bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation of Taxane Content in Needles of Taxus x media Cultivars with Different Growth Characteristics
Authors: Wang Xinkun , Huang Yinghua , Mort Andrew J. , Zeng Yuhong , Tauer Charles G. , Cochran Kenneth D.
Published: February 2015

Needles from 17 different Taxus x media cultivars, belonging to 4 groups showing different growth characteristics, were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography for their content of 10-deacetylbaccatin III, baccatin III, cephalomannine and paclitaxel (Taxol®). The 4 Taxus x media cultivar groups were: 1.) medium to fast growing and upright form; 2.) slow growing and upright form; 3.) fast growing and spreading form; and 4.) slow growing and spreading form. The purpose of this study was to identify yew cultivars of fast growth rate, upright growth and high taxane content in their needles. The highest content of paclitaxel was found in ‘Coleana’ of group 1 (378 μg/g of the extracted dry weight). Three cultivars in group 1, ‘Coleana’, ‘Stovekenii’ and ‘Hicksii’, make good candidates for taxane extraction because of their high paclitaxel and 10-deacetylbaccatin III content, fast biomass accumulation and upright growing form. They are also good starting materials to develop alternative methods for the production of paclitaxel and its analogous compounds through modern biotechnology approaches.
Antiviral and Antimicrobial Assessment of Some Selected Flavonoids
Authors: Özçelik Berrin , Orhan Ilkay , Toker Gülnur
Published: February 2015

In the current study, the results of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity tests of four flavonoid derivatives, scandenone (1), tiliroside (2), quercetin-3,7-O-α-ʟ-dirhamnoside (3), and kaempferol-3,7-O-α-ʟ-dirhamnoside (4), are presented. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds were tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus faecalis, as well as the fungus Candida albicans by a microdilution method. On the other hand, both DNA virus Herpes simplex (HSV) and RNA virus Parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) were employed for antiviral assessment of the compounds using Madin- Darby bovine kidney and Vero cell lines. According to our data, all of the compounds tested were found to be quite active against S. aureus and E. faecalis with MIC values of 0.5 μg/ml, followed by E. coli (2 μg/ml), K. pneumoniae (4 μg/ml), A. baumannii (8 μg/ml), and B. subtilis (8 μg/ml), while they inhibited C. albicans at 1 μg/ml as potent as ketoconazole. However, only compound 3 displayed an antiviral effect towards PI-3 in the range of 8- 32 μg/ml of inhibitory concentration for cytopathogenic effect (CPE).
Antimicrobial Activity of Catechol and Pyrogallol as Allelochemicals
Authors: Kocaçalışkan Ismail , Talan Ismet , Terzi Irfan
Published: February 2015

Catechol and pyrogallol are allelochemicals which belong to phenolic compounds synthesized in plants. Their antimicrobial activities were investigated on three bacteria (Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas pyocyanea, Corynebacterium xerosis) and two fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium italicum) phytopathogenic species as test organisms using the disc diffusion method. Both catechol and pyrogallol were found to have antibacterial effects on all the bacteria used in the study at 5 and 10 mм concentrations. Catechol has also been found to have an antifungal effect on the fungi used in the study, whereas no antifungal effects of pyrogallol were observed. The most sensitive species among the bacteria was P. putida which was inhibited by the allelochemicals even at 1 mм concentration.
Studies on the Cytotoxicity of Cucurbitacins Isolated from Cayaponia racemosa (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: Nogueira Fernandes Dantas Ivana , Militaõ Gadelha Gardenia Carmen , Chaves Davina Camelo , Queiroz Monte Francisco José , Pessoa Cláudia , Odorico de Moraes Manoel , Veras Costa-Lotufo Letícia
Published: February 2015

The cytotoxic potential of three cucurbitacins, 2,3,16,20(R),25-pentahydroxy-11,22-dioxocucurbita- 5-en (cucurbitacin P, 1), 2,3,16,20(R),25-pentahydroxy-22-oxocucurbita-5-en (2) and 2,3,16,20(R),25-pentahydroxy-22-oxocucurbita-5,23(E)-diene (deacetylpicracin, 3), obtained from Cayaponia racemosa was evaluated as their ability to induce brine shrimp lethality, to inhibit the development of sea urchin eggs and tumor cell proliferation, and to lysis mouse erythrocytes. Compounds 1 and 2 were highly toxic with LC50 of (29.6 ± 9.1) (56.8) and (38.8 ± 3.0) (76.6) μg/mL (μм), respectively, while compound 3 was not effective at the tested concentrations. All tested compounds possessed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of tumor cell lines, compound 1 being the most active, followed by 2 and 3. Nevertheless, no hemolytic activity or inhibition of the development of sea urchin eggs was observed for these compounds.
New Bioactive Sesquiterpenes from Ripartites metrodii and R. tricholoma
Authors: Weber Daniela , Erosa Gilda , Sterner Olov , Anke Timm
Published: February 2015

The metabolites of two different Ripartites species, R. tricholoma (A. & S. ex Fr.) Karst. and R. metrodii Huijsm. were investigated. Three new sesquiterpenes were isolated from three different strains. In addition, the strains produced 13-oxo-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid, psathyrellon A, 5-desoxyilludosin, an illudane (previously isolated from a Bovista sp.) 96042 and demethylovalicin, five known compounds.
Relationship between Grain Yield, Osmotic Adjustment and Benzoxazinone Content in Triticum aestivum L. Cultivars
Authors: Silva Herman , Copaja Sylvia V. , Bravo Héctor R. , Argandoña Victor H.
Published: February 2015

Fifteen wheat genotypes were grown under water deficit to ascertain the role of osmotic adjustment (OA) and the concentration of benzoxazinones in sustaining grain yield. A positive correlation between osmotic adjustment capacity and yield was observed in wheat genotypes cultivated under field conditions. The weight gain of plants exposed to drought was in agreement with the OA values (R2 = 0.93). However, when wheat plants were infested by cereal aphids, this correlation was not found. The benzoxazinones 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin- 3-one (DIBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4 benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) are defensive secondary metabolites present in wheat and others cereals. The content of these compounds varied in wheat genotypes and increased with drought and aphid infestation. A positive correlation between weight gain of irrigated-infested plants and drought-infested plants and the contents of benzoxazinones was observed. These results suggest that plants with better OA capacity and high benzoxazinone content should have better field yields.
Effect of 2-Benzoxazolinone (BOA) on Seedling Growth and Associated Biochemical Changes in Mung Bean (Phaseolus aureus)
Authors: Batish Daizy R. , Singh Harminder P. , Setia Nidhi , Kaur Shalinder , Kohli Ravinder K.
Published: February 2015

BOA (2-benzoxazolinone) is a potent phytotoxin present in several graminaceous crops such as rye, maize and wheat. Due to its wide range of phytotoxicity, it is considered as a potential pesticide. A study was conducted to explore the impact of BOA on the radicle and plumule elongation of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) and associated changes in the macromolecular content - proteins and carbohydrates - and activities of enzymes like amylases, proteases, polyphenol oxidases and peroxidases. BOA significantly reduced the radicle and plumule length of P. aureus, and the contents of proteins and carbohydrates in both root and leaf tissue. On the other hand, activities of hydrolytic enzymes - proteases, amylases, polyphenol oxidases and peroxidases - increased substantially in both root and leaf tissue of P. aureus upon BOA exposure. This indicated that BOA treatment induced stress in P. aureus and enhanced enzyme activities to counter the induced stress and continue the growth. In other words, BOA-induced stress altered the plant biochemical status and related enzyme activities resulting in increased metabolism that serves to provide protection against cellular injury. Such studies providing information about the biomolecular content and enzymatic activities in response to natural products serve as clues for furtherance of knowledge about the modes of action of natural compounds of commercial interest.
Surfactin Isoforms from Bacillus coagulans
Authors: Huszcza Ewa , Burczyk Bogdan
Published: February 2015

Bacillus coagulans has been found to produce several surfactins that are powerful lipopeptide surfactants. Four main components with molecular weights 1007, 1021 and 1035 Da were separated. Their structures have been confirmed by spectrometric and spectroscopic studies and by acid hydrolysis. The compounds were found to represent two pairs of surfactin isoforms in which β-hydroxy-iso-C14 or anteiso-C15 fatty acids are linked to the [Leu7] or [Val7] heptapeptide moiety by both an amide group and a lactone bond.
Effect of Alloxan-Diabetes and Subsequent Treatment with Insulin on Kinetic Properties of Succinate Oxidase Activity from Rat Liver Mitochondria
Authors: Patel Samir P. , Katyare Surendra S.
Published: February 2015

We evaluated early and late effects of alloxan-diabetes and subsequent insulin treatment on the kinetic properties of succinate oxidase (SO) in rat liver mitochondria. Diabetic state lowered the SO activity; insulin treatment was effective in restoring the activity only in oneweek diabetic rats. The energies of activation in low and high temperature ranges (EH and EL) decreased significantly in diabetic animals; once again insulin treatment was partially effective only in the one-week diabetic group. The total phospholipids (TPL) and cholesterol (CHL) contents did not change in one-week groups. In one-month diabetic animals TPL decreased while CHL increased; insulin treatment induced further changes without restoring normality. The lysophospholipid (Lyso), sphingomyelin (SPM), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) content increased in the diabetic state while phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) decreased. Insulin treatment had a partial restorative effect. The changes in EH correlated negatively with SPM. The phase transition temperature, Tt, decreased in diabetic and insulin-treated groups. These changes correlated positively with the ratios of TPL/PI and TPL/PS. The membrane fluidity decreased in the diabetic state; insulin had a restorative effect only in the one-week group.
Lipids in the Femoral Gland Secretions of Male Schreiber’s Green Lizards, Lacerta schreiberi
Authors: López Pilar , Martín José
Published: February 2015

In spite of the importance of chemoreception and chemical signals in social organization of lizards, only a few studies have examined the chemical composition of secretions that lizards use for intraspecific communication. The secretion of the femoral glands of male Schreiber’s green lizards (Lacerta schreiberi) contains 51 lipophilic compounds, including several steroids, α-tocopherol, n-C9 to n-C22 carboxylic acids and their esteres, and minor components such as alcohols between C12 and C24, two lactones, two ketones, and squalene. These compounds were identified on the basis of mass spectra, obtained by GC-MS. We compared these chemicals with those found in other lizard species, and discussed how environmental conditions could explain the differential presence of chemicals in different lizards. Particularly, the high abundance of α-tocopherol in this lizard is suggested to contribute to avoid oxidation of other lipids in secretions, increasing chemical stability of scent marks in the humid conditions of its habitat.
Polyphenols of Rosa L. Leaves Extracts and their Radical Scavenging Activity
Authors: Nowak Renata , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula
Published: February 2015

Antioxidant potential of Rosa L. leaves methanolic extracts was evaluated in vitro using a spectrophotometric method based on measuring the radical scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The contents of ellagic acid, quercetin and kaempferol in the extracts from leaves of seventeen rose species were determined using SPE-RPHPLC methods. Additionally, total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and calculated as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Remarkable high antioxidant activity and high total phenolic content (5.7% < GAE < 15.2%), large ellagic acid (EA) content from 9.37 to 19.42 mg/g of dry weight, a quercetin content ranging from 3.68 to 15.81 mg/g of dry weight and kaempferol content from 1.25 to 9.41mg/g of dry weight were found in rose leaves. Significant correlation between EA (r2 = 0.6131), quercetin (r2= 0.5158), total phenolic content (r2= 0.8485) and antioxidant activity was observed.

Basing on the studies conducted one may assume that the extracts of rose leaves are a rich source of natural antioxidants and could be used to prevent free-radical-induced deleterious effects.
Scoparone Inhibits Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Sourivong Paul , Schronerová Kristina , Babincová Melánia
Published: February 2015

Antioxidant capabilities of scoparone, the component of Artemisia scoparia and other medicinal plants, against lipid peroxidation induced by ultraviolet radiation or Fenton reaction have been analyzed. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by measuring the absorption spectra of the conjugated dienes and quantified by the Klein oxidation index. Obtained results imply that scoparone is a very efficient inhibitor of ultraviolet radiation-induced lipid peroxidation and damage.
Copper Extrusion after Accumulation during Growth of Copper-Tolerant Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Ito Hiroyasu , Inouhe Masahiro , Tohoyama Hiroshi , Joho Masanori
Published: February 2015

The Cu2+-tolerant yeast Yarrowia lipolytica accumulated Cu2+ until the late logarithmic phase. Thereafter, Cu2+ was temperature-dependently extruded into phosphate-limited culture medium containing high concentrations of heavy metal ions but not into 10 mm 2-(Nmorpholino) ethane sulfonic acid (MES) buffer (pH 6.0). Peptone in the culture medium played an important role in the extrusion, which proceeded even when peptone was substituted with cysteine or histidine, but not with any other amino acid tested.
Genetic Variability and Relationships among Thirty Genotypes of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Das Swanalata , Mishra Rama Chandra , Rout Gyana Ranjan , Aparajita Subhashree
Published: February 2015

Ragi or finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important crop used for food, forage, and industrial products. It is distributed in tropical and temperate regions of the world. The germplasm identification and characterization is an important link between the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, species or varieties identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit, leaf architecture or floral morphology. Investigation through RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers was undertaken for identification and determination of the genetic variation among thirty genotypes of ragi of the family Poaceae. Thirteen selected decamer primers were used for genetic analysis. A total of 124 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 300-3000 bp was amplified by using selected random RAPD marker. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of the presence or absence of bands. Cluster analysis was made by the similarity coefficient. It indicated that the 30 genotypes of ragi form two major clusters, first, a major cluster having only one genotype, i. e. Dibyasinha and a second major cluster having twenty-nine genotypes. The second major cluster again subdivides into two minor clusters. A first minor cluster has only three varieties, i. e. Neelachal, OEB-56 and Chilika. The genotypes Neelachal and OEB- 56 exhibit a 86% similarity with each other and 80% similarity with Chilika. A second minor cluster has 26 genotypes and is divided into two sub-minor clusters. The first sub-minor cluster has only one genotype (VL-322). The second sub-minor cluster again subdivides into two groups. One group has one genotype and the second group again is divided into two sub-groups, one with 13 genotypes and the other with 11 genotypes. The highest similarity coefficient was detected in a genotype collected from southern India and the least from northern India. The genotypes of finger millet collected from diverse agroclimatic regions of India constitute a wide genetic base. This is helpful in breeding programs and a major input into conservation biology of cereal crop.
Binding of FKBP23 to BiP in ER Shown by Gel Filtration Chromatography
Authors: Chen Chen , Ma Hui , Mi Huaifeng , Wang Ying
Published: February 2015

FKBP23 was found in mouse endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in 1998. It consists of an N-terminal peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) domain and a C-terminal domain with Ca2+ binding sites. Previously, we reported that FKBP23 specifically binds to BiP, the main protein of the molecular chaperone Hsp70 in ER lumen, and the binding is interrelated with the Ca2+ concentration. In this work we have found the existence of the complex FKBP23/BiP by separation of an ER extract using gel filtration chromatography (GFC), and that the existence of this complex is Ca2+-interrelated. This result further verified the Ca2+- interrelated binding of these two proteins in vivo.
Anisaldehyde, a Melanogenesis Potentiator
Authors: Nitoda Teruhiko , Fan Maria D. , Kubo Isao
Published: February 2015

Anisaldehyde (4-methoxybenzaldehyde), previously reported as a tyrosinase inhibitor, did not inhibit melanogenesis in cultured B16-F10 melanoma cells but rather enhanced it. This adverse effect of anisaldehyde was accompanied by melanocytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner up to 2 mм. The melanin content per cell at 1 mм was increased 5-fold compared to control and morphological observations showed the deposition of melanin pigments. Anisaldehyde was also examined against cultured human A375 melanoma cells.
Chemical Constituents of Lavatera trimestris L. – Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Melliou Eleni , Gortzi Olga , Glowniak Kazimierz , Chinou Ioanna B.
Published: February 2015

Nine phenolic compounds, such as cis-/trans-p-coumaric acid, cis-/trans-p-coumaric acid methyl ester, glucose ester of cis-/trans-p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid methyl ester, kaempferol 7-O-β-d-glucoside and kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucoside, were isolated from Lavatera trimestris flowers by chromatographic techniques and their structures were elucidated by spectral means (NMR). All compounds were tested for their antioxidant activity, while the methanolic extract was tested also for its antimicrobial activity. Also several non-polar constituents have been identified using GC and GC/MS methods. This is the first time that phenolic esters and non-polar constituents were identified in the flowers of L. trimestris L.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities and Characterization of Bioactive Components of Two Brazilian Propolis Samples Using a pKa-Guided Fractionation
Authors: Souza Raquel M. , Souza Maria C. de , Patitucci Maria L. , Silva Joaquim F. M.
Published: February 2015

The ethanolic extracts of two Brazilian propolis samples were submitted to a fractionation procedure based on the pKa values of their components. The fractions obtained were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus as well as for their antioxidant properties (reduction of DPPH radical). Their phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured spectrophotometrically, in order to establish the correlations between these contents and the measured activities. Further, the most active fractions of both extracts were analyzed by HRGC-MS and about twenty compounds could be characterized. Among them were 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (drupanin) and 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (artepillin C), which seem to be the major antioxidant components of the bioactive fractions.
Biologically Active Metabolites from the Basidiomycete Limacella illinita (Fr.) Murr.
Authors: Gruhn Nina , Schoettler Sylvia , Sterner Olov , Anke Timm
Published: February 2015

In the course of our search for new bioactive compounds from basidiomycetes, four new compounds were isolated from fermentations of Limacella illinita. Illinitone A (1) exhibited weak phytotoxic and moderate nematicidal activities against Caenorhabditis elegans, illinitone B (2) was moderately cytotoxic, while limacellone (3) exhibited weak cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities. The muurolane sesquiterpene 4a was found to be inactive in the assays performed here. Limacellone (3), which appeared to be related with the illinitones 1 and 2, has a new C15 carbon skeleton. It is possible that compounds 1, 2 and 3 are terpenoids/ secoterpenoids, but their biosyntheses were not investigated.
Repellent from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Periploca sepium Bunge
Authors: Shi Jianxiao , Yamashita Tomoko , Todo Ayumi , Nitoda Teruhiko , Izumi Minoru , Baba Naomichi , Nakajima Shuhei
Published: February 2015

By using a new bioassay-guided method, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde isolated from the root bark of Periploca sepium, a traditional Chinese medicine, showed repellent activity against the olive weevil (Dyscerus perforatus) at 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 μg/disc, respectively. In addition, it also exhibited antinematodal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus at a minimum effective dose of 200 μg/ball. The three related compounds obtained were also evaluated for the above-mentioned bioactivities.
Singlet Oxygen Quenching by Phenylamides and their Parent Compounds
Authors: Velikova Violeta B. , Edreva Aglika M. , Tsonev Tsonko D. , Jones Hamlyn G.
Published: February 2015

This paper demonstrates for the first time that plant metabolites of the phenylamide type, conjugates of putrescine with hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic), possess 1O2 quenching properties. Data were obtained confirming that their acidic parent compounds were also able to quench 1O2, as did polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine), and that this ability depends on the number of amino groups. Potentiation of the 1O2 quenching ability of the conjugates relative to both parent components was established. The importance of polyamines and phenylamides in the plant non-enzymatic antioxidant defence at sites of intensive 1O2 generation, such as the photosynthetic centers, was suggested.
Effects of Some Boron Compounds on Peripheral Human Blood
Authors: Türkez Hasan , Geyikoǧlu Fatime , Tatar Abdulgani , Keleş Sait , Özkan Asuman
Published: February 2015

Peripheral blood cultures were exposed to various doses (5 to 500 mg/L) of boron compounds. Sister-chromatid exchange, micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests were applied to estimate the DNA damage, and biochemical parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, total glutathione, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity) were examined to determine oxidative stress. According to our findings, various boron compounds at low doses were useful in supporting antioxidant enzyme activities in human blood cultures. It was found that the boron compounds do not have genotoxic effects even in the highest concentrations, though in increasing doses they constitute oxidative stress. It is concluded that the tested boron compounds can be used safely, but it is necessary to consider the tissue damages which are likely to appear depending on the oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial Isoflavonoids from Erythrina crista galli Infected with Phomopsis sp.
Authors: Redko Flavia , Clavin María L. , Weber Daniela , Ranea Fernando , Anke Timm , Martino Virginia
Published: February 2015

The isoflavonoids coumestrol, genistein and daidzein have been isolated and identified by bioassay-guided fractionation from the acetone extract of Erythrina crista galli young twigs infected with Phomopsis sp. These compounds showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus brevis (MIC values 16.3, 64.8 and 137.8 μm, respectively). This is the first time that coumestrol, besides lutein and n-nonacosane, are reported in this species.
Antibacterial Activity of Extract, Fractions and Four Compounds Extracted from Piper solmsianum C. DC. var. solmsianum (Piperaceae)
Authors: Campos Marina P. , Filho Valdir Cechinel , Silva Rosi Z. , Yunes Rosendo A. , Monache Franco D. , Cruz Alexandre Bella
Published: February 2015

Piper solmsianum C. DC. var. solmsianum (Piperaceae) is a shrub commonly found in areas with wet tropical soils. Other Piper species have been used in folk medicine as antitumoral and antiseptic agents. We studied the crude methanolic extract, some organic fractions and compounds isolated from this plant for possible antimicrobial activity against Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria. The bioautographic assays disclosed three inhibition zones. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined showing excellent activity, particularly against the Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Streptococcus agalactiae). It appears that the antimicrobial activity of Piper solmsianum is related mainly to the presence of conocarpan and eupomatenoid-5 (neolignans). However another, as yet unidentified, active compound could also be extracted from the plant.
Protective Effect of Curcumin and Chlorophyllin against DNA Mutation Induced by Cyclophosphamide or Benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa A. , Elbehairy Adel M. , Ghoneim Magdy A. , Amer Hassan A.
Published: February 2015

The current study was carried out to evaluate the potency of curcumin and chlorophyllin as natural antioxidants to reduce the oxidative stress markers induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) and benzo[a]pyrene [B(a)P] which were used as free radical inducers. For this purpose, 126 male albino rats were used. The animals were assigned into 4 main groups: negative control group; oxidant-treated group (subdivided into two subgroups: cyclophosphamide- treated group and benzo[a]pyrene-treated group); curcumin-treated group; and chlorophyllin-treated group. Liver samples were collected after two days post the oxidant inoculation and at the end of the experimental period (10 weeks). These samples were examined for determination of liver microsomal malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA fragmentation, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration. Both CP and B(a)P caused increments in DNA fragmentation percentages, liver microsomal MDA, concentration of 8-OHdG and induced point mutation. Treatment of rats with either curcumin or chlorophyllin revealed lower DNA fragmentation percentages, liver microsomal MDA concentration, concentration of 8-OHdG and prevented induction of mutations, i. e., reversed the oxidative stress induced by CP and B(a)P and proved that they were capable of protecting rats against the oxidative damage evoked by these oxidants.
Nematicidal Activity of 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic Acid against Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Kimura Yasuo , Tani Satoko , Hayashi Asami , Ohtani Kouhei , Fujioka Shozo , Kawano Tsuyoshi , Shimada Atsumi
Published: February 2015

A nematicide, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furoic acid (1), was isolated from cultures of the fungus Aspergillus sp. and its structure was identified by spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 showed effective nematicidal activities against the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans without inhibitory activity against plant growth, but 1 did not show any effective nematicidal activity against Pratylenchus penetrans.
Effect of Membrane Fluidity on Photosynthetic Oxygen Production Reactions
Authors: Popova Antoaneta V. , Velitchkova Maya , Zanev Yuli
Published: February 2015

The effect of changes of membrane fluidity on the oxygen evolving capability of isolated thylakoids was investigated. Alteration of the lipid phase fluidity was achieved by incorporation of the plant sterol stigmasterol. Incorporation of stigmasterol in the lipid bilayer of thylakoid membranes results in rigidization of the hydrophobic phase of thylakoid membranes and decreases the degree of packing of the lipid head groups. These changes of lipid order are accompanied by a reduction of oxygen evolution, measured with 1,4-benzoquinone as an electron acceptor, and by a more pronounced inhibition of PSI-mediated electron transport. By analysis of the parameters of oxygen flash yields and oxygen burst under continuous illumination it was shown that after treatment with stigmasterol: 1.) the number of active oxygen-evolving centres decreased; 2.) the remaining active oxygen-evolving centres were not affected in respect to the oscillation pattern; 3.) the contribution of the slow oxygenevolving centres in oxygen burst yield was increased. The effect of stigmasterol was compared with the well-studied effect of cholesterol. Results were discussed in terms of determining the role of lipid order for the organization and functioning of the photosynthetic machinery.
In vitro Inhibition of Cholinesterases by Carbamates - A Kinetic Study
Authors: Komersová Alena , Masopustová Markéta , Komers Karel , Štěpánková Šárka , Čegan Alexandr
Published: February 2015

Kinetics and mechanism of in vitro hydrolyses of acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine by carbamates were studied in a batch reactor at 25 °C, pH 8, and ionic strength of 0.11 m. Every hydrolysis was monitored by 3-4 independent methods. All studied hydrolyses can be described by the model of competitive inhibition with an irreversible step (k3). A table of obtained average values of rate constants and discussion of the resultes are given.
Crude Ethanolic Extract, Lignoid Fraction and Yangambin from Ocotea duckei (Lauraceae) Show Antileishmanial Activity
Authors: Monte Neto Rubens L. , Barbosa Filho José M. , A. Sousa Louisa M. , Athayde Filho Petrônio F. , Dias Celidarque S. , Oliveira Márcia R.
Published: February 2015

Crude ethanolic extract, lignoid fraction and the purified compound yangambin were obtained from Ocotea duckei (Lauraceae) and their antileishmanial activity was tested against promastigote forms of Leishmania chagasi and Leishmania amazonensis cultivated in Schneider medium, supplemented with 20% of fetal bovine serum. All substances presented antileishmanial activity with IC50 values of 135.7 μg/mL for the crude ethanolic extract, 26.5 μg/mL for the lignoid fraction and 49.0 μg/mL for yangambin on L. chagasi. For L. amazonensis the IC50 values were 143.7 μg/mL, 48.2 μg/mL and 64.9 μg/mL for the crude ethanolic extract, the lignoid fraction, and the purified compound yangambin, respectively. The crude ethanolic extract, lignoid fraction, and yangambin caused an inhibition higher than Glucantime“, a reference drug used for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Elastase Release by Stimulated Neutrophils Inhibited by Flavonoids: Importance of the Catechol Group
Authors: Kanashiro Alexandre , Souza Joel G. , Kabeya Luciana M. , C. S. Azzolini Ana Elisa , Lucisano-Valim Yara Maria
Published: February 2015

Pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases is associated with excessive elastase release through neutrophil degranulation. In the present study, inhibition of human neutrophil degranulation by four flavonoids (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, galangin) was evaluated by using released elastase as a biomarker. Inhibitory potency was observed in the following order: quercetin > myricetin > kaempferol = galangin. Quercetin, the most potent inhibitor of elastase release also had a weak inhibitory effect on the enzyme catalytic activity. Furthermore, the observed effects were highly dependent on the presence of a catechol group at the flavonoid B-ring. The results of the present study suggest that quercetin may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of neutrophil-dependent inflammatory diseases.
Antifeedant and Phytotoxic Activity of Cacalolides and Eremophilanolides
Authors: Burgueño-Tapia Eleuterio , González-Coloma Azucena , Martín-Benito Darío , Joseph-Nathan Pedro
Published: February 2015

The antifeedant effect of six cacalolides and six eremophilanolides was tested against the herbivorous insects Spodoptera littoralis, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and Myzus persicae. The test compounds included several natural products isolated from Senecio madagascariensis (14-isovaleryloxy-1,2-dehydrocacalol methyl ether, 4), S. barba-johannis (13-hydroxy-14-oxocacalohastine, 5; 13-acetyloxy-14-oxocacalohastine, 6) and S. toluccanus [6-hydroxyeuryopsin, 7; 1(10)-epoxy-6-hydroxyeuryopsin, 9; toluccanolide A, 11] and the derivatives cacalol methyl ether (1); cacalol acetate (2); 1-acetyloxy-2-methyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetradehydrocacalol acetate (3); 6-acetyloxyeuryopsin (8); 6-acetyloxy-1(10)-epoxyeuryopsin (10), and toluccanolide A acetate (12). Compound 11 and its derivative 12 exhibited moderate antifeedant activity against S. littoralis; 2, 7D10, and 12 showed strong activity against L. decemlineata, while the aphid M. persicae was moderately deterred in the presence of compounds 1, 4, 8, 10, and 12. The phytotoxic activity of 1D12 on Lactuca sativa was also evaluated. Compounds 2 and 4D 12 moderately inhibited seed germination at 24 h, while compounds 1D4, 6, 9, and 10 had a significant inhibition effect on L. sativa radicle length (over 50%).
Pectate Hydrolases of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Roots
Authors: Flodrová Dana , Dzúrová Mária , Lišková Desana , Ait Mohand Fairouz , Mislovičová Danica , Malovíková Anna , Voburka Zdeněk , Omelková Jiřina , Stratilová Eva
Published: February 2015

The presence of various enzyme forms with terminal action pattern on pectate was evaluated in a protein mixture obtained from parsley roots. Enzymes found in the soluble fraction of roots (juice) were purified to homogeneity according to SDS-PAGE, partially separated by preparative isoelectric focusing and characterized. Three forms with pH optima 3.6, 4.2 and 4.6 clearly preferred substrates with a lower degree of polymerization (oligogalacturonates) while the form with pH optimum 5.2 was a typical exopolygalacturonase [EC 3. 2.1.67] with relatively fast cleavage of polymeric substrate. The forms with pH optima 3.6, 4.2 and 5.2 were released from the pulp, too. The form from the pulp with pH optimum 4.6 preferred higher oligogalacturonates and was not described in plants previously. The production of individual forms in roots was compared with that produced by root cells cultivated on solid medium and in liquid one.
Establishment of Croton stellatopilosus Suspension Culture for Geranylgeraniol Production and Diterpenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Wungsintaweekul Juraithip , Sriyapai Chutima , Kaewkerd Sanlaya , Tewtrakul Supinya , Kongduang Damrong , De-Eknamkul Wanchai
Published: February 2015

Diterpenoids in higher plants are biosynthesized from isoprene units obtained from two distinct pathways: the mevalonate pathway and the deoxyxylulose phosphate pathway. The metabolic partitioning of both pathways in plant species is dependent upon the type of culture. In order to study the diterpenoid biosynthesis in Croton stellatopilosus cell culture, callus culture was firstly induced from C. stellatopilosus young leaves in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium in the presence of 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 1.0 mg/l benzyladenine (BA), 3% (w/v) sucrose and 0.8% (w/v) agar. The suspension culture was further induced from its callus in the same medium without gelling agent. Detection of diterpenoid accumulation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that a cell culture could accumulate a low amount of geranylgeraniol (GGOH) and a high content of fatty acids and phytosterols. To improve the GGOH production, the culture conditions were optimized by medium manipulation in terms of hormonal factors. The growth rates of cell cultures were similar in all kinds of media. The GGOH production curve indicated that GGOH plays an important role as a primary metabolite in the cell culture. The optimum medium for GGOH production was MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D and 2 mg/l BA that could produce GGOH with a yield of 1.14 mg/g FW.
Free Radical Scavengers from Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Plants Cultivated in Bioreactors by the Temporary Immersion (TIS) Principle
Authors: Tapia Alejandro , Cheel José , Theoduloz Cristina , Rodríguez Jaime , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Gerth Andre , Wilken Dirk , Jordan Miguel , Jiménez-González Elio , Gomez-Kosky Rafael , Mendoza Elisa Quiala
Published: February 2015

The biomass production of Cymbopogon citratus shoots cultivated in bioreactors according to the temporary immersion (TIS) principle was assessed under different growth conditions. The effect of gassing with CO2-enriched air, reduced immersion frequency, vessel size and culture time on total phenolic and flavonoid content and free radical scavenging effect of the methanolic extracts was measured. From the TIS-culture of C. citratus, seven compounds were isolated and identified as caffeic acid (1), chlorogenic acid (2), neochlorogenic acid (3), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), p-hydroxybenzoic acid 3-O-β-d-glucoside (5), glutamic acid (6) and luteolin 6-C-fucopyranoside (7). The occurrence of compounds 1-7 and their variability in C. citratus grown under different TIS conditions was determined by HPLC. The free radical scavenging effect of the methanolic extract and compounds was measured by the discoloration of the free radical 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The main metabolites in 6- and 8-week-old cultures, both in 5 and 10 l vessels, were chlorogenic acid (2) (100D113 mg%) and neochlorogenic acid (3) (80 - 119 mg%), while in the cultures with CO2-enriched air and reduced immersion frequency the main compound detected in the extracts was glutamic acid (6) (400 and 670 mg% for the green and white biomass and 619 and 630 mg% for the green and white biomass, respectively). The most active compounds, as free radical scavengers, in the DPPH discoloration assay were caffeic acid (1), chlorogenic acid (2), neochlorogenic acid (3) and the flavonoid luteolin 6-C-fucopyranoside (7).
Preliminary Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Diastereomeric cis/trans-3-Aryl(Heteroaryl)-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin-4-carboxylic Acids
Authors: Bogdanov Milen G. , Kandinska Meglena I. , Dimitrova Darina B. , Gocheva Blagovesta T. , Palamareva Mariana D.
Published: February 2015

Preliminary differentiating screening of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of a series of diastereomeric cis/trans-3-aryl(heteroaryl)-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin-4-carboxylic acids (3a- i) was performed by the agar diffusion method against twelve microorganism strains of different taxonomic groups. S. aureus and A. niger were the most sensitive strains to the antibiotic effect of the tested compounds, both inhibited by 10 of 12 compounds. The most potent antibacterial agent was cis-3-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin-4-carboxylic acid (cis-3a), exhibiting activity against all seven bacterial test strains
Carbohydrazones of Substituted Salicylaldehydes as Potential Lead Compounds for the Development of Narrow-Spectrum Antimicrobials
Authors: Pelttari Eila , Karhumäki Eliisa , Langshaw Jane , Elo Hannu
Published: February 2015

Certain substituted salicylaldehydes are known to have highly potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, but the mechanism underlying this remarkable activity is not known, and almost nothing has been reported on the effects of further modification of the structures, such as the formation of hydrazone-type derivatives. We report now a study on the antimicrobial properties of the carbohydrazone derivatives of several substituted salicylaldehydes. The compounds studied were synthesized from ring-substituted salicylaldehydes and carbohydrazide in the mole ratio 2:1. They were tested against Aspergillus niger, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Staphylococcus epidermidis using the agar diffusion method. The carbohydrazone derived from 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde had distinctly higher activity than the parent aldehyde in the same molar concentration. This activity was limited to one test organism (S. epidermidis), while the free aldehyde had at least some (in some cases even high) activity against all of the microbes studied. All other ones of the effective carbohydrazone compounds were distinctly less active than the parent salicylaldehydes as such. The hydrazones studied had in general a narrower antimicrobial spectrum than the free aldehydes and are thus of interest as potential lead compounds for the development of narrow-spectrum antimicrobial drugs. The mechanism of action of the aldehydes as well as that of the carbohydrazones is discussed
Antimicrobial Properties of Substituted Salicylaldehydes and Related Compounds
Authors: Pelttari Eila , Karhumäki Eliisa , Langshaw Jane , Peräkylä Hannu , Elo Hannu
Published: February 2015

A systematic survey of the antimicrobial properties of substituted salicylaldehydes and some related aromatic aldehydes is reported. A total of 23 different compounds, each at four different concentrations, were studied using a panel of seven microbes (Aspergillus niger, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and employing the paper disc agar diffusion method. Several aldehydes, most notably halogenated, nitro-substituted and hydroxylated salicylaldehydes, displayed highly potent activity against the microbes studied, giving inhibitory zones up to 49 mm in diameter (paper disc diameter 6 mm), while unsubstituted benzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde had minimal activity. Further, 4,6-dimethoxysalicylaldehyde had considerable activity against C. albicans and slight activity against S. cerevisiae, while displaying minimal activity against bacteria. Also two aromatic dialdehydes had interesting activity. In general, P. aeruginosa was the least sensitive microbe, a result that is in line with observations from a large screening project, in which this microbe was the one against which the least number of active substances was found. Interestingly, the structure-activity relationships of the aldehydes studied were clearly different for different microbes. Many of the aldehydes tested had such high antimicrobial activity that they are noteworthy candidates for practical applications as well as interesting lead compounds for the development of novel antimicrobial drugs and disinfectants. The structure-activity relationships are discussed in detail. For high activity, substituents are required in benzaldehyde as well as in its 2-hydroxy derivative salicylaldehyde. One hydroxy group alone (at the 2-position) is not enough, but further hydroxylation may produce high activity. The effects of substituents are in some cases dramatic. Halogenation, hydroxylation and nitro substitution may produce highly active compounds, but the effects are not easily predicted nor can they be extrapolated from one microbe to another
Lichen Secondary Metabolites from the Cultured Lichen Mycobionts of Teloschistes chrysophthalmus and Ramalina celastri and their Antiviral Activities
Authors: Fazio Alejandra T. , Adler Mónica T. , Bertoni María D. , Sepúlveda Claudia S. , Damonte Elsa B. , Maier Marta S.
Published: February 2015

Lichens and spore-derived cultured mycobionts of Teloschistes chrysophthalmus and Ramalina celastri were studied chemically, and results indicated that they produced, respectively, parietin and usnic acid as major secondary metabolites, which were purified and identified. Identification of the compounds was performed by high performance liquid chromatography and structural elucidation by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H) and electron impact mass spectrometry. Usnic acid exhibited antiviral activity whereas parietin had a virucidal effect against the arenaviruses Junín and Tacaribe
Physiological Versatility of the Genus Rhodocista
Authors: Uyen Do Thi To , Tran Van Nhi , Kleiner Diethelm
Published: February 2015

A new purple bacterium (strain T4), capable of heterotrophic aerobic and phototrophic anaerobic growth, was isolated from waste water of a noodle factory near Hanoi, Vietnam. A comparison of 16S rDNA sequences revealed its association with the genus Rhodocista. The isolate, tentatively named “Rhodocista hanoiensis”, forms cysts after growth on butyratecontaining plates at 42 °C. The vegetative cells form short (under aerobic conditions) or long curve-shaped rods. In contrast to other species of this genus T4 does not need any supplines (growth factors, not synthesized by the organisms). Comparative studies of T4 with Rhodocista centenaria (Rhodospirillum centenum) and Rhodocista pekingensis revealed a remarkable physiological versatility regarding nutrient spectra and survival properties of this genus
Production of Exopolysaccharides by a Submerged Culture of an Entomopathogenic Fungus, Paecilomyces sp.
Authors: Lillo Luis , Alarcón Julio , Cabello Gerardo , Águila Sergio , Alderete Joel B.
Published: February 2015

Exopolysaccharide basic was obtained from a submerged culture of a native Paecilomyces sp. strain isolated from Chilean soil
Transgenic Rice Plants Expressing a Novel Antifreeze Glycopeptide Possess Resistance to Cold and Disease
Authors: Zhang Shihong , Wei Yi , Pan Hongyu
Published: February 2015

Freezing injury and disease are both restrictive factors in crop production. In order to improve the tolerance ability to these stresses, a better way is to carry out genetic engineering by transferring dualfunctional genes. A predicted rice antifreeze glycopeptide gene was purposefully selected from rice blast-induced cDNA library. Northern blot demonstrated that the gene is expressed not only in blast-infected rice leaves, but also in low temperature-treated rice. In addition, the expressed protein in Escherichia coli exhibits strong antifreeze activities. The gene was overexpressed in rice plants transformed via Agrobacterium tumefacient EHA105. Overall 112 T0 transformants were obtained in this research. Cold tolerance and disease resistance of T1 transformants were, respectively, investigated. The results showed that plants containing overexpressed transgene can withstand D1 ∞C for 24 h without severe chilling injury after thawed, and that disease symptoms of the parallel transformants are highly reduced in response to blast infection, when compared with controls. The relationship of the gene and several pathogenesis-related protein genes to be chosen was analyzed and discussed. All these results confirmed the dual role of the cloned gene, and implied that genetic engineering using this kind of gene is a promising method to reduce biotic and abiotic stresses
Origin of Renal Proximal Tubular Injuries by Fe(III)-nta Chelate
Authors: Nishida Yuzo , Ito Yuuta , Satoh Takahiro
Published: February 2015

Interaction between apo-transferrin and several iron(III) chelates has been investigated in terms of the capillary electrophoresis method. Based on the results, it has been clarified that (i) a binuclear iron(III) unit with an oxo-bridge is necessary for the facile transfer of an iron atom from the iron(III) chelate to apo-transferrin, and (ii) the renal proximal tubular injuries by Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetate (Fe-nta) should be due to the unique binuclear structure of this complex, which gives a peroxide adduct of the binuclear Fe-nta in the presence of glutathione cycle and oxygen