bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Adaptive Responses to Boron Defi ciency Stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Peng Lishun , Zeng Changying , Shi Lei , Cai Hongmei , Xu Fangsen
Published: January 2015

Boron (B) is a micronutrient for vascular plants, and B deficiency has been recognized as a limiting factor for crop production in many areas worldwide. To gain a better insight into the adaptability mechanism of plant responses to B starvation, an Arabidopsis whole genome Affymetrix GeneChip was used to evaluate global gene expression alterations in response to short- and long-term B deficiency stress. A large number of B deficiency-responsive genes were identified and grouped by their functions. Genes linked to jasmonic acid (JA) showed the most prominent response under B deficiency. The transcripts for biosynthesis and regulation of JA were constantly induced during short- and long-term B deficiency stress. A set of well-known JA-dependent process and responsive genes showed the same expression profile. This suggested that JA could be a pivotal player in the integration of adaptive responses to B deficiency stress. Moreover, other functional groups of B deficiency-responsive genes (including various encoding the biosynthesis of antioxidants, the basic components of Ca2+ signalling, protein kinases, cell wall-modifying enzymes and proteins, H+-ATPase, K+ transporters, and a set of enzymes involved in central metabolism and cellular growth) were also observed, and their physiological roles under B deficiency stress are discussed. These results provide some information for a better understanding of plant-adaptive responses to B deficiency stress and potential strategies to improve B efficiency in crops
Comparative Study of the Volatiles’ Composition of Healthy and Larvae-Infested Artemisia ordosica
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zong Shixiang , Luo Youqing , Wang Tao , Wang Jinlin , Cao Chuanjian
Published: January 2015

Volatiles emitted by healthy Artemisia ordosica (Asteraceae) and plants infested with larvae of Sphenoptera sp. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) or Holcocerus artemisiae (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) were obtained using a dynamic headspace method and analysed by automatic thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (ATD/GC/MS). Twenty-eight major compounds were identified, and qualitative and quantitative differences were compared. The novel green leaf volatiles 2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 2-hexen- 1-ol 1-hexanol, and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol acetate, the terpenoids α-copaene, β-cedrene, and (E,E)-α-farnesene, and the ester methyl salicylate were present in all infested plants. Volatiles from healthy plants were dominated by D-limonene (32.14%), β-pinene (16.63%), β-phellandrene (16.06%), and sabinene (12.88%). Volatiles from Sphenoptera sp. larvaeinfested plants were dominated by D-limonene (24.74%), β-pinene (21.05%), α-pinene (19.39%), and sabinene (11.64%), whereas volatiles from H. artemisiae larvae-infested plants were dominated by D-limonene (31.76%), sabinene (18.49%), ocimene (15.93%), and β-phellandrene (10.59%). In addition to the qualitative variation, a larvae-induced quantitative change in the proportion of terpenoids in the blends was also a noticeable feature
Analysis of the Essential Oil of Dipsacus japonicus Flowering Aerial Parts and its Insecticidal Activity against Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Liu Zhi Long , Jiang Guo Hua , Zhou Ligang , Liu Qi Zhi
Published: January 2015

Water-distilled essential oil from the aerial parts of Dipsacus japonicus Miq. (Dipsacaceae) at the flowering stage was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Forty-six compounds, accounting for 96.76% of the total oil, were identified and the main compounds of the essential oil were linalool (11.78%), trans-geraniol (8.58%), 1,8-cineole (7.91%), β-caryophyllene (5.58%), α-terpineol (5.32%), β-selinene (5.15%), and spathulenol (5.04%). The essential oil of D. japonicus possessed contact toxicity against two grain storage insects, Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum adults, with LD50 values of 18.32 μg/ adult and 13.45 μg/adult, respectively. The essential oil of D. japonicus also exhibited pronounced fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais (LC50 = 10.11 mg/l air) and T. castaneum adults (LC50 = 5.26 mg/l air). Of the three major compounds, 1,8-cineole exhibited stronger fumigant toxicity than the crude essential oil against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults with LC50 values of 2.96 mg/l air and 4.86 mg/l air, respectively
Induction of Caspase-8 and Death Receptors by a New Dammarane Skeleton from the Dried Fruits of Forsythia koreana
Authors: Hawas Usama W. , Gamal-Eldeen Amira M. , El-Desouky Samy K. , Kim Young-Kyoon , Huefner Antje , Saf Robert
Published: January 2015

A new naturally occurring compound based on the dammarane skeleton, i.e. cabralealactone 3-acetate-24-methyl ether, was isolated from the aqueous methanolic extract of Forsythia koreana fruits, along with eight known compounds: cabralealactone 3-acetate, ursolic acid, arctigenin, arctiin, phillyrin, rutin, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The identifi cation of the isolated compounds was based on their spectral analysis including: HREI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The selected compounds and the aqueous methanolic extract were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against human solid tumour cell lines. Cabralealactone 3-acetate-24-methyl ether and ursolic acid were found to be active against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The cytotoxicity was associated with the activation of caspase-8, the induction of the death receptors DR4 and DR5, as well as DNA fragmentation, and was thus due to apoptosis rather than necrosis
Cell Death of Rice Roots under Salt Stress May Be Mediated by Cyanide-Resistant Respiration
Authors: Feng Hanqing , Houa Xiuli , Li Xin , Sun Kun , Wang Rongfang , Zhang Tengguo , Zhang Tengguo , Ding Yanping
Published: January 2015

Treatment with solutions containing high concentrations of NaCl (200 or 300 mM) induced cell death in rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots, as well as the application of exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Moreover, the pretreatment with dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a scavenger of H2O2, partially alleviated the root cell death induced by 200 mM NaCl. These observations suggest that the cell death of rice roots under high salt stress is linked to H2O2 accumulation in vivo. NaCl stress increased the level of cyanide-resistant respiration to some extent and enhanced the transcript levels of the alternative oxidase (AOX) genes AOX1a and AOX1b in rice roots. High-salt-stressed (200 mM NaCl) rice roots pretreated with 1 mM salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), a specifi c inhibitor of alternative oxidase, exhibited higher levels of cell death and H2O2 production than roots subjected to either 200 mM NaCl stress or SHAM treatment alone. These results suggest that cyanide-resistant respiration could play a role in mediating root cell death under high salt stress. Furthermore, this function of cyanideresistant respiration could relate to its ability to reduce the generation of H2O2
Phenol Biodegradation by Fungal Cells Immobilized in Sol-Gel Hybrids
Authors: Tsekova Kolishka V. , Chernev Georgi E. , Hristov Alexander E. , Kabaivanova Lyudmila V.
Published: January 2015

The capability of cells of the fungus Aspergillus awamori, either free or immobilized in hybrid sol-gel material cells, for phenol biodegradation was demonstrated. Phenol was present in the reaction mixture as the sole carbon and energy source, and its decomposition was followed in repeated batch degradation experiments. Atomic force microscopy provided information on the development of self-organizing structures in the materials synthesized by the sol-gel method. Phenol biodegradation was mediated only by the fungal cells, and no absorption by the hybrid matrix was observed. Ten cycles of phenol biodegradation using the immobilized cells system were conducted during which up to 2000 mg l-1 phenol was completely decomposed. Immobilized cells degraded phenol at 8.33 mg h-1, twice as fast as free cells. The good performance of the immobilized fungal cell system is promising for the development of an efficient technology for treating phenol-containing waste waters
Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pseudananas macrodontes (Morr.) Harms (Bromeliaceae) Fruit Extract in Rats
Authors: Errasti María E. , Caffini Néstor O. , Pelzer Lilian E. , Rotelli Alejandra E.
Published: January 2015

Several species of the family Bromeliaceae are characterized by the production of proteases in unusual amounts, especially in fruits. Bromelain, an extract rich in cysteine endopeptidases obtained from Ananas comosus L., and a few other proteases have been used as anti-inflammatory agents for some years, but bromelain is still mainly being used as alternative and/or complementary therapy to the treatment with glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal antirheumatics, and immunomodulators. In this study, the anti-inflammatory action of a partially purified extract from Pseudananas macrodontes (Morr.) Harms fruits (PPEPm) is presented, whose main components are cysteine endopeptidases. The effect of PPEPm was assessed in carrageenan-induced and serotonin-induced rat paw edema, as well as in the cotton pellet granuloma model. Doses with equal proteolytic activity of PPEPm and bromelain produced significantly similar anti-inflammatory responses in the acute inflammatory models assayed, supporting the hypothesis that proteolytic activity could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory action. On the contrary, comparable anti-inflammatory effects of PPEPm and bromelain in the chronic inflammatory assay required a much lower proteolytic activity content of PPEPm, which could be due to a differential affinity for the protein target involved in this process.
Field Cultivation and in vitro Cultures, Root-Forming Callus Cultures and Adventitious Root Cultures, of Panax quinquefolium as a Source of Ginsenosides
Authors: Szymańska Grażyna , Kochan Ewa , Szymczyk Piotr
Published: January 2015

The content of six ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rg1, and Re) was studied in the roots of field-grown plants, as well as in root-forming callus cultures and adventitious root cultures of Panax quinquefolium using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest level of saponins was isolated from root hairs (128 mg/g dry weight). The examined in vitro culture synthesized all identified saponins, although in smaller amounts than those obtained from field cultivation. Metabolites Rb1 and Re dominated in the ginseng biomass from both field crops and in vitro culture.
Construction of a cDNA Library from the Ephemeral Plant Olimarabidopsis pumila and Preliminary Analysis of Expressed Sequence Tags
Authors: Zhao Yun-Xia , Wei Yan-Ling , Zhao Ping , Xiang Cheng-Bin , Xu Fang , Li Chao , Huang Xian-Zhong
Published: January 2015

Olimarabidopsis pumila is a close relative of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana but, unlike A. thaliana, it is a salt-tolerant ephemeral plant that is widely distributed in semi-arid and semi-salinized regions of the Xinjiang region of China, thus providing an ideal candidate plant system for salt tolerance gene mining. A good-quality cDNA library was constructed using cap antibody to enrich full-length cDNA with the gateway technology allowing library construction without traditional methods of cloning by use of restriction enzymes. A preliminary analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was carried out. The titers of the primary and the normalized cDNA library were 1.6 · 106 cfu/mL and 6.7 · 106 cfu/mL, respectively. A total of 1093 clones were randomly selected from the normalized library for EST sequencing. By sequence analysis, 894 high-quality ESTs were generated and assembled into 736 unique sequences consisting of 72 contigs and 664 singletons. The resulting unigenes were categorized according to the gene ontology (GO) hierarchy. The potential roles of gene products associated with stress-related ESTs are discussed. The 736 unigenes were similar to A. thaliana, A. lyrata, or Thellungiella salsuginea. This research provides an overview of the mRNA expression profile and first-hand information of gene sequence expressed in young leaves of O. pumila.
Exocrine Secretions of Wheel Bugs (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Arilus spp.): Clarification and Chemistry
Authors: Aldrich Jeffrey R. , Chauhan Kamlesh R. , Zhang Aijun , Zarbin Paulo H. G.
Published: January 2015

Wheel bugs (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae: Arilus) are general predators, the females of which have reddish-orange subrectal glands (SGs) that are eversible like the osmeteria in some caterpillars. The rancid odor of Arilus and other reduviids actually comes from Brindley's glands, which in the North (A. cristatus) and South (A. carinatus) American wheel bugs studied emit similar blends of 2-methylpropanoic, butanoic, 3-methylbutanoic, and 2-methylbutanoic acids. The Arilus SG secretions studied here are absolutely species specific. The volatile SG components of A. carinatus include (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-nonenal, (E)-2-decenal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, (E)-2-undecenal, hexanoic acid, 4-oxo-nonanal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E,Z)-2,4- or (Z,E)-2,4-decadienal, and 4-oxo-(E)-2-nonenal; whereas in A. cristatus the SG secretion contains β-pinene, limonene, terpinolene, terpinen-4-ol, thymol methyl ether, α-terpineol, bornyl acetate, methyl eugenol, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and farnesol. Arilus spp. SG secretions may be sex pheromones, but verification of this hypothesis requires further testing.
Flavonoids from Pseudotsuga menziesii
Authors: Krauze-Baranowska Mirosława , Sowiński Paweł , Kawiak Anna , Sparzak Barbara
Published: January 2015

1

Four O-acylated flavonol glycosides, new in the plant kingdom, were isolated from the needles of Pseudotsuga menziesii. Their structures were established by 1D and 2D NMR and MS data as: daglesioside I [kaempferol 3-O-[2’’,5’’-O-(4’’’,4IV-dihydroxy)-β- truxinoyl]-α-L-arabinofuranoside] (), daglesioside II [kaempferol 3-O-[2’’,5’’-O-(4’’’- hydroxy)-β-truxinoyl]-α-L-arabinofuranoside] (2), daglesioside III [kaempferol 3-O-[2’’,5’’- di-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-α-L-arabinofuranoside] (3), and daglesioside IV [kaempferol 3-O-[3’’,6’’-di-O-(E)-cinnamoyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside] (4). In addition, the known fl avonoids (E)-tiliroside, (E)-ditiliroside, astragalin (kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside), isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin were identifi ed. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 1 and 3 was evaluated towards the HL-60, HeLa, and MDA-MB468 cell lines.
GC-MS Investigation and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Galanthus rizehensis
Authors: Sarikaya Buket Bozkurt , Somer Nehir Unver , Kaya Gulen Irem , Onur Mustafa Ali , Bastida Jaume , Berkov Strahil
Published: January 2015

GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analyses of alkaloids in the aerial parts and bulbs of Galanthus rizehensis Stern (Amaryllidaceae), collected during two different vegetation periods, was performed. Twenty three alkaloids were identified in four different alkaloid extracts. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of the alkaloid extracts were tested. Both the highest alkaloid diversity and the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 12.94 μg/ml) were obtained in extracts from the bulbs of G. rizehensis collected during the fruiting period.
Skin Secretion and Shedding Is a Good Source for Non-Destructive Genetic Sampling in the Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Guo Wentao , Ao Mingzhang , Li Wei , Wang Jianwen , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

A non-destructive method of collecting samples for DNA analysis of the Chinese giant salamander is described and validated. DNA was extracted from the skin secretion and shedding using a Chelex-based method, and partial 12S rRNA gene sequences were amplified and sequenced. Sequences from skin secretion and shedding were cross-checked against the reported sequences from liver and were found to be identical. This method provides a non-destructive way of carrying out larger studies of the genetics of rare amphibians and may be of general use for genetic-based field studies of amphibians.
Cardiovascular Effects Induced by Linalool in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Anjos Paulo J. C. , Lima Aline O. , Cunha Patrícia S. , De Sousa Damião P. , Onofre Alexandre S. C. , Ribeiro Thais P. , Medeiros Isac A. , Antoniolli Ângelo R. , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo J. , Santos Márcio R. V.
Published: January 2015

Linalool is a monoterpene alcohol and constituent of several Brazilian aromatic medicinal plants, popularly used against hypertension. Cardiovascular effects induced by linalool were evaluated. In normotensive rats, (±)-linalool [1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body weight (BW); intravenous (i.v.)]-induced hypotension was associated with tachycardia, which was attenuated by atropine (2 mg/kg BW) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (20 mg/kg BW), but was not modified after indomethacin (5 mg/kg BW) administration. In hypertensive rats, linalool [200 mg/kg BW; oral (v.o.)] reduced blood pressure without changing the heart rate. In intact rings of rat mesenteric artery precontracted with 10 μM phenylephrine, linalool (from 6.4 · 10 - 6 to 6.4 · 10 - 3 M) induced relaxations in a concentration-dependent manner [Emax = (115 ± 13)%] that were not changed after atropine administration [Emax = (105 ± 2)%], and were not different from those obtained in endothelium-denuded rings precontracted with phenylephrine [Emax = (108 ± 7)%] or 80 mM KCl [Emax = (113 ± 7)%] or tetraethylammonium incubation [Emax = (105 ± 12)%]. Linalool (1.9 · 10- 3 M) antagonized the contractions induced by CaCl2 (3 · 10 - 6 - 10 - 2 M) (maximal inhibition, 81%). Furthermore, linalool inhibited the contractions induced by 10 μM phenylephrine or 20 mM caffeine. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that linalool reduces blood pressure probably due to a direct effect on the vascular smooth muscle leading to vasodilation.
Medicinal Plants of Chile: Evaluation of their Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity
Authors: Muñoz Orlando M. , Maya Juan D. , Ferreira Jorge , Christen Philippe , Martin José San , López-Muñoz Rodrigo , Morello Antonio , Kemmerling Ulrike
Published: January 2015

The extracts of several plants of Central Chile exhibited anti-Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes activity. Most active extracts were those obtained from Podanthus ovatifolius, Berberis microphylla, Kageneckia oblonga, and Drimys winteri. The active extract of Drimys winteri (IC50 51.2 μg/mL) was purifi ed and three drimane sesquiterpenes were obtained: polygodial, drimenol, and isodrimenin. Isodrimenin and drimenol were found to be active against the trypomastigote form of T. cruzi with IC50 values of 27.9 and 25.1 μM, respectively.
Optimization of Enniatin Production by Solid-Phase Fermentation of Fusarium tricinctum
Authors: Wang Jian-ping , Debbab Abdessamad , Pérez Hemphill Catalina Francis , Proksch Peter
Published: January 2015

Enniatins are cyclic depsipeptides produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium that are of interest due to their pronounced biological activities; especially enniatins A, A1, B, and B1 possess anticarcinogenic and anti-HIV properties. In the present study, F. tricinctum was grown on seven solid media and in one liquid growth medium with or without addition of peptone or of amino acid precursors in order to identify favourable media with simple cultivation conditions for maximum enniatin production. Additionally, the optimal duration of growth was investigated for the highest yields of enniatins. From the different media analysed, white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, solid medium) induced the highest accumulation of enniatins A, A1, B, and B1, that reached a maximum of 1,365 mg total enniatins in 1 L growth medium after 18 days of fermentation. Fermentation of F. tricinctum on white beans gave the highest yield of enniatins compared to all other media analysed in this study.
Field Screening of Known Pheromone Components of Longhorned Beetles in the Subfamily Cerambycinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Hungary
Authors: Imrei Zoltán , Millar Jocelyn G. , Tóth Miklós
Published: January 2015

Five compounds known to be pheromone components of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Cerambycinae were fi eld-tested as attractants and possible pheromones for the cerambycid fauna of Hungary. Nine cerambycid species were caught in baited traps. Large numbers of both sexes of the cerambycine species Molorchus umbellatarum Schreb. were caught in traps baited with (2R*,3S*)-octanediol, while the diastereomeric (2R*,3R*)-octanediol was to some extent attractive as well. This is the fi rst report on an aggregation attractant and a likely pheromone for a species in the cerambycine tribe Molorchini. The results of our study support the hypothesis that the diol/hydroxyketone pheromone motif is characteristic of and highly conserved within the subfamily Cerambycinae. Intraspecifi c chemical communication is summarized for the subfamily Cerambycinae, and possible links between taxonomy, insect behaviour, and pheromone structures are described
Development of Semiochemical Attractants for Monitoring and Controlling Chlorophorus caragana
Authors: Zong Shixiang , Liu Xinhai , Cao Chuanjian , Luo Youqing
Published: January 2015

Chlorophorus caragana is an important wood-boring pest that infests Caragana korshinskii. The larvae bore into the stems to the point of hollowing them out, causing the whole tree to wither and even die. To control these infestations, volatile compounds were collected from C. korshinskii and used in electroantennography to ascertain which plant semiochemicals could be used to trap adult C. caragana in the fi eld. Isophorone, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, 3-pentanone, dibutyl phthalate, and diisobutyl phthalate were the main volatile compounds produced by C. korshinskii. These compounds induced dose-dependent electrophysiological responses in the antennae of adult C. caragana to some degree. Accordingly, 58 different compound mixtures were tested in fi eld trapping experiments over two consecutive years. Isophorone was most attractive to adult insects. In the fi eld, the best traps were funnelshaped ones hanging at a height of 1 m. The trapping effi ciency was 63.8%. Adult beetles appear between mid June and late August, with an eclosion peak in mid July. The prototype trapping system developed could be used as a tool to monitor and control C. caragana adults.
Chemical Compounds from the Preanal Gland Secretions of the Male Tree Agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) (Fam. Agamidae)
Authors: Martín José , Ortega Jesús , López Pilar
Published: January 2015

Chemical signals have an important role in the reproductive behaviour of many lizards. However, the compounds secreted by their femoral or preanal glands, which may be used as sexual signals, are mainly known for lizard species within the Scleroglossa clade, whereas compounds in secretions of lizards within the Iguania clade are much less studied. Based on mass spectra, obtained by GC-MS, we found 60 lipophilic compounds in preanal gland secretions of the male tree agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) (fam. Agamidae), including steroids (mainly cholesterol, cholest-3-ene, and some of their derivatives), fatty acids ranging between n-C12 and n-C18 (mainly hexadecanoic and octadecenoic acids), ketones from n-C17 to n-C25, and other minor compounds, such as tocopherol, squalene, waxy esters, and furanones. We compare the compounds found with those present in other lizard species and discuss their potential function in social behaviour
A New Flavone from the Roots of Milicia excelsa (Moraceae)
Authors: Nantchouang Ouete Judith L. , Sandjo Louis P. , Kapche Deccaux W. F. G. , Liermann Johannes C. , Opatz Till , Simo Ingrid K. , Ngadjui Bonaventure T.
Published: January 2015

A new flavonoid identified as 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-8,8-dimethyl-4H,8Hpyrano[ 2,3-f]chromen-4-one (2’-hydroxyatalantoflavone) (1) was obtained from the roots of Milicia excelsa along with five known compounds including atalantoflavone (2), neocyclomorusin (3), 6-geranylnorartocarpetin (4), cudraxanthone I (5), and betulinic acid (6). The structures of the isolates were established on the basis of their spectral data and by comparison with those reported in the literature
Cytotoxic Rocaglamide Derivatives from Aglaia duppereana
Authors: El-Neketi Mona , Ebrahim Weaam , Duong Ngoc Tu , Gedara Sahar , Badria Farid , Saad Hassan-Elrady A. , Müller Werner E. G. , Proksch Peter
Published: January 2015

Phytochemical investigation of Aglaia duppereana flowers led to the isolation of a new rocaglamide derivative and twelve known congeners. The structure of the new compound was unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (1D- and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS). The isolated compounds exhibited a potent cytotoxic activity against mouse lymphoma (L5178Y) cells with EC50 values ranging from 5.1 to 54.8 nM
Antitumour and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Palladium(II) Complexes on Ehrlich Tumour
Authors: Quilles Marcela B. , Carli Camila B. A. , Ananias Sandra R. , Ferreira Lucas S. , Ribeiro Livia C. A. , Maia Danielle C. G. , Resende Flávia A. , Moro Antônio C. , Varanda Eliana A. , Campos Polesi Placeres Marisa , Mauro Antonio E. , Carlos Iracilda Z.
Published: January 2015

Palladium(II) complexes are an important class of cyclopalladated compounds that play a pivotal role in various pharmaceutical applications. Here, we investigated the antitumour, anti-inflammatory, and mutagenic effects of two complexes: [Pd(dmba)(Cl)tu] (1) and [Pd(dmba)(N3)tu] (2) (dmba = N,N-dimethylbenzylamine and tu = thiourea), on Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) cells and peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) from mice bearing solid Ehrlich tumour. The cytotoxic effects of the complexes on EAT cells and PECs were assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-3-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effects of the complexes on the immune system were assessed based on the production of nitric oxide (NO) (Griess assay) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (ELISA). Finally the mutagenic activity was assessed by the Ames test using the Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 98. Cisplatin was used as a standard. The IC50 ranges for the growth inhibition of EAT cells and PECs were found to be (72.8 ± 3.23) μM and (137.65 ± 0.22) μM for 1 and (39.7 ± 0.30) μM and (146.51 ± 2.67) μM for 2, respectively. The production of NO, IL-12, and TNF-α, but not IL-10, was induced by both complexes and cisplatin. The complexes showed no mutagenicity in vitro, unlike cisplatin, which was mutagenic in the strain. These results indicate that the complexes are not mutagenic and have potential immunological and antitumour activities. These properties make them promising alternatives to cisplatin
Antitermite Activity of β-Caryophyllene Epoxide and Episulfide
Authors: Ashitani Tatsuya , Kusumoto Norihisa , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin , Fujita Koki , Takahashi Koetsu
Published: January 2015

Caryophyllene-6,7-epoxide and caryophyllene-6,7-episulfide can be easily synthesized from β-caryophyllene by autoxidation or episulfidation. The bioactivities of β-caryophyllene and its derivatives were investigated against the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe. The antifeedant, feeding, and termiticidal activities of each compound were tested using no-choice, dual-choice, and non-contact methods. Antitermitic activities were not shown by β-caryophyllene, but were observed for the oxide and sulfide derivatives. Caryophyllene- 6,7-episulfide showed especially high antifeedant and termiticidal activities. Thus, naturally abundant, non-bioactive β-caryophyllene can be easily converted into an antitermite reagent via a non-biological process
Evaluation of the Biochemical Stress Response to Chlorpyrifos in Tissues of the Edible Crab Barytelphusa guerini: Withdrawal of Exposure Improves the Nutritional Value
Authors: Narra Madhusudan Reddy , Rajender Kodimyala , Rao J. Venkateswara , Begum Ghousia
Published: January 2015

The sublethal stress of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos was investigated in different tissues of the freshwater crab (Barytelphusa guerini). Crabs were exposed to 1/3 of LC50 concentrations for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After 28 days, they were released into fresh water and kept for 18 days for recovery. The study was conducted by estimating total proteins, amino acids, ammonia, urea, and glutamine levels, and protease, transaminases, and phosphatases activities. Total proteins level was decreased whereas amino acids and ammonia were increased. The urea content was decreased in all tissues and glutamine exhibited a mixed response. Protease activities and those of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, respectively, were elevated. Acid phosphatase activity was reduced in hepatopancreas and brain and induced in gills and muscle. Alkaline phosphatase activity was enhanced in gills and hepatopancreas and reduced in muscle and brain. The crabs recovered from the biochemical stress caused by chlorpyrifos after their release into fresh water
ILThe Infl uence of Resveratrol on the Synovial Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Glehr Mathias , Breisach Margherita , Walzer Sonja , Lohberger Birgit , Fürst Florentine , Friesenbichler Joerg , Rinner Beate , Avian Alexander , Windhager Reinhard , Leithner Andreas
Published: January 2015

Medication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains challenging and often controversial concerning side effects or long-term complications. We investigated the effect of resveratrol, a phytoalexin discussed for its chondro-protective and anti-inflammatory qualities, on the synovial expression of matrix-degrading enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and bone-remodelling proteins in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Interleukin-1β- stimulated RA-FLS were treated with 100 μM resveratrol for 24 h. To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on the amount of bound/combined MMPs, a Luminex® xMAP multiplexing technology was used. The alteration in expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor- κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegrin (OPG) was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Resveratrol reduced the expression of MMP-1 (p = 0.022), MMP-3 (p = 0.021), and MMP-9 (p = 0.047). qRT-PCR showed a significant reduction in the relative abundance of the transcripts of OPG (p = 0.012) and RANKL (p = 0.018). Our in vitro findings indicate that resveratrol could be a new target for further pharmacological studies in the field of RA. In the future it could play a role as a possible substitute or supplement to currently used drugs against RA to prevent cartilage matrix degradation and pathological bone resorption due to inhibition of MMPs and RANKL
Terpenes from Artemisia herba-alba
Authors: Mohamed Abou El-Hamd H. , Esmail Abeer M. , El-Saade Adila M.
Published: January 2015

Chromatographic investigation of the methylene chloride/methanol extract of the aerial parts of Artemisia herba-alba afforded a new monoterpene dimer, in addition to a known monoterpene and three known sesquiterpene lactones. The structures of the compounds were determined by comprehensive NMR analyses, including DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and HRMS
Black Tea Supplementation Improves Antioxidant Status in Rats Subjected to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Rizvi Syed Ibrahim
Published: January 2015

The protective effect of black tea extract (BTE) against HgCl2-induced oxidative damage in Wistar rats was investigated. Rats were injected with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg body weight in 0.9% NaCl) to induce oxidative stress. The aqueous BTE (2.5%) was prepared from CTC (curl, tear, crush) grade tea. BTE was fed to control and HgCl2-treated rats by gavage at a dose of 1 ml/(100 g body weight d). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as the erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activity, lipid peroxidation, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), increased by 166, 31, and 373%, respectively, in response to HgCl2 treatment, while intracellular glutathione and plasma antioxidant potential, i.e. ferric reducing ability (FRAP) decreased by 75 and 22%, respectively. BTE protected the rats against HgCl2-induced oxidative damage and raised the antioxidant potential in control rats. Due to its strong antioxidant effect in vivo, black tea intake may provide a significant healthpromoting effect to humans
Biodegradation of Phenol by Antarctic Strains of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Gerginova Maria , Manasiev Jordan , Yemendzhiev Husein , Terziyska Anna , Peneva Nadejda , Alexieva Zlatka
Published: January 2015

Taxonomic identifi cation of three newly isolated Antarctic fungal strains by their 18S rDNA sequences revealed their affi liation with Aspergillus fumigatus. Phenol (0.5 g/l) as the sole carbon source was completely degraded by all strains within less than two weeks. Intracellular activities of three key enzymes involved in the phenol catabolism were determined. Activities of phenol hydroxylase (EC 1.14.13.7), hydroquinone hydroxylase (EC 1.14.13.x), and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.1) varied signifi cantly between strains. The rates of phenol degradation in the three strains correlated best with the activity of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase. Six pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed on the basis of the Aspergillus fumigatus Af293 genome sequence (NCBI Acc. No. XM_743491.1) and used to amplify phenol hydroxylase-related gene sequences. DNA sequences of about 1200 bp were amplifi ed from all three strains and found to have a high degree of sequence identity with the corresponding gene of Aspergillus fumigatus Af293
Nonpremixed and Premixed Combustion of Mixtures of Producer Gas and Methane
Authors: Seiser Reinhard , Seshadri Kalyanasundaram , Niemann Ulrich , Cattolica Robert
Published: January 2015

Experimental and kinetic modeling studies are carried out to
characterize nonpremixed and premixed combustion of producer gas and
mixtures of producer gas and methane. The producer gas, employed in
the study, is made up of 55.00% carbon monoxide,
2.34% hydrogen, 12.72% methane, 5.24%
ethene, and 24.7% carbon dioxide by mass. The primary focus
is on characterizing the chemical influence of addition of producer
gas on combustion of methane. The kinetic modeling studies are carried
out employing a detailed chemical-kinetic mechanism, called the San
Diego Mechanism, a skeletal mechanism, and a reduced mechanism made up
of five global steps. Experiments on nonpremixed combustion are
carried out employing the counterflow configuration. Critical
conditions of extinction are measured for producer gas, methane, and
mixtures of producer gas and methane. They are compared with
predictions obtained using the detailed, skeletal, and reduced
mechanism. Critical conditions of autoignition are measured for
producer gas and compared with the predictions obtained employing the
detailed mechanism. Experimental data and predictions show that with
increasing amounts of producer gas in the mixture, the flame is more
difficult to extinguish. Flame structures show that at a fixed value
of the strain rate, leakage of oxygen from the reaction zone decreases
with increasing amounts of producer gas in the combustible
mixture. This is attributed to enhanced consumption of oxygen in an
overall chain branching step that consumes hydrogen. Thus, the
increase in the overall reactivity of the combustible mixture is
attributed to presence of hydrogen in producer gas. Computations are
performed, using the detailed mechanism and the skeletal mechanism, to
investigate aspects of premixed combustion of stoichiometric mixtures
of producer gas, methane, oxygen, and nitrogen at fixed values of
adiabatic temperature. Burning velocities are calculated. They are
found to be less sensitive to the amount of producer gas in the
mixture. This is qualitatively different from that observed for
nonpremixed combustion. It is attributed to complete consumption of
all reactants including oxygen and combined influences of H2
and CO in producer gas on overall combustion of methane.
A third set of computations was performed on strained premixed flames
stabilized in counterflow between a stream of a stoichiometric mixture
of producer gas, methane, oxygen, and nitrogen, and a stream of
nitrogen at fixed adiabatic temperature. Critical conditions of
extinction were obtained. The strain rate at extinction increased with
increasing amounts of producer gas. The increase was comparable to
that observed for nonpremixed combustion of these fuels.
Mammalia, Chiroptera, Molossidae, Molossops neglectus: first record in the State of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Gazarini Janaina , Bernardi Itiberê P.
Published: January 2015

None
Fish, Machado River basin, Cacoal urban area, state of Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: Perin Leane , Shibatta Oscar Akio , Bernarde Paulo Sérgio
Published: January 2015

The Pirarara and Tamarupa rivers are two urban tributaries of the Machado River in Cacoal municipality, state of Rondônia (RO), Brazil. Here we report a list of species of fishes from urban areas of Cacoal, being the first ichthyological study in this region. Field work at Cacoal was carried out from November 2004 until July 2005, using gill nets, casting nets, and long lines. Two hundred and twenty-two specimens were collected, and are distributed in 48 species, 14 families and 4 orders. The most representative order was Characiformes, with seven families and 23 species, followed by Siluriformes, with three families and 20 species.
New record and distribution extension of Atractus paraguayensis Werner, 1924 (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) [with erratum]
Authors: Entiauspe-Neto Omar Machado , Abegg Arthur Diesel
Published: January 2015

The dipsadid ground snake, Atractus paraguayensis, occurs in Southern Brazil, Southern Paraguay and Argentina. In this study, we report the most austral record of the species in Brazil, based on a specimen captured in Capão do Leão, in the campus of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas. This extends the species geographical distribution 354 km – south, of Colorado, Brazil, the most austral record of the species until now.
Dendropsophus sarayacuensis (Shreve, 1935) (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae): filling gap on the geographic distribution
Authors: Frota Jossehan Galúcio da , Vaz-Silva Wilian
Published: January 2015

The current communication reports a record of Dendropsophus sarayacuensis (Shreve 1935) for the municipality of Itaituba, state of Pará, Brazil. It is the first record from the middle Tapajós river region, southeast of State of Pará, filling gap on the geogrphic distribution of this species and extending the distribution from localities currently reported in the literature.
Isognomon bicolor (C. B. Adams, 1845) (Mollusca: Bivalvia): first record of this invasive species for the States of Paraíba and Alagoas and new records for other localities of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Dias Thelma Lúcia Pereira , Mota Ellori Laíse Silva , Gondim Anne Isabelley , Oliveira Jacicleide Macedo , Rabelo Emanuelle Fontenele , Almeida Sérgio Mendonça de , Christoffersen Martin Lindsey
Published: January 2015

This study provides the first record of the exotic invasive bivalve Isognomon bicolor for the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. It has been found to occur in at least twelve coastal reefs along the coast. We also present its first record for the State of Alagoas and new record localities for the States of Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco, including its occurrence in hypersaline estuaries. From these records the distribution range of I. bicolor has been expanded to the littoral region of Northeast Brazil, where this invasive species seems well established.
Checklist of lizards of the Juruti, state of Pará, Brazil
Authors: Prudente Ana Lúcia Costa , Magalhães Fernanda , Menks Alessandro , Sarmento João Fabrício De Melo
Published: January 2015

We present the first lizard species list for the municipality of Juruti, state of Pará, Brazil. The list was drawn up as a result of data obtained from specimens deposited in the Herpetological Collection of the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and from inventories conducted in 2008-2011. Sampling methods included pitfall traps with drift fences and time constrained searches. We considered the data collected by other researchers, incidental encounters and records of dead individuals on the road. We recorded 33 species, 26 genera and ten families. Norops tandai was the most abundant species. Compared with the other regions of Amazonia, the region of Juruti presented a large number of lizards. However, further studies with an increase in the sampling effort, could prove this area to be richer in lizards than that observed so far.
First distribution record of Vriesea correia-araujoi E. Pereira and I. A. Penna (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae) for the Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Favoreto Fernanda Campanharo , Faria Ana Paula Gelli de
Published: January 2015

Vriesea is the third largest genus in Bromeliaceae and is broadly distributed along of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We report the first record of Vriesea correia-araujoi for the Espírito Santo state, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim municipality, southeastern Brazil. So, the geographic distribution of this species is extended to beyond the Serra do Mar complex, since it was registered as endemic to the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro state. A map with the distribution of the species is presented, as well as the list of examined material.
New records of snakes (Reptilia: Squamata) in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Moura Mario Ribeiro , Pirani Renata Magalhães , Silva Vinícius Xavier da
Published: January 2015

We report new records of three poorly-known species of snakes in Minas Gerais: Bothrops lutzi (Miranda- Ribeiro, 1915), Psomophis joberti (Sauvage, 1884), and Trilepida brasiliensis (Laurent, 1949). The new records represent important filling gaps for all three species or even southern extensions in the geographic distribution of B. lutzi and P. joberti. The new records are located in areas indicated as priority regions for biodiversity conservation in Cerrado. Maps of known records of these snakes are also provided considering literature data and new records from collections.
The environmental impact of phenolic foam insulation boards
Authors: Tingley Danielle Densley , Hathway Abigail , Davison Buick , Allwood Dan
Published: January 2015

The use of external wall insulation is on the increase, with phenolic foam being a popular insulation choice. However, if designers are to make informed decisions on material choices, the environmental impact of the insulation should be considered and the payback period of the associated impacts evaluated. There is a lack of information for phenolic foam insulation; this paper seeks to fill this gap. Results are given utilising the international reference life-cycle data system methodology to ensure they are easily comparable and can be used in other studies. Considering the whole life cycle, the impacts from water depletion and freshwater ecotoxicity see the longest payback times; these are recommended for targeted reduction.
Investigation of pore structure and ITZ of concrete blended with mineral admixtures in a seawater environment
Authors: Duan Ping , Zhou Wei , Yan Chunjie
Published: January 2015

The pore structure and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in seawater concrete as indicators of marine concrete durability are explored and analysed. Mercury intrusion porosimetry, microhardness tester and scanning electron microscopy are employed to characterise the evolution of the pore structure and ITZ with curing time. Effects of mineral admixtures including slag, silica fume and metakaolin on pore structure and ITZ are also investigated. In addition, the influence of slag, silica fume and metakaolin on the thermodynamic stability of hydrate phases is investigated. The experimental results show that, compared to normal concrete, concrete subjected to simulated seawater conditions at early ages has a higher ratio of fine porosity as well as higher ITZ microhardness, and the ITZ is narrower. However, the microstructure of concrete in the seawater environment degrades up to longer ages. With the addition of mineral admixtures, the pore characteristics of marine concrete are greatly improved. The effect of the mineral admixtures on microstructure is in the sequence: metakaolin > silica fume > slag. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that stable hydration products ettringite (C6AsH32:6CaO·Al2O3·3CaSO4·32H2O) and siliceous hydrogarnet (C3As0·8H4·4:3CaO·Al2O3·0.8SiO2·4.4H2O) form due to pozzolanic reactions to optimise the microstructure and enhance the compressive strength of concrete.
Mechanical properties of thermal insulation concrete with a high volume of glazed hollow beads
Authors: Liu Yuanzhen , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Yu , Li Zhu
Published: January 2015

Thermal insulation concrete (TIC) represents a new kind of ‘green' concrete that reduces thermal consumption and improves the energy efficiency of buildings. In this study, the mechanical properties of TIC with a high volume of glazed hollow beads (GHBs) and different strength grades were investigated. The various strengths and thermal conductivity values of the material were measured. Relationships between TIC split tensile strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus and compressive strength were obtained from the experimental results. The analysis also covers the constitutive relationships and failure pattern of TIC. A new skeleton model of GHBs was developed to illustrate the failure behaviour and stress–strain relationship of TIC as compared with normal concrete (NC). The results showed that the behaviours of NC and TIC are very similar under uniaxial loading conditions and that TIC is more ductile than NC for the same strength grade.
Hog badger (Arctonyx collaris) latrine use in relation to food abundance: evidence of the scarce factor paradox
Authors: Zhou Youbing , Chen Wenwen , Buesching Christina D. , Newman Chris , Kaneko Yayoi , Xiang Mingxi , Nie Caiai , Macdonald David W. , Xie Zongqiang
Published: January 2015

Many carnivores use latrines, and investigations of latrine use have typically been concerned with territorial defense, often at the expense of fully evaluating other, not mutually exclusive, functions. In particular, the relationship between food abundance and latrine use patterns has been explored inadequately, where latrine location may be used to aid spatial memory, to stake a claim on access to temporally variable food resources, or to signal the local depletion of resources. Little is known about the hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), however the consensus is that they are solitary, but nonetheless deposit their feces in latrines, but without any group‐territory defense function. This provides an ideal study system to investigate how temporal and spatial variation in latrine use strategy is associated with food resource availability throughout the year. We use generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) and an information‐theoretic approach to test the hypothesis that seasonal latrine use patterns signal the resources most valued (i.e., the foraging book keeping hypothesis). We found that latrine use showed significant seasonal and habitat‐related variations, where the number of feces per latrine reached seasonal maxima in early summer but was lowest in autumn, and was significantly higher in logged forest and selectively logged forest but lowest in farmland. The intensity of latrine use exhibited a significant negative relationship with environmental food abundance, and was related to dietary output (fecal contents). That is, hog badgers invested most in ‘marking' those more limited resources, concurring with the scarce factor paradox, which asserts that the value of any commodity is a function of its rarity.