cu(II) complexes is attributed to the presence of unoccupied-or half-filled d-orbitals interacting with the hydroperoxide ion. 3) Two oxygen atoms of the (hydroperoxo)-com-pounds of Fe(III) and Cu(II) complexes exhibit quite different reactivity toward the substrate, such as methane. When methane approaches the oxygen atom which is coordinated to a metal ion, a strong decrease of electron density at the methane carbon atom occurs with concomitant increase of electron density at the peroxide oxygen atoms inducing its hetero-lytic O-O cleavage. When methane approaches the terminal oxygen atom, an oxidative coupling reaction occurs between peroxide ion and methane; at first a nucleophilic attack by the terminal electron-rich oxygen atom occurs at the carbon atom to induce C-O bond formation, and a subsequent oxidative electron transfer proceeds from substrate to the metal-peroxide species yielding CH3 -OOH, CH3OH, or other oxidized products. These results clearly de­monstrate that the (hydroperoxo)-metal compound itself is a rather stable compound, and activation of the peroxide ion is induced by interaction with the substrate, and the products obtained by the oxygenation reaction are dependent on the chemical property of the sub­ strate, redox property of a metal ion, and stability of the compounds formed in the intermediate process.
Micellization Process -Temperature Influence on the Counterion Effect
Authors: Różycka-Roszak Bożenna , Żyłka Romuald , Sarapuk Janusz
Published: February 2015

The micellization process of dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) and bromide (DTAB) was studied at 313 K. Nuclear magnetic resonance and calorimetric methods were used. The calorimetric titration curves permitted determination of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and enthalpy of the micellization process (ΔHm) of the compounds studied. The results obtained were compared to those obtained at 298 K. It was found that calorimetric curves obtained at 313 K for both compounds were similar to each other in contrast to 298 K. Especially a great difference in the shape of curves was observed for DTAC. NMR (1H NMR and 13C NMR) spectra were taken below and above the CMC values and chemical shifts (6) analysed as a function of concentration of the compounds. Comparison of chemical shift-concentration plots with those obtained from measurements performed at lower temperature showed that chemical shifts are of very similar character in both cases for analyzed groups. However, there are some quantitative differences that indicate at smaller difference in hydration of DTAB and DTAC micelles at elevated temperature. This may be the reason of decrease of differences between micellization processes of DTAC and DTAB compounds. The smaller hydration may be, in turn, the result of diminishing differences in physicochemical properties of bromide and chloride ions with temperature.
A New Pyoverdin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa R'
Authors: Ruangviriyachai Chalerm , Fernández Diana Uría , Fuchs Regine , Meyer Jean-Marie , Budzikiewicz Herbert
Published: February 2015

From a Pseudom onas aeruginosa hospital isolate a new pyoverdin was isolated. It is iden­tical with that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain R except that in the peptide chain L-Gln is missing.
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Achillea chrysocoma and Achillea coarctata
Authors: Todorova Milka , Tsankova Elena
Published: February 2015

The aerial parts of A. chrysocoma and A. coarctata afforded 22 and 9 sesquiterpene lactones, respectively. All the compounds described are new for the studied species. The lactones 5, 6 and 12 are new for the genus Achillea.
Physiological Activity of Some Aminophosphonates
Authors: Bielecki Krzysztof , Dziamska Anna , Sarapuk Janusz
Published: February 2015

Influence of some new am inophosphonates on electrolyte leakage from cucumber (Cucu­-mis sativus cv "Wisconsin") cotyledons as well as on the content of chlorophyll and activity of guaiacol and pyrogallol peroxidase were studied. Concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), one of the end-products of lipid peroxidation, was also measured. It was found that am inophosphates influenced the parameters observed to various extents, depending on their structural features and the concentration used. Most active modifiers were those possessing sufficiently long hydrocarbon substituents at the nitrogen atom and/ or iso-propyl chain at the phosphorus atom.
Activation of Isoflavone Biosynthesis in Excised Cotyledons of Lupinus Seedlings by Jasmonoids and Excess Light
Authors: Katagiri Yasufumi , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Ibrahim Ragai K. , Tahara Satoshi
Published: February 2015

Exogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) induced accumulation of isofla­ vone constituents in cotyledons prepared from imbibed seeds of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). Exogenous 0.2 mᴍ MJ enhanced the levels of 7-O-(6″-O-m alonyl)glucosylgenistein and 7-O -glucosylgenistein in the cotyledons of etiolated seedlings that had been incubated in the dark for 48 h. Regarding isoflavone induced by excision and slicing in the cotyledons as background level, the effect of light was 2-to 3-fold higher than that of 0.2 mᴍ MJ. C otyle­ dons exposed to MJ along with a 24-h light period displayed a higher level of isoflavone accumulation than that o f light alone. Total molar amounts of isoflavone accumulated in the cotyledons treated with MJ under continuous light were approximately the sum of those induced by MJ alone and light alone, respectively. The additive-like effect of MJ and light on isoflavone accumulation in lupin tissues suggested the presence of two different signaling systems independently responsible for those two stimuli. Excised cotyledons from etiolated yellow lupin (L. luteus L. cv. Topaz) seedlings also supported this hypothesis. The cotyledons could accumulate both an isoflavone and a flavone, and MJ selectively increased some of the isoflavone constituents, whereas light enhanced the levels of both. The selective accumulation mechanism of isoflavonoids in cotyledons, in which jasmonoids are involved, clearly differed from that activated by light.
Fatty Acid Alteration of Plastidic and Extra-Plastidic Membrane Lipids in Metribuzin-Resistant Photoautotrophic Chenopodium rubrum Cells as Compared to Wild-Type Cells
Authors: Schwenger-Erger Claudia , Barz Wolfgang , Weber Nikolaus
Published: February 2015

The fatty acid compositions of plastidic and extra-plastidic membrane lipids of two metri-buzin-resistant cell lines L4 and L7 of C henopodium rubrum were determined after growth in the absence and in the presence of the herbicide and compared with those o f wild type cells. Fatty acid biosynthesis was markedly affected in all cell lines by metribuzin treatment. In the absence and in the presence of metribuzin alterations of the fatty acid com position of the various lipid classes were, as compared to wild type cells, generally lower in the highly resistant L4 cells than in the less resistant L7 cells. The two resistant cell lines demonstrated a higher degree of unsaturation within the plastidic monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (L4 cells also within plastidic digalactosyldiacylglycerols) and, particularly, within the predominantly extra-plastidic phosphatidylcholines (L7 cells also within the predominantly extra-plastidic phosphatidylethanolamines), whereas the degree of unsaturation was slightly altered in the plastidic phosphatidylglycerols. Within the two metribuzin-resistant cell lines, the highly resis­ tant L4 cells differed from the less resistant L7 cells by increased a-linolenic acid/palmitic acid ratios in both the plastidic and extra-plastidic membrane lipids suggesting that particu­ larly in L4 cells higher proportions of linolenate are formed as a result o f selection pressure. On the other hand, the proportion of linoleate was increased predominantly in extra-plastidic membrane lipids of both L4 and L7 cells which explains a raise in linoleic acid/palmitic acid ratios in both cell lines as compared to wild-type cells. Moreover, in the absence of metri­ buzin decreased proportions o f fram-3-hexadecenoic acid were found in phosphatidylglycer­ ols of L4 and, particularly, of L7 cells as compared to the wild type cells. It is suggested that L4 and L7 cells -having multiple mutations in the psbA gene as observed earlier -are additionally characterized by increased degree of unsaturation of acyl moieties in various polar lipids, e.g. linoleoyl moieties in L4 and L7 cells as well as linolenoyl moieties particularly in highly resistant L4 cells. This increase gives rise to a change in membrane fluidity and may finally lead to increased metribuzin resistance.
Enzyme Activity of the Cytochrome P-450 Monooxygenase System in the Presence of Single Chain Lipid Molecules
Authors: Müller-Enoch Dieter , Fintelmann Robert , Nicolaev Andrey , Gruler Hans
Published: February 2015

The influence of single chain lipids on the 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethyase activity of the reconstituted binary protein complex of isolated cytochrome P450 and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase has been examined. The enzyme activity of this binary enzyme complex has been shown to be influenced by (i) altering the complexation process of both proteins, (ii) by altering the catalytic cycle time of the active binary protein complex and (iii) by altering the fraction of substrate molecules at the catalytic center of the enzyme. Competitive inhibition was measured for all single chain molecules. The following dissociation coefficients of sub­ strate and lipids used for the catalytic center of the protein were obtained: 110 μм 7-ethoxy-coumarin (substrate), 1.1 μм MOG (1-monooleoyl-rac-glycerol), 0.3 μм SPH (D-sphingosine), 1.5 μм OA (oleic acid), 3.0 μм LPC (L-a-lysophosphatidyl-choline), 15.5 μм MSG (1-mono-stearoyl-rac-glycerol), 9.5 μм AA (arachidonic acid), 9.0 μм PaCar (palmitoyl-L-carnitine), 3.5 μм MPG (2-monopalmitoyl-glycerol), 1.5 μм LPI (L-a-lysophosphatidyl-inositol), 50 μм LA (lauric acid), 60 μм MA (myristic acid). 85 μм PA (palmitic acid), >100 μм SA (stearic acid). Only competitive inhibition with the substrate molecule 7-ethoxycoumarin was ob­served for the single chain lipids LA, MA, PA, SPH, SA, and OA. Non-competitive effects were observed for MPG (-0.03 μм-1) , PaCar (-0.02 μм-1) , MSG (-0.023 μм-1) , LPC (-0.03 μм-1) , A A (-0.03 μм-1) , and MOG (+0.04 μм-1). The negative sign indicates that the cycle time of the working binary complex is enlarged. The positive sign indicates that the formation of the binary complex is enhanced by MOG.
Sex Attractants for Six Clearwing and Tineid Species (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae and Tineidae) from Kazakhstan and Lithuania
Authors: Karalius Vidmantas , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Miatleuski Jan , Būda Vincas , Ivinskis Povilas
Published: February 2015

Sex attractants for 3 Sesiidae and 3 Tineidae moth species in West-Kazakhstan and Lithua­nia were discovered by field screening tests of (3Z,13Z)-, (3E,13Z)-and (2E,13Z)-octadeca-dien-1-ols and their acetates as well as of some binary mixtures of these compounds. Total amount of chemicals was 0.3 mg/dispenser. Males of Synanthedon serica were attracted by a 5:5 mixture of 3E,13Z-18:OA c and 2E,13Z-18:OAc, Chamaesphecia bibioniformis by a 9:1 mixture of 3Z,13Z-18:OAc and 3E,13Z-18:OAc, Paranthrene tabaniformis by a 1:9 mixture of 3Z,13Z-18:OH and 3E,13Z-18:OH , Tinea nonimella by a 1:9 mixture of 3E,13Z-18:OH and 2E,13Z-18:OH , Monopis monachella by a 1:9 mixture of 3Z,13Z-18:OH and 2E,13Z -18:OH, and Nemaxera betulinella by a 9:1 mixture of 2E,13Z-18:OAc and the corresponding alcohol. The periods of attraction to the traps were registered for males of S. serica and Ch. bibioniformis and were found to occur at 15 - 18 and 1 5 -17 o'clock, local time, respectively.
Methemoglobin Formation in Human Erythrocytes by Nitroaromatic Explosives
Authors: Marozienė Audronė , Kliukienė Regina , Šarlauskas Jonas , Čėnas Narimantas
Published: February 2015

We have examined the structure-activity relationships in methemoglobin (MetHb) forma­tion by high explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-N-nitramine (tetryl) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-N-nitraminoethylnitrate (pentryl), and a number of model nitroben-zenes. In lysed human erythrocytes the rate constants of oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) oxidation increased with an increase in single-electron reduction potential (E1
7) or with a decrease of the enthalpies of single-electron reduction of nitroaromatics. Tetryl and pentryl oxidized Ox­yHb almost 3 times faster than TNT. Although the initial rates of MetHb formation in intact erythrocytes by tetryl, pentryl, and TNT matched their order of reactivity in the oxidation of OxyHb in lysed erythrocytes, TNT was a more efficient MetHb forming agent than tetryl and pentryl during a 24-h incubation. The decreased efficiency of tetryl and pentryl was attributed to their reaction with intraerythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) producing 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-Sglutathione, which acted as a less efficient OxyHb oxidizing agent.
Fluorescence Studies on Glyceraldehyde- 3-phosphate Dehydrogenase from Bovine Heart Muscle
Authors: Seweryn Ewa , Banaś Teresa , Berdowska Izabela , Zieliński Bogdan , Ceremuga Ireneusz
Published: February 2015

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase, ATP, Flu­ orescence Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is a gly­colytic enzyme that catalyses conversion of glyceralde-hyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-diphosphoglycerate. ATP has been found to have an inhibitory effect on this enzyme. To establish the interaction between the enzyme and ATP, a fluorescence technique was used. Fluorescence quenching in the presence of ATP suggests cooperative binding of ATP to the enzyme (the Hill obtained coeffi­cient equals 2.78). The interaction between glyceralde-hyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and ATP may control not only glycolysis but other activities of this enzyme, such as binding to the cytoskeleton.
Ischemia-Responsive Protein (irp94) Is Up-Regulated by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Kim Seung-Whan , Yoo In-Sool , Koh Hyeon-Song , Kwon O-Yu
Published: February 2015

The expression of the ischemia-responsive protein (irp94) was enhanced by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducing drugs such as brefeldin A (BFA), calcium ionophor A23187, dithiothreitol (DTT) and tunicamycin in fisher rat thyroid epithelial cell line (FRTL-5 cells). In particular, irp94 mRNA expression was increased dose dependently by tunicamycin, and there was increased irp94 expression when the cells were incubated with the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) together.
Retinoic Acid as a Regulator of Cytokine Signaling after Nerve Injury
Authors: Mey Jörg
Published: February 2015

After an injury of the central nervous system it is of foremost clinical concern to prevent nerve cell degeneration and to develop strategies for the support of axonal regeneration. This requires an understanding of traumatic processes in the nervous system and their regulation by intercellular cytokine signaling. Although injury-induced temporal changes in gene expression of many cytokines have been described in this context, much less is known about their regulation. This review proposes a role of retinoic acid (RA) as transcriptional regulator in nerve regeneration. Four lines of evidence support this hypothesis: (1) In various cell culture systems retinoids were found to interact with most cytokine signals that mediate cellular interactions after nerve lesions in vivo. (2) Necessary components of the retinoid signaling pathway (aldehyde dehydrogenases, nuclear RA-receptors, cellular RA-binding proteins) are present in the adult nervous system, and glial cells produce RA in vitro. In addition, recent observations indicate that RA-synthesizing enzyme activity increases after nerve injury. (3) During development endogenous RA promotes glial and neuronal differentiation including the outgrowth of axons in the developing spinal cord, cerebellum, dorsal root ganglia and sympathetic ganglia. (4) Axonal regeneration of differentiated retinal ganglion cells and peripheral sensory neurons is enhanced by RA in vitro.
Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Induction of (S)-N-p-Coumaroyloctopamine Accumulation by β-1,3-Glucooligosaccharide Elicitors in Potato Tuber Tissues
Authors: Matsuda Fumio , Miyagawa Hisashi , Ueno Tamio
Published: February 2015

Abstract Treatment of potato tuber tissues with β-1,3-glucooligosaccharide induces accumulation of (S)-N-p-coumaroyloctopamine (p-CO). We examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in the signal transduction leading to p-CO accumulation. Induction was suppressed by an NADPH -oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride, and oxygen radical scavengers. H2O2 was generated in the tuber tissue within a few minutes of treatment with β-1,3-glucooligosaccharide. On the other hand, treatment with NO specific scavenger, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and serine protease inhibitor did not inhibit p -CO induction. Our findings suggest that ROS generated by the action o f NADPH -oxidase play an important role in this system, while NO and serine protease are unlikely to be involved in this process.
Repellent Activity of Estrogenic Compounds toward Zoospores of the Phytopathogenic Fungus Aphanomyces cochlioides
Authors: Islam M. Tofazzal , Tahara Satoshi
Published: February 2015

Screening chemical compounds, we found that a xenoestrogen, bisphenol A , showed potent repellent activity against the zoospores of A phanomyces cochlioides. Based on this finding, we tested a number of androgenic and estrogenic compounds (e.g. testosterone, progesterone, estradiols, diethylstilbestrol, estrone, estriol, pregnenolone, dienestrol etc.) on the motility behavior of A. cochlioides zoospores. Interestingly, most of the estrogenic compounds exhib­ited potent repellent activity (1 μg/ml or less by the "particle method") toward the motile zoospores of A. cochlioides. We derivatized some of the estrogens and discussed the relation­ ship between the structure of active molecules and their repellent activity. Apparently, aromatization of the A ring with a free hydroxyl group at C-3 position of a steroidal structure is necessary for higher repellent activity Interestingly, methylation of diethylstilbestrol (DES) yielded completely different activity i.e. both mono-and di-methyl ethers of DES showed attractant activity. Moreover, the attracted zoospores were encysted and then germinated in the presence of di-methyl ether of DES. The potential usefulness of this repellent test is discussed for the detection of estrogenic activity of naturally occurring compounds, and the possible role of phytoestrogens in host/parasite interactions. So far, this will be the first report of repellent activity of estrogenic compounds toward trivial fungal zoospores.
Phenolic Compounds of Propolis from Central Chilean Matorral
Authors: Muñoz Orlando , Peña Raúl C. , Ureta Enrique , Montenegro Gloria , Caldwell Colby , Timmermann Barbara N.
Published: February 2015

Pinocembrin, acacetin, galanguin, izalpin, kaempferide, prenyletin and diarytheptane were isolated from propolis from Central Chile.
Variability of the Fatty Acid Composition during Development of the Green Microalga Apatococcus constipatus
Authors: Eichel Johannes , Żarnowski Robert
Published: February 2015

The green microalga Apatococcus constipatus was in­ vestigated for its fatty acid composition using GC and MS techniques. Considerable variations were found in individual fatty acid contents according to the stage of culture development. A set of saturated fatty acid homologues was distinguished as the main component regard­ less of the culture age. The occurrence of some uncommon fatty acids in minor amounts, such as hydroxylated ones, was found to be characteristic o f the studied species. Depending on the development stage, those com ­ pounds were detected either only during initial growth phases or throughout the cultivation time.
Organotin-Induced Hyperglycemia in the Crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex Fabricius
Authors: Nagaraju G. Purna Chandra , Basha Md. Riyaz , Reddy P. Sreenivasula
Published: February 2015

Injection of three different organotin compounds such as tripalmitin, fentin and fenbutatin produced a significant increase in the hemolymph sugar level of intact crabs at Oziotelphusa senex senex apparently by stimulating release of the hyperglycemic hormone (HGH).
Lignan and Coumarin Glycosides from Haplophyllum suaveolens
Authors: Ivanova Antoaneta , Mikhova Bozhanka , Stambolijska Tatyana , Kostova Ivanka
Published: February 2015

Two new lignan glycosides of dibenzylbutyrolactol type (haplomarin) and arylnaphthalene type (haploborin) were isolated from the aerial parts of Haplophyllum suaveolens together with the known arylnaphthalene lignan glycoside arabelline and hydroxycoumarin glycoside xeroboside. So far arabelline is found only in H. buxbaumii. This is the first report of the isolation of xeroboside from Haplophyllum.
A New Diprenyl Coumarin and Alkaloids from the Bark of Zanthoxylum dimorphophyllum (Rutaceae)
Authors: Thi Mai Huong Doan , Van-Dufat Hanh Trinh , Michel Sylvie , Tillequin François , Bastien David , Sévenet Thierry
Published: February 2015

The alkaloids chelerythrine, norchelerythrine, oxyavicine, canthine-6-one. 4,5-dihydrocanthin-6-one, and γ-fagarine were isolated from Zanthoxylum dimorphophyllum bark, together with two coumarins, scoparone and dimoxylin. This latter is a novel compound whose structure was elucidated on the basis of its spectral data
A Dihydroflavonol with Taxonomic Significance from the Fern Notholaena sulphurea
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Dörr Marion , Stevens Jan F.
Published: February 2015

A new flavonoid, 2,3-trans-5,2′-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-dihydroflavonol-3-O-acetate, was isolated from the farinose coating on the lower leave surface of the fern, Notholaena sulphurea. The 2,3-cis diastereoisomer was isolated as a co-constituent. This novel acylated flavonoid is characteristic for the chemotype of N. sulphurea exhibiting yellow frond exudate. Its orrurrence underlines the affiliation of the species with the genus Notholaena
Two New Sesquiterpenes from Laurus azorica
Authors: Fraga Braulio M. , Cabrera Inmaculada , Reina Matías , Terrero David
Published: February 2015

The structures of a new eudesmane sesquiterpene, lauradiol, and a new secoeudesmane, azoridione, have been determined by spectroscopic methods. These compounds and the known sesquiterpenic alcohols, clovanediol and caryophyllenol II, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Laurus azorica
Computer-Aided Design of Novel Siderophores: Pyridinochelin
Authors: Meyer Michael , Schnurre Rüdiger , Reissbrodt Rolf , Trowitzsch-Kienast Wolfram
Published: February 2015

Pyridinochelin, a novel tetradentate catecholate-type siderophore, has been designed on the basis of the active analog enterobactin and was then synthesized. Growth promotion tests indicate that this synthetic siderophore feeds various pathogenic bacteria most effectively with iron even though it lacks one catecholate group compared to enterobactin. The superposition of the mentioned siderophore structures suggests that the structure of the skeleton connecting the catecholate groups might be an important factor for the iron transport
Bradyrhizobium japonicum Mutants Defective in Cyclic β-Glucan Synthesis Show Enhanced Sensitivity to Plant Defense Responses
Authors: Mithöfer Axel , Bhagwat Arvind A. , Keister Donald L. , Ebel Jürgen
Published: February 2015

Susceptibility of the nitrogen-fixing soybean symbiont Bradyrhizobium japonicum to inducible plant defense metabolites such as phytoalexin and H2O2, was investigated. On the wild-type strain USDA 110 the soybean phytoalexin, glyceollin, showed bacteriostatic activity. Viable bacteria isolated from intact nodules were adapted to glyceollin. H2O2 in physio­logical concentrations did not affect wild-type bacteria. B. japonicum mutants defective in the biosynthesis of cyclic β-(1→3)-(1→6)-glucans showed higher susceptibility to both phyto­alexin and H2O2
Influence of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Halides on Interaction of Phenyltin Compounds with Model Membranes
Authors: Różycka-Roszak Bożenna , Pruchnik Hanna
Published: February 2015

The effects were studied of dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and dodecyltrimethylammonium iodide (DTAI) on thermo­tropic phase behaviour of phosphatidylcholine bilayers, as well as on 1H NMR and 31P NMR spectra, in the presence of diphenyltin dichloride (DPhT) and triphenyltin chloride (TPhT). The obtained results indicate that in the presence of the surfactant studied the interaction of phenyltin compounds with model membranes was changed and the changes depended on the kind of the counterion. The surfactants studied (especially DTAC) decrease the ability of phenyltin compounds to induce structural changes in the bilayer. It is suggested that DTAB, and especially DTAC, prevent DPhT induced interdigitated phase formation as well as formation of an inverted hexagonal phase (HII) in the case of TPhT/DPPC liposomes
Biological Durability and Oxidative Potential of Man-Made Vitreous Fibres as Compared to Crocidolite Asbestos Fibres
Authors: Hippeli Susanne , Dornisch Kerstin , Wiethege Thorsten , Gillissen Adrian , Müller Klaus-Michael , Elstner Erich F.
Published: February 2015

In this study we investigated relationships between redox properties and biodurability of crocidolite asbestos fibres and three different man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF): traditional stone wool fibres (MMVF 21), glass fibres (MMVF 11) and refractory ceramic fibres (RCF). Each fibre type was incubated up to 22 weeks in four different incubation media: gamble solution (GS) pH 5.0 and pH 7.4, representing blood plasma without proteins, and surfactant­ like solution (SLS) pH 5.0 and pH 7.4. During incubation time aliquots of incubation mixtures were removed and analysed in a biochemical model reaction, mimicking activated phagocytes. In addition, changes of fibre morphology and chemical composition were examined using SEM-and EDX-technology.

In the presence of crocidolite asbestos fibres and MMVF 21 the formation of OH-radicals according to the Haber-Weiss sequence could be demonstrated, whereas MMVF 11 and RCF showed no reactivity. Crocidolite asbestos fibres exhibited a significant higher activity com­pared with the stone wool fibres at the onset of incubation. The oxidative capacities of these fibre types were shown to depend on both specific surface area and iron content. The oxidative potentials of crocidolite asbestos fibres as well as MMVF 21 were not constant during incubation over several weeks in each incubation medium. The reactivities showed sinoidal curves including reactivities much higher than those at the onset of incubation time. These irregular changes of oxidative capacity may be explained by changes of the redox state of fibre surface-complexed iron.

Furthermore our results showed clear differences between incubation of fibres in GS and SLS, respectively, indicating that phospholipids play an important part in fibre dissolution behaviour and oxidative reactivity.

In conclusion we suggest, that biodurability testing procedures should not exclusively concentrate on dissolution rates of fibres. They should include fibre characteristics concerning known pathogenic mechanisms to evaluate the real toxic potential of the fibre type looking at. Secondly we suggest, that phospholipids should be constituents of incubation liquids used for standardised fibre biodurability test procedures thus representing more realistic incubation conditions
Mechanism of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity. Hepatocellular Damage by Reactive Carbon Tetrachloride Metabolites
Authors: Boll Meinrad , Lutz W. D. , Becker Eberhard , Stampfl Andreas
Published: February 2015

CCl4-induced liver damage was modeled in monolayer cultures of rat primary hepatocytes with a focus on involvement of covalent binding of CCl4 metabolites to cell components and/or peroxidative damage as the cause of injury.

(1) Covalent binding of 14C-labeled metabolites was detected in hepatocytes immediately after exposure to CCl4. (2) Low oxygen partial pressure increased the reductive metabolism of CCl4 and thus covalent binding. (3) [14C]-CCl4 was bound to lipids and to proteins throughout subcellular fractions. Binding occurred preferentially to triacylglycerols and phospholipids, with phosphatidylcholine containing the highest amount of label. (4) The lipid peroxidation potency of CCl4 revealed subtle differences compared to other peroxidative substances, viz., ADP-Fe3+ and cumol hydroperoxide, respectively. (5) CCl4, but not the other peroxidative substances, decreased the rate of triacylglycerol secretion as very low density lipoproteins. (6) The anti-oxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol) blocked lipid peroxidation, but not covalent binding, and secretion of lipoproteins remained inhibited. (7) The radical scavenger piperonyl butoxide prevented CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation as well as covalent bind­ing of CCI4 metabolites to cell components, and also restored lipoprotein metabolism.

The results confirm that covalent binding of the CCl3* radical to cell components initiates the inhibition of lipoprotein secretion and thus steatosis, whereas reaction with oxygen, to form CCI3*-OO*, initiates lipid peroxidation. The two processes are independent of each other, and the extent to which either process occurs depends on partial oxygen pressure. The former process may result in adduct formation and, ultimately, cancer initiation, whereas the latter results in loss of calcium homeostasis and, ultimately, apoptosis and cell death
Triterpenoid Saponins from Astragalus trigonus
Authors: Shaker Kamel H. , Bernhardt Mirko , Elgamal M. Hani A. , Seifert Karlheinz
Published: February 2015

One new, 3-O-{[[-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-ᴅ-glucuronopyranosyl}-3β,22α,24-trihydroxyolean-12-ene and two known triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-{[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-ᴅ-glucuronopyranosyl}- 3β,22β,24-trihydroxyolean-12-ene (azukisaponin V ) and 3,16-di-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl- 3β,6α,16β-trihydroxycycloart-24-ene have been isolated from Astragalus trigonus. The structures were determined primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of NMR signals was performed by means of 1H - 1H COSY, NOESY, ROESY , TOCSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Virola oleifera Leaves
Authors: Kuroshima Kätia N. , Campos Fátima de , Souza Márcia M. de , Yunes Rosendo A. , Monache Franco Delle , Filho Valdir Cechinel
Published: February 2015

A methanolic extract and two fractions (n-hexane and ethyl acetate) from Virola oleifera leaves and some compounds (one lignan and two flavonoids) were investigated to verify the analgesic activity by using the writhing test in mice. The crude methanolic extract showed a moderate analgesic effect (about 40% of inhibition in this test at 10 mg/kg), whereas n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions caused inhibition of 51.3 ± 5.9% and 50.5 ± 6.3% , respectively. Oleiferin-C (1), a lignan isolated from the n-hexane fraction, showed an interesting analgesic potential in this model when compared to two standard drugs, paracetamol (4-acetamidophenol) and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The ID50 calculated for this compound was 17.25 μmol/kg, with confidence interval between 13.7 and 21.3 μmol/kg, being about 8 times more potent than the standard drugs. The mixture of two glycoside-flavonoids, identified as astilbin (2) and quercitrin (3), also exhibited good analgesic activity, causing 63% of reduction of abdominal constriction in mice. These results suggest beneficial effect of this plant to treat dolorous processes.
Stepwise pH-Gradient Elution for the Preparative Separation of Natural Anthraquinones by Multiple Liquid-Liquid Partition
Authors: Hynninen Paavo H. , Räisänen Riikka
Published: February 2015

Preparative-scale separation of substituted anthraquinones by multiple liquid-liquid partition was studied using isopropylmethyl ketone (IM K)/aqueous phosphate buffer (aq.) as the solvent system and the Hietala apparatus with 100 partition units as the partition equipment. The lower (aq.) phase was chosen as mobile, while the upper (IMK) phase remained stationary. Hence, the principle of stepwise pH-gradient elution could be utilized to separate the components in two complex mixtures of hydroxyanthraquinones and hydroxyanthraquinone carboxylic acids, isolated from the fungus Dermocybe sanguinea. In spite of the nonlinearity of the partition isotherm s for these anthraquinones, implying deviations from the Nernst partition law, remarkable separations were achieved for the components in each mixture. Every anthraquinone carboxylic acid showed markedly irregular partition behavior, appearing in the effluent as two more or less resolved concentration zones. Such splitting was attributed to the formation of relatively stable sandwich-dimers, which were in a slow equilibrium with the monomers in the more nonpolar organic phase. At lower pH-values, only the polar monomers were distributed into the mobile aqueous phase and moved forward, whereas the nonpolar sandwich-dimers remained almost entirely in the stationary organic phase and lagged behind. When the pH of the mobile aqueous phase was raised high enough, the firmly linked dimers were monomerized and emerged from the apparatus as a second concentration profile. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction between the n-systems of two anthraquinone molecules in a parallel orientation were considered responsible for the nonlinear and markedly irregular partition behavior of the natural anthraquinones studied. The nonlinearity of the partition behavior of the hydroxyanthraquinones lacking the carboxyl group, appeared merely as excessive broadening of the experimental concentration profile, which impaired the resolution between the components only insignificantly. Thus, e.g. the main components, dermocybin and emodin, could both be obtained from Separation 1 in a purity of at least 99% .
Phytochemical Profiles of Targionia lorbeeriana: Grown in vitro and in the Open
Authors: Neves Marta , Ferreira Manuel , Terreaux Christian , Hostettmann Kurt , Morais Rui
Published: February 2015

The terpenoid constituents of Targionia lorbeeriana grown in vivo and in vitro were com pared. The analysis of the dichloromethane extract was performed by HPLC-UV and by HPLC-M S. The obtained results revealed that the sesquiterpene lactones isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the wild Targionia lorbeeriana were also produced by the liverwort in in vitro cultures, in the same relative amounts.

The composition of essential oils was evaluated by GC and GC-MS. Both, the yield and diversity of the essential oil obtained from wild growing T. lorbeeriana gametophytes were higher than those growing in vitro. Although, a significant number of compounds produced in vivo were maintained in vitro, a considerable number of other ones were not detected. Instead, under in vitro conditions, some new compounds were found which do not accumulate under wild conditions.
Ammonium Phosphate as a Sole Nutritional Supplement for the Fermentative Production of 2,3-Butanediol from Sugar Cane Juice
Authors: Berbert-Molina Marília A. , Sato Sunao , Silveira Mauricio M.
Published: February 2015

The production of 2,3-butanediol by Klebsiella pneumoniae from sugar cane juice supplemented with different salts was studied. This microorganism is able to degrade sucrose present in sugar cane juice containing ammonium phosphate as the sole nutritional supplement. With a sugar cane juice-based medium containing ~180 g sucrose /1 and 8.0 g (NH4)2HPO4, / 1, over 70 g 2,3-butanediol plus acetoin / 1 were formed. This result is comparable to that achieved with a sugar cane juice-based medium containing several nutrients, although the kinetic profiles of these runs presented significant differences. With the ammonium phosphate- enriched medium, cell growth was initially favoured by both the strong oxygen supply and the higher water activity due to the lower concentration of nutrients. After 14 h, the limitation in some nutrients led to the interruption of cell growth, and decreasing rates for product formation and substrate consumption were observed. During the stationary phase of this run, sucrose was preferentially converted to product, and the substrate was completely depleted after 35 h of the process. With the complete medium, the substrate was totally consumed after 36 h of run. In this case, the higher initial concentration of nutrients reduced the overall process rate but sustained the cell growth for 27 h. Conversion yields of 0.40 g product / g sucrose and productivities close to 2.0 g/ lxh were obtained under both conditions.
Electric Relaxation Processes in Lipid-Bilayers after Exposure to Weak Magnetic Pulses
Authors: Pazur Alexander
Published: February 2015

Biological effects of weak magnetic fields are widespread, but poorly understood. Besides magnetic particles, which have been shown to be involved in only few cases, membranes are discussed as the site of perception. However, the mechanism is unknown. We have subjected pure lipid membranes to weak magnetic pulses, and found, that their electric properties are modified.

Black lipid membranes were prepared from purified asolectin on a teflon septum separating electrically the two chambers of a teflon cuvette, using the technique of Mueller et al. (1962). Single magnetic pulses were applied for 10 μs, whose intensity could be varied from 0 to 100 G (0 to 10 mT) at the membrane. Directly after the pulse decay, the conductance of the bilayers was scanned with 10 periods of a 1 kHz triangle alternating voltage (eg. a measurement time window of 10 ms). Frequency spectra of the bilayer current rose by a frequency dependent factor ≤ 2 in a broad region around 80 kHz, when the amplitude of the preceding magnetic pulse was increased from 0 to 100 G. The data show, that weak magnetic fields can significantly change the electrical conductance of lipid films. The relaxation of electrons in a two-dimensional quantum state (“quantum hollow”) will be discussed as a possible origin of these effects.
Appearance of Aberrant Mitosis in Murine Leukemia Cells upon Combined Treatment with Low Concentrations of Cisplatin and Teniposide
Authors: Gorneva Galina A. , Spassovska Nadejda C. , Grancharov Konstantin C.
Published: February 2015

The combination of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (DDP, cisplatin) and topoisomerase II inhibitor teniposide (VM-26) has been shown to exert a synergistic effect in the clinical treatment of cancer. In this study, the combined effect of DDP and VM-26 on the growth and induction of apoptosis in synchronized murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, treated at the beginning or in the middle of S-phase of cell cycle, was examined. MEL cells, clone F4 N, were synchronized by a double thymidine block leading to accumulation of 70% of cells at the G1/S boundary. The growth-inhibitory effect of DDP and VM-26 applied alone were stronger in the middle of the S-phase than at the beginning. Morphological analysis showed that the majority of the cells revealed typical signs of apoptosis: nuclei fragmentation and appearance of apoptotic bodies. The combination of both agents at low concentrations had a synergistic effect on cytotoxicity. At higher concentrations the effect was additive. The remainder of the cells were characterized by unbalanced growth, aberrant mitosis and appearance of multinucleated cells. These processes led to delayed cell death. The appearance of aberrant mitosis was more expressed after treatment in the middle of the S-phase. It is likely that as a result of the combined action of cisplatin and VM-26, cells become supersensitive to the ability of topoisomerase II inhibitor to influence mitosis, and this increased sensitivity may contribute to the observed synergism.
Withering Syndrome of the Small Abalone, Haliotis diversicolor supertexta, Is Caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Associated with Thermal Induction
Authors: Huang C.-Y. , Liu P.-C. , Lee K.-K.
Published: February 2015

The susceptibility of the small abalone Haliotis diversicolor supertexta to Vibrio parahae­molyticus 880915 strain and its extracellular products (ECP) at different temperatures was investigated. The strain was previously isolated from the haemolymph of the moribund small abalone with withering syndrome during an outbreak of mass mortality among the cultured animals in September 1999 in I-Lan, Taiwan. The bacterium and its ECP were lethal to the small abalone. Onset of the withering syndrome in the moribund or dead animals could be observed at 4 -7 d post-bacterial challenge. The same bacterial strain could be isolated from the haemolymph of the moribund animals with or without the syndrome post-bacterial challenge. This syndrome could not be observed in the moribund or dead animals post-ECP challenge. The animals were more susceptible to the bacterium and ECP challenge at higher temperature (28 °C) indicating that the outbreak of the disease in warmer season is associated with thermal induction.
Gene sll0033 from Synechocystis 6803 Encodes a Carotene Isomerase Involved in the Biosynthesis of all-E Lycopene
Authors: Breitenbach Jürgen , Vioque Agustin , Sandmann Gerhard
Published: February 2015

The function of gene sll0033 from Synechocystis 6803 which is homologous to the bacterial crtI-type phytoene desaturase genes was elucidated as a novel carotene isomerase. Escherichia coli transformed with all genes necessary for the formation of ζ-carotene and expressing a ζ-carotene desaturase synthesized the positional isomer prolycopene (7,9,7′,9′Z lycopene) which cannot be cyclized in the subsequent reactions to a- and β-carotene. Upon cotransformation with sll0033, the formation of all-E lycopene is mediated instead.
Interpopulation Congruence in Chinese Primula ovalifolia Revealed by Chemical and Molecular Markers Using Essential Oils and ISSRs
Authors: Nan Peng , Peng Shaolin , Shi Suhua , Ren Hai , Yang Ji , Zhong Yang
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oils of five natural populations of P. ovalifolia from central and southwest China and their interpopulation variability were first analyzed by using GC-MS. Twenty-two essential oil compounds were obtained, in which eighteen ones were identified and characterized representing 95%-96% of the oil composition. Three main chemotypes, i. e., the methyl-acetyl-hydroquinone-rich, hydroquinone-rich, and acetyl-hydroquinone-rich chemotypes, were then differentiated, corresponding to the three groups obtained from the cluster analysis based on the essential oil composition percentages. Genetic variations among the five populations were also investigated using the Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. Finally, the Mantel test showed that there was a significant correlation between two distance matrices based on the chemical compounds of essential oils and ISSR markers, confirming the congruence of interpopulation relationships in the P. ovalifolia revealed by the chemical and molecular markers
Biomimetic Conversion of (3S)-(–)-Neodictyoprolenol to Optically Pure (1S,2R)-(–)-Dictyopterene B, Marine Algal Sex Pheromone
Authors: Kajiwara Tadahiko , Yamamoto Yuuko , Akakabe Yoshihiko , Matsui Kenji , Shimizu Hiroshi , Kawai Tesuo
Published: February 2015

Both enantiomers of (3S)-(-)- and (3R)-(+)-Neodictyoprolenol [(3S,5Z,8Z)-(-)-1,5,8-unde-catrien- 3-ol] were successfully converted to the algal sex pheromone, (1S,2R)-(-)-dictyopterene B and (1R,2S)-(+)-dictyopterene B in high enantiomeric purities (e.e. > 99%), respectively, by the biomimetic reaction involving phosphorylation and elimination under a mild condition
Roles of α-Farnesene in the Behaviors of Codling Moth Females
Authors: Yan Fengming , Bengtsson Marie , Makranczy György , Löfqvist Jan
Published: February 2015

Reproduction and olfactory behavioral responses of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), females to synthetic α-farnesene were observed in the laboratory as well as their reproduction behaviors in an apple orchard. Calling levels were lifted and ovipositional peaks were advanced in codling moth females at presence of 1μg and 0.1 μg of α-farnesene, respectively. Mated females of codling moth more actively responded to 0.01 μg α-farnesene with walking and wing-fanning while walking than to other doses (0.001, 0.1, 1, 10 μg ) and control. The results show that α-farnesene plays important roles in the behaviors of codling moth females. However, the differences between responses to α-farnesene and those to apple volatiles by codling moth females indicate that components other than α-farnesene in apple volatiles also have biological activities