bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Terpene Composition in Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii) Using Hydrodistillation, SPME and PLE
Authors: Mardarowicz Marek , Wianowska Dorota , Dawidowicz Andrzej L. , Sawicki Ryszard
Published: February 2015

Terpenes emitted by conifer trees are generally determined by analysing plant extracts or essential oils, prepared from foliage and cones using steam distillation. The application of these procedures limits experiments to cut plant materials. Recently headspace techniques have been adopted to examine terpene emission by living plants. This paper deals with the application of solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) for the analysis of terpenes emitted by conifers foliage of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), including its seedlings. The compositions of SPME extracts obtained for destroyed and non-destroyed old and juvenile spruce needles were compared with the compositions of essential oils and pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) extracts corresponding to the same plant materials. No substantial differences have been found in the qualitative terpene composition estimated by analysing essential oil and PLE and SPME extracts from non-destroyed old and juvenile foliage. The disintegration of spruce needles results in the formation of a significant amount of myrcene in the case of the old conifer foliage and non-terpenoic compounds in the case of juvenile conifer foliage. This phenomenon can be attributed to enzymatic reactions occurring in the destroyed plant cells.
Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Nepeta crispa Willd. from Iran
Authors: Sonboli Ali , Salehi Peyman , Yousefzadi Morteza
Published: February 2015

The composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Nepeta crispa Willd., an endemic species from Iran, was studied. The oil was obtained from the aerial parts of the plant and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty-three compounds, accounting for 99.8% of the total oil, were identified. The main constituents were 1,8-cineol (47.9%) and 4aα,7α,7aβ- nepetalactone (20.3%). The antimicrobial activity of essential oil of N. crispa was tested against seven gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria and four fungi. The results of the bioassays showed the interesting antimicrobial activity, in which the gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, were the most sensitive to the oil. Also, the oil exhibited a remarkable antifungal activity against all the tested fungi.
Biological Evaluation of Some Selected Cyclic Imides: Mitochondrial Effects and in vitro Cytotoxicity
Authors: Tozado Prado Silvia Regina , Cechinel-Filho Valdir , Campos Buzzi Fátima , Corrêa Rogério , Correia Suter Cadena Silvia Maria , Martinelli de Oliveira Maria Benigna
Published: February 2015

Cyclic imides such as succinimides, maleimides, glutarimides, phthalimides and their derivatives contain an imide ring and a general structure -CO-N(R)-CO- that confers hydrophobicity and neutral characteristic. A diversity of biological activities and pharmaceutical uses have been attributed to them, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, antitumor. In spite of these activities, much of their action mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels remain to be elucidated. We now show the effects of several related cyclic imides: maleimides (S2, S2.1, S2.2, S3), glutarimides (S4, S5, S6), 4-aminoantipyrine derivatives (L1, F1, AL1, F1.14, F1.2) and sulfonated succinimides (RO1, FA, FE, FD, MC, DMC) on isolated rat liver mitochondria, B16-F10 melanoma cell line, peritoneal macrophages and different bacterial streams. The effects on mitochondrial respiratory parameters, cell viability and antibacterial activity were also evaluated.

The results indicated that S3, S5 and S6 caused an increased oxygen consumption in the presence of ADP (state III) or its absence (state IV), while all other compounds decreased those parameters at different degrees of inhibition. All the compounds decreased the respiratory control coefficient (RCC). Loss of cell viability of peritoneal macrophages and the B16- F10 cell line was observed, L1 and S2.1 being more effective. S1, S2, S3, L1 and F1 compounds showed antibacterial activity at experimental concentrations.
Salicylic Acid Glucoside Acts as a Slow Inducer of Oxidative Burst in Tobacco Suspension Culture
Authors: Kawano Tomonori , Tanaka Shigeo , Kadono Takashi , Muto Shoshi
Published: February 2015

Salicylic acid β-glucoside (SAG) is a storage form of a defense signal against pathogens, releasing free salicylic acid (SA), to meet the requirements in plants. Since excess SA induces locally restricted cell death following oxidative burst and Ca2+ influx in plants, the effects of SAG on cell viability, Ca2+ influx, and generation of superoxide (O•−) were examined in suspension-cultured tobacco BY-2 cells expressing aequorin. Among SA-related chemicals tested, only SAG induced the slow and long-lasting O2
•− generation, although SAG was less active in acute O2
•− generation, Ca2+ influx and induction of cell death. The prolonging action of SAG is likely due to gradual release of SA and the data suggested that a peroxidasedependent reaction is involved. Notably, pretreatment with low-dose SA (50 μm) enhanced the response to SAG by 2.5-fold. There are four possible secondary messengers in early SA signaling detectable in the BY-2 culture, namely O2
•−, H2O2, Ca2+ and protein kinase (PK). If these messengers are involved in the low-dose SA-dependent priming for SAG response, they should be inducible by low-dose SA. Among the four SA-inducible signaling events, PK activation was excluded from the low-dose SA action since a much higher SA dose (> 0.4 mм) was required for PK activation.
Analysis of the Labial Gland Secretions of the Male Bumblebee Bombus griseocollis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Bertsch Andreas , Schweer Horst , Titze Andreas
Published: February 2015

The labial gland secretions from males of the bumblebee Bombus (Separatobombus) griseocollis De Geer, a bumblebee exhibiting perching behaviour, were analysed by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in the electron impact and positive ion chemical ionization mode. The major compound of the complex mixture of alkenols, acetates, hydrocarbons, wax type esters and steroids is tetradecyl acetate, considerable amounts of hexadecyl, geranyllinaloyl, geranylgeranyl, docosyl, tetracosenyl and hexacosenyl acetate were also found. 1,3-Tetradecanediol diacetate, detected as a minor component, has not yet been identified in male bumblebee labial gland secretions. Besides small amounts of primary alcohols (tetradecanol and hexadecanol) the tertiary alcohol geranyllinalool (3,7,11,15-tetramethyl- hexadeca-1,6,10,14-tetraene-3-ol) was also present. The primary alcohols were also present as esters of butanoic, dodecanoic, tetradecanoic, and hexadecanoic acid. Besides the usual mixture of un- and mono-unsaturated straight chain hydrocarbons, the labial gland contains the isoprenoid hydrocarbons β-springene [(6E,10E)-7,11,15-trimethyl-3-methylenehexadeca-1,6,10,14-tetraene] and two isomers of α-springene [(3Z,6E,10E)- and (3E,6E,10E)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-hexadeca-1,3,6,10,14-pentaene]. The close relationship in chemical composition in male bumblebees with perching and flight pass behaviour is discussed.
Interactions of Novel Morpholine and Hexamethylene Derivatives of Anthracycline Antibiotics with DNA
Authors: Piestrzeniewicz Mariola K , Wilmańska Dorota , Szemraj Janusz , Studzian Kazimierz , Gniazdowski Marek
Published: February 2015

Doxorubicin (DOX), daunorubicin (DRB), epidoxorubicin (EDOX) and their analogues with a 3′-NH2 group in daunosamine form a covalent bond with a 2-NH2 group of guanine via a methylene group from formaldehyde (CH2O). It is assumed that a Schiff base type intermediate is formed between CH2O and the 3′-NH2 group in the reaction. This reaction is supposed to occur in the cell. New analogues of anthracyclines with formamidine functionality bound to C-3′ of daunosamine and containing the bulky morpholine (DRBM, DOXM and EDOXM) or hexamethyleneimine rings attached are studied in our laboratory. These substituents decrease the association of the drugs to DNA and potentially hinder the formation of Schiff base-intermediates. Our experiments indicate that the formation of the covalent complexes by DRB, DOX and EDOX under these conditions is confirmed by a high enhancement (17-40x) of the inhibition of overall RNA synthesis by E. coli RNA polymerase on T7 DNA. DRBM and DOXM exhibit a lower enhancement of the inhibition by CH2O (7-13x). The other analogues show a 1.6-3x increase of inhibition. Hence, their covalent binding is lower than that of the parent compounds. These conclusions are confirmed by spectrophotometric estimations following removal of non-covalently associated drugs. Electrophoretic analysis of drug-DNA complexes formed in the presence of CH2O indicates that DRBM and DOXM as their parent compounds induce labile cross-links in DNA. Comparison of the results obtained at the subcellular level with cytotoxicity estimations indicates that there is a correlation between cytotoxicity of the anthracyclines on L1210 cells and transcriptional template activity of drug-DNA complexes formed in the presence of CH2O (r = 0.64; n = 9). These data confirm a notion that covalent attachment of anthracyclines to DNA is an essential event leading to cytotoxicity.
Cloning and Expression of Taxus Acyltransferase cDNA
Authors: Tu Jun , Zhu Ping , Cheng Ke-di , Liu Jiangguo
Published: February 2015

A new full-length acyltransferase cDNA was obtained from Taxus chinensis by homologybased cloning strategy. The cDNA has an open-reading frame of 1,275 nucleotides, which encodes 425 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 47,241 Da and an estimated pI value of 5.93. The deduced amino acid sequence resembles the sequences of other cloned acyltransferases (56-61% identity; 71-75% similarity) involved directly in taxol biosynthetic pathways. This cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli using the expression vector pET- 32a(+). The expression band corresponds to the calculated mass plus the N-terminal fusion protein derived from the vector.
The Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of the Lichen Hypogymnia tubulosa and Its 3-Hydroxyphysodic Acid Constituent
Authors: Yılmaz Meral , Tay Turgay , Kıvanç Merih , Türk Hayrettin , Türk Ayşen Özdemir
Published: February 2015

The antimicrobial activity and the MIC values of the diethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, petroleum ether, and ethanol extracts of the lichen Hypogymnia tubulosa and its 3-hydroxyphysodic acid constituent have been investigated against some microorganisms. At least one of the extracts or 3-hydroxyphysodic acid showed antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. No antifungal activity of the extracts has been observed against ten filamentous fungi.
A New Bioactive Steroidal Saponin from Agave shrevei
Authors: da Silva Bernadete Pereira , Parente José Paz
Published: February 2015

A new steroidal saponin was isolated from the leaves of Agave shrevei Gentry. Its structure was established as 26-( β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyloxy)-22-methoxy-3-{O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)- O-[O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-[O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl- (1→4)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl]oxy}-(3β,5α,25R)-furostane. 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 steroidal saponin showed absence of haemolytic effects in the in vitro assay, but demonstrated a significant inhibition of the capillary permeability activity.
A New Steroidal Saponin from Agave brittoniana and Its Biphasic Effect on the Na+-ATPase Activity
Authors: Silva Graziela M. , De Souza Aloa M. , Lara Luciene S. , Mendes Tatiana P. , da Silva Bernadete P. , Lopes Anibal G. , Caruso-Neves Celso , Parente José P.
Published: February 2015

A new steroidal saponin, 3-{(O-6-deoxy-α-ʟ-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-( 1→3)-O-[O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-( 1→4)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl)oxy}-6-hydroxy-(3β,5α,6α,25R)-spirostan-12-one, was isolated from Agave brittoniana Trel. The structure was determined by extensive NMR spectroscopy studies and chemical conversions. Its effects on the Na+-ATPase and (Na++K+)-ATPase activities of the proximal tubule from pig kidney were evaluated. It was observed that this steroidal saponin exerts a biphasic effect on the Na+-ATPase activity. It is concluded that the effect of the aqueous extract as a diuretic is due, at least in part, to the action of saponin on the ouabain-insensitive Na+-ATPase.
Changes in Phenylalanine Ammonia-lyase Activity and Gene Expression during Storage of Asparagus Spears
Authors: Bhowmik Pankaj K. , Matsui Toshiyuki
Published: February 2015

A cDNA clone coding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis L. cv. Welcome) using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The partial cDNA clone encoded an mRNA of 527 bp and the derived amino acid sequence was found highly homologous to PAL from rice, maize and barley. Northern blot analysis showed an increase of pAS-PAL mRNA until 24 h at 20 °C, which coincided well with PAL activity and fiber development, suggesting that the increase is a response to the wounding associated with harvest.
Bioactive Saponins from Astragalus suberi L. Growing in Yemen
Authors: Abbas Fawkeya , Zayed Rawia
Published: February 2015

From the aerial parts of Astragalus suberi L., Fabaceae, seven saponins were isolated. Based on spectral data (IR, 1H and 13C NMR and HR-FABMS), the structures were established as 3-O-(β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl)-soyasapogenol B (1); 3-O-(β-ᴅ-glucuronopyranosyl)- soyasapogenol B (2); 3-O-[β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl]-soyasapogenol B (3); 3-O-[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl]- soyasapogenol B (4); 3-O-[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl]-11-hydroxy-soyasapogenol B (5); 3-O-[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl (152)-β-ᴅ-glucuronopyranosyl]-soyasapogenol B (6) and 3-O-[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl (1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucuronopyranosyl]-complogenin (7).

The isolated saponins exhibited antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration values > 100 μg/ml, antifungal activity against all the strains tested with minimum fungicidal concentration values between 25 and 50 μg/ml and inhibited the growth of Hep-2 (human carcinoma of larynx), with IC50 values between 50 μg/ml (compounds 5-7) and 100 μg/ml (compounds 1-4), and Hela (human carcinoma of cervix) cell lines in culture with different IC50 values [74 compound 7), 98 (compound 5) and 180 μg/ml (compounds 1-4 and 6)]
Antiradical and Anti-H2O2 Properties of Polyphenolic Compounds from an Aqueous Peppermint Extract
Authors: Sroka Zbigniew , Fecka Izabela , Cisowski Wojciech
Published: February 2015

Polyphenolic compounds such as eriocitrin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, diosmin, hesperidin, narirutin, isorhoifolin, rosmarinic and caffeic acids were identified in an aqueous extract (Ex) obtained from peppermint leaves (Menthae × piperitae folium). The content of polyphenols in Ex was as follows: eriocitrin 38%, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside 3.5%, hesperidin 2.9%, diosmin 0.8%, isorhoifolin 0.6%, narirutin 0.3%, rosmarinic acid 3.7% and caffeic acid 0.05%. The strongest antiradical activity (determined as DPPH• scavenging features) was observed for luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, eriocitrin and rosmarinic acid. Caffeic acid and hesperidin revealed a lower antiradical activity while isorhoifolin, narirutin and diosmin showed the lowest activity. The strongest anti-H2O2 activity was observed for eriocitrin, a little lower for rosmarinic acid. The rate of hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity displayed by luteolin-7-O-rutinoside and caffeic acid was lower than that of rosmarinic acids. Hesperidin appeared to be a very weak scavenger of hydrogen peroxide. Almost no anti-H2O2 activity was demonstrated for diosmin, narirutin and isorhoifolin. Among examined flavonoids, the strongest antiradical and anti-H2O2 activity was shown for compounds with two hydroxy groups bound to the Bring in ortho position in relation to each other. Replacement of one hydroxy group in the Bring with a methoxy group or removing one hydroxy group leads to decrease of antiradical and anti-H2O2 activity of flavonoids. Our results suggest that eriocitrin is a powerful peppermint antioxidant and a free radical scavenger.
Antifeedant/Insecticidal Terpenes from Asteraceae and Labiatae Species Native to Argentinean Semi-arid Lands
Authors: González-Coloma Azucena , Guadaño Ana , Tonn Carlos E. , Sosa Marta E.
Published: February 2015

To validate the potential as added-value resources of Asteraceae and Labiatae species of Argentinean semi-arid lands, we have selected 13 of their major terpenoids belonging to several chemical classes and tested their insect antifeedant and toxic activity on the herbivorous insects Spodoptera littoralis and Leptinotarsa decemlineata. The antifeedant effects of the test compounds were structure- and species-dependent. The most active antifeedant to L. decemlineata was the eudesmane sesquiterpene γ-costic acid (13), followed by the labdane diterpene 2α,3α-dihydroxycativic acid (8), the clerodane diterpenes 6-acetylteucjaponin B (5), bacchotricuneatin A (1), bartemidiolide (7), butanolide (4), and the sesquiterpenes ilicic acid (11) and tessaric acid (10) (eudesmane and eremophilane type, respectively). S. littoralis was only affected by the clerodanes and showed the strongest response to salviarin (3) and 5, followed by hawtriwaic acid (6) and 12-epi-bacchotricuneatin A (2). Orally injected S. littoralis larvae were negatively affected by 5. Most of the diterpenes had selective cytotoxic effects to insect-derived Sf9 cells with the clerodane 1 being the most active, followed by the eudesmane costic acid (12), the only cytotoxic sesquiterpene. None of these compounds was cytotoxic to mammalian CHO cells.
Phytotoxic Components Produced by Pathogenic Fusarium against Morning Glory
Authors: Shimizu Bun-ichi , Saito Fukuko , Miyagawa Hisashi , Watanabe Ken , Ueno Tamio , Sakata Kanzo , Ogawa Kei
Published: February 2015

A pathogenic isolate of Fusarium, F. oxysporum f. sp. batatas O-17 (PF), causes wilt disease in leaf etiolation in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor). Extracts from PF cultures were screened for phytotoxic components using a growth inhibition assay with morning glory seedlings. The extracts were fractionated using differential solvent extraction and two active compounds, ergosterol and fusalanipyrone, were isolated from the less-polar fraction. Growth inhibition of morning glory seedlings showed a sigmoidal doseresponse relationship, with fusalanipyrone exhibiting a two order of magnitude higher EC50 value than ergosterol (18 nᴍ and 1.6 μᴍ, respectively). Both compounds showed lower growth inhibition activity towards lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa). This study provides information on the phytotoxic components of PF and discusses the mechanism behind PFfinduced phytotoxicity.
Genista tinctoria Hairy Root Cultures for Selective Production of Isoliquiritigenin
Authors: Łuczkiewicz Maria , Kokotkiewicz Adam
Published: February 2015

Hairy root cultures were established after inoculation of Genista tinctoria in vitro shoots with Agrobacterium rhizogenes, strain ATCC 15834. In transformed roots of G. tinctoria grown in Schenk-Hildebrandt medium without growth regulators the biosynthesis of isoflavones, derivatives of genistein and daidzein, and flavones, derivatives of luteolin and apigenin, characteristic for the intact plant, was completely inhibited. The only compound synthesized in G. tinctoria hairy roots was isoliquiritigenin (2.3 g/100 g DW), a daidzein precursor absent in the intact plant. This compound was stored entirely within cells and it was not until abscisic acid was added (37.8 μm supplement on day 42) that approx. 80% of it was released into the experimental medium. The paper discusses the effect of abscisic acid on the growth of G. tinctoria hairy root cultures, the biosynthesis of isoliquiritigenin and the way it is stored. A prototype basket-bubble bioreactor was designed and built to upgrade the scale of the G. tinctoria hairy root cultures. With immobilized roots and a new aeration system, large amounts of biomass were obtained (FWmax 914.5 g l-1) which produced high contents of isoliquiritigenin (2.9 g/100 g DW). The abscisic acid-induced release of the metabolite from the tissue into the growth medium greatly facilitated subsequent extraction and purification of isoliquiritigenin.
Relay Cropping for Improved Air and Water Quality
Authors: Schepers James S. , Francis Dennis D. , Shanahan John F.
Published: February 2015

Using plants to extract excess nitrate from soil is important in protecting against eutrophication of standing water, hypoxic conditions in lakes and oceans, or elevated nitrate concentrations in domestic water supplies. Global climate change issues have raised new concerns about nitrogen (N) management as it relates to crop production even though there may not be an immediate threat to water quality. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are frequently considered the primary cause of global climate change, but under anaerobic conditions, animals can contribute by expelling methane (CH4) as do soil microbes. In terms of the potential for global climate change, CH4 is ~ 25 times more harmful than CO2. This differential effect is minuscule compared to when nitrous oxide (N2O) is released into the atmosphere because it is ~ 300 times more harmful than CO2. N2O losses from soil have been positively correlated with residual N (nitrate, NO3 -) concentrations in soil. It stands to reason that phytoremediation via nitrate scavenger crops is one approach to help protect air quality, as well as soil and water quality. Winter wheat was inserted into a seed corn/soybean rotation to utilize soil nitrate and thereby reduce the potential for nitrate leaching and N2O emissions. The net effect of the 2001- 2003 relay cropping sequence was to produce three crops in two years, scavenge 130 kg N/ha from the root zone, produce an extra 2 Mg residue/ha, and increase producer profitability by ~ $ 250/ha.
Adaptative Evolution of Metallothionein 3 in the Cd/Zn Hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens
Authors: Roosens Nancy H. , Bernard Catherine , Leplae Raphael , Verbruggen Nathalie
Published: February 2015

A functional screening in yeast allowed to identify various cDNAs from the Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens. TcMT3 displayed high identity with its closest homologue in Arabidopsis thaliana but variation in its Cys residues. Functional analysis in yeast supported a higher binding capacity for Cu, but not for Cd or Zn, of TcMT3 compared to AtMT3. Expression analysis in plants indicated that metallothionein 3 (MT3) like all the other T. caerulescens genes from the screen studied is overexpressed in all studied populations of T. caerulescens compared to A. thaliana. TcMT3 was induced by Cu, but not by Cd. Moreover significant variation in expression within T. caerulescens populations that have contrasting tolerance and accumulation capacities indicated a possible local adaptation of MT3.
AFLP Analysis and Improved Phytoextraction Capacity of Transgenic gshI-Poplar Clones (Populus x canescens L.) for Copper in vitro
Authors: Gyulai Gábor , Humphreys Mervyn , Bittsánszky András , Skøtc Kirsten , Kiss József , Skøt Leif , Gullner Gábor , Heywood Sue , Szabó Zoltán , Lovatt Alan , Radimszky László , Roderick Hywel , Rennenberg Heinz , Abberton Michael , Kőmívesd Tamas , Heszky László
Published: February 2015

Clone stability and in vitro phytoextraction capacity of vegetative clones of P. x canescens (2n = 4x = 38) including two transgenic clones (ggs11 and lgl6) were studied as in vitro leaf disc cultures. Presence of the gshI-transgene in the transformed clones was detected in PCR reactions using gshI-specific primers. Clone stability was determined by fAFLP (fluorescent amplified DNA fragment length polymorphism) analysis. In total, 682 AFLP fragments were identified generated by twelve selective primer pairs after EcoRIDMseI digestion. Four fragments generated by EcoAGTDMseCCC were different (99.4% genetic similarity) which proves an unexpectedly low bud mutation frequency in P. \ canescens. For the study of phytoextraction capacity leaf discs (8 mm) were exposed to a concentration series of ZnSO4 (10-1 to 10-5 ᴍ) incubated for 21 days on aseptic tissue culture media WPM containing 1 μᴍ Cu. Zn2+ caused phytotoxicity only at high concentrations (10-1 to 10-2 ᴍ). The transgenic poplar cyt-ECS (ggs11) clone, as stimulated by the presence of Zn, showed elevated heavy metal (Cu) uptake as compared to the non-transformed clone. These results suggest that gshI-transgenic poplars may be suitable for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with zinc and copper.
Antimicrobial Activity of Isopteropodine
Authors: García Rubén , Cayunao Cesia , Bocic Ronny , Backhouse Nadine , Delporte Carla , Zaldivar Mercedes , Erazo Silvia
Published: February 2015

Bioassay-directed fractionation for the determination of antimicrobial activity of Uncaria tomentosa, has led to the isolation of isopteropodine (0.3%), a known Uncaria pentacyclic oxindol alkaloid that exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria.
Bioactivity of Biflorin, a Typical o-Naphthoquinone Isolated from Capraria biflora L.
Authors: Vasconcellos Marne C. , Montenegro Raquel C. , Militão Gardênia C. G. , Fonseca Aluísio M. , Pessoa Otília D. L. , Lemos Telma L. G. , Pessoa Cláudia , Moraes Manoel O. , Costa-Lotufo Letícia V.
Published: February 2015

Capraria biflora L. (Scrophulariaceae) is a perennial shrub widely distributed in several countries of tropical America. The present work verified the cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of biflorin, an o-naphthoquinone isolated from C. biflora collected in the northeast region of Brazil. The cytotoxicity was tested on three different animal cell models: mouse erythrocytes, sea urchin embryos and tumor cells, while the antioxidant activity was assayed by the thiocyanate method. Biflorin lacked activity on mouse erythrocytes as well as on the development of sea urchin eggs, but strongly inhibited the growth of all five tested tumor cell lines, especially the skin, breast and colon cancer cells with IC50 of 0.40, 0.43 and 0.88 μg/ml for B16, MCF-7 and HCT-8, respectively. Biflorin also showed potent antioxidant activity against autoxidation of oleic acid in a water/alcohol system.
Separation of Bioactive Biflavonoids from Rheedia gardneriana Using Chitosan Modified with Benzaldehyde
Authors: Girardi Leury G. J. , Morsch Michele , Oliveira Ana E. , Cechinel-Filho Valdir , Rodrigues Clóvis Antonio
Published: February 2015

This paper shows the influence of benzenic groups on the chitosan surface for the separation of bioactive biflavonoids from Rheedia gardneriana leaves. The yield of the biflavonoids using chitin modified with benzaldehyde (CH-Bz) as adsorbent in column chromatography was higher than that achieved with silica gel and chitosan. The presence of benzenic groups decreases the polarity of chitosan and consequently the interaction of hydrogen bonding between phenolic hydroxyl (OH) of biflavonoids and amine groups of the adsorbent. Therefore, the separation of these compounds appears to be the result of hydrophobicity and π-π interaction among electrons from the aromatic ring in sorbent and biflavonoid molecules.
Inhibition of Functionalized 1,3-Dienes against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Cabrera Aivlé , Henríquez Diana , Bustos Thamara , Herrera Julio , Urdaneta Neudo
Published: February 2015

Six functionalized 1,3-dienes were synthesized using cross-coupling reactions, catalyzed by palladium complexes, between alkenylboronic acids and α-bromo-α,β-unsaturated carbonylic compounds. Their cytotoxicity against epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and fibroblastic Vero cells was evaluated, using concentrations ranging from 100 μm to 2.5 mм in experiments with three incubation times (4, 8 and 16 h). These tests were performed using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] colorimetric bioassays and its further reduction to formazan, according to the viability of the parasites and cells. With the exception of (5E,6E)-5-benzylidene-2-methylundec-6-en-4-one, all compounds were cytotoxic to both Trypanosoma cruzi and Vero cells, however differential values of IC50 were observed for two of these compounds. A possible structure-activity relationship is discussed.
Assessment of Potential Application of Binary Mixtures of 2,4-D with Novel Aminophosphonates
Authors: Sarapuk Janusz , Kleszczyńska Halina , Bonarska Dorota , Bielecki Krzysztof , Trela Zenon , Kordas Leszek
Published: February 2015

A series of new aminoalkane- and aminofluorenephosphonates was synthesized for agrochemical application. The particular compounds had different alkyl substituents at the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus atoms. Their pesticidal activity was checked by applying various experimental methods. These included the measurements of compounds’ potency: to inhibit growth of cucumber and germination of white mustard seeds, to influence on the membrane potential of algae and to damage human erythrocyte membranes resulting in hemolysis. All the aminophosphonates were also used in equimolar binary mixtures with the well-known herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), to check, if using such mixtures, the biological efficiencies found for particular compounds could be enhanced due to interactions between aminophosphonates and 2,4-D.

The results demonstrated, that depending on the structural features of the compounds, the final effects differed from antagonistic, through additive to the most promising synergistic ones. However, the type of interaction between 2,4-D and the compounds studied found in different experiments was somewhat different. In order to estimate those effects various statistical methods were used (toxic unit method, isobole method).
Effect of Salt Stress on the Production and Properties of Extracellular Polysaccharides Produced by Cryptococcus laurentii
Authors: Breierová Emília , Hromádková Zdenka , Stratilová Eva , Sasinková Vlasta , Ebringerová Anna
Published: February 2015

The composition, main structural features and molecular properties of exopolysaccharides (EP) produced by Cryptococcus laurentii var. laurentii CCY 17-3-16 under optimal (EPo) and NaCl-stress conditions (EPs) as well as their subfractions isolated by gel chromatography were studied using chemical, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy methods. The results showed that under stress conditions the yeast produced EP with a lower content of protein and phosphorus. In comparison to EPo, the EPs exhibited a substantially larger proportion of high molecular mass populations. NMR analysis of EPs revealed a higher degree of branching with single xylose side chains of the heteromannan components. The increase of the molecular mass and degree of branching of the macromolecular chains of the heteromannan components might in part be related to the function of EPs to protect the yeast cells from water loss and maintain growth conditions under the salt stress.
Regio- and Stereoselective Fungal Oxyfunctionalisation of Limonenes
Authors: Kaspera Rüdiger , Krings Ulrich , Pescheck Michael , Sell Dieter , Schrader Jens , Berger Ralf G.
Published: February 2015

Selective transformations of limonene by asco- and basidiomycetes were investigated. On the shake flask scale, Penicillium citrinum hydrated R-(+)-limonene to α-terpineol [83% regioselectivity (rs), more than 80 mg 1-1 product yield], and Gongronella butleri catalysed the terminal oxidation to yield perillyl alcohol (60% rs, 16 mg 1-1). On the laboratory bioreactor scale, Penicillium digitatum produced a peak concentration of 506 mg α-terpineol 1-1 in the fed-batch mode, equivalent to a theoretical yield of 67%, and no volatile by-products were found. Fusarium proliferatum transformed R-(+)-limonene enantiospecifically to cis-(+)- carveol (98.6% ee, more than 35 mg 1-1 product yield) and S-(-)-limonene predominantly to trans-(-)-carveol (96.3% ee). Pleurotus sapidus selectively dehydrogenised the accumulating trans-(-)-carveol to the corresponding enantiopure R-(-)-carvone. The results show that a careful selection of strain and bioprocess parameters may improve both the yield and the optical purity of a desired product.
Characterization of Microsatellites in Bambusa arundinacea and Cross Species Amplification in Other Bamboos
Authors: Nayak Sumitra , Rout Gyana Ranjan
Published: February 2015

Microsatellites, tandem repeats of short nucleotide (1-6 bp) sequences, are the DNA marker of choice because of their highly polymorphic, ubiquitous distribution within genome, ease of genotyping through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), selectively neutral, co-dominant and multi allelic nature. Six microsatellites, three polymorphic and three monomorphic, have been characterized for the first time in a bamboo species, Bambusa arudinacea belonging to the family Poaceae. The number of alleles per locus ranges form 2 to 13. Allelic diversity ranges from 0.041 to 0.870. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values for two loci were > 0.3, an indicator of polymorphic allele. Cross species amplification has been tested in other 18 bamboo species. Monomorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) have been found to be cross amplified in most of the tested species while polymorphic ones in only three to four species. The utility of the SSR loci in genetic diversity study of B. arundinacea and other cross amplified bamboo species have been discussed.
Chemical Compounds from Femoral Gland Secretions of Male Iberian Rock Lizards, Lacerta monticola cyreni
Authors: López Pilar , Martín José
Published: February 2015

In spite of the importance of chemoreception and chemical signals in the social organization of lizards, there are only a few studies examining the chemical composition of secretions of lizards used for scent marking. The secretion of the femoral glands of male Iberian rock lizards (Lacerta monticola cyreni) contains 44 lipophilic compounds, including several steroids (mainly cholesterol), and n-C6 to n-C22 carboxylic acids, and minor components such as esters of carboxylic acids, alcohols, squalene, and one lactone. These compounds were identified on the basis of mass spectra, obtained by GC-MS. Most lipids were detected in all individuals, although relative proportions of each chemical show a high interindividual variability. This variability might be related to the characteristics or physical and health condition of males and might be the basis of female choice based on chemical cues observed in this lizard species.
Binding of Phytoestrogens to Rat Uterine Estrogen Receptors and Human Sex Hormone-binding Globulins
Authors: Hillerns Pablo Ibieta , Zu Yuangang , Wink Michael
Published: February 2015

The interaction of phytoestrogens with the most important binding sites of steroid hormones, i.e. sex hormone-binding globulin and estrogen receptors, was investigated. Relative binding affinities and association constants for 21 compounds among them isoflavones, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, chalcones and lignans were determined. The lignan nordihydroguaiaretic acid weakly displaced 17β-[3H]-estradiol from estrogen receptor and Scatchard analysis suggests non-conformational changes. Compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin, showed estrogenic affinities to both receptors. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid displaced 17β-[3H]-estradiol from sex hormone-binding globulin but not from the estrogen receptor. Phytoestrogens compete with 17β-estradiol much stronger than with 5α-dihydrotestosterone for binding to sex hormone-binding globulin.
Antibacterial Activity of Coumarins
Authors: Souza Simone M. de , Monache Franco Delle , Smânia Artur
Published: February 2015

The antibacterial activity of coumarin per se and other 45 coumarin derivatives was tested against strains of Bacillus cereus MIP 96016, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The inhibitory effects of coumarins were affected by their substitution patterns. Osthenol (44) showed the most effective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values ranging between 125 and 62.5 μg/ml. These results suggested that the prenyl chain of 44 at position 8 and the presence of OH at position 7 of the benzenic ring are required for the antibacterial activity against these strains.
Phytochemical and Antiulcerogenic Properties of Rhizomes from Simaba ferruginea St. Hill. (Simaroubaceae)
Authors: Noldin Vânia Floriani , Martins Domingos Tabajara de Oliveira , Marcello César Marcos , Lima Joaquim Corsino da Silva , Monache Franco Delle , Filho Valdir Cechinel
Published: February 2015

Simaba ferruginea (Simaroubaceae) is a Brazilian medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments, including gastric ulcers, fever, diarrhea, and dolorous and inflammatory processes. This study examines the chemical composition and antiulcerogenic effects of rhizomes from this plant. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two bioactive indole alkaloids called canthin-6-one (1) and 4-methoxycanthin-6-one (2). The alkaloid fraction and both alkaloids demonstrated potent antiulcerogenic effects when evaluated in gastric lesion-induced animals, as well as significant antinociceptive activity in mice. These results confirm and justify the popular use of S. ferruginea against gastric ulcers and dolorous processes.
H+-Coupled Sugar Transporter, an Initiator of Sugar-induced Ca2+-signaling in Plant Cells
Authors: Furuichi Takuya , Muto Shoshi
Published: February 2015

Using Ca2+-dependent photoprotein aequorin-transformed tobacco BY-2 cell suspensions, the sugar-induced increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) was investigated by measuring the luminescence intensity. When 0.5 ᴍ sucrose or some other sugars were fed to the cells, strong and transient luminescence was observed. Salts or sugar analogues didn’t show this effect. In addition, the intensity of sucrose-induced aequorin luminescence was gradually enhanced when cells were exposed to sugar-starvation. This was observed with the concurrent expression of the sucrose/H+ co-transporter, NtSUT1A. The [Ca2+]cyt increase may initiate Ca2+-signaling leading to the expression of genes related to biosynthesis of storage carbohydrates in a sink organ. The sugar-signaling may play an important role in the conversion on nutritional stage of plant tissue, source organ to sink organ.
Protein Kinase Cascade Involved in Rapid ABA-signaling in Guard Cells of Vicia faba
Authors: Furuichi Takuya , Mori Izumi C. , Muto Shoshi
Published: February 2015

Protein kinases are involved in signal transduction for environmental stress responses. In response to drought and salinity, a 48-kDa protein kinase (AAPK; abscisic acid-activated protein kinase (AAPK) in guard cells is activated by abscisic acid (ABA) and phosphorylates several targets such as the carboxy-terminus of inward-rectifying K+ channel and heterogeneous mRNA binding protein to adopt to the changing environment. The AAPK expressed specifically in guard cells, and recombinant AAPK was phosphorylated only with the extract from ABA-treated guard cells but not from untreated cells. This indicates the presence of an AAPK kinase (AAPKK), which is activated by ABA and phosphorylates AAPK preceding the activation of AAPK. Both AAPK and AAPKK are involved in the protein kinase cascade for the rapid ABA-signaling.
Adsorption of Lipoproteins onto Mineral Dust Surfaces: A Possible Factor in the Pathogenesis of Particle-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Authors: Bogatu Bettina , Contag Bodo
Published: February 2015

We compare the adsorption behavior of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) on “fibrogenic” and “nonfibrogenic” mineral dusts. The adsorption tests with bovine lipoprotein concentrate and human serum produced the following results: 1) All seven examined fibrogenic dusts (SiO2 DQ12, SiO2 F600, silica, graphite, TiC, kaolin, talc) adsorbed significantly more high density lipoproteins (HDL), than the five examined nonfibrogenic (inert) dusts (TiO2, SnO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Fe3O4). This different behavior was particularly conspicuous in the presence of competing adsorbates (serum proteins). 2) In contrast, the adsorption of LDL did not correlate with the fibrogenicity of the mineral dusts. 3) The known silicosis-protective substance polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide inhibits the HDL adsorption of α-quartz. These results indicate that the adsorption of HDL could have a causal relationship with the triggering of a fibrotic reaction. The adsorption on the surface of fibrogenic dust particles provides an exceptional opportunity for the intake of HDL by macrophages. During the phagocytosis of the inhaled dust particles, the HDL adsorbed on the surface of the particles could be taken up by macrophages regardless of the receptor. There the HDL particles and/or compounds associated with them, such as lecithin-cholesterol-acyltransferase, could stimulate the macrophages to release fibrogenic mediators by some yet unknown mechanism.
Water Proton Relaxation Rate Enhancements and Association Constants for Mn(II) to Serum Proteins Determined by NMR T1 Measurements
Authors: Budak Hatice
Published: February 2015

The water proton relaxation rate enhancement of Mn(II) bound to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the association constant for manganese to BSA have already been determined, but such determinations have not been done for human serum albumin (HSA) and other human serum proteins and also for human serum. In this work, NMR T1 values in aqueous solutions of serum proteins and serum were measured versus increasing concentration of Mn(II). Proton relaxation rate enhancements (ε*) caused by different manganese concentrations were determined for each solution and 1/ε* was fitted against concentrations of Mn(II). Proton relaxation rate enhancements (εb) of Mn(II) bound to albumin, γ-globulin, (α+β)- globulins and serum were found to be 13.69, 3.09, 8.62, and 10.87, respectively. Free and bound manganese fractions, resulted from each addition of Mn(II) to the sample, were determined by using corresponding (ε*) and the εb values. Association constants for Mn(II) to HSA and γ-globulin were calculated as 1.84 x 104 ᴍ-1 and 2.35 x 104 ᴍ-1, respectively. Present data suggest that the proton relaxation rate enhancement of Mn(II) in serum is caused by Mn(II) bound to various serum constituents. Data also suggest that association constants for Mn(II) to γ-globulin are nearly the same as that to HSA.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Araucaria araucana (Mol.) K. Koch Heartwood Lignans
Authors: Céspedes Carlos L. , Avila J. Guillermo , Garcıá Ana M. , Becerra José , Flores Cristian , Aqueveque Pedro , Bittner Magalis , Hoeneisen Maritza , Martinez Miguel , Silva Mario
Published: February 2015

Five lignans (secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol, eudesmin, lariciresinol, and lariciresinol-4- methyl ether) were isolated from an MeOH extract from Araucaria araucana (Mol.) K. Koch wood for the first time in this species and their structures determined with spectroscopic methods. The antimicrobial activities of these compounds were determined for the bacteria Citrobacter sp., Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and for the white rooting and staining fungi Mucor miehei, Paecilomyces variotii, Ceratocystis pilifera, Trametes versicolor, and Penicillium notatum, and in addition, the MeOH extract was evaluated against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Fusarium moniliforme, F. sporotrichum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The most sensitive bacteria against pinoresinol were the Gram-positive. However, secoisolariciresinol exhibited a significant antifungal activity on fungi of white rooting and wood staining and this compound completely inhibited the mycelial growth of T. versicolor and C. pilifera at 300 and 400 μg per disc, respectively, whereas pinoresinol showed a moderate inhibitory activity. On the other hand, the MeOH extract had the highest activity against rooting and staining and pathogenic fungi as well as T. versicolor, Fusarium spp. and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, inhibiting completely the growth at 400 μg per disc
Chemical Composition and Inhibitory Activity of Essential Oil from Decaying Leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora
Authors: Batish Daizy R. , Singh Harminder Pal , Setia Nidhi , Kaur Shalinder , Kohli Ravinder K.
Published: February 2015

A study was undertaken to explore the content and composition of volatile oil from decaying leaves of lemon-scented eucalypt (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.) not analyzed earlier. GC and GC-MS analysis of the oil (yield 0.6%) revealed the monoterpenoid nature with citronellal (52.2%), citronellol (12.3%) and isoisopulegol (11.9%) as the major constituents. Overall, 17 components were identified that accounted for over 94% of the decaying leaf oil. Surprisingly, the decaying leaf oil contained nearly 1.8% of trans-rose oxide, which is generally absent in eucalypt essential oil. Decaying leaf oil and its major 2 components (citronellal and citronellol) inhibited the germination and root elongation of two weeds D Cassia occidentalis (broad-leaved) and Echinochloa crus-galli (grassy weed). Based on the dose-response studies, I50 values were determined for decaying leaf oil and the effect was more on germination only of broad-leaved weed (C. occidentalis), whereas that of citronellal and citronellol were on germination as well as root length of E. crus-galli (grassy weed). Based on I50 values it was observed that citronellal was more phytotoxic and germination inhibiting in nature, whereas citronellol was a more potent root inhibitor, thereby indicating a possible different mode of action. The study concludes that decaying leaf oil hold a good commercial value for exploitation as weed management agent
Simultaneous Cultivation of Spirulina platensis and the Toxigenic Cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira , de Morais Michele Greque , Dalcanton Francieli , Reichert Carolina da Cruz , Durante Andrei José
Published: February 2015

Mangueira Lagoon, located in the extreme south of Brazil, has water with physicochemical characteristics such as alkaline pH and carbonate levels propitious for the growth of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis. Previously published studies have shown that Mangueira Lagoon water supplemented with small quantities of carbon and nitrogen is suitable for S. platensis cultivation and can significantly reduce production costs. We studied mixed cultures of Spirulina platensis and the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa using a 23 factorial design in which the three factors were the initial biomass concentration of S. platensis and M. aeruginosa and the type of culture medium (100% Zarrouk’s medium or 80% Mangueira Lagoon water plus 20% Zarrouk’s medium). The highest S. platensis maximum specific growth rate (μmax) occurred in the culture with the highest M. aeruginosa biomass concentration and when undiluted culture medium was used (μmax = 0.283 d-1). The highest M. aeruginosa specific death rate (k) was obtained in the presence of S. platensis (k = 0.555 d-1) and was independent of the initial M. aeruginosa biomass concentration and culture medium, demonstrating that S. platensis cultures are not susceptible to contamination by M. aeruginosa. The culture medium had no significant influence (p > 0.05) on S. platensis μmax values, indicating that production costs could be reduced by using a medium consisting of 80% Mangueira Lagoon water plus 20% Zarrouk’s medium