bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tobamovirus Infection on Thermoluminescence Characteristics of Chloroplasts from Infected Plants
Authors: Rahoutei Jaber , Barón Matilde , García-Luque Isabel , Droppa Magdolna , Neményi  , Horváth Gábor
Published: February 2015

Changes of thermoluminescence characteristics as well as the O2-evolving capacity was analysed in chloroplasts isolated from Nicotiana benthamiana infected with pepper and paprika mild mottle viruses and their chimeric hybrids. The electron transport activity in thylakoids of virus-infected plants was inhibited and could be restored by adding DPC or Ca2+ which indicated that the virus infection altered the oxygen-evolving complex. In thermoluminescence characteristics of plants infected with either viruses, the first well defined response was a shift in the peak position of the B band from 20 °C to 35 °C corresponding to S3(S2)QB
- and S2QB
- charge recombinations, respectively, which showed an inhibition in the formation of higher S states in the water splitting system. Simultaneously, a new band appeared around 70 °C due to chemiluminescence of lipid peroxidation. Further progress of the viral infection dramatically decreased the intensity of bands originated from charge recombinations with a concomitant increase of the band at 70 °C indicating the general oxidative breakdown of injured thylakoids
Sodium Chloride Salt Stress Induced Changes in Thylakoid Pigment-Protein Complexes, Photosystem II Activity and Thermoluminescence Glow Peaks
Authors: Misra Amarendra Narayan , Sahu Sachindra Mohan , Misra Meena , Ramaswamy N. K. , Desai T. S.
Published: February 2015

In the present study, mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) - a salt susceptible and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) - a salt resistant crop was studied to find out the differences in stress responses of these crops. Seedlings were grown in water soaked cotton under continuous illumination of 35 μmole m-2 s-1 at 26 ± 1 °C. Salinity treatment of 0, 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v) was given to the seedlings at 6 day Photosynthetic pigment content and PS II electron transport activity was reduced under salinity in both mung bean and Indian mustard. The pigment protein pattern of both the crops were similar. Ratio analysis of B and Q thermoluminescence (TL) glow peaks suggested that S2QA- charge recombination was relatively more affected than S2/3QB- charge recombinations
Trachycarpus fortunei H. Wendl. under Winter and Summer Conditions
Authors: Neményi András , Georgakopoulos John H. , Kissimon Judit , Badacsonyi András , Horváth Gábor
Published: February 2015

A study was conducted to analyze the contribution of high irradiance and resulting photoinhibition to the decline in net photosynthesis in the leaves of palm Trachycarpus fortunei during summer and winter as well as at normal growth and low temperatures in field and laboratory conditions, respectively. Fluorescence induction measurements indicated that there was a 10% decrease in the Fv/Fm ratio in field conditions at midday during both summer and winter, due to the relatively low intensity of incident light resulting from the partial leaf segment folding. Fluorescence parameters completely recovered by the evening hours. In summer the midday decay was due to the decrease of Fm which probably represents a rapidly reversible component of photoinhibition by the protective down-regulation of PSII mediated by the xanthophyll cycle. In winter, however, the initial Fv/Fm ratio was 40% less than as measured in summer and its midday decline was associated with the decrease of Fv indicating the partial inactivation of PS II. The net CO2 assimilation rate followed the pattern of the Fv/Fm ratio but it could not recover due to the stomatal closure after midday. Comparing the fluorescence and gas exchange measurements we have concluded that the photoinhibition of T. fortunei represented by the Fv/Fm ratio changes is a regulatory adjustment of PS II efficiency to limiting carbon utilization and to limiting carbon availability imposed by stomatal closure. Leaves photoinhibited under laboratory conditions at growth temperature showed a substantial decrease of 50% in the Fv/Fm ratio due to the perpendicular exposure, but no apparent changes in D1 protein content could be detected. Phytotron grown plants exposed to cold stress (6 °C) and low irradiance (250 μmol m-2 s-1) under laboratory conditions showed a time related but much slower continuous decrease in Fv/Fm ratio. After high irradiance the recovery kinetics in the dark at normal growth temperature (28 °C) strongly depended on the extent of the photoinhibition, while after low irradiance complete recovery occurred in 12 hours irrespective of the initial Fv/Fm value, independently from the time of cold treatment, indicating that at low light and cold treatments only reversible inactive PS IIs were formed
Interaction of Elevated CO2 and Ozone Concentrations and Irrigation Regimes on Leaf Anatomy and Carbohydrate Status of Young Oak (Quercus petraea) Trees
Authors: Schmitt Volker , Kußmaul Annette , Wild Aloysius
Published: February 2015

Young sessile oak (Quercus petraea) trees were exposed for one vegetation period in closed environmental chambers in a crossed factorial study on effects to varied CO2 concentrations, ozone concentrations and irrigation treatments. Elevated CO2 concentrations (ambient + 350 (μmol mol-1 ) caused a significant increase in biomass production, alterations in leaf anatomy and chloroplast ultrastructure as well as an increase in leaf starch content, as compared to ambient CO2 concentrations. The effects of elevated O3 concentrations and drought stress were far less distinct. The leaf starch content was influenced by CO2 and O3 in a synergistic manner
Stress Alterations in Growth Parameters, Pigment Content and Photosynthetic Functions of in vitro Cultured Plants
Authors: Kissimon Judit , Tantos Ágnes , Mészáros Annamária , Jámbor-Benczúr Erzsébet , Horváth Gábor
Published: February 2015

Effects of different concentrations of glucose, sucrose and the natural growth regulator, triacontanol were studied under the unfavourable stress conditions of micropropagation of two woody plants, Sorbus rotundifolia L. and Primus x davidiopersica ‘Piroska’. After 4 - 6 weeks of cultures, the number and length of shoots, the photosynthetic activity as well as the chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin contents were investigated. As shown by the growth parameters, the optimal carbohydrate concentration was between 1.5-2.5% , whereas in higher concentrations, a definite inhibition could be observed. A similar response was found in changes of the anthocyanin content in Prunus x davidiopersica ‘Piroska’, but this effect was less pronounced with the photosynthetic pigments in both species. The Fv/Fm ratio representing the quantum yield of photosynthesis was low due to the inhibitory effect of stress and altered significantly by changing the carbohydrate concentrations. In all cases, the addition of 2 - 4 μg triacontanol/1 further enhanced the stimulating effect of the optimal carbohydrate concentrations, which indicated the specific importance of the appropriate hormone balance under such stress conditions
Contribution of Chlorophyll Fluorescence to the Reflectance of Leaves in Stressed Plants as Determined with the VIRAF-Spectrometer
Authors: Buschmann Claus , Lichtenthaler Hartmut K.
Published: February 2015

Reflectance spectra allow the early detection of stressors causing differences in pigment content as well as changes of leaf tissue structure and photosynthetic activity. The reflectance decreased with increasing Chl content in greening bean leaves. In stressed leaves, in turn, the reflectance increased with decreasing Chl content. This also caused a shift of the red reflection rise (“red edge”) to shorter wavelengths (“blue shift”) associated with a blue shift of the inflection point of the red edge. The contribution of the red and far-red Chl fluorescence to the reflectance signal at the red edge of the spectrum and the shift of the wavelength position of the inflection point are demonstrated and discussed
Volatile Components of the Freshwater Algae Spirogyra and Mougeotia
Authors: Kamenarska Zornitza G. , Dimitrova-Konaklieva Stefka D. , Nikolova Christina , Kujumgiev Athanas Il. , Stefanov Kamen L. , Popov Simeon S.
Published: February 2015

Several species of freshwater green algae belonging to the order Zygnematales (Spirogyra crassa (Ktz.) Czurda, S. longata (Vauch.) Ktz., and Mougeotia viridis (Ktz.) Wittr.) were found to have a specific composition of the volatile fraction, which confirms an earlier proposal for the existence of two groups in the genus Spirogyra. Antibacterial activity was found in volatiles from S. longata.
Eudesmanolides and Further Terpenes from the Leaves of Eupatorium semialatum
Authors: Lang Günter , Passreiter Claus M. , Medinilla Beatriz E. , Castillo Juan-Jose
Published: February 2015

A collection of Eupatorium semialatum from Guatemala was investigated for the occurrence of sesquiterpene lactones. In addition to the sesquiterpene cinnamoyloxyoplopanone (5), lactones of the eudesmanolide type were found and identified by NMR as derivatives of 8 β-hydroxyreynosin and 8 β-hydroxybalchanin, esterified with 2-substituted acrylic acids. The acid moieties were determined to be the enantiomeric (R)- and (S)-(2-hydroxy-1-methoxyethyl) acrylic acid, in 1, 2 and 4 respectively, and (1-hydroxy-ethyl) acrylic acid in 3.
Unusual Coumarin Patterns of Pelargonium Species Forming the Origin of the Traditional Herbal Medicine Umckaloabo
Authors: Latté Klaus Peter , Kayser Oliver , Tan N. , Kaloga Macki , Kolodziej Herbert
Published: February 2015

The coumarin patterns of Pelargonium sidoides DC. and Pelargonium reniforme CURT., forming the origin of the herbal medicine “umckaloabo”, were analysed and compared for therapeutic equivalence. For both species, members of tri- and tetraoxygenated coumarins almost exclusively were present in the respective metabolic pools. However, the roots of P. sidoides and P. reniforme expressed conspicuously distinct coumarin variations, with umckalin, its 7-O-methyl ether, 7-acetoxy-5,6-dimethoxycoumarin, 6,8-dihydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin, 6,8-dihydroxy-5,7-tetramethoxycoumarin, artelin and three unique coumarin sulfates as uncommon metabolites of this class of secondary products of P. sidoides. Furthermore, the highly oxygenated but known coumarins fraxinol, isofraxetin and fraxidin were associated with the new 8-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxycoumarin as representatives of P. reniforme. Of the twelve identified coumarins only the two species shared the ubiquitous scopoletin and the unique 6,7,8-trihydroxycoumarin. From the oxygenation patterns it is evident that the majority of these Pelargonium coumarins match the recently established basic structural requirements for marked antibacterial activity, i.e. the presence of a methoxy function at C-7 and an OH group at either the C-6 or C-8 position. The current data on the coumarin profiles of each Pelargonium species also indicate a previous erroneous identification of the plant material claimed to be P. reniforme. Absence and presence of umckalin and its 7-O-methyl ether defines P. reniforme and P. sidoides, respectively.
Synthesis of Mannose-Rich Exopolysaccharide by Rhodotorula glutinis 16P Co-Cultured with Yeast or Bacteria
Authors: Simova Emilina D. , Frengova Ginka I. , Beshkova Dora M.
Published: February 2015

Exopolysaccharides from the lactose-negative yeast Rhodotorula glutinis 16P were synthesized by co-cultivation with the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis MP11 or with the homofermentative lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus helveticus 9A in a cheese whey ultrafiltrate. Exopolysaccharides were produced by lactose hydrolysis, performed by two pathways: with β-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis MP11 which assimilates glucose and galactose; with β-galactosidase and Lactobacillus helveticus 9A which uses lactic acid. By growing the two mixed cultures maximum yield was obtained as follows: 11.4 g/l and 15.8 g/l, respectively. Structural units of the carbohydrate composition of the two polymers are mannose (72.4-63.5%), glucose (2.0-15.9%), galactose (25.3-19.8%) and xylose (3.6-4.3%). Mannose dominated in the polysaccharide compositions.
Formation of Aliphatic and Aromatic α-Hydroxy Ketones by Zygosaccharomyces bisporus
Authors: Neuser Frauke , Zorn Holger , Berger Ralf G.
Published: February 2015

The wild-type yeast strain Zygosaccharomyces bisporus CBS 702 produced α-hydroxyketones (acyloins) from amino acid precursors after transamination to the corresponding 2-oxo acids. The key enzyme of the subsequent decarboxylation and C − C bond forming reaction, pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC ), was examined for its substrate- and stereo-specificity. A wide variety of saturated and unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes was successfully converted to acyloins. 19 of the biotransformation products identified had not been reported as natural substances before. Product yields were strongly affected by substrate structure.
A New Bioactive Steroidal Saponin from Agave attenuata
Authors: Silva Bernadete P. da , Sousa Allyne C. de , Silva Graziela M. , Mendes Tatiana P. , Parente José P.
Published: February 2015

A new steroidal saponin was isolated from the leaves of Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck. Its structure was established as (3β,5β,22α,25S)-26-(β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyloxy)-22-methoxyfurostan- 3-yl O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl- (1→3)]-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranoside. The structural identification was performed using detailed analyses of 1H and 13C NMR spectra including 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques (COSY, HETCOR and COLOC) and chemical conversions. The haemolytic potential of the steroidal saponin was evaluated and the anti-inflammatory activity was performed using the capillary permeability assay.
Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometry Study of the Essential Oils of Pimenta racemosa var. terebinthina and P. racemosa var. grisea
Authors: García Dolores , Alvarez Antonio , Tornos Paz , Fernandez Angeles , Sáenz Teresa
Published: February 2015

The essential oil of the leaves of P. racemosa var. terebinthina and P. racemosa var. grisea were examined by GC and GC/MS. The major constituents were α-terpineol acetate (27%), α-terpineol (20%) and 4-methoxy eugenol (12.6%) for P.racemosa var. terebinthina and 4-methoxy-isoeugenol (75.2%) and 4-methoxy-eugenol (4.5%) for P. racemosa var. grisea.
Aspterric Acid and 6-Hydroxymellein, Inhibitors of Pollen Development in Arabidopsis thaliana, Produced by Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Shimada Atsumi , Kusano Miyako , Takeuchi Sumiyo , Fujioka Shozo , Inokuchi Tomohisa , Kimura Yasuo
Published: February 2015

Aspterric acid (1) and 6-hydroxymellein (2), inhibitors of pollen development in Arabidopsis thaliana, have been isolated fromthe fungus Aspergillus terreus. 1 and 2 inhibited the pollen development at concentrations of 38 and 52 μᴍ, respectively. The microscopic examination of pollen development suggested that the inhibition by the treatment with 1 caused at meiosis and the inhibition by the treatment with 2 caused at microspore stage. 1 and 2 could be useful agents for the molecular investigation of anther and pollen development in higher plants.
Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids in Antarctic Sea Ice Algae, and Their Response to UVB Radiation
Authors: Ryan Ken G , McMinn Andrew , Mitchell Kevin A. , Trenerry Louise
Published: February 2015

Mycosporine like amino acids (MAAs) were detected in low concentration in sea ice algae growing in situ at Cape Evans, Antarctica. Four areas of sea ice were covered with plastics of different UV absorption exposing the bottom- ice algal community to a range of UV doses for a period of 15 days. Algae were exposed to visible radiation only; visible + UV radiation; and visible + enhanced UV radiation. MAA content per cell at the start of the experiment was low in snow-covered plots but higher in samples from ice with no snow cover. During the study period, the MAA content per cell reduced in all treatments, but the rate of this decline was less under both ambient UV and visible radiation than under snow covered plots. While low doses of UVB radiation may have stimulated some MAA production (or at least slowed its loss), relatively high doses of UVB radiation resulted in almost complete loss of MAAs fromice algal cells. Despite this reduction in MAA content per cell, the diatoms in all samples grew well, and there was no discernible effect on viability. This suggests that MAAs may play a minor role as photoprotectants in sea ice algae. The unique structure of the bottom ice algal community may provide a self-shading effect such that algal cells closest to the surface of the ice contain more MAAs than those below them and confer a degree of protection on the community as a whole.
Two Epimeric Flavalignans from Trichilia catigua (Meliaceae) with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Pizzolatti Moacir G. , Venson Andreia F. , Júnior Artur Smânia , Smânia Elza de F. A. , Braz-Filho Raimundo
Published: February 2015

A mixture of flavalignan cinchonains Ia and Ib was isolated from the bark of Trichilia catigua. The structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data of the natural products and their methylated derivatives including 2D NMR experiments, and compared with data in the literature. These flavalignans exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Aspartic Proteinase in Dugesia tigrina (Girard) Planaria
Authors: Zamora-Veyl Fanny B. , Guedes Herbert L. M. , Giovanni-De-Simone Salvatore
Published: February 2015

A proteolytic activity was identified in Dugesia tigrina planaria using the chromogenic substrate Phe-Ala-Ala-Phe (4-NO2)-Phe-Val-Leu-O4MP. The activity of the enzyme increased four times during the regeneration and presented a maximum at 120 hr being higher in tail than head regenerating segments. The protease that displays this activity was purified from worms by a single step on pepstatin-agarose followed by gel-filtration high performance liquid chromatography. The purification resulted in a 34-fold increase in specific activity and the final yield was 10%. The active D. tigrina hydrolase appears to be a dimeric protein composed of identical subunits with 34 kDa associated by disulphide bridges similar to vertebrate cathepsin D. By SDS-PAGE several bands were detected but upon gel filtration HPLC one proteolytically active component, termed Asp-68, was detected and isolated. The maximal activity was observed in a range between pH 3.5-5.0 and the enzyme became inactivated at a pH value above 7.2. The purified enzyme was not inhibited by inhibitors from serine (aprotinin, TPCK, PMSF and TLCK), metallo (EDTA) and cysteine proteinase (E-64) classes. In contrast, inhibitors such as pepstatin, EPNP, and 4-β-PMA efficiently inhibited the activity of the 68-kDa protease.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Marine Alkaloids Haminol and Pulo’upone and Related Compounds
Authors: Pelttari Eila , Matikainen Jorma , Elo Hannu
Published: February 2015

The marine alkaloids haminol A, haminol B and pulo’upone as well as 17 related compounds (twelve 2-substituted pyridine derivatives, four 3-substituted ones and one analogue of the bicyclic terminus of pulo’upone) were tested for antimicrobial activity against a panel of six microbes (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using the paper disc agar diffusion method. Six compounds were tested also against the mold Aspergillus niger. Some of the compounds displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity, only one congener being completely devoid of activity. Nearly all compounds had activity against B. cereus and S. epidermidis. The growth of E. coli, C. albicans and S. cerevisiae was also distinctly inhibited by many compounds. In contrast, most compounds were inactive or had minimal activity against P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, most of the compounds tested against the opportunistic pathogen A. niger were active, one of them having noteworthy inhibitory potency.
GC-MS Investigation of Tropane Alkaloids in Datura stramonium
Authors: Philipov Stefan , Berkov Strahil
Published: February 2015

The alkaloid spectrumin roots, leaves and seeds of Datura stramonium L. was investigated by GC-MS. Twenty-nine tropane alkaloids are detected. Twelve of themare new constituents for the species and the two tropane esters 3-(3ʹ-acetoxytropoyloxy)tropane (21) and 3-(2ʹ-hydroxytropoyloxy)tropane (26) are described for the first time.
A Quick Assay for Na+-K+-ATPase Specific Activity
Authors: Sarkar Pradip K.
Published: February 2015

The method describes a simultaneous determination of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and protein content from a reaction mixture used for assay of adult rat cerebrocortical synaptosomal membrane Na+-K+-ATPase specific activity. The present method is more convenient, accurate and quicker compared to the existing methods for the determination of Na+-K+-ATPase activity. It also eliminates the possible errors in protein estimation by other classical methods in brain, which have a high lipid content.
A New Triterpene Saponin from Chenopodium ficifolium
Authors: Gohar Ahmed A. , Maatooq Galal T. , Niwa Masatake , Yoshiaki Takaya
Published: February 2015

The new triterpene saponin 3-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside, 28-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosiduronic acid oleanolate was isolated from the roots of Chenopodium ficifolium. The known compounds stigmasterol-3-O-glucoside and 3-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosiduronic acid, 28-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl oleanolate were also isolated. The latter compound, oleanolic acid, β-sitosterol and its glucoside were isolated from the aerial parts. The identity of these compounds was verified through different chemical and physico-chemical evidences including different 1D and 2D NMR experiments.
Nuatigenin-Type Steroidal Saponins from Veronica fuhsii and V. multifida
Authors: Ozipek Meltem , Saracoglu Iclal , Ogihara Yukio , Çaliş İhsan
Published: February 2015

A new nuatigenin-type steroidal saponin, multifidoside (2), was isolated from the aerial parts of Veronica fuhsii and V. multifida and its structure was identified as 3-O-{[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1→2glu)]-[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→4rha)-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4glu)]-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl}nuatigenin 26-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside. Additionally, a known steroidal saponoside, aculeatiside A (1), from V. fuhsii, a phenylethanoid glycoside, verpectoside A (3), and a flavon glycoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-(2″-O-6″-O-acetyl-β-ᴅ-allopyranosyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside) (4) from V. multifida were isolated.
Structure of Tyrolobibenzyl D and Biological Activity of Tyrolobibenzyls from Scorzonera humilis
Authors: Zidorn Christian , Spitaler Renate , Ellmerer-Müller Ernst-P. , Perry Nigel B. , Gerhäuser Clarissa , Stuppner Hermann
Published: February 2015

A novel tyrolobibenzyl derivative, 1→6-β-ᴅ-apiosyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl 4-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl]benzofuran-2-carboxylate 3 (tyrolobibenzyl D) was isolated from Scorzonera humilis L. and its structure established by mass spectrometry and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. The biological activities of the new compound and related tyrolobibenzyls A-C (1-2, 4) and the semi-synthetic peracetyl derivatives of tyrolobibenzyls B (2a) and C (4a) were assessed. The results revealed no cytotoxic activity against P388 cells and neither anti-bacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis nor antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes for any of the investigated compounds. An evaluation of potential chemopreventive activity of 2, 2a, 4, and 4a also revealed no pronounced activity in any of the employed assaying systems.
GC-MS Analysis and Anti-Microbial Activity of Acidic Fractions Obtained from Paeonia peregrina and Paeonia tenuifolia Roots
Authors: Ivanova Antoaneta , Delcheva Ivajla , Tsvetkova Iva , Kujumgiev Atanas , Kostova Ivanka
Published: February 2015

Fourteen aromatic and 24 aliphatic acids were determined by GC-MS analysis of acidic fractions obtained from Paeonia peregrina and Paeonia tenuifolia roots. Benzoic acid and its monohydroxy-, dihydroxy- and trihydroxyderivatives are the main acid components of both Paeonia species. Some fractions could serve as a source of benzoic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and gallic acids, as well as of ethyl gallate. The fractions inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.
The Effect of Selected Anions on Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Phase Transitions
Authors: Przyczyna Adriana , Różycka-Roszk Bożenna , Langner Marek
Published: February 2015

The effect of three anions, Cl-, Br- and I-, on the phase transitions of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was measured. Main phase transition was modestly affected by these anions in the salt concentration range 0.2 M. For Cl- and Br- the temperature of main phase transition was lower (by about 0.5 °C), its half-width modestly larger and enthalpy practically unchanged, all three parameters were altered to a much larger degree. Main phase transition temperature was 1.5 °C lower and the peak half-width significantly smaller. These changes were not accompanied by any alteration in main phase transition enthalpy. Iodide shifted the pretransition temperature toward lower values and increased its half-width to such an extent that at concentrations above 100 mm it was practically undetectable. Besides cations, the presence of anions also has a distinct effect on lipid bilayer interface properties.
Further Halotyrosine Derivatives from the Marine Sponge Suberea aff. praetensa
Authors: Kijjoa Anake , Watanadilok Rawiwan , Sonchaeng Pichai , Sawangwong Pichan , Pedro Madalena , Nascimento Maria São José , Silva Artur M. S. , Eaton Graham , Herz Werner
Published: February 2015

Reexamination of the marine sponge Suberea aff. praetensa, (Row) from the Gulf of Thailand furnished in addition to bromotyrosine derivatives found previously 5-bromo- and 5- chlorocavernicolin, cavernicolins 1 and 2, two other brominated tyrosine metabolites, a known bisoxazolidone and a new unusual rearranged tyrosine metabolite subereatensin. Several of the metabolites exhibited significant inhibitory effects against five human cancer cell lines.
Negotiation and Erosion of Born Again Prestige in Nairobi
Authors: Gez Yonatan N. , Droz Yvan
Published: February 2015

The social and political efficacy of “Born-Again” identity in Nairobi is fed by the accumulation of personal prestige or symbolic capital emerging from the Born-Again actor’s association with religious and moral virtues. However, this prestige is being undermined by ongoing rumors and scandals, risking disruption of the benefits associated with this morality. In this article, we explore the popular discontent with Born-Again identity and practice, concluding that its prestige in Nairobi is possibly eroding, with risk to its efficacy in mobilizing social and political power.
Charismatic and Pentecostal Social Orientations in Nigeria
Authors: Gaiya Musa A. B.
Published: February 2015

This article identifies two responses to social challenge by charismatic Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. I argue that churches taking a centripetal position are either socially passive or they collude with corrupt leaders and groups who undermine efforts toward political, social and human improvement; yet, in their engagement with society they offer spiritual solutions to myriad social and political problems. Conversely, churches taking a centrifugal approach try to confront political and social problems, but these churches are relatively few and located primarily in Lagos, although they are growing in influence. I conclude that charismatic Pentecostalism in Nigeria currently is shifting from strictly spiritual solutions to sociopolitical problems to an emphasis on meeting social needs in practical ways.
Morbidity and medicine prescriptions in a nationwide Danish population of patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Glintborg Dorte , Hass Rubin Katrine , Nybo Mads , Abrahamsen Bo , Andersen Marianne
Published: February 2015

Objective

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the prevalence of other diseases is not clarified. We aimed to investigate morbidity and medicine prescriptions in PCOS.

Design

A National Register-based study.

Methods

Patients with PCOS (PCOS Denmark and an embedded cohort; PCOS Odense University Hospital (OUH)) and one control population. Premenopausal women with PCOS underwent clinical and biochemical examination (PCOS OUH,n=1217). PCOS Denmark (n=19 199) included women with PCOS in the Danish National Patient Register. Three age-matched controls were included per patient (n=57 483).

Main outcome measures

Diagnosis codes and filled prescriptions.

Results

The mean (range) age of the PCOS Denmark group and controls was 30.6 (12–60) years. Patients in PCOS Denmark had higher Charlson index, higher prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension than controls. PCOS was associated with a two times increased risk of stroke and thrombosis, whereas the risk of other cardiovascular diseases was not increased. Thyroid disease, asthma, migraine, and depression were more prevalent in PCOS Denmark vs controls, whereas fractures were rarer. Infertility was increased in patients compared with controls, but the mean number of births was higher in PCOS. Medicine prescriptions within all diagnosis areas were significantly higher in PCOS patients than in controls.

In PCOS OUH, polycystic ovaries (PCO) and irregular menses were associated with a more adverse metabolic risk profile, but individual Rotterdam criteria were not associated with cardiometabolic diagnoses.

Conclusion

Cardiometabolic and psychiatric morbidity were significantly increased in a Danish population with PCOS. Medical diseases are frequent also in young patients with PCOS.
Cytolethal distending toxin A, B and C subunit proteins are necessary for the genotoxic effect of Escherichia coli CDT-V
Authors: Taieb Frederic , Sváb Domonkos , Watrin Claude , Oswald Eric , Tóth István
Published: February 2015

Cytolethal distending toxins (CDT) are considered the prototype of inhibitory cyclomodulins, and are produced by a wide range of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli strains of various sero- and pathotypes. CDT is a heterotripartite toxin consisting of three protein subunits, CdtA, CdtB and CdtC. The active subunit, CdtB has DNase activity and causes DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the target cell. However, several studies have highlighted different roles for CdtA and CdtC subunits. In order to reveal the necessity of CdtA and CdtC subunit proteins in the CDT-specific phenotype, expression clones containing the cdt-V subunit genes were constructed. Using cell culture assays, we demonstrated that clones expressing only the CdtB subunit or in combination with only CdtA or CdtC were unable to trigger the specific cell cycle arrest and changes in cell morphology in HeLa cells. At the same time, the recombinant clone harbouring the whole cdt-V operon caused all the CDT-associated characteristic phenotypes. All these results verify that all the three CDT subunit proteins are necessary for the genotoxic effect caused by CDT-V.
Gentamicin sulphate permeation through porcine intestinal epithelial cell monolayer
Authors: Gyetvai Béla , Jerzsele Ákos , Pászti-Gere Erzsébet , Nagy Gábor , Gálfi Péter
Published: February 2015

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used in combination with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in topical drug formulations. It is not known, however, whether DMSO can enhance the permeation of gentamicin through biological membranes, leading to oto- and nephrotoxic side effects. A simple and reliable high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was applied for the quantitative determination of gentamicin collected from the apical and basolateral compartments of the porcine intestinal epithelial cell line IPEC-J2 cell monolayer using fluorometric derivatisation of the analyte with fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride (FMOC) prior to chromatographic run in the presence and absence of 1% DMSO. The lack of change in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) demonstrated that gentamicin and 1% DMSO did not affect IPEC-J2 cell monolayer integrity via the disruption of cell membranes. Chromatographic data also ascertained that gentamicin penetration across the cell monolayer even in the presence of 1% DMSO was negligible at 6 h after the beginning of apical gentamicin administration. This study further indicates that the addition of this organic solvent does not increase the incidence of toxic effects related to gentamicin permeation.
A comparison of alternative assays to measure DNA damage in stallion spermatozoa: TUNEL test versus ‘Nicoletti assay’
Authors: Kakasi Balázs , Nagy Szabolcs , Pál László , Czimber Gyula , Husvéth Ferenc
Published: February 2015

The aberrations of sperm DNA may cause various problems and have negative consequences on fertility. These influence embryonic development or might lead to early embryo loss. Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) is the flow cytometric method most often used for the detection of DNA lesions; however, some studies using that method reached confusing conclusions. The aim of this pilot study was to adjust and compare two alternative tests, namely the TUNEL test and the Nicoletti assay. The above-mentioned two flow cytometric methods capable of detecting the fragmented DNA of sperm were tested on 12 frozen-thawed stallion semen samples. The TUNEL test demonstrated much higher DNA fragmentation ratio than the Nicoletti assay (mean ± SD: 30.77 ± 13.03% vs. 1.93 ± 0.89%, respectively). A fluorescent microscopic check of the samples showed that TUNEL labelled the plasma membrane and the mitochondria in a nonspecific way, rather than detecting only the fragmented DNA, thus eventually resulting in a false positive sign. The Nicoletti assay is simpler, quicker and does not detect nonspecific binding; however, further analyses are required to determine its diagnostic value.
Evaluation of WideStrike Cotton Response to Repeated Applications of Glufosinate at Various Application Timings
Authors: Barnett Kelly A. , Culpepper A. Stanley , York Alan C. , Steckel Lawrence E.
Published: February 2015

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds are most challenging for growers to control in cotton in the midsouth region of the United States. As a result, growers in these states are transitioning from a glyphosate-based system to a glufosinate-based system. A field study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to determine the effect of repeated glufosinate applications to WideStrike cotton applied at various application timings. One to three glufosinate applications at 594 g ai ha−1were applied to cotton at the two-leaf, seven-leaf, bloom, or 2 wk after bloom stages. Visual estimates of crop injury were evaluated after each application, in addition to crop height, development, and yield. Crop injury after each glufosinate application typically ranged from 3 to 11%, with higher injury observed where multiple glufosinate applications were made. Crop height differences were noted after the bloom and 2 wk after bloom applications. Treatments that had one, two, or three glufosinate applications had reduced crop height when compared with the weed-free control. Node above cracked boll ratings also indicated that glufosinate treatments may have stressed the cotton. Ultimately, yield was reduced where three glufosinate treatments were applied to WideStrike cotton. In addition, one glufosinate application at the bloom stage or two glufosinate applications at the bloom and 2 wk after bloom stages reduced yield when compared with the weed-free control. Although it is a legal application, growers should use caution when applying glufosinate to WideStrike cotton because the manufacturer of glufosinate and the manufacturer of WideStrike cotton do not recommend this application. However, where GR Palmer amaranth is present, these applications may be necessary.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radican) Control with Dicamba and 2,4-D Applied Alone and in Tank Mixture
Authors: Wehtje Glenn , Gilliam Charles H.
Published: February 2015

Poison ivy is a virulent weed that is frequently treated with herbicides. Dicamba, 2,4-D, and two fixed-ratio tank mixtures of dicamba plus 2,4-D were evaluated across a series of rates for poison ivy control. Objective was to test whether tank mixtures were more effective than either herbicide applied alone. Dicamba alone, 2,4-D alone, a 1 : 3, and a 3 : 1 ratio (by weight) mixture of dicamba plus 2,4-D, respectively, were applied at eight rates to 2-yr-old, container-grown poison ivy plants. The eight rates ranged from 0.036 to 1.79 kg ae ha−1, which, in terms of phytotoxicity, generally ranged from none to death. Percentage of control was determined from plant fresh-weight reduction relative to a nontreated control and was determined at 1 and 4 mo after treatment (MAT). Rates required for 95% control at 1 MAT and for control of regrowth at 4 MAT and the cost of those treatments were determined for the dicamba and 2,4-D applied alone and in the two mixtures. At the 1-MAT evaluation, 2,4-D alone was more cost effective than either dicamba alone or the two mixtures. By the 4-MAT evaluation, however, which followed clipping at 3 MAT, dicamba alone was more cost effective than either mixture. The 2,4-D alone failed to provide 95% control at the 4 MAT evaluation, even at the highest rate evaluated (1.79 kg ha−1). Response curves for the two mixtures were equivalent to the response curves of the components applied alone at the 1 MAT evaluation and fell between the response curves of the components at the 4 MAT evaluation. Hence, 2,4-D plus dicamba mixtures were neither antagonistic nor synergistic. Results indicate that dicamba applied alone is far more effective than 2,4-D is for control of established and perennial poison ivy, assuming the intent is to obtain control with a single, one-time application.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Cancer Patients: Should We Really Refrain From Considering It for Preparticipation Screening?
Authors: Scharhag-Rosenberger Friederike , Wiskemann Joachim , Scharhag Juergen
Published: February 2015

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) should continue to be taken into consideration when screening cancer patients for participation in exercise training programs. The benefits of CPET for cancer patients are better examined through longitudinal rather than cross-sectional studies.
External Quality Assessment Unravels Interlaboratory Differences in Quality of RAS Testing for Anti-EGFR Therapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tack Véronique , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J.L. , Tembuyser Lien , Normanno Nicola , Vander Borght Sara , Han van Krieken J. , Dequeker Elisabeth M.C.
Published: February 2015

Background.

Regulations for the selection of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer for anti-EGFR treatment changed at the end of 2013. The set of mutations to be tested extended from KRAS codons 12 and 13 to KRAS and NRAS exons 2, 3, and 4. A European external quality assessment scheme monitored the performance of laboratories and evaluated the implementation of the new regulations.

Materials and Methods.

The 131 participating laboratories received 10 samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material, including RAS (exon 2, 3, 4) and BRAF mutations. Mock clinical data were provided for three cases. Using their routine methods, laboratories determined the genotypes and submitted three written reports. Assessors scored the results according to predefined evaluation criteria.

Results.

Half of the participants (49.3%) had completely implemented the new test requirements (codons 12, 13, 59, 61, 117, and 146 of KRAS and NRAS), and 96 laboratories (73.3%) made no genotype mistakes. Correct nomenclature, according to the Human Genome Variation Society, was used by 82 laboratories (62.6%).

Conclusion.

Although regulations were effective for several months, many laboratories were not ready for full RAS testing in the context of anti-EGFR therapy. Nevertheless, in each participating country, there are laboratories that provide complete and correct testing. External quality assessments can be used to monitor implementation of new test regulations and to stimulate the laboratories to improve their testing procedures. Because the results of this program are available on the website of the European Society of Pathology, patients and clinicians can refer test samples to a reliable laboratory.
TERT Promoter Mutations and TERT mRNA but Not FGFR3 Mutations Are Urinary Biomarkers in Han Chinese Patients With Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wang Kun , Liu Tiantian , Liu Cheng , Meng Yan , Yuan Xiaotian , Liu Li , Ge Nan , Liu Jikai , Wang Chang , Ren Hongbo , Yan Keqiang , Hu Sanyuan , Xu Zhonghua , Fan Yidong , Xu Dawei
Published: February 2015

The TERT promoter and FGFR3 gene mutations are two of the most common genetic events in urothelial bladder cancer (UBC), and these mutation assays in patient urine have been shown to be promising biomarkers for UBC diagnosis and surveillance. These results were obtained mainly from studies of patients with UBC in Western countries, and little is known about such information in Han Chinese patients with UBC. In the present study, we addressed this issue by analyzing tumors from 182 Han Chinese patients with UBC and urine samples from 102 patients for mutations in the TERT promoter and FGFR3 and TERT mRNA expression in tumors and/or urine. TERT promoter and FGFR3 mutations were identified in 87 of 182 (47.8%) and 7 of 102 (6.7%) UBC cases, respectively. In 46 urine samples from patients with TERT promoter mutation-carrying tumors, the mutant promoter was detected in 24 (52%) prior to operation and disappeared in most examined urine samples (80%) taken 1 week after operation. TERT mRNA was detected in urine derived from 46 of 49 patients (94%) that was analyzed before operation independently of the presence of TERT promoter mutations. Collectively, FGFR3 mutations occur at a very low rate in Han Chinese UBC and cannot serve as diagnostic markers for Chinese patients. Han Chinese patients with UBC have relatively low TERT promoter mutation frequency compared with patients in Western countries, and simultaneous detection of both mutant TERT promoter and TERT mRNA improves sensitivity and specificity of urine-based diagnosis.
Seismic Data Compression Using 2D Lifting-Wavelet Algorithms
Authors: Fajardo Carlos , Reyes Oscar Mauricio , Ramirez Ana
Published: February 2015

Different seismic data compression algorithms have been developed in or-der to make the storage more efficient, and to reduce both the transmission time and cost. In general, those algorithms have three stages: transforma-tion, quantization and coding. The Wavelet transform is highly used tocompress seismic data, due to the capabilities of the Wavelets on representing geophysical events in seismic data. We selected the lifting scheme to implement the Wavelet transform because it reduces both computational and storage resources. This work aims to determine how the transforma-tion and the coding stages affect the data compression ratio.Several 2Dlifting-based algorithms were implemented to compress three different seis-mic data sets. Experimental results obtained for different filter type, filterlength, number of decomposition levels and coding scheme, are presented in this work.
Methods Employed in Optical Emission Spectroscopy Analysis: a Review
Authors: Devia D M , Rodriguez-Restrepo L V , Restrepo-Parra E
Published: February 2015

In this work, different methods employed for the analysis of emission spectra are presented. The proposal is to calculate the excitation temperature (Texc), electronic temperature (Te) and electron density (ne) for several plasma techniques used in the growth of thin films. Some of these tecnniques include magnetron sputtering and arc discharges. Initially, some fundamental physical principles that support the Optical Emission Spec-troscopy (OES) technique are described; then, some rules to consider during the spectral analysis to avoid ambiguities are listed. Finally, some of the more frequently used spectroscopic methods for determining the physical properties of plasma are described.
O CONSUMO CRESCENTE DE AGROTÓXICOS E SUAS IMPLICAÇÕES NA SAÚDE REPRODUTIVA
Authors: Nascimento da Silva Jaqueline a , Alexandra Antunes Patricia , Paula Alves Favareto Ana
Published: February 2015

O consumo excessivo de agrotóxicos tem sido um dos principais fatores de agravamento da poluição ambiental. A mobilidade desses compostos no ambiente facilita a contaminação de solos, ar e recursos hídricos, afetando diversas espécies e interferindo na saúde de seres humanos e animais. Considerando a expansão da agricultura no país e o uso desenfreado de praguicidas, este trabalho trata-se de uma exposição dos principais riscos à saúde e fontes de contaminação, enfatizando alguns estudos relacionados a alterações reprodutivas e do desenvolvimento. Dessa maneira faz-se entender a importância de estudos avaliativos de agrotóxicos acerca de seus mecanismos de toxicidade e possíveis efeitos em diferentes doses e vias de exposição. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Agrotóxicos, Agravos a Saúde, Alterações Reprodutivas e do Desenvolvimento. THE INCREASING CONSUMPTION OF AGROTOXICS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ABSTRACT The overconsumption of agrotoxics has been one of the main factors in worsening environmental pollution. The mobility of these compounds in the environment makes it easier to soil, air and hydric resources contamination, affecting several species and interfering with the health of humans and animals. Considering the expansion of agriculture in the country and the unbridled use of pesticides, this work is an exhibition of the main health risks and sources of contamination, emphasizing some studies related to reproductive and development changes. Thus it makes to understand the importance of evaluative studies of agrotoxics about their mechanisms of toxicity and possible effects at different doses and routes of exposure. KEY-WORDS: Agrotoxics, Worsenings to health, Reproductive and Development Changes  EL USO CRECIENTE DE PESTICIDAS Y SUS IMPLICACIONES EM LA SALUD REPRODUCTIVA   RESUMEN El consumo excesivo de pesticidas ha sido un factor importante en el empeoramiento de la contaminación ambiental. La movilidad de estos compuestos en el medio facilita la contaminación de los recursos del suelo, aire y agua, que afecta a varias especies e interfiere con la salud de los seres humanos y los animales. Teniendo en cuenta la expansión de la agricultura en el país y el uso desenfrenado de los plaguicidas, esta obra es una exposición de los principales riesgos para la salud y las fuentes de contaminación, dando énfasis en algunos estudios relacionados con los cambios reproductivos y de desarrollo. De este modo se hace para entender la importancia de los estudios de evaluación de los plaguicidas sobre sus mecanismos de toxicidad y los posibles efectos en diferentes dosis y vías de exposición. PALABRAS-CLAVE: Pesticidas, Daños a la Salud, Cambios Reproductivos y de Desarrollo.