bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monobromoisophakellin, a New Bromopyrrole Alkaloid from the Caribbean Sponge Agelas sp.
Authors: Assmann Michael , Köck Matthias
Published: February 2015

A detailed analysis of the chemical constituents of a Caribbean specimen of Agelas sp. was carried out. Four brominated compounds (1-4) were isolated and one of them was identified as a new bromopyrrole metabolite, monobromoisophakellin (1). The structure of 1 was determined using spectroscopic methods. All compounds were tested for their antifeedant activity against the Caribbean reef fish Thalassoma bifasciatum in an aquarium assay.
Bromosceptrin, an Alkaloid from the Marine Sponge Agelas conifera
Authors: Assmann Michael , Köck Matthias
Published: February 2015

Six dimeric bromopyrrole alkaloids (1-6) were isolated from a Florida Keys specimen of Agelas conifera. One of the constituents was identified as a new bromopyrrole metabolite, bromosceptrin (1). The structure of 1 was established from MS spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR spectrocopy.
Chemical Defense and Antifouling Activity of Three Mediterranean Sponges of the Genus Ircinia
Authors: Tsoukatou Maria , Hellio Claire , Vagias Constantinos , Harvala Catherine , Roussis Vassilios
Published: February 2015

The defense roles and the antifouling activity of the organic extracts and the major metabolites of the sponges Ircinia oros, I. variabilis and I. spinosula were investigated. The antifeedant activity was tested in experimental aquaria on the generalist predator fish Thalassoma pavo as well as in coastal ecosystems rich in fishes. Some of the major metabolites exhibited high levels of antifeedant activity. The antifouling activity was tested in laboratory assays, against representatives of the major groups of fouling organisms (marine bacteria, marine fungi, diatoms, macroalgae and mussels). All extracts showed promising levels of activity. As was expected, no single extract was active in all tests and some fractions that were effective against one organism showed little or no activity against the others. The high but variable level of antifouling activity in combination with the absence of toxicity (tested on the development of oyster and sea urchin larvae) shows the potential of these metabolites to become ingredients in environmentally friendly antifouling preparations.
1,4-Benzoquinone Attracts Males of Rhizotrogus vernus Germ.
Authors: Imrei Zoltán , Tóth Miklós , Tolasch Till , Francke Wittko
Published: February 2015

Two candidate attractants, phenol and 1,4-benzoquinone, a synthetic mixture of typical compounds from green-leaf odours [(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate: (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol: benzaldehyde: (E)-2-hexen-1-ol: 1-hexanol; 100:20:10:1:1] and freshly damaged oak leaves were screened for field attractancy in funnel traps in Hungary. Males of two Rhizotrogus spp. (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae), R. aestivus Ol. and R. vernus Germ. were caught in larger numbers. While R. aestivus catches were probably chance captures, male R. vernus was significantly attracted to the baits containing 1,4-benzoquinone. This compound represents a promising basis for the development of a monitoring trap for R. vernus.
Effects of ʟ-Phenylalanine on Acetylcholinesterase and Na+,K+-ATPase Activities in Suckling Rat Frontal Cortex, Hippocampus and Hypothalamus
Authors: Doulgeraki Artemis , Papadopoulou-Daifoti Zetta , Tsakiris Stylianos
Published: February 2015

The effect of different ʟ-phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations (0.12D12.1 mᴍ) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na+,K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities was evaluated in homogenates of suckling rat frontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Phe, at high concentrations, reduced AChE activity in frontal cortex and hippocampus by 18%-20%. On the contrary, the enzyme activity was unaltered in the hypothalamus. Na+,K+-ATPase was stimulated by high levels of the amino acid, both in the frontal cortex and the hypothalamus by 60%, whereas it was inhibited in the hippocampus by 40%. Mg2+-ATPase was not influenced by Phe. It is suggested that: a) In the frontal cortex, the improper acetylcholine (ACh) release, due to AChE inhibition by Phe, combined with the stimulation of Na+,K+-ATPase, possibly explain tremor and the hyperkinetic behaviour in patients with classical phenylketonuria (PKU). b) In the hippocampus, inhibition of AChE by Phe could lead to problems in memory, while Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition by Phe may induce metabolic disorders and electrical instability of the synaptosomal membrane. c) In the hypothalamus, the behavioral problems in PKU “off diet” may be related to noradrenaline (NA) levels, which are probably correlated with the modulated Na+,K+-ATPase by Phe.
New Diacylated 2-Hydroxythymol Derivatives from Melampodium divaricatum
Authors: Schüngel Juliane , Passreiter Claus M.
Published: February 2015

Melampodium divaricatum is a medicinal plant, which occurs in Central America. In a recent paper we reported the occurrence of acylated 2-hydroxy thymol glycosides as main constituents in this plant. This paper deals with the isolation of two new 2,5-dihydroxythymol ester derivatives. The formerly reported sesquiterpene lactone mikanokryptin was not found in our plant material.
Chemical Composition of Volatile Oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Buds
Authors: Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K. , Rao Lingamallu Jaganmohan , Sakariah Kunnumpurath K.
Published: February 2015

The hydro-distilled volatile oil of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) buds was analyzed using GC and GC-MS for the first time. Thirty-four compounds representing ≈ 98% of the oil was characterized. It consists of terpene hydrocarbons (78%) and oxygenated terpenoids (9%). α-Bergamotene (27.38%) and α-copaene (23.05%) are found to be the major compounds. A comparison of the chemical composition of the oil was made with that of flowers and fruits.
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Deformylflustrabromine from the North Sea Bryozoan Flustra foliacea
Authors: Lysek Nicola , Rachor Eike , Lindel Thomas
Published: February 2015

The brominated pyrrolo[2,3-b]indole deformylflustrabromine was isolated as a new natural product from the bryozoan Flustra foliacea, collected in the North Sea. Deformylflustrabromine appears to be the missing link in the biosynthetic sequence from flustrabromine to flustraminol A. Flustramines A, D, and dihydroflustramine C were determined as other major constituents of the investigated sample. Deformylflustrabromine is cytotoxic against the human colon cancer cell line HCT-116 (IC50 5.8 μм).
Adaptation of the Phosphotungstate Method for the Determination of Vitamin C Contents in Animal and Human Tissues
Authors: Rutkowski Maciej , Grzegorczyk Krzysztof , Greger Janusz
Published: February 2015

The usefulness of phosphotungstate reagent for vitamin C determination in tissue homogenates has been confirmed. An optimal homogenization medium was selected: 1.8 м solution of HPO3 in 1.3 м CH3COOH. With this medium the analytical curve (at 700 nm) demonstrated the right linearity, correlation and recovery coefficients were appropriately high (0.999 and 99.8%) and the values of intraserial and interserial variation coefficient were low (< 5% and < 10%, respectively). It makes this method sensitive, easily repeatable, and useful for vitamin C determination in animal and human tissues, including neoplastic ones.
Effect of Some Psychotropic Drugs on Luminol - Dependent Chemiluminescence Induced by O2
–, •OH, HOCl
Authors: Hadjimitova Vera , Traykov Trayko , Mileva Milka , Ribarov Stefan
Published: February 2015

We studied antioxidant activity of six neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, levomepromazine, promethazine, trifluoperazine and thioridazine) and two antidepressants (imipramine and amitriptyline) in the range of concentration of 10−7−10−4 м. We applied luminol-dependent chemiluminescence to test the ability of these drugs to scavenge the biologically relevant oxygen-derived species: hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, hypochlorous acid in vitro. We found that the phenothiazines were powerful scavengers of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Chlorprothixene, amitriptyline and imipramine had no scavenge activity to the superoxide radical. All drugs showed a moderate scavenger effect on hypochloric anion.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy of the Tryptophan Microenvironment in Carcinus aestuarii Hemocyanin
Authors: Di Muroa Paolo , Beltramini Mariano , Nikolov Peter , Petkova Irina , Salvato Benedetto , Ricchelli Fernanda
Published: February 2015

The steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence properties of the multitryptophan minimal subunit CaeSS2 from Carcinus aestuarii hemocyanin have been studied with the aim of probing the environment of the fluorophores within the protein matrix. Subunit a of Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin, whose X-ray structure is known, has been also studied. The results are compared with those collected with other two monomeric fractions (CaeSS1, CaeSS3) produced by dissociation of the native, oligomeric protein as well as with those of the hexameric aggregate. Three classes of tryptophan residues can be singled out by a combination of fluorescence quenching and lifetime measurements on the holo-Hc (the copper containing, oxygen binding form) and the apo-Hc (the copper-free derivative). One class of tryptophans is exposed to the protein surface. Some of these residues are proposed to be involved in the intersubunit interactions in CaeSS1 and CaeSS3 fractions whereas in CaeSS2 the protein matrix masks them. This suggests the occurrence of conformational rearrangements after detachment of the subunit from the native aggregate, which could explain the inability of CaeSS2 to reassociate. A second class of tryptophan has been correlatively assigned, by comparison with the results obtained with Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin, to residues in close proximity to the active site. The third class includes buried, active site-distant, residues.
Iridoid Patterns In Galium L. And Some Phylogenetic Considerations
Authors: Mitova Maya Iv. , Anchev Mincho E. , Handjieva Nedjalka V. , Popov Simeon S.
Published: February 2015

From 19 species of Galium, members of 6 European sections of the genus, 24 compounds were isolated, namely 16 iridoid glucosides, 2 secoiridoid glucosides and 6 triterpene saponins (the later found only in G. rivale (Sibth. & Sm. Griseb.) The iridoid content was analyzed by thin layer chromatography - densitometry. An effort was made to clarify interspecies relationships, based on the obtained results and previous data. Generally, a nearly uniform iridoid pattern in the studied species was observed. Nevertheless, some distinctions gave reason the following chemical characters to be treated as taxonomic markers: iridoids, secogalioside (characteristic of G. mollugo group), iridoids V1 and V2 (G. humifusum Bieb. and G. verum L.), 6-acetylscandoside (G. incurvum group and G. verum) and the triterpene saponins, rivalioside A and rivalioside C (characteristic of G. rivale). The studied species regarding to the iridoids could be attributed to three lines of evolutionary differentiation. One line is leading to the differentiation of G. rivale. It contains specific triterpenoids as well as iridoid acids, which show parallel development of both glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate/pyruvate and mevalonate biosynthetic routes in this species. A second line includes G. mollugo and G. incurvum species groups and the species G. humifusum and G. verum. Variety of iridoid esters, hydroxy and carboxy derivatives of iridoids and secoiridoids characterised this line. Third line comprises the remaining studied species, members of different sections and species groups. They posses a nearly identical iridoid pattern, which suggests a convergent evolution regarding to the iridoids
Alkaloid Profile Of Leaves And Seeds Of Lupinus Hintonii C. P. Smith
Authors: Torres Kalina Bermúdez , Quintos Norma Robledo , Necha Laura L. Barrera , Wink Michael
Published: February 2015

L. hintonii C. P. Smith grows in the Central Highland forests of Mexico at altitudes between 2800 m to 3200 m above see level. Members of the genus Lupinus produce quinolizidine alkaloids as main chemical defensive compounds against herbivores. Surprisingly alkaloid profiles are rather constant within this species, while substantial variation was found when compared to morphologically closely related other taxa. As part of a phytochemical project on Mexican wild lupins, we report on the alkaloid profiles of seeds and leaves of L. hintonii. 19 alkaloids could be identified by capillary GLC-MS. Six major alkaloids occurred in leaves and seeds: 13-hydroxylupanine (28% and 45% respectively), tetrahydrorhombifoline (31% and 23% respectively), angustifoline (2% and 4% respectively), lupanine (7% and 5% respectively), 13α-tigloyloxylupanine (19% and 5% respectively) and 4α-angeloyl-3β-hydroxylupanine (9% and 2%). This chemical pattern resembles that of the North American lupin L. floribundus
The Himanimides, New Bioactive Compounds From Serpula Himantoides (Fr.)Karst.
Authors: Aqueveque Pedro , Anke Timm , Sterner Olov
Published: February 2015

In a screening of basidiomycete cultures from Chile for the production of antibiotics we identified a Serpula himantoides strain as a producer of metabolites inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. Bioactivity guided purification resulted in the isolation of four new antibiotics. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. All four compounds are succinimide and maleimide derivatives, of which two are N-hydroxylated
Studies On The Biosynthesis Of Striatal-Type Diterpenoids And The Biological Activity Of Herical
Authors: Anke Timm , Rabe Udo , Schu Peter , Eizenhöfer Thomas , Schrage Monika , Steglich Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

Feeding experiments with specifically 13C-labeled glucose disclosed that the diterpenoid part of the striatals/striatins is formed via the mevalonate pathway, whereas the pentose moiety originates either via glucuronic acid (70%) or the pentose phosphate cycle (30%). Application of radioactively labeled herical to cultures of Hericium ramosum demonstrates the pivotal role of this cyathane-xyloside in striatal biosynthesis. Herical inhibits a large spectrum of fungi and bacteria and shows cytotoxic and hemolytic properties
Chemical Composition And In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of The Essential Oils Of Three Greek Achillea Species
Authors: Magiatis Prokopios , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros , Chinou Ioanna , Haroutounian Serkos A.
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oils of Achillea holosericea, Achillea taygetea, Achillea fraasii was determined by GC/MS analysis. Among the ninety-five assayed constituents, camphor, borneol and 1,8-cineol were found to be the major components. The in-vitro antimicrobial activity of these essential oils was evaluated against six bacteria indicating that the first is totally inactive, while the other two possess moderate to strong activities mainly against the Gram negative strains. The essential oil of A. fraasii was also active against the tested pathogenic fungi
Partitioning Of Carbohydrates And Biomass Of Needles In Scots Pine Canopy
Authors: Mandre Malle , Tullus Hardi , Klõšeiko Jaan
Published: February 2015

The study was aimed at the quantitative evaluation of the temporal and spatial partitioning of non-structural carbohydrates and needle biomass in a canopy of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in a Myrtillus site type forest stand (predominant in Estonia). The tree canopy was divided into ten equal layers and the material for the spatial partitioning of the investigated characteristics was sampled from all layers. Our findings revealed a significant variation in morphology and in the partitioning of carbohydrates in needles in different layers of the canopy. The study of the temporal dynamics of carbohydrates showed that starch content in needles started to increase in early spring before budbreak, which was accompanied by a decline in soluble carbohydrates. In October, the starch content of needles was low, but the concentration of soluble sugars started to increase attaining a maximum in winter. Regression analysis indicated that before budbreak, the partitioning of soluble sugars in different canopy layers was relatively weakly correlated with the height of the layer; however, a strong correlation was observed for starch. In autumn, when the growth of trees stopped and daily temperatures decreased, the allocation of soluble sugars was correlated with the height of the canopy layer
Copper (II) Accumulation And Superoxide Dismutase Activity During Growth Of Aspergillus Niger B-77
Authors: Tsekova Kolishka , Todorova Dessislava
Published: February 2015

The influence of copper (II) ions on the growth, accumulation properties and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of a growing culture of Aspergillus niger B-77 were studied. Microbial growth, the level of copper (II) accumulation and SOD activity depended on the initial copper (II) concentration. Aspergillus niger is able to accumulate large amounts of copper (II) from the nutrient medium with 200 mg.l-1 copper (II) ions without loosing its biological activities. Addition of copper (II) ions increased the SOD activity in the growing cell cultures. The changes in enzyme activity induced by heavy metal ions might be used as an indicator of intracellular oxy-intermediate generation in a cell culture growing under stress conditions
Nicotinamide And Structurally Related Compounds Show Halting Activity Against Zoospores Of The Phytopathogenic Fungus Aphanomyces Cochlioides
Authors: Shimai Takashi , Islam Md. Tofazzal , Fukushi Yukiharu , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Yokosawa Ryozo , Tahara Satoshi
Published: February 2015

In a survey of plant secondary metabolites regulating the behavior of phytopathogenic Aphanomyces cochlioides zoospores, we found that leaf extracts of Amaranthus gangeticus and cotyledon extracts of pea (Pisum sativum) remarkably halted the motility of zoospores. Bioassay-directed fractionation of A. gangeticus and pea constituents revealed that the halting activity was dependent on a single chemical factor (halting factor). The active principle was identified as nicotinamide (1) by comparing its biological activity and spectroscopic properties with those of the authentic compound. Nicotinamide (1) showed potent halting activity toward the zoospores of A. cochlioides and A. euteiches, but it exhibited very less activity against other Oomycetes, Pythium aphanidermatum and Phytophthora infestans zoospores. Interestingly, the zoospores halted by nicotinamide (1) encysted within 10-15 min and then the resulting cystospores regenerated zoospores instead of germination. Nicotinamide (1) and related compounds were subjected to the halting activity bioassay to elucidate the structure- activity relationships. These bioassays revealed that part structures of (A) the aromatic ring containing at least one nitrogen atom, (B) carbonyl-like group adjacent to the aromatic ring and (C) hydrogen atoms on the amide group are responsible for the strong activity. So far, this is the first report of halting activity of nicotinamide (1) against fungal zoospores
Interaction Of Folk Medicinal Plant Extracts With Human ɑ2-Adrenoceptor Subtypes
Authors: Saleem Ammar , Engström Mia , Wurster Siegfried , Savola Juha-Matti , Pihlaja Kalevi
Published: February 2015

Forty-two extracts of folk medicinal plant organs from Pakistan were tested in competition binding assays for their interaction with the specific ligand recognition sites on the human α2-adrenoceptor subtypes α2A, α2B and α2C. Strong binding of the extracts (40 mg/ml) from Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile leaves (88-98% displacement of radiolabel) and Peganum harmala seeds (89-96% displacement) on three subtypes prompted us to extract these plant materials with 40% and 80% methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The extraction results indicated an absence of α2-adrenoceptor binding activity in the stalk of A. nilotica and A. tortils, whereas the leaves of both plants contained activity. The extracts of A. nilotica leaves showed a slight, but consistent, preference for the α2C-adrenoceptor, whereas the leaves of A. tortils were slightly more active on the α2B subtype. The extract of P. harmala stalks was less active than that of its seeds. The binding activities of A. nilotica leaves and P. harmala seeds were mainly concentrated in the water and 30% methanol fractions and further sub-fractions. In a functional activity assay, the active fractions inhibited epinephrine-stimulated 35S-GTPγS binding, thus indicating a predominantly antagonistic nature of the compounds with α2-adrenoceptor affinity in these fractions. Among the known major alkaloids of P. harmala (demissidine, harmaline, harmine, 6-methoxyharmalan, and norharmane), only 6-methoxyharmalan showed moderate affinity (dissociation constant (Ki) of 530 ± 40 nᴍ for α2A subtype). This study is a first systematic attempt towards the discovery of potential drug candidates from these plant materials for treating α2-adrenoceptor related diseases
Antioxidative Properties Of Pyrrolidinium And Piperidinium Salts
Authors: Kleszczyńska Halina , Oświęcimska Małgorzata , Bonarska Dorota , Sarapuk Janusz
Published: February 2015

Two series of pyrrolidinium (PYA-n) and piperidinium (PPPA-n) bromides with incorporated antioxidant function were synthesized. Both have hydrocarbon chains with odd number of the carbon atoms (n) ranging between 7 and 15. Pig erythrocytes (RBC) were used to study antioxidant activity of these compounds. They were incorporated into RBC membranes in sublytic (micromolar) concentrations and RBC were then subjected to UV radiation. It was found that all the salts used protected erythrocyte membranes against oxidation of membrane lipids. This protection increased with hydrocarbon chain length. Such effect may be the result of an incorporation of particular compounds to different depths into the lipid phase of RBC membrane depending on their chain length. Such possibility was checked by studies on fluidity changes induced by the compounds studied in ghost membranes by fluorimetric measurements.

The measurements showed that pyrrolidinium bromides were slightly more effective in a protection of erythrocytes than the corresponding piperidinium ones. The possible reason of such behaviour may be the difference in lipophilicity between piperidine and pyrrolidine rings
Biosurfactant Production By A New Pseudomonas Putida Strain
Authors: Tuleva Borjana K. , Ivanov George R. , Christova Nelly E.
Published: February 2015

Observation of both tensio-active and emulsifying activities indicated that biosurfactants were produced by the newly isolated and promising strain Pseudomonas putida 21BN. The biosurfactants were identified as rhamnolipids, the amphiphilic surface-active glycolipids usually secreted by Pseudomonas spp. Their production was observed when the strain was grown on soluble substrates, such as glucose or on poorly soluble substrates, such as hexadecane, reaching values of 1.2 g l-1. When grown on hexadecane as the sole carbon source the biosurfactant lowered the surface tension of the medium to 29 mN m-1 and formed stable and compact emulsions with emulsifying activity of 69%
Damage To Subcellular Structures Evoked By Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Popova Mayya P. , Popov Chavdar S.
Published: February 2015

The influence of lipid peroxidation (LP) on the rate of disruption of rat liver and kidney subcellular structures was studied under two experimental conditions. Damage to cell organelles was found only when peroxidation process carried out into large granule fraction suspensions. Exogenous thiobarbituric acid positive products were noneffective as membrane labilizers. Age, organ and cell organelle-linked differences in the response towards LP produced damage were observed. Rat liver peroxisomes showed higher stability than those of kidney with respect to injury induced by peroxidation process. In addition, in rat kidney and neonatal rat liver samples the lysosomes were found to be more sensitive than mitochondria to the damaging effect of this process. Thiourea, an inhibitor of diene conjugate formation as well as manitol and ethanol known as hydroxyl radical scavengers were tested as terminators of LP and as membrane protectors. Effectiveness was demonstrated only for thiourea
Polyisoprenylated Benzophenones In Cuban Propolis; Biological Activity Of Nemorosone §
Authors: Cuesta-Rubio Osmany , Frontana-Uribe Bernardo A. , Ramírez-Apan Teresa , Cárdenas Jorge
Published: February 2015

The Copey tree (Clusia rosea) has a large distribution in Cuba and its floral resin is a rich source of polyisoprenylated benzophenones. To determine the presence of these natural products, we carried out a study by HPLC of 21 propolis samples produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) from different provinces of Cuba. Nemorosone resulted to be the most abundant polyisoprenylated benzophenone and the mixture of xanthochymol and guttiferone E was also observed, but in minor proportion. We studied the biological activity of the pure natural product nemorosone and its methyl derivatives. We found that nemorosone has cytotoxic activity against epitheloid carcinoma (HeLa), epidermoid carcinoma (Hep-2), prostate cancer (PC-3) and central nervous system cancer (U251). It also exhibited antioxidant capacity. Methylated nemorosone exhibited less biological activity than the natural product
Isomeric Triterpenoids From Peritassa Campestris
Authors: Lião Luciano M. , Vieira Paulo C. , Rodrigues-Filho Edson , Fernandes João B. , Silvab Maria F. G. F.
Published: February 2015

An investigation of the MeOH extract from the roots of Peritassa campestris (Hippocrateaceae) afforded two isomeric seco-A-ring quinonemethide triterpenoids, campestrine-I (1) and -II (2). This appears to be the first report of a C26-type triterpene carbon skeleton from the Celastraceae or Hippocrateaceae families. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data, particularly HMQC, HMBC and NOE experiments
Correlation Between Hsp90 Induction Kinetics In Murine Leukemia Cells And The Amount Of Cisplatin Over A Wide Range Of Cytostatic Concentrations
Authors: Detcheva Roumiana L. , Kenderov Andrey N. , Russinova Angelina I. , Spassovska Nadejda C. , Kolev Kolyo G. , Grancharov Konstantin C.
Published: February 2015

The induction of HSP90 in murine erythroleukemia cells, clone F4 N, by cisplatin (DDP) was examined using indirect immunofluorescence and avidin-biotin technique, and compared with cisplatin cytotoxicity. A reverse dependence of HSP90 induction time was found on a wide range of cisplatin concentrations (0.5D10 μᴍ), which proved to be cytostatic up to 48 h of continuous treatment. Thus, the observed induction pattern of HSP90 in F4 N cells strictly correlated with their high tolerance toward DDP. This indicates that HSP90 might be responsible, at least in part, for cisplatin resistance of F4 N cells
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Anthemis carpatica Willd.
Authors: Staneva Jordanka , Todorova Milka , Evstatieva Ljuba
Published: February 2015

Four new eudesmanolides and two new guaianolides were isolated from the aerial parts of Anthemis carpatica Willd. and their structures elucidated by spectral methods. In addition, seven known sesquiterpene lactones were identified.
Essential Oil Constituents of Valeriana italica and Valeriana tuberosa. Stereochemical and Conformational Study of 15-Acetoxyvaleranone
Authors: Fokialakis Nikolas , Prokopios Magias , Mitaku Sofia
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of roots, stems with leaves and inflorescences of Valeriana italica Lam. and Valeriana tuberosa L. were studied by GC/MS. Seventy-three and fourty-one constituents were identified from each plant, respectively. The major constituent of the oil obtained from the roots of V. italica was isolated and identified as 15-acetoxyvaleranone. Its stereochemistry and conformation has been studied using NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The oils obtained from V. tuberosa completely lacked the characteristic valerane or kessane sesquiterpenes.

Running title: Essential oils of Valeriana italica and V. tuberosa
The Chemical Constituents and Biological Activity of Essential Oil of Lavandula stoechas ssp. stoechas
Authors: Gören Ahmet C. , Topçu Gülaçtı , Bilsel Gökhan , Bilsel Mine , Aydoğmusç Zeynep , Pezzuto John M.
Published: February 2015

The composition of essential oil of the leaves of Lavandula stoechas ssp. stoechas, was analyzed by means of capillary GC-MS. The main components of L. stoechas ssp. stoechas oil were pulegone (40.4%), menthol (18.1%), menthone (12.6%). The essential oil of the plant was evaluated for antibacterial and a panel cytotoxic activities.
Localization of Flavonoids in the Yellow Lupin Seedlings and Their UV-B-absorbing Potential
Authors: Katagiri Yasufumi , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Tahara Satoshi
Published: February 2015

Quantification of the flavonoids in yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus; Leguminosae) seedlings revealed that a flavone glucoside, 7-O-β-(2-O-β-rhamnosyl)glucosyl-4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (apigenine 7-O-β-neohesperidoside), is rich in the epicotyl and cotyledon. In hypocotyls and roots, 8-C-β-glucosyl-4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone (genistein 8-C-β-glucoside) was a predominant flavonoid constituent. The roles of the localized flavonoids are briefly discussed relating to defense against biotic and abiotic external stresses.
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Satureja Essential Oils
Authors: Azaz Dilek , Demirci Fatih , Satıl Fatih , Kürkçüoğlu Mine , Hüsnü Kemal , Bașerb Can
Published: February 2015

The genus Satureja is represented by fifteen species of which five are endemic and Satureja pilosa and S. icarica have recently been found as new records for Turkey. Aerial parts of the Satureja pilosa, S. icarica, S. boissieri and S. coerulea collected from different localities in Turkey were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield essential oils which were subsequently analysed by GC and GC/MS. The main constituents of the oils were identified, and both antibacterial and antifungal bioassays were applied. Carvacrol (59.2%, 44.8%, 42.1%) was the main component in the oils of S. icarica, S. boissieri and S. pilosa, respectively. The oil of S. coerulea contained β-caryophyllene (10.6%) and caryophyllene oxide (8.0%) as main constituents.
Stimulation of Oxygen Evolution in Photosystem II by Copper(II) Ions
Authors: Burda Kvetoslava , Kruk Jerzy , Strzalka Kazimierz , Schmid Georg H.
Published: February 2015

We have found that Copper(II) ions at about equimolar Cu2+/photosystem II (PS II) reaction center proportions stimulate oxygen evolution nearly twofold. This high affinity Cubinding site is different from the binding sites of Mn and Ca ions. The analysis of the Cu2+ content in PS II preparations isolated from wild-type tobacco and a tobacco mutant deficient in light-harvesting complex suggests that Cu2+ may be a native component of PS II and may take part in the oxygen evolution process. At higher concentrations, Cu2+ ions inhibit oxygen evolution and quench fluorescence.
Mutant Hansenula polymorpha Strain with Constitutive Alcohol Oxidase and Peroxisome Biosynthesis
Authors: Hristozova Tsonka , Michailova Lilia , Tuneva Dimka , Gotcheva Velitchka , Angelov Angel , Roshkova Zlatka
Published: February 2015

A mutant of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha with constitutive alcohol oxidase (AOX) and peroxisome biosynthesis was obtained after UV treatment followed by cell plating on a medium containing methanol and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (DOG). DOG-resistant colonies of mutants were insensitive to catabolic repression by glucose and methanol. A selection procedure is described that allows the isolation of a mutant exhibiting a constitutive phenotype of AOX involved in methanol utilization. Furthermore, additional features of the constitutive presence of peroxisomes are demonstrated. 562 DOG-resistant colonies were tested, 24 of them demonstrating constitutive AOX formation. Based on quantitative analysis, one of the strains − DOG-13 was selected and its growth, biochemical and ultrastructural characteristics were examined. Its specific enzyme activity when cultivated on a yeast nitrogen base + 1% glucose (YNB + 1% Glucose) was found to reach 145 nmol.min−1.mg−1protein (compared to zero of the parent strain) after he 20th hour of cultivation. This was confirmed by fine-structure analysis, showing typical peroxisomes, which number and size increased with the enzyme activity. This study demonstrates a constitutive AOX and peroxisome biosynthesis by the mutant strain H. polymorpha DOG-13 obtained.
Cytotoxic Bromoindole Derivatives and Terpenes from the Philippine Marine Sponge Smenospongia sp.
Authors: Tasdemir Deniz , Bugni Timothy S. , Mangalindan Gina C. , Concepción Gisela P. , Harper Mary Kay , Ireland Chris M.
Published: February 2015

A detailed chemical analysis of a Philippine marine sponge Smenospongia sp. has been performed. This study yielded four new metabolites, 5-bromo-l-tryptophan (1), 5-bromoabrine (2), 5,6-dibromoabrine (3) and 5-bromoindole-3-acetic acid (4). The pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid, makaluvamine O (5) as well as 5,6-dibromotryptamine (6), aureol (7) and furospinulosin 1 (8) were also isolated. Although 1 and 4 have been synthesized previously, this is the first report on the isolation of these compounds from a natural source. The furanosesterterpene furospinulosin 1 (8) was obtained for the first time from the genus Smenospongia. The structures of all compounds were established by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, MS, [α]ᴅ). The cytotoxic potential of 1−8 was evaluated in a panel of isogenic HCT-116 human colon tumor cell lines.
The Effect of Galactose Metabolic Disorders on Rat Brain Na+,K+-ATPase Activity
Authors: Tsakiris Stylianos , Marinou Kyriakoula , Schulpis Kleopatra H.
Published: February 2015

To evaluate the effect of galactose metabolic disorders on the brain Na+,K+-ATPase in suckling rats. Separate preincubations of various concentrations (1-16 mᴍ) of the compounds galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) and galactitol (galtol) with whole brain homogenates at 37 °C for 1 h resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of the enzyme whereas the pure enzyme (from porcine cerebral cortex) was stimulated. Glucose-1-phosphate (Glu-1-P) or galactose (Gal) stimulated both rat brain Na+,K+-ATPase and pure enzyme. A mixture of Gal-1-P (2 mm), galtol (2 mᴍ) and Gal (4 mᴍ), concentrations commonly found in untreated patients with classical galactosemia, caused a 35% (p < 0.001) rat brain enzyme inhibition. Additionally, incubation of a mixture of galtol (2 mᴍ) and Gal (1 mᴍ), which is usually observed in galactokinase deficient patients, resulted in a 25% (p < 0.001) brain enzyme inactivation. It is suggested that: a) The indirect inhibition of the brain Na+,K+-ATPase by Gal-1-P should be due to the presence of the epimer Gal and phosphate and that the pure enzyme direct activation by Gal-1-P and Glu-1-P to the presence of phosphate only. b) The observed brain Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitions in the presence of toxic concentrations of Gal-1-P and/ or galtol could modulate the neural excitability, the metabolic energy production and the catecholaminergic and serotoninergic system.
The Unique Occurrence of the Flavone Aglycone Tricetin in Myrtaceae Pollen
Authors: Campos Maria G. , Webby Rosemary F. , Markham Kenneth R.
Published: February 2015

In pollen, flavonoids are usually found as glycosides and in particular, flavonol 3-O-diglycosides. However, in members of the Myrtaceae, subfamily Leptospermoideae, the rare flavone aglycone tricetin, along with other flavonoid aglycones including 3-O-methyl quercetin and luteolin, have been found to comprise a significant portion of the constituent flavonoids.
Low Temperature Crystal Structure of Natural Diosgenone
Authors: Piro Oscar E. , Castellano Eduardo E. , Tobón Zapata Gloria E. , Trujillo Silvia Blair , Baran Enrique J.
Published: February 2015

The molecular structure of diosgenone, a natural steroidal sapogenin, closely related to diosgenin and isolated from Solanum nudum, was solved by single crystal X-ray diffractometry at 120 K and refined by full-matrix least-squares to an agreement factor, R1 = 0.054. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21, with a = 15.1870(4) Å , b = 7.2710(2) Å , c = 21.2840(6) Å , β= 99.251(1) °, and four molecules in the unit cell (Z = 4). The results constitute the first structural report on a steroidal sapogenin from the diosgenin group.
Andean exceptionalism and the new Inka scholarship
Authors: Covey R. Alan
Published: February 2015

Grand theories of human social organisation have sometimes struggled to find a place for the Inka empire, which achieved an unprecedented degree of state power across the Andean region of western South America for a few generations in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries AD. This is in part because the Inka realm looked so different from the ancient empires of Eurasia. The axis of Inka power ran north–south through some of the most diverse and difficult terrain on the planet, and Inka material culture and institutions lacked many of the Western hallmarks of civilisation. In Ancient society (1877), Lewis Henry Morgan relegated the Inkas to a status of ‘middle barbarism’ for possessing only Bronze Age metallurgy, placing a realm of perhaps 10 million inhabitants in the company of the Puebloan peoples of the American Southwest and the society that built Stonehenge. More than a century later, the sociologist Michael Mann (1986) offered the Inkas as an exception to his general model for wielding so much power without using writing, currency or low-cost forms of transportation.
Reflections on Bronze Age travels
Authors: Sognnes Kalle
Published: February 2015

In the above paper, Johan Ling and Zofia Stos-Gale present results from a project comparing isotopes from Bronze Age artefacts with signatures from known Bronze Age mining localities. The results showed that artefacts found in southern Sweden were made from bronze mined in Cyprus. This is in itself interesting, but the discovery of rock art engravings in Sweden that resemble ‘oxhide’ bronze ingots from Cyprus adds a new dimension to the interpretation of Scandinavian rock art, with its strong focus on boat images. The number of possible oxhide ingots represented in Swedish rock art is low, but if the identification of these images is correct, we have evidence, for the first time, of direct connections between Scandinavia and the eastern Mediterranean, connections that have been supposed, but not evidenced, for more than a century (e.g. Hansen 1909). Here, I focus on some implications this article may have for future Scandinavian Bronze Age studies, with special emphasis on rock art.
Heritable Variation in Courtship Patterns in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gaertner Bryn E , Ruedi Elizabeth A , McCoy Lenovia J , Moore Jamie M , Wolfner Mariana F , Mackay Trudy F C
Published: February 2015

Little is known about the genetic basis of naturally occurring variation for sexually selected behavioral traits. Drosophila melanogaster, with its rich repertoire of courtship behavior and genomic and genetic resources, is an excellent model organism for addressing this question. We assayed a genetically diverse panel of lines with full genome sequences, the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, to assess the heritability of variation in courtship behavior and mating progression. We subsequently used these data to quantify natural variation in transition probabilities between courtship behaviors. We found heritable variation along the expected trajectory for courtship behaviors, including the tendency to initiate courtship and rate of progression through courtship, suggesting a genetic basis to male modulation of courtship behavior based on feedback from unrelated, outbred, and genetically identical females. We assessed the genetic basis of variation of the transition with the greatest heritability—from copulation to no engagement with the female—and identified variants in Serrate and Furin 1 as well as many other polymorphisms on the chromosome 3R associated with this transition. Our findings suggest that courtship is a highly dynamic behavior with both social and genetic inputs, and that males may play an important role in courtship initiation and duration.
Combined QTL and Selective Sweep Mappings with Coding SNP Annotation andcis-eQTL Analysis RevealedPARK2andJAG2as New Candidate Genes for Adiposity Regulation
Authors: Roux Pierre-François , Boitard Simon , Blum Yuna , Parks Brian , Montagner Alexandra , Mouisel Etienne , Djari Anis , Esquerré Diane , Désert Colette , Boutin Morgane , Leroux Sophie , Lecerf Frédéric , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth , Klopp Christophe , Servin Bertrand , Pitel Frédérique , Duclos Michel Jean , Guillou Hervé , Lusis Aldons J , Demeure Olivier , Lagarrigue Sandrine
Published: February 2015

Very few causal genes have been identified by quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping because of the large size of QTL, and most of them were identified thanks to functional links already known with the targeted phenotype. Here, we propose to combine selection signature detection, coding SNP annotation, and cis-expression QTL analyses to identify potential causal genes underlying QTL identified in divergent line designs. As a model, we chose experimental chicken lines divergently selected for only one trait, the abdominal fat weight, in which several QTL were previously mapped. Using new haplotype-based statistics exploiting the very high SNP density generated through whole-genome resequencing, we found 129 significant selective sweeps. Most of the QTL colocalized with at least one sweep, which markedly narrowed candidate region size. Some of those sweeps contained only one gene, therefore making them strong positional causal candidates with no presupposed function. We then focused on two of these QTL/sweeps. The absence of nonsynonymous SNPs in their coding regions strongly suggests the existence of causal mutations acting in cis on their expression, confirmed by cis-eQTL identification using either allele-specific expression or genetic mapping analyses. Additional expression analyses of those two genes in the chicken and mice contrasted for adiposity reinforces their link with this phenotype. This study shows for the first time the interest of combining selective sweeps mapping, coding SNP annotation and cis-eQTL analyses for identifying causative genes for a complex trait, in the context of divergent lines selected for this specific trait. Moreover, it highlights two genes, JAG2 and PARK2, as new potential negative and positive key regulators of adiposity in chicken and mice.
Nascent Transcription Affected by RNA Polymerase IV inZea mays
Authors: Erhard Karl F , Talbot Joy-El R B , Deans Natalie C , McClish Allison E , Hollick Jay B
Published: February 2015

All eukaryotes use three DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RNAPs) to create cellular RNAs from DNA templates. Plants have additional RNAPs related to Pol II, but their evolutionary role(s) remain largely unknown. Zea mays (maize) RNA polymerase D1 (RPD1), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV), is required for normal plant development, paramutation, transcriptional repression of certain transposable elements (TEs), and transcriptional regulation of specific alleles. Here, we define the nascent transcriptomes of rpd1 mutant and wild-type (WT) seedlings using global run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) to identify the broader targets of RPD1-based regulation. Comparisons of WT and rpd1 mutant GRO-seq profiles indicate that Pol IV globally affects transcription at both transcriptional start sites and immediately downstream of polyadenylation addition sites. We found no evidence of divergent transcription from gene promoters as seen in mammalian GRO-seq profiles. Statistical comparisons identify genes and TEs whose transcription is affected by RPD1. Most examples of significant increases in genic antisense transcription appear to be initiated by 3ʹ-proximal long terminal repeat retrotransposons. These results indicate that maize Pol IV specifies Pol II-based transcriptional regulation for specific regions of the maize genome including genes having developmental significance.
Chemistry and pharmacology of some plants mentioned in the letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha
Authors: Alves Lucio Ferreira , Ming Lin Chau
Published: February 2015

Brazil has a long tradition in the study of medicinal plants. When the Portuguese arrived to the new colony, Pero Vaz de Caminha, the scriber of the fleet, left the first impressions of the local and the inhabitants. He clearly mentions how the Indians use natural dye as tincture to paint their bodies. This article reviews the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of these colorants and other medicinal plants recently identified mentioned in this letter.
Range of Pristiloma crateris Pilsbry, 1946 (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Pristilomatidae) in the United States Pacific Northwest
Authors: Roth Barry
Published: February 2015

Extensive holdings of Pristiloma snails in the Oregon State Arthropod Collection were evaluated and reidentified as necessary. The study confirmed the distinctness of Pristiloma crateris from other species and delineated a range in Pacific Northwest National Forests, primarily along the western and eastern slopes of the Cascade Range in Oregon.
A Comparison of Chemical and Electrochemical Synthesis of PEDOT:Dextran Sulphate for Bio-Application
Authors: Stevens Leo R. , Harman David G. , Gilmore Kerry J. , in het Panhuis Marc , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: February 2015

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is an organic conducting polymer that has been the focus of significant research over the last decade, in both energy and biological applications. Most commonly, PEDOT is doped by the artificial polymer polystyrene sulfonate due to the excellent electrical characteristics yielded by this pairing. The biopolymer dextran sulphate (DS) has been recently reported as a promising alternative to PEDOT:PSS for biological application, having electrical properties rivaling PEDOT:PSS, complimented by the potential bioactivity of the polysaccharide. In this work we compared chemical and electrochemical polymerisations of PEDOT:DS in terms of their impact on the electrical, morphological and biological properties of the resultant PEDOT:DS films. Post-growth cyclic voltammograms and UV-Vis analyses revealed comparable redox behaviour and absorbance profiles for the two synthesis approaches. Despite good intrinsic conductivity of particles, the addition of chemically produced PEDOT:DS did not markedly enhance the bulk conductivity of aqueous solutions due to the lack of interconnectivity between adjacent PEDOT:DS particles at achievable concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significantly greater roughness in films cast from chemically produced PEDOT:DS compared to electropolymerised samples, attributable to the formation of solution phase nanoparticles prior to casting. In cell studies with the L929 cell line, electrochemical polymerisation of PEDOT:DS afforded better integrity of resultant films for surface seeding, whilst chemically polymerised PEDOT:DS appeared to localised at the proliferating cells, suggesting possible applications in drug delivery.