bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemodiversity of Surface Flavonoids in Solanaceae
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Dörsam Marco , Dörr Marion , Roitman James N. , Valant-Vetschera Karin M.
Published: February 2015

Several species of Nicotiana and Solanum and further members of the Solanaceae have been examined for their exudate flavonoids. Most of the aglycones are widespread flavonols, but rare and unusual flavonols were also found, e.g. in exudates of Physalis and Solanum species. Flavones occur throughout the family, but flavanones are rare. Our data are presented in comparison to previous results. The chemodiversity of the observed structures is discussed in relation to literature reports. Morphological and systematic aspects are briefly addressed.
Cytotoxic Properties of Oligostilbenoids from the Tree Barks of Hopea dryobalanoides
Authors: Sahidin  , Hakim Euis H. , Juliawaty Lia D. , Syah Yana M. , Din Laily bin , Ghisalberti Emilio L. , Latip Jalifah , Said Ikram M. , Achmad Sjamsul A.
Published: February 2015

A new modified stilbene dimer, diptoindonesin D (1), was isolated from the acetone extract of the tree bark of Hopea dryobalanoides, together with seven known compounds, parviflorol (2), (D)-balanocarpol (3), heimiol A (4), hopeafuran (5), (+)-α-viniferin (6), vaticanol B (7) and (D)-hopeaphenol (8). Cytotoxic properties of compounds 1-8 were evaluated against murine leukemia P-388 cells. Compound 8 was found to be the most active with IC50 of 5.7 μm
3-O-β-ᴅ-Galactopyranoside of Quercetin as an Active Principle from High Altitude Podophyllum hexandrum and Evaluation of its Radioprotective Properties
Authors: Chawla Raman , Arora Rajesh , Sagar Ravinder K. , Singh Shikha , Puri Satish C. , Kumara Raj , Singh Surender , Sharma Ashok K. , Prasad Jagdish , Khan Haider A. , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Lal Dhar Kanaya , Spiteller Michael , Qazi Ghulam Nabi
Published: February 2015

The aqueous-ethanolic extract (AEE) of high altitude Podophyllum hexandrum has earlier been reported to render a radioprotective effect against lethal gamma radiation in in vitro model. AEE has also been reported to possess metal chelating and DNA protecting properties. The present study was undertaken to isolate and characterize the bioactive principle present in AEE and investigate its role in radiation protection. A novel molecule was found to be present in AEE and was assigned as 3-O-β-ᴅ-galactoside of quercetin by acid hydrolysis, LC-MS, LC-APCI-MS/MS and 13C NMR spectra. Various biological activities were investigated at in vitro level. The antioxidant potential of AEE in lipid and aqueous phase was determined against numerous stresses. AEE was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) protective, i.e., against Fe2+ and Cu2+-induced linoleic acid degradation, respectively. Radiationinduced lipid oxidation studies revealed that AEE maximally works at a [lignan]/0.25 kGy ratio 400 (ratio of concentration of AEE divided by the radiation dose, i.e., 0.25 kGy) and no drug-induced lipid oxidation at all concentrations tested was found. In a time-dependent study, total antioxidant activity was maximally exhibited at 1 mg/ml. The site-specific and non-site-specific deoxyribose degradation assay exhibited a dose-dependant hydroxyl scavenging potential of AEE (0.05-500 μg/ml). The anti-lipid peroxidation ability of AEE against radiation (0.25 kGy)-induced lipid peroxidation was higher in case of neural tissue homogenate as compared to kidney homogenate [activity ratio: 0.039 (brain) < 0.24 (kidney)]. The protein protection study using bovine serum albumin was also done for two time intervals (2 h and 4 h) and significant (p < 0.05) protection was observed at 500 μg/ml (> 97%). This study implies that 3-O-β-ᴅ-galactoside present in AEE renders radioprotection by protecting lipids, proteins in renal and neural model system against supra-lethal (0.25 kGy) gamma radiation.
Pyrazolopyranopyrimidines as a Class of Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Zaki Magdy E. A. , Soliman Hanan A. , Hiekal Ola A. , Rashad Aymn E.
Published: February 2015

Pyrazolopyranopyrimidines 6a-c and 8a-c were prepared from the reaction of compounds 4a-c or 7a-c with methylamine or ammonium hydroxide solutions. Treatment of compounds 6a-c or 8a-c with 2-chloroethyl methyl ether afforded their corresponding acyclonucleosides 9a-c or 10a-c, respectively, as a new class of acyclonucleosides. All prepared compounds were tested as anti-inflammatory agents and some of them revealed moderate to potent antiinflammatory activity
Derivatization Does Not Influence Antimicrobial and Antifungal Activities of Applanoxidic Acids and Sterols from Ganoderma spp.
Authors: Smania Artur , Smania Elza F. A. , Monache Franco Delle , Pizzolatti Moacir G. , Monache Giuliano Delle
Published: February 2015

Applanoxidic acids and sterols, isolated from Ganoderma spp., were acetylated and/or methylated. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes of the derivatives were investigated by a microdilution method, and compared with those of the natural products. Both natural and modified compounds exhibited comparable antibacterial and antifungal activities in a range of 1.0 to > 2.0 mg/ml minimal inhibitory concentration
Effects of Fifteen Rare-Earth Metals on Ca2+ Influx in Tobacco Cells
Authors: Lin Cun , Kadono Takashi , Yoshizuka Kazuharu , Furuichi Takuya , Kawano Tomonori
Published: February 2015

Effects of naturally existing rare-earth metals (REMs; atomic numbers, 39, 57D60, 62D71; Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), added as chloride salts, on Ca2+ influx induced by two different stimuli, namely hypoosmotic shock and hydrogen peroxide, were examined in a suspension-cultured transgenic cell line of BY-2 tobacco cells expressing aequorin, a Ca2+-sensitive luminescent protein in cytosol. Most REM salts used here showed inhibitory effect against Ca2+ influx. Especially NdCl3, SmCl3, EuCl3, GdCl3 and TbCl3 showed the most robust inhibitory action. In contrast, LuCl3, YbCl3, ErCl3 and YCl3 were shown to be poor inhibitors of Ca2+ influx. Since REMs tested here form a sequential range of ionic radii from 86.1 to 103.2 pm and the optimal range of ionic radii required for blocking the flux of Ca2+ was determined for each stimulus. The hydrogen peroxideinduced Ca2+ influx was optimally blocked by REMs with a broad range of ionic radii (93.8D 101 pm) which is slightly smaller than or similar to that of Ca2+ (100 pm), while the hypoosmotically induced flux of Ca2+ was inhibited optimally by few REMs with a narrower range of relatively smaller ionic radii around that of Gd3+ (93.8 pm) a well known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels. Possible applications of such series of channel blockers in elucidation of plant signal transduction pathways are encouraged
Sucrose Metabolism of Perennial Ryegrass in Relation to Cold Acclimation
Authors: Bhowmik Pankaj K. , Tamura Ken-ichi , Sanada Yasuhara , Tase Kazuhiro , Yamada Toshihiko
Published: February 2015

Sugar metabolism is one of the important factors involved in winter hardiness and since the discovery of sucrose biosynthesis, considerable advances have been made in understanding its regulation and crucial role. This investigation examined the changes in activities of sucrose metabolizing enzymes and sugar content during cold hardening of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Changes in acid invertase (AI), sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) along with all the three soluble sugars glucose, fructose and sucrose were measured in leaves and stem base tissue during cold acclimation. Although fructans were the predominant carbohydrate the changes in glucose, fructose and sucrose were significant. All the three soluble sugars in both leaf and stem tissues started to decrease from the first day and continued up to day 7 and thereafter started to increase until day 28. AI in the soluble fraction showed a higher activity than that in the cell wall bound fraction. In both the leaf and stem bases soluble AI activity increased during the first week and after that it started to decrease gradually. On the other hand both the SS and SPS increased gradually throughout the acclimation period. Sucrose content was negatively correlated with AI and positively correlated with SS and SPS accounting well for the relation between the substrate and enzyme activity. These results suggest that AI, SS and SPS in ryegrass are regulated by cold acclimation and play an important role in sugar accumulation and acquisition of freezing tolerance
Nickel(II) Affects Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-Mediated DNA Repair in Normal and Cancer Cells
Authors: Wozniak Katarzyna , Czechowska Agnieszka , Blasiak Janusz
Published: February 2015

Nickel(II) can be genotoxic, but the mechanism of its genotoxicity is not fully understood and the process of DNA repair may be considered as its potential target. We studied the effect of nickel chloride on the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-mediated repair of DNA damaged by γ-radiation and idarubicin with the alkaline comet assay in normal and cancer cells. Our results indicate that nickel chloride at very low, non-cytotoxic concentration of 1 μᴍ can affect PARP-mediated DNA repair of lesions evoked by idarubicin and γ-radiation. We also suggest that in the quiescent lymphocytes treated with γ-radiation, nickel(II) could interfere with DNA repair process independent of PARP
Spasmolytic Action of the Methanol Extract and Isojuripidine from Solanum asterophorum Mart. (Solanaceae) Leaves in Guinea-Pig Ileum
Authors: Oliveira Rita de Cassia Meneses , Lima Julianeli T. , Ribeiro Luciano A. A. , Silva Joelmir L. V. , Monteiro Fabio S. , Assis Temilce S. , Agra Maria de F. , Silva Tania M. S. , Almeida Fernanda R. C. , Silva Bagnólia A.
Published: February 2015

Solanum asterophorum Mart. (Solanaceae) is a shrub popularly known as “jurubeba-defogo” in the northeast of Brazil. In the present work, the methanol extract (SA-MeOH, 3-750 μg/mL) and isojuripidine (10-7 - 3 x 10-4 ᴍ), a steroidal alkaloid obtained from S. asterophorum Mart. leaves, inhibited phasic contractions induced by both 1 μᴍ histamine [IC50 = (225.8 ± 47.4) μg/mL and (3.5 ± 0.8) x 10-5 ᴍ] or 1μᴍ acetylcholine [IC50 = (112.5 ± 20.6) μg/mL and (2.3 ± 0.4) \ 10-5 ᴍ] in guinea-pig ileum, respectively. The extract and isojuripidine also relaxed the ileum (SA-MeOH, 1-750 μg/mL, and isojuripidine, 10-9 - 3 x 10-4 ᴍ) pre-contracted with 1 μᴍ histamine [EC50 = (101.1 ± 17.4) μg/mL and (1.2 ± 0.3) x 10-6 ᴍ] or 1 μm acetylcholine [EC50 = (136.8 ± 21.1) μg/mL and (1.9 ± 0.4) x 10-6 ᴍ] or 40 mᴍ KCl [EC50 = (149.4 d 19.5) μg/mL and (1.8 ± 0.7) x 10-6 ᴍ], respectively, in an equipotent and concentration-dependent manner. This effect is probably due to inhibition of calcium influx through voltage-operated calcium (Cav) channels. To confirm this hypothesis, we evaluated their effect on cumulative CaCl2 curves in depolarizing medium nominally without Ca2+. SA-MeOH (27, 243, 500, and 750 μg/mL) and isojuripidine (3 x 10-8, 10-6, 3 x 10-5, and 3 x 10-4 m) inhibited the contractions induced by CaCl2, in a concentrationdependent manner. The concentration-response curves to CaCl2, in the presence of SAMeOH and isojuripidine, were shifted downward in relation to a control curve in a nonparallel manner resulting in reduction of the maximum effect [Emax = (71.2 ± 9.2); (57.4 ± 9.2); (43.8 ± 3.4); (41.5 ± 2.4) and (90.6 ± 4.8); (74.7 ± 8.7); (66.4 ± 3.9); (31.3 ± 4.1)%, respectively]. SA-MeOH and isojuripidine present spasmolytic action in guinea-pig ileum due to a partially blockade of calcium influx through Cav channels.
Biotransformation of Tryptophan by Liquid Medium Culture of Psilocybe coprophila (Basidiomycetes)
Authors: Alarcón Julio , Foncea Leyla , Águila Sergio , Alderete Joel B.
Published: February 2015

Chemical reactions performed by fungi have been used as a modern tool in chemistry. In this work, we show the tryptophan biotransformation with Psilocybe coprophila on liquid culture medium. The results prove once more the versatility of fungi in performing a wide range of industrially attractive chemical reactions.
Effect of Drought Stress at Supraoptimal Temperature on Polyamine Concentrations in Transgenic Soybean with Increased Proline Levels
Authors: Simon-Sarkadi Livia , Kocsy Gábor , Várhegyi Ágnes , Galiba Gábor , Ronde Jacoba A. de
Published: February 2015

The effect of drought stress at supraoptimal temperature on free proline and polyamine levels was compared in wild type and transgenic soybean (Glycine max cv. Ibis) plants having increased proline levels. Since glutamate and arginine are precursors of both proline and polyamines, it was assumed that the genetic manipulation of proline levels would also affect the polyamine levels. The proline and spermine concentrations increased, while the putrescine concentration generally decreased or did not change after the treatments in both genotypes. Following drought higher proline and lower spermine levels were detected in the transgenic plants compared to the wild type ones, which could be explained by the increased use of their common precursors for proline biosynthesis in the transgenic plants.
Physiological and Molecular Characterization of a Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Mutant Lacking Histidine Kinase Slr1759 and Response Regulator Slr1760
Authors: Nodop Anke , Suzuki Iwane , Barsch Aiko , Schröder Ann-Kristin , Niehaus Karsten , Staiger Dorothee , Pistorius Elfriede K. , Michel Klaus-Peter
Published: February 2015

The hybrid sensory histidine kinase Slr1759 of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 contains multiple sensory domains and a multi-step phosphorelay system. Immuno blot analysis provided evidence that the histidine kinase Slr1759 is associated with the cytoplasmic membrane. The gene slr1759 is part of an operon together with slr1760, encoding a response regulator. A comparative investigation was performed on Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 wild type (WT) and an insertionally inactivated slr1759-mutant (Hik14) which also lacks the transcript for the response regulator Slr1760. The mutant Hik14 grew significantly slower than WT in the early growth phase, when both were inoculated with a low cell density into BG11 medium without additional buffer and when aerated with air enriched with 2% CO2. Since the aeration with CO2-enriched air results in a decrease of the pH value in the medium, the growth experiments indicated that Hik14 is not able to adjust its metabolic activities as rapidly as WT to compensate for a larger decrease of the pH value in the medium. No significant differences in growth between Hik14 and WT were observed when cells were inoculated with a higher cell density in BG11 medium or when the BG11 medium contained 50 mm Epps-NaOH, pH 7.5, to prevent the pH drop. This Hik14 phenotype has so far only been seen under the above defined growth condition. Results of photosynthetic activity measurements as well as Northern blot-, immuno blot-, and metabolite analyses suggest that the two-component system Slr1759/Slr1760 has a function in the coordination of several metabolic activities which is in good agreement with the complex domain structure of Slr1759. The direct targets of this two-component system have so far not been identified.
Linker Histones Do Not Interact with DNA Containing a Single Interstrand Cross-Link Created by Cisplatin
Authors: Yaneva Julia N. , Paneva Elena G. , Zacharieva Siyka I. , Zlatanova Jordanka S.
Published: February 2015

During our earlier investigations we have observed a prominent preference of the linker histone H1 for binding to a cis-platinated DNA (a synthetic fragment with global type of platination in respect to targets for cisplatin) comparing with unmodified and trans-Pt-modified DNA. In the present work we report our recent experimental results on the binding of the linker histones H1 and H5 to a cisplatin-modified synthetic DNA fragment containing a single nucleotide target d(GC/CG) for inter-platination. Surprisingly, no preferential binding of linker histones to cis-inter-platinated DNA was observed by means of the electromobilityshift assay. The same negative results were obtained with a part of the linker histone molecule suggested to be responsible for DNA-binding - its globular domain. Contrary, the data with another nuclear protein with similar DNA-binding properties as linker histones - HMGB1 - showed a strong afinity for interaction with DNA containing interstrand cross-links.
Prooxidant Cytotoxicity of Chromate in Mammalian Cells: The Opposite Roles of DT-Diaphorase and Glutathione Reductase
Authors: Nivinskas Henrikas , Nemeikaitė-Čėnienė Aušra , Marozienė Audronė , Normantienė Teresė , Čėnas Narimantas
Published: February 2015

The geno- and cytotoxicity of chromate, an important environmental pollutant, is partly attributed to the flavoenzyme-catalyzed reduction with the concomitant formation of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this work was to characterize the role of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1, DT-diaphorase, EC 1.6.99.2) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) in the mammalian cell cytotoxicity of chromate, which was evidenced controversially so far. The chromate reductase activity of NQO1 was higher than that of GR, but lower than that of lipoamide dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.4.3), ferredoxin:NADP+ reductase (EC 1.18.1.2), and NADPH: cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4). The reduction of chromate by NQO1 was accompanied by the formation of reactive oxygen species. The concentration of chromate for 50% survival of bovine leukemia virus-transformed lamb kidney fibroblasts (line FLK) during a 24-h incubation was (22 ± 4) μᴍ. The cytotoxicity was partly prevented by desferri- oxamine, the antioxidant N(N′-diphenyl-p-phenylene diamine and by an inhibitor of NQO1, dicumarol, and potentiated by 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-l-nitrosourea (BCNU), which inacti­vates GR. The NADPH-dependent chromate reduction by digitonin-permeabilized FLK cells was partly inhibited by dicumarol and not affected by BCNU. Taken together, these data indicate that the oxidative stress-type cytotoxicity of chromate in FLK cells may be partly attributed to its reduction by NQO1, but not by GR. The effect of BCNU on the chromate cytotoxicity may indicate that the general antioxidant action of reduced glutathione is more important than its prooxidant activities arising from the reactions with chromate.
Genotoxic Effects Induced by Fotemustine and Vinorelbine in Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Çelikler Serap , Bilaloğlu Rahmi , Aydemir Nilüfer
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro genotoxic effects of the anticancer drugs fotemustine and vinorelbine on human lymphocytes and to determine individual and sex-related responses to these drugs. Fotemustine is a DNA-alkylating drug while vinorelbine is a semi-synthetic Vinca alkaloid. The study was carried out with twenty independent healthy donors for each drug. We have tested the ability of these drugs to induce chromosome aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) as well as effect on the mitotic index (MI) in cultured human lymphocytes. Fotemustine was shown to induce CAs and SCEs at all concentrations tested (2, 4 and 8 μg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally it also decreased the mitotic index in a similar dose-dependent manner. Vinorelbine had no effect on structural CAs, but it significantly increased the numerical CAs at all doses tested (0.5, 1 and 2 μg/ml). Vinorelbine also induced SCE events and increased the MI values. Two-way analyses of variance were used to compare the individual and gender-related susceptibilities to fotemustine and vinorelbine with respect to the CA, SCE and MI values. The results indicated that individuals in fotemustine treatment groups showed different genotoxic responses with respect to CA and SCE induction and additional findings indicated a gender-specific response in this group. Individuals in the vinorelbine test group also exhibited statistically significant numerical CA, SCE and MI responses to vinorelbine. A statistically significant gender-related SCE response to this drug was also evident. This study indicates that these drugs have potentially harmful effects on human health.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Two Diterpenes of Hyptis suaveolens from El Salvador
Authors: Grassi Paolo , Reyes Tomás S. Urías , Sosa Silvio , Tubaro Aurelia , Hofer Otmar , Zitterl-Eglseer Karin
Published: February 2015

Separation and isolation of the two main compounds suaveolol and methyl suaveolate from leaves of chichinguaste (Hyptis suaveolens Poit., Lamiaceae) could be achieved by means of repeated column chromatography and repeated preparative thin layer chromatography. Their chemical structures were approved by MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D-NMR experiments. The anti-inflammatory activity of the two compounds was tested for the first time as inhibition of croton oil-induced dermatitis of the mouse ear. Suaveolol and methyl suaveolate showed nearly the same dose-dependent topical anti-inflammatory activity, only two to three times lower than that of the reference drug indomethacin. The anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds could contribute to the antiphlogistic activity of extracts of Hyptis species and confirm the rational use of Hyptis suaveolens extracts in dermatological diseases.
Diosgenin Glucuronides from Solanum lyratum and their Cytotoxicity against Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Sun Li-Xin , Fu Wen-Wei , Li Wen , Bi Kai-Shun , Wang Min-Wei
Published: February 2015

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the cytotoxicity active fraction of the whole plant from Solanum lyratum led to the isolation of a new steroidal saponin, diosgenin 3-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosiduronic acid methyl ester (2), as well as four known compounds, diosgenin (1), diosgenin 3-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosiduronic acid (3), diosgenin 3-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosiduronic acid (4), diosgenin 3-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucuroniduronic acid methyl ester (5). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidences. Compound 1 was isolated for the first time from this plant, and compound 3 was isolated as a new natural product. Cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated and the cytotoxicities of compounds 2-5 reported for the first time.
Cytotoxic Chalcones and Flavanones from the Tree Bark of Cryptocarya costata
Authors: Usman Hanapi , Hakim Euis H. , Harlim Tjodi , Jalaluddin Muhammad N. , Syah Yana M. , Achmad Sjamsul A. , Takayama Hiromitsu
Published: February 2015

A new flavanone, 7-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxyflavanone (1), together with three other flavonoids, didymocarpin (2), 2′,4′-dihydroxy-5′,6′-dimethoxychalcone (3), and isodidymocarpin (4), had been isolated from the methanol extract of the tree bark of Cryptocarya costata. The structures of these compounds were determined based on spectral evidence, including UV, IR, 1-D and 2-D NMR, and mass spectra. Cytotoxic properties of compounds 1-4 were evaluated against murine leukemia P-388 cells. The chalcones 3 and 4 were found to have substantial cytotoxicity with IC50 of 5.7 and 11.1 μᴍ, respectively.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Degradation by Biosurfactant-Producing Pseudomonas sp. IR1
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Leon Vladimir , Materano Angela De Sisto , Ilzins Olaf A. , Galindo-Castro Ivan , Fuenmayor Sergio L.
Published: February 2015

We characterized a newly isolated bacterium, designated as IR1, with respect to its ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to produce biosurfactants. Isolated IR1 was identified as Pseudomonas putida by analysis of 16S rRNA sequences (99.6% homology). It was capable of utilizing two-, three- and four-ring PAHs but not hexadecane and octadecane as a sole carbon and energy source. PCR and DNA hybridization studies showed that enzymes involved in PAH metabolism were related to the naphthalene dioxygenase pathway. Observation of both tensio-active and emulsifying activities indicated that biosurfactants were produced by IR1 during growth on both water miscible and immiscible substrates. The biosurfactants lowered the surface tension of medium from 54.9 dN cm−1 to 35.4 dN cm−1 and formed a stable and compact emulsion with an emulsifying activity of 74% with diesel oil, when grown on dextrose. These findings indicate that this isolate may be useful for bioremediation of sites contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons.
Distribution and Variations of Three 1,4-Benzoxazin-3-ones in Maize Induced by the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)
Authors: Huang Cuihong , Wang Xiaoying , Wang Rongjiang , Xue Kun , Yan Fengming , Xu Chongren
Published: February 2015

Contents of three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in tissue samples from different parts (young leaf, second leaf, old leaf, stem and root) of young maize plants of 4-leaves stage, fed by the third instar larvae of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), were analyzed by highperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS). Samples were taken immediately (set A) or 48 h (set B) after larvae had fed on the second leaf for 48 h. The three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones investigated in our experiments were 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy- 1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4(2H)-benzoxazin-3-one (HMBOA). In samples of set A, the levels of DIMBOA and HMBOA were significantly lifted in the old leaf (L3) and young leaf (L1), respectively, while amounts of these two chemicals in other plant parts were not significantly different between larvae-fed plants and intact plants. Concentrations of DIBOA in each plant part remained unchanged. In samples of set B, no concentration differences for any of these three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones between larvae-fed plants and controls were observed in any plant part. The feeding of the Asian corn borer seems to have limited effects on induction of these three 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in young maize plants of the variety investigated.
The X-Ray Structure of the Pyochelin Fe3+ Complex
Authors: Schlegel Karin , Lex Johann , Taraz Kambiz , Budzikiewicz Herbert
Published: February 2015

By X-ray structure analysis it could be shown that from the solution equilibrium of pyochelin I and II, differing in the stereochemistry at C-2″ (1a and 1b), crystals of the Fe3+ complex of the steroisomer 1a are formed with a 1:1 metal-to-ligand ratio. Ligand sites are the carboxylate and the phenolate anions and the two nitrogen atoms. Two equivalent ferri-pyochelin moieties are held together by a hydroxy and an acetate unit which satisfy the remaining two coordination sites of Fe3+.
Acanthocheilonema viteae in Mastomys coucha: Chemotherapeutic and Chemoprophylactic Role of Vitamin A in Experimental Filarial Infection
Authors: Bhatnagara Sunita , Bhattacharya Shailja , Chatterjee R. K.
Published: February 2015

The role of vitamin A was evaluated for its chemotherapeutic and chemoprophylactic action against Acanthocheilonema viteae infection in Mastomys coucha. Vitamin A was administered for 10 days, five days before infection and five days post infection. On day 0 experimental animals as well as controls were infected with L3, the infective stage. Establishment of the worms revealed significantly less percentage of worm recovery over untreated controls. Cell-mediated response was found to be the cause of this reduction in worm recovery, whereas humoral response was not significant as lgG, lgA and lgM titres were low.
Residue Analysis of Organophosphorus and Organochlorine Pesticides in Fatty Matrices by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Electron-Capture Detection
Authors: Park Jae-Woo , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Lee Myoung-Heon , Song Sung-Ok , Shim Jae-Han
Published: February 2015

A multiresidue method for the simultaneous determination of 22 organochlorine (OCs) and organophosphorus (Ops) pesticides (including isomers and metabolites), representing a wide range of physicochemical properties, was developed in fatty matrices extracted from meat. Pesticides were extracted from samples with acetonitrile/n-hexane (v :v, 1:1). The analytical screening was performed by gas chromatography coupled with electron-capture detection (ECD). The identification of compounds was based on their retention time and on comparison of the primary and secondary ions. The optimized method was validated by determining accuracy (recovery percentages), precision (repeatability and reproducibility), and sensitivity (detection and quantitation limits) from analyses of samples fortified at 38 to 300 ng/g levels. Correlation coefficients for the 22 extracted pesticide standard curves (linear regression analysis, n = 3) ranged from 0.998 to 1.000. Recovery studies from 2 g samples fortified at 3 levels demonstrated that the GC-ECD method provides 64.4-96.0% recovery for all pesticides except 2,4′-DDE (44.6-50.4%), 4,4′-DDE (51.1-57.5%) and 2,4′-DDT (50.0-51.2%). Both repeatability and reproducibility relative standard deviation values were < 20% for all residues. Detection limits ranged from 0.31 to 1.27 ng/g and quantification limits were between 1.04 and 4.25 ng/g. The proposed analytical method may be used as a simple procedure in routine determinations of OCs and Ops in meat. It can also be applied to the determination of pesticide multi-residues in other animal products such as butter and milk.
Establishment of Salvia officinalis L. Hairy Root Cultures for the Production of Rosmarinic Acid
Authors: Grzegorczyk Izabela , Królicka Aleksandra , Wysokińska Halina
Published: February 2015

Shoots of Salvia officinalis, a medicinally important plant, were infected with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains ATCC 15834 and A4 which led to the induction of hairy roots in 57% and 37% of the explants, respectively. Seven lines of hairy roots were established in WP liquid medium under light and dark conditions. The transformed nature of the root lines was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using rolB and rolC specific primers. Transformed root cultures of Salvia officinalis showed variations in biomass and rosmarinic acid production depending on the bacterial strain used for transformation and the root line analyzed. Both parameters (growth and rosmarinic acid content) of ATCC 15834-induced lines were significantly higher than the A4-induced lines. The maximum accumulation of rosmarinic acid (about 45 mg g-1 of dry weight) was achieved by hairy root line 1 (HR-1) at the end of the culture period (45D50 days). The level was significantly higher than that found in untransformed root culture (19 mg g-1 of dry wt).
Senescence-Promoting Effect of Arabidopside A
Authors: Hisamatsu Yosuke , Goto Nobuharu , Hasegawa Koji , Shigemori Hideyuki
Published: February 2015

Arabidopside A isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana is a rare oxylipin, containing 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) and dinor-oxophytodienoic acid (dn-OPDA) which are known as precursors of jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The senescence-promoting effect of arabidopside A was examined by an oat (Avena sativa) leaf assay under dark or continuous light condition. Arabidopside A promoted senescence of oat leaves, and the promoting activity was more effective than for JA and OPDA, and as strong as for MeJA, which was well known to be a senescence promoter. These results suggest that arabidopside A plays important roles in leaf senescence.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Neuraminidase and its Role in Pathogenicity
Authors: Abrashev Ignat , Orozova Petya
Published: February 2015

The role of the enzyme neuraminidase in pathogenicity of the bacillus Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was studied. Different substances with low and high molecular weight were tested as inducers of E. rhusiopathiae neuraminidase biosynthesis. It was found that macromolecular complexes induce the secretion of the enzyme. Kм values for different substrates showed that the affinity of the E. rhusiopathiae neuraminidase increases in parallel with the enlargement of the molecular weight of glycoproteins. Results from the rabbits skin test confirmed the role of E. rhusiopathiae neuraminidase as a factor of pathogenicity with spreading functions.
Effect of Organic Tin Compounds on Electric Properties of Model Membranes
Authors: Podolak Marian , Engel Grzegorz , Man Dariusz
Published: February 2015

The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of selected organic tin compounds and potassium chloride (used as a reference substance) on the trans-membrane electric voltage and electric resistance of model membranes, the latter being nitrocellulose filters impregnated with butylene ester of lauric acid. The increasing KCl concentration (in the measurement chambers) caused a rapid rise of the negative trans-membrane voltage, whose value stabilized afterwards. In the case of (C3H7)3SnCl an abrupt maximum of the negative voltage was observed followed by a monotonic drop to zero. In the case of highest concentrations of this compound the voltages, after having reached zero, changed their polarization to the opposite. Within the range of small concentrations two slight voltage maxima were observed. Non-ionic tin compounds like (CH3)4Sn and (C2H5)4Sn had an insignificant influence on the electric properties of the studied membranes.
Siderophores Produced by Magnaporthe grisea in the Presence and Absence of Iron
Authors: Antelo Luis , Hof Carolin , Welzel Kai , Eisfeld Katrin , Sterner Olov , Anke Heidrun
Published: February 2015

An analysis of siderophores produced by Magnaporthe grisea revealed the presence of one intracellular storage siderophore, ferricrocin, and four coprogen derivatives secreted into the medium under iron depletion. Structural analysis showed that the compounds are coprogen, coprogen B, 2-N-methylcoprogen and 2-Nmethylcoprogen B. Siderophore production under low and high iron conditions was quantified.
Chemical Composition and Phytotoxicity of Volatile Essential Oil from Intact and Fallen Leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora
Authors: Batish Daizy R. , Singh Harminder P , Setia Nidhi , Kaur Shalinder , Kohli Ravinder K.
Published: February 2015

A total of 23 volatile constituents was identified and characterized by GC and GC-MS in the volatile essential oil extracted from intact (juvenile and adult) and fallen (senescent and leaf litter) leaves of lemon-scented eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.). The leaves differed in their pigment, water and protein content, and C/N ratio. The oils were, in general, monoterpenoid in nature with 18 monoterpenes and 5 sesquiterpenes. However, a great variability in the amount of essential oils and their individual constituents was observed in different leaf tissues. The amount was maximum in the senescent leaves collected from the floor of the tree closely followed by that from juvenile leaves. In all, 19 constituents were identified in oil from juvenile and senescent leaves compared to 23 in adult leaves and 20 in leaf litter, respectively. Citronellal, a characteristic monoterpene of the oil reported hitherto was found to be more (77D78%) in the juvenile and senescent leaves compared to 48 and 54%, respectively, in the adult leaves and leaf litter. In the adult leaves, however, the content of citronellol - another important monoterpene - was very high (21.9%) compared to other leaf types (7.8-12.2%). Essential oil and its two major monoterpenes viz. citronellal and citronellol were tested for their phytotoxicity against two weeds (Amaranthus viridis and Echinochloa crus-galli) and two crops (Triticum aestivum and Oryza sativa) under laboratory conditions. A difference in the phytotoxicity, measured in terms of seedling length and dry weight, of oil from different leaves and major monoterpenes was observed. Oil from adult leaves was found to be most phytotoxic although it occurs in smaller amount (on unit weight basis). The different toxicity of different oil types was due to the relative amount of individual monoterpenes present in the oil, their solubility and interactive action. The study concludes that oil from senescent and juvenile leaves being rich in citronellal could be used as commercial source of citronellal whereas that from adult leaves for weed management programmes as it was the most phytotoxic.
Changes of Redox Activity during the Development of Rape
Authors: Filek Maria , Mirek Magdalena , Długołecka Monika
Published: February 2015

Redox activity was measured in vegetative and generative apical parts (5 mm of the stem) and youngest leaves of winter (cv. “Górczański”) and spring (cv. “Młochowski”) rape. Both genotypes were cultured under the same growth conditions (17/15 °C day/night, 16 h photoperiod), but winter rape was additionally vernalized (5/2 °C day/night, 56 days) in order to induce the generative development. The cyclic voltammetric method was used to measure the redox potential of samples in the presence of Fe3+ ions. Changes in the redox activity were compared with changes in riboflavin content and activities of antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The higher level of Fe3+ ions and riboflavin detected in generative apices and leaves of winter and spring varieties indicated that electrons (and their donors) were present at a lower level in these organs in comparison with the vegetative ones. On the contrary, SOD and CAT activity were lower in generative than in vegetative organs. This confirms changes in the redox balance and involvement of oxygen radicals in the generative development of rape plants. The similarity of the measured parameters between winter and spring varieties indicates that the observed changes are independent of the way of generative induction (vernalization). Riboflavin can serve as one of the electron carriers between other oxidation-reduction substances.
Production and Properties of Biosurfactants from a Newly Isolated Pseudomonas fluorescens HW-6 Growing on Hexadecane
Authors: Vasileva-Tonkova Evgenia , Galabova Danka , Stoimenova Emilia , Lalchev Zdravko
Published: February 2015

The newly isolated from industrial wastewater Pseudomonas fluorescens strain HW-6 produced glycolipid biosurfactants at high concentrations (1.4-2.0 g l-1) when grown on hexadecane as a sole carbon source. Biosurfactants decreased the surface tension of the air/ water interface by 35 mN m-1 and possessed a low critical micelle concentration value of 20 mg l-1, which indicated high surface activity. They efficiently emulsified aromatic hydrocarbons, kerosene, n-paraffins and mineral oils. Biosurfactant production contributed to a significant increase in cell hydrophobicity correlated with an increased growth of the strain on hexadecane. The results suggested that the newly isolated strain of Ps. fluorescens and produced glycolipid biosurfactants with effective surface and emulsifying properties are very promising and could find application for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted sites.
β-Carotene-Rich Carotenoid-Protein Preparation and Exopolysaccharide Production by Rhodotorula rubra GED8 Grown with a Yogurt Starter Culture
Authors: Frengova Ginka I. , Simova Emilina D. , Beshkova Dora M.
Published: February 2015

The underlying method for obtaining a β-carotene-rich carotenoid-protein preparation and exopolysaccharides is the associated cultivation of the carotenoid-synthesizing lactose-negative yeast strain Rhodotorula rubra GED8 with the yogurt starter culture (Lactobacillus bulgaricus 2-11 + Streptococcus thermophilus 15HA) in whey ultrafiltrate (45 g lactose/l) with a maximum carotenoid yield of 13.37 mg/l culture fluid on the 4.5th day. The chemical composition of the carotenoid-protein preparation has been identified. The respective carotenoid and protein content is 497.4 μg/g dry cells and 50.3% per dry weight, respectively. An important characteristic of the carotenoid composition is the high percentage (51.1%) of β- carotene (a carotenoid pigment with the highest provitamin A activity) as compared to 12.9% and 33.7%, respectively, for the other two individual pigments - torulene and torularhodin. Exopolysaccharides (12.8 g/l) synthesized by the yeast and lactic acid cultures, identified as acid biopolymers containing 7.2% glucuronic acid, were isolated in the cell-free supernatant. Mannose, produced exclusively by the yeast, predominated in the neutral carbohydrate biopolymer component (76%). The mixed cultivation of R. rubra GED8 with the yogurt starter (L. bulgaricus 2-11 + S. thermophilus 15HA) in ultrafiltrate under conditions of intracellular production of maximum amount of carotenoids and exopolysaccharides synthesis enables combined utilization of the culture fluid from the fermentation process.
Genomic Relations among 31 Species of Mammillaria Haworth (Cactaceae) Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA
Authors: Mattagajasingh Ilwola , Mukherjee Arup Kumar , Das Premananda
Published: February 2015

Thirty-one species of Mammillaria were selected to study the molecular phylogeny using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. High amount of mucilage (gelling polysaccharides) present in Mammillaria was a major obstacle in isolating good quality genomic DNA. The CTAB (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) method was modified to obtain good quality genomic DNA. Twenty-two random decamer primers resulted in 621 bands, all of which were polymorphic. The similarity matrix value varied from 0.109 to 0.622 indicating wide variability among the studied species. The dendrogram obtained from the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) analysis revealed that some of the species did not follow the conventional classification. The present work shows the usefulness of RAPD markers for genetic characterization to establish phylogenetic relations among Mammillaria species.
Kinetics of 13 New Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Zdražilová Pavla , Štĕpánková Šárka , Komersová Alena , Vránová Martina , Komers Karel , Čegan Alexander
Published: February 2015

Kinetics of hydrolysis of acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine by two types of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibited by 13 new inhibitors (5 carbamates and 8 carbazates - hydrazinium derivatives) was measured in vitro in a batch reactor at 25 °C, pH 8, ionic strength 0.11 ᴍ and enzyme activity 3.5 U by four nondependent analytical methods. Sevin®, rivastigmin (Exelon®) and galantamin (Reminyl®) served as comparative inhibiting standards. Kinetics of hydrolyses inhibited by all studied carbamates, sevin, carbazates (with exceptions) and rivastigmin (with exceptions) can be simulated by the competitive inhibition model with irreversible reaction between enzyme and inhibitor. Galantamin does not fulfil this model. In positive simulations, the value of inhibition (carbamoylation) rate constant k3 was calculated, describing the reaction velocity between the given enzyme and inhibitor. Physiologically important hydrolyses of acetylcholine catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase from electric eel or bovine erythrocytes and butyrylcholinesterase from horse plasma can be most quickly inhibited by carbamoylation of the mentioned enzymes by the 3-N,N-diethylaminophenyl- N′-(1-alkyl) carbamates 4 and 5. Probably this is due to a long enough hydrocarbon aliphatic substituent (hexyl and octyl) on the amidic nitrogen atom. The tested carbazates failed as inhibitors of cholinesterases. The regeneration ability of the inhibited enzymes was not measured.
Biological Evaluation of Curcumin and Related Diarylheptanoids
Authors: Abas Faridah , Hui Lim Siang , Ahmad Syahida , Stanslas Johnson , Israf D. A. , Shaari Khozirah , Lajis Nordin H.
Published: February 2015

Nine derivatives of three natural diarylheptanoids, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, were prepared. Their antioxidant, free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated and compared with those of the respective natural compounds. Curcumin (1), demethoxycurcumin (2), demethyldemethoxycurcumin (C3), diacetyldemethoxycurcumin (AC2) and triacetyldemethylcurcumin (AC5) exhibited higher antioxidant activity than quercetin while products from demethylation of 1 and 2 exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity. Compounds AC2 and AC5 were found to be most active in inhibiting breast cancer cells (MCF-7) proliferation with IC50 values of 6.7 and 3.6 μм, respectively. The activity of AC2 is almost doubled and of AC5 almost tripled as compared to curcumin. Their selectivity towards different cell lines is also more noticeable. Compounds AC2 and AC5 also showed increased activity against a human prostate cancer cell line (DU-145) and non-small lung cancer cell line (NCI-H460) with IC50 values of 20.4, 16.3 and 18.3, 10.7 μм, respectively.
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Dimerostemma Species (Asteraceae) and in vitro Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Stefani Ricardo , Schorr Karin , Tureta Juliana Maria , Vichnewski Walter , Merfort Irmgard , Da Costa Fernando B.
Published: February 2015

Two Brazilian species of Dimerostemma (Asteraceae) were chemically investigated. Two known sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), a germacrolide and an eudesmanolide, were isolated from D. episcopale while D. brasilianum afforded the new germacranolide 1β,5β,10α-trihydroxy- 8α-angeloyloxy-germacra-3,11(13)-dien-6α,12-olide in addition to a known one. Structure identification based on NMR and MS analyses. 1β,10α,4α,5β-Diepoxy-8α-angeloyloxycostunolide isolated from D. brasilianum was studied for its anti-inflammatory activity. This STL completely inhibited DNA binding of the transcription factor NF-κB at a concentration of 5 μм and 10 μм in Jurkat T and Raw 264.7 cells, respectively. Elastase release from human neutrophils was reduced to 50% at a concentrations of 23 μм after stimulation with PAF and of 27 μм after stimulation with fMLP without showing cytotoxic effects. Additionally, elastase was also directly inhibited.
Deoxypodophyllotoxin Content and Antioxidant Activity of Aerial Parts of Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm.
Authors: Dall’Acqua Stefano , Giorgetti Michela , Cervellati Rinaldo , Innocenti Gabbriella
Published: February 2015

Deoxypodophyllotoxin content of the aerial parts of Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm. growing at different altitudes was evaluated in comparison to the roots. The lignan accumulation in ground parts was at least double compared to aerial ones.

In addition antioxidant-guided fractionation of the crude methanol extract of aerial parts was performed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. Active fractions contained mainly luteolin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidant properties of both crude extract and isolated compounds were also investigated with the Briggs-Rauscher (BR) oscillating reaction. A satisfactory agreement between the results obtained with the two methods was observed.
Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Aristolochia maurorum L.
Authors: Alali Feras Q. , Tawaha Khaled , Shehadeh Mayadah B. , Telfah Suha
Published: February 2015

Aristolochia maurorum L. of Jordanian origin has been investigated phytochemically, quantitatively, and biologically. Three atypical alkaloids, namely aristolochic acid I (1), aristolochic acid II (2) and aristolochic acid IIIa (3), have been isolated and identified. Of these known 1-phenanthrenecarboxylic acids, 2 and 3 are reported for the first time from this species. The identified compounds 1-3 were first evaluated biologically as cytotoxic agents against the brine shrimp lethality test (BST), in which compound 1 was found to be the most potent (LC50, 4.9 μg/mL). The antiplatelet activity of the methanolic extracts, the acidic fractions of aerial and root parts, and the identified compounds 1-3 were evaluated using an automatic platelet aggregometer and coagulation tracer (APACT 2). Using external reference standards, and a reverse-phase isocratic method, the distribution of aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II in different plant parts of Aristolochia maurorum L. during flowering stage was analyzed by PDA-HPLC. A quantitative comparison between two previously reported extraction methods was also made. Roots were found to be the main storage of aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II during flowering stage with about 0.22 and 0.108% (w/w), respectively.