bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Egyptian Propolis: 1-Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Upper Egypt Propolis
Authors: Hegazi Ahmed G. , Hady Faten K. Abd El
Published: February 2015

The antimicrobial activity of four propolis samples collected from Upper Egypt against Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans was evaluated. There was a variation in the antimicrobial activity according to the propolis origin. Banisweif propolis showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, but Fayoum propolis had moderate activity against all tested pathogens. Propolis collected from Assiut and Souhag gave lower antimicrobial activity. Propolis samples were investigated by GC/MS, 71 compounds were identified, 14 being new for propolis. Banisweif propolis is characterized by the presence of 7 caffeate esters and 4 triterpenoids. Fayoum propolis showed the highest amount of lactic acid and the presence of 3 chalcones. But Assiut propolis is characterized by the presence of 4 prenylated coumar-ates. Souhag propolis is characterized by the presence of 5 aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and some other new compounds to propolis.
Carbohydrate Structures of Haptoglobin in Sera of Healthy People and a Patient with Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation
Authors: Ferens-Sieczkowska Miroslawa , Olczak Mariusz
Published: February 2015

Haptoglobin is one of acute phase glycoproteins often used as markers in glycopathology studies. In this work the oligosaccharide structures of haptoglobin from 'healthy' subjects have been studied in detail, taking into consideration the possible dependence of glycosylation on the phenotype. About 75% of charged haptoglobin glycans were of biantennary complex structure, and some of them lacked one terminal sialic acid molecule. Triantennary structures made up almost 25% of the charged glycans pool, and highly branched tetrasialy-lated oligosaccharides did not exceed 1%. The main difference between haptoglobin derived from the sample of pooled 44 sera and from the 2 -2 phenotype individual concerned the relative content of trisialylated oligosaccharide with one 2 -3 linked sialic acid residue. The oligosaccharide profile of haptoglobin derived from serum of a patient suffering from con­ genital disorder of glycosylation was compared to 'healthy' controls. It was shown, that four main glycans are identical in patient and 'normal' haptoglobins. Some alterations were found in the relative content of mono-, bi-, and trisialylated glycans as well as in the appearance of some tracely abundant oligosaccharides in haptoglobin of the patient with congenital dis­ order of glycosylation.
Effects of ʟ-Phenylalanine on Acetylcholinesterase, (Na+,K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase Activities in Adult Rat Whole Brain and Frontal Cortex
Authors: Tsakiris Stylianos
Published: February 2015

The effect of different L-phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations (0.12-12.1 mм) on acetylcho­ linesterase (AChE), (Na+,K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities was investigated in homogenates of adult rat whole brain and frontal cortex at 37 °C. AChE, (Na+,K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities were determined after preincubation with Phe. AChE activity in both tissues showed a decrease up to 18% (p<0.01) with Phe. Whole brain Na+,K+-ATPase was stimulated by 30-35% (p<0.01) with high Phe concentrations, while frontal cortex Na+,K+-ATPase was stimulated by 50-55% (p<0.00l). Mg2+-ATPase activity was increased only in frontal cortex with high Phe concentrations. It is suggested that: a) The inhibitory effect of Phe on brain AChE is not influenced by developmental factors, while the stimulation of Phe on brain Na+,K+-ATPase is indeed affected; b) The stimulatory effect of Phe on rat whole brain Na+,K+-ATPase is decreased with age; c) Na+,K+-ATPase is selectively more stimulated by high Phe concentrations in frontal cortex than in whole brain homogenate; d) High (toxic) Phe concentrations can affect Mg2+-ATPase activity in frontal cortex, but not in whole brain, thus modulating the amount of intracellular Mg2+.
Enhanced Nucleophilicity and Depressed Electrophilicity of Peroxide by Zinc(II), Aluminum(III) and Lanthanum(III) Ions
Authors: Nishino Satoshi , Kobayashi Teruyuki , Matsushima Hideaki , Tokii Tadashi , Nishid Yuzo
Published: February 2015

The binuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn2 (HPTP)(CH3 COO)]2+ was found highly active to cleave DNA (double-strand super-coiled DNA, pBR322 and φχ174) in the presence of hy­drogen peroxide. However, no TBARS (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) formation was detected in a solution containing 2 -deoxyribose (or 2′-deoxyguanosine, etc); where (HPTP) represents N,N,N′-N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-diamino-2-propanol. These facts imply that DNA cleavage reaction by the binuclear Zn(II)/H2O2 system should be due to a hydrolytic mechanism, which may be attributed to the enhanced nucleophilicity but depressed electrophilicity of the peroxide ion coordinated to the zinc(II) ion. DFT (density-functional theory) calculations on the peroxide adduct of monomeric zinc(II) have supported the above consideration. Similar DFT calculations on the peroxide adducts of the Al(III) and La(III) compounds have revealed that electrophilicity of the peroxide ion in these com­ pounds is strongly reduced. This gives an important information to elucidate the fact that La3+ can enhance the growth of plants under certain conditions.
A Comparative Chemical Study of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Reiss and Maytenus robusta Reiss (Celastraceae)
Authors: Niero Rivaldo , Moser Renata , Busato Ana C.B. , Filho Valdir Chechinel , Yunes Rosendo A. , Reis Ademir
Published: February 2015

This work describes a comparative qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus robusta (Celastraceae), extracts by high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC), using external standards as the method of determination and thin layer chromatographic (TLC). The results show that both plants have a similar chromatographic profile. However, M. robusta exhibited about three times higher concen tration of triterpene friedelin than M. ilicifolia.
Changes of the Brain Synapses During Aging. New Aspects
Authors: Schulpis Kleopatra , Doulgeraki Artemis , Tsakiris Stylianos
Published: February 2015

The process of brain aging is an interaction of age-related losses and compensatory mechanisms. This review is focused on the changes of the synaptic number and structure, their functional implications, regarding neurotransmission, as well as the electrical activity of neuronal circuits. Moreover, the importance of calcium homeostasis is strongly emphasized. It is also suggested that many neuronal properties are preserved, as a result of adaptive mechanisms, and that a series of interdependent factors regulate brain aging. The "new fron­ tier" in research is the challenge of understanding the effects of aging, both to prevent degen­ erative diseases and reduce their consequences. New aspects are considered a) the role of nitric oxide, b) free radicals and apoptosis, c) impaired cerebral microcirculation, d) m eta­ bolic features of aging brain, e) the possible neuroprotective role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and ovarian steroids and e) stress and aging. These numerous multifactorial approaches are essential to understand the process of aging. The more we learn about it, the more we realize how to achieve "successful" aging. M inireview
Iridoids from Avicennia marina
Authors: Shaker Kamel H. , Elgamal M. Hani A. , Seifert Karlheinz
Published: February 2015

Three new iridoid glucosides, 10-O-[(E)-cinnamoyl]-geniposidic acid, 10-O-[(E)-p-coumaroyl]- geniposidic acid, 10-O-[(E)-caffeoyl]-geniposidic acid and the known iridoid glucoside, 2′-O-[(E)-cinnamoyl]-mussaenosidic acid have been isolated from Avicennia marina. The structures were determined primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of NMR signals was performed by means of 1H - 1H COSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments.
Chemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Halimium voldii
Authors: Demetzos Costas , Perdetzoglou Dimitrios , Tan Kit
Published: February 2015

Volatile constituents and a hexane extract of the leaves of Halimium voldii Kit Tan, Perde t­zoglou & Raus, sp. nova, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Thirty compounds were iden­tified in the essential oil of Halimium representing 88.7% of the oil composition. The main components were nonanal (12.8%), dodecane (10.6%), Z-caryophyllene (8.2%), y-muuro-lene (10.9%), δ -cadidene (3.5%), caryophyllene oxide (5.1%), β-eudesmol (3.6%) and ma-noyl oxide (5.5%). Thymol was identified in the hexane extract as the main compound. A labdane diterpene ent-labd-7, 13 (E)-dien, 15-ol was detected by its mass spectra fragmenta­tion pattern and its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods and its optical rota­tion. The essential oil and the hexane extract were assayed for their antimicrobial activity against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria.
Physiological Activity of Some Organophosphorous Compounds and Their Influence on Mechanical Properties of Erythrocytes
Authors: Kleszczyńska Halina , Bonarska Dorota , Sarapuk Janusz , Bielecki Krzysztof
Published: February 2015

Hemolysis and fluidization of erythrocytes (RBC) membranes by some newly synthesized aminophosphonates as well as their potency to induce electrolyte efflux from cucumber (Cu­cumis sativus cv "Wisconsin") cotyledons were studied. Also, the chlorophyll content in aminophosphonate-treated cotyledons was affected. The compounds studied differed mainly in hydrophobicity of their substituents at the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus atoms. It was found that aminophosphonate potency to fluidize RBC membranes depended on the combination of its overall lipophilicity and/or the kind of substituent at the P atom. Espe­cially, iso-propyl groups enhanced that potency. The sequence of am inophosphonates that exhibited the strongest fluidization activity was paralelled by their physiological and hem o­ lytic activities; in the latter case for these compounds that hemolyzed RBC under used con­ centrations.

A general conclusion is that both the stereochemistry and lipophilicity determine the effi­ciency of the aminophosphonates studied. This efficiency is most probably related to the interaction of aminophosphonates with the lipid phase of biological objects.
Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Host-Specific Phytotoxins (AM-Toxin Analogs) Using a New Assay Method with Leaves from Apple Meristem Culture
Authors: Miyashita Masahiro , Nakamori Tomoko , Murai Takahiro , Yonemoto Tetsuro , Miyagawa Hisashi , Akamatsu Miki , Ueno Tamio
Published: February 2015

AM -toxins are host-specific phytotoxins of the Alternaria alternata apple pathotype, which induce necrosis on apple leaves. In this study, we developed a new assay to measure the necrotic activity of AM -toxin analogs using cultured leaves from meristem cells. This method was not only more sensitive to AM -toxin I, but also more reliable than the previous one that used tree leaves due to the homogeneous nature of cultured leaves and to the method of application of toxins. U sing this assay method we investigated a structure-activity relationship of AM -toxin analogs synthesized in this study. Most residues and the macrocyclic ring structure were strictly recognized by AM -toxin putative receptor, whereas the L-Ala binding subsite of the receptor allowed for side chain structures with various stereoelectronic properties. These findings are important for designing ligands for further experimental probing of the nature of the receptor.
Biochemical and Molecular Biological Studies on Infection (Ascochyta rabiei)- Induced Thaumatin-Like Proteins from Chickpea Plants (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Hanselle Thomas , Ichinoseb Yuki , Barz Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

A pathogenesis-related protein induced by infection with Ascochyta rabiei was purified from intercellular washing fluid of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) leaves. Amino-terminal se­quencing identified the protein, named PR-5a, as a thaumatin-like protein. The isoelectric point was determined with 6.5 and the molecular mass is 16 kDa. Therefore, chickpea PR-5a is the first dicot member of a TLP subgroup containing small TLPs with a molecular weight between 15 and 18 kDa. PR-5a shows no antifungal activity towards A. rabiei. Screen­ ing of a chickpea cDNA library led to the isolation of a cDNA clone (p5a-241) for this protein. A second cDNA clone (ELR112) encoding a TLP was isolated using differential hybridisation of cDNA libraries obtained from elicited and water treated cell suspension cultures of chickpea. The deduced protein (PR-5b) has a molecular mass of 22 kDa. PR-5b is postulated to be located in the vacuole due to the presence of a respective N-terminal signal peptide and a carboxy-terminal extension. Southern blot analyses showed that ELR112 and p5a-241 represent single copy genes. During fungal infection of chickpea plants expres­ sion of both genes proceeds much faster in an A. rabiei resistant cultivar than in a suscep­tible one.
Cross -Reactivity of the V3-Specific Antibodies with the Human C1q
Authors: Petković Marijana , Metlaš Radmila
Published: February 2015

It has been previously shown that the sequence similarity between a portion of the enve­lope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) from the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and several types of human collagen and collagen-like molecules exists. That observation led to the suggestion that the antibodies against the third hypervariable region (V3) of HIV-1 gpl20 (V3-specific antibodies) might have a role in the autoimmune phenomena observed in HIV-infected persons. In this study we have examined the cross-reactivity of the V3-specific anti­ bodies purified from sera of HIV-infected individuals, sera obtained from the rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients, as well as from the sera of healthy volun­ teers with the separate chains of a subcomponent of the first component of the human com­ plement system, C1q. Our results show that the V3-specific antibodies are present in the sera of the HIV-infected individuals, patients suffering of the systemic autoimmune diseases as well as in the sera of healthy volunteers. Whereas these antibodies appeared in the HIV+-sera after antigen challenge, those present in the H IV --sera probably represent the antibod­ ies that are cross-reactive with the antigen. V3-reactive antibodies can be purified by affinity chromatography and they were highly specific for the V3-peptide. Additionally, they showed cross-reactivity with the separate chains of the human C1q as well as with the chicken colla­ gen type VI. Possible physiological implications are discussed.
Accumulation of Lignans in Suspension Cultures of Linum mucronatum ssp. armenum (Bordz.) Davis
Authors: Konuklugil Belma , Schmidt Thomas J. , Alfermann A. Wilhelm
Published: February 2015

For the first time callus and suspension cultures of Li­num mucronatum ssp. armenum were initiated, grown in darkness at 25 °C and analyzed for lignans. 6-Methoxy-podophyllotoxin was the main lignan besides smaller amounts of podophyllotoxin isolated and identified by chromatographic methods as well as by 1H NMR.
A Novel Acetylated 3-Deoxyanthocyanidin Laminaribioside from the Fern Blechnum novae-zelandiae
Authors: Swinny Ewald E.
Published: February 2015

The major 3-deoxyanthocyanin isolated from the fern Blechnum novae-zelandiae was de­termined to be luteolinidin 5-O-β-ᴅ-[3-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-2-O-acetylglucopyranoside] and was found to co-occur with quercetin 3-O-β-ᴅ-[6-O-caffeoylglucopyranoside], quercetin 3-O-β-ᴅ-[6-O-caffeoylgalactopyranoside] and kaempferol 3-O-β-ᴅ-glucuronopyranoside. These pigments were identified by using HPLC chromatography, NMR (1ᴅ , 2ᴅ) and electrospray mass spectroscopy.
Photosynthetic Electron Transport Inhibition by Pyrimidines and Pyridines Substituted with Benzylamino, Methyl and Trifluoromethyl Groups
Authors: Ohki Shinpei , Takahashi Hideomi , Kuboyama Nobuhiro , Koizumi Kazuya , Kohno Hitoshi , van Rensen Jack J. S. , Wakabayashi Ko , Böger Peter
Published: February 2015

The decrease of the number of ring nitrogen atoms of 2-benzylamino-4-methyl-6-trifluoro-methyl-1,3,5-triazines on herbicidal activity and inhibition of photosynthetic electron trans­ port (PET) was assayed using thylakoids from Spinacia oleracea or atrazine-resistant Chenopodium album. Three 2-benzylamino-4-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-1,3,5-triazines, nine pyrimidines with a benzylamino-, methyl-and trifluoromethyl-group, 2-benzylamino-6-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-pyridine and N-benzyl-3-methyl-5-trifluoromethylaniline were synthesized and assayed. 2-(4-Bromobenzylamino)-4-methyl-6-trifluoromethylpyrimidine exhibited the highest PET inhibitory activity against Spinacia oleracea thylakoids of all compounds tested. The 2-benzylaminopyrimidines and 2-methylpyrimidines having a 4-halobenzylamino group exhibited higher PET inhibition than atrazine and 2-trifluoromethylpyrimidines against Spinacia oleracea thylakoids. These PET inhibitory active compounds also exhibited a strong and similar inhibition both against atrazine-resistant Chenopodium album thylakoids as well as against thylakoids from wild-type Chenopodium. The herbicidal activity of 4-(4-bromoben-zylamino)-2-methyl-6-trifluoromethylpyrimidine was equivalent to that of known herbicides like simetryne, simazine or atrazine.
The Oxidative Processes Induced in Cell Suspensions of Solanum Species by Culture Filtrate of Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Polkowska-Kowalczyk Lidia , Maciejewska Urszula
Published: February 2015

Solanum genotypes that differ in the level of polygenic resistance to the oomycete plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans were studied for their oxidative response to culture filtrate (CF) of the pathogen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation have been studied in the CF-treated cell suspensions derived from leaves of the resistant S. nigrum (nonhost) and 5. tuberosum cv. Bzura as well as from the susceptible S. tuberosum cv. Tarpan and clone H-8105. In both the resistant and susceptible cells the CF induced similar processes, but these varied with respect to the kinetics and intensity. In all cells probably the membrane-bound NADPH oxidase, was responsible for the ROS production. This process was more intensive and prolonged in the susceptible cells than in the resistant ones. The CF treatment slightly affected peroxidase activity in all cells studied. Lipid peroxidation that occurred as a consequence of the ROS accumulation was pronounced mainly in the susceptible cells. We suggest that lack of stringent control of the oxidative processes and sensitivity to the pathogen toxins may be decisive for limited polygenic resistance in potato.
Volatiles from Apple (Malus domestica) Eliciting Antennal Responses in Female Codling Moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Effect of Plant Injury and Sampling Technique
Authors: Bäckman Anna-Carin , Bengtsson Marie , Borg-Karlsson Anna-Karin , Liblikas Ilme , Witzgall Peter
Published: February 2015

The antennal responses of codling moth females, Cydia pomonella, to volatiles from apple branches with green fruits were recorded by electroantennography coupled to gas chroma­ tography. The antennae strongly responded to 4,8-dimethyl-1,3(E),7-nonatriene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, (E)-β-farnesene, germacrene D, (Z,E)-α-farnesene, (E,E)-α -farnesene and methyl salicylate. These compounds were all present in volatile collections on Porapak Q from both living and cut branches. Analysis by the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) showed that the emission of some electrophysiologically active compounds increased after branches had been cut, especially 4,8-dim ethyl-1,3(E),7-nonatriene, linalool and (E,E)-α-farnesene. The identification of apple volatiles eliciting antennal responses is the first step towards the identification of compounds mediating host-finding and oviposition in codling moth females.
Propolis from Chilean Matorral Hives
Authors: Muñoz Orlando , Peña Raúl C. , Ureta Enrique , Montenegro Gloria , Timmermann Barbara N.
Published: February 2015

Viscidone (0.5%), vanillin, 3',4'-(methylendioxy)acetophenone, 3-ethoxy-4-methoxybenz-aldehyde, cinnamic acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymethyl ester were isolated from propolis of hives from Cuncumen. This is the first report on propolis composition of an arid and a Mediterranean type climate area.
Effect of Prostaglandin A1 Arsenite and Aspirin on Stress Proteins Response in Mosquito Cells
Authors: de Meneses Marcelo D. F. , Rebello Moacyr A.
Published: February 2015

The stress response of eukaryotic cells is characterized by changes in the metabolism of responding cells, most notably by increased synthesis of a group of proteins known as heat shock (HSP) proteins. In this paper the effect of prostaglandin A1 (PGA1), arsenite and aspirin in Aedes albopictus cells was investigated. In cells treated with PGA1 (10 μg/ml) we observed the induction of several polypeptides with molecular masses of 87, 80, 70, 57, 29 and 23 kDa. Immunoblot analysis revealed that arsenite induces a marked synthesis of HSP70, and aspirin administered during the hyperthermic treatment caused a small increase of HSP70 synthesized.
Melanocrocin, a Polyene Pigment from Melanogaster broomeianus (Basidiomycetes)
Authors: Aulinger Katharina , Besl Helmut , Spiteller Peter , Spiteller Michael , Steglich Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

A new polyene pigment, melanocrocin, has been isolated either from fruit bodies or myce­lial cultures of the subterranean fungus Melanogaster broomeianus. The structure of the pig­ment was determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformations. Melanocrocin is the N-acyl derivative of ʟ-phenylalanine methyl ester with a polyolefinic carboxylic acid
Comparative Study of Tanacetum Species Growing in Bulgaria
Authors: Todorova Milka N. , Evstatieva Ljuba N.
Published: February 2015

Chemical investigation of the Bulgarian species Tanacetum, parthenium, T. millefolium, T. achilleifolium, T.corymbosum and T. macrophyllum afforded in addition to 24 known sesquiterpene lactones a new 12, 8-eudesmanolide 22. Besides, four known highly oxigenated terpenoids and a new keto-diol 30 of the rare iphionane skeleton were also isolated. The structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral properties. The accumulation of the different sesquiterpene lactones in the studied species and there classification is discussed
Iridoids from Scrophularia Genus
Authors: Galindez Javier de Santos , Fernández Matellano Lidia , Lanza Ana M. Díaz
Published: February 2015

We report here an updated summary about iridoid composition of a series from the genus Scrophularia which have been investigated until now from a phytochemistry point of view. In addition a list is included about iridoids isolated in our laboratory from different plant parts of Scrophularia scorodonia L.,which are compared with iridoids from some species of the Scrophularia genus. The present study may serve as a current information to researchers working on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects from the Scrophularia genus and possibly to serve as a new starting point for future investigations
Production of a Peptidoglycolipid Bioemulsifier by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Grown on Hydrocarbon
Authors: Ilori Matthew O. , Amund Dan-Israel
Published: February 2015

A strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a polluted soil was found to produce an extracellular bioemulsifier when cultivated on hexadecane as sole carbon source. The emulsifier was precipitated with acetone and redissolved in sterile water. Dodecane, crude oil and kerosene were found to be good substrates for emulsification by the bioemulsifier. Growth and bioemulsifier production reached the optimal levels on the fourth and fifth day, respectively. Emulsifying activity was observed over a pH range of 3.5 to 10.0 with a maximum at pH 7.0. The activity of the bioemulsifier was heat stable up to 70 °C while about 50 percent of its activity was retained at 100 °C. The components of the bioemulsifier were determined, it was found to contain carbohydrate, protein and lipid. The protein complex was precipitated with ammonium sulphate and fractionated on a Sephadex G-100. Gel electrophoresis of the bioemulsifier showed a single band whose molecular weight was estimated as 14,322 Da. The bioemulsifier was classified as a peptidoglycolipid. Certain strains of P. aeruginosa produce peptidoglycolipid in place of rhamnolipid
Enzyme-Catalyzed Decomposition of Dibenzoyl Peroxide in Organic Solvents
Authors: Horozova Elena , Dimcheva Nina , Jordanova Zinaida
Published: February 2015

Catalytic activity of catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), immobilized on carbon black NORIT and soot PM-100, with respect to decomposition of dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO) in non-aque-ous media (acetonitrile and tetrachloromethane), was investigated with a quantitative UV-spectrophotometrical approach. Progress of the above reaction was controlled by selected kinetic parameters: the apparent Michaelis constant (Km
app), the specific rate constant (Ksp), the activation energy (Ea), the maximum reaction rate (Vmax), and the Arrhenius’ pre-exponential factor (Z0). Conclusions on the tentative mechanism of the catalytic process observed were drawn from the calculated values of the Gibbs energy of activation (ΔG*), the enthalpy of activation (ΔH*), and entropy of activation (ΔS*)
Limonoids from the Endemic Brazilian Species Raulinoa echinata
Authors: Biavatti Maique W. , Vieira Paulo C. , Silva M. Fatima G. F. da , Fernandes João B. , Albuquerque Sérgio
Published: February 2015

Phytochemical survey of stems and leaves of the South Brazilian endemic Raulinoa echinata Cowan, Rutaceae led to the isolation of five limonoid derivatives: the widespread limonin, limonexic acid, kihadalactone B, a methoxylated limonexic acid derivative and a degraded limonoid structurally related to fraxinellone. The two latter compounds have been isolated for the first time. These compounds displayed weak inhibitory activity when assayed in vitro against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. In this paper, the isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivity of these compounds are reported
The Repellence of Aristolochia aff. orbicularis Roots against the Corn Borer Sitophilus zeamais
Authors: Rauscher Joseph , Guillén Rosa M. , Albores-Velasco Martha , González Gilberto , Vostrowsky Otto , Bestmann Hans J.
Published: February 2015

The repellence of Aristolochia aff. orbicularis root, a native of Xochipala, Guerrero, Mexico, to the corn borer Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera) was investigated. The essential oil was isolated from the aromatic root and its repellent effect was assessed. About 40 components of the oil were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and other spectroscopic methods. The repellence of the roots, the oil and the chromatography fractions were also evaluated. Some fractions had a higher repellence than the total oil
Insect Growth Regulator and Insecticidal Activity of β-Dihydroagarofurans from Maytenus spp. (Celastraceae)
Authors: Céspedes Carlos L. , Alarcón Julio , Aranda Eduardo , Becerra José , Silva Mario
Published: February 2015

From the aerial parts of Maytenus disticha, we have isolated 9β-benzoyloxy-1α,2α,6β,8α,15- penta-acetoxy-dihydro-β-agarofuran (1) and from seeds of Maytenus boaria 9β-furoyloxy-1α, 6β, 8α-triacetoxy-dihydro-β-agarofuran (2). These compounds and their MeOH and hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1 v/v) extracts were evaluated for their effects on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Toosendanin, a commercial insecticide derived from Melia azedarach was used as a positive control. When tested for activity using neonate larvae in a nochoice artificial diet bioassays, the agarofurans 1, 2 and toosendanin as well as the MeOH and hexane/EtOAc extracts caused significant growth inhibitory effects with GC50 of 7.55; 3.84; 1.75; 14.0 and 7.3 ppm at 7 days, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 caused 100% larval mortality at 25 and 15 ppm, respectively. MeOH and hexane/EtOAc extracts caused 100% larval mortality at 25.0 ppm, respectively, they also increased the development time of surviving larvae and a significant delay for the time of pupation and adult emergence. These compounds showed comparable potency of activity with toosendanin. Acute toxicity against adults of S. frugiperda was also found, for hexane/EtOAc extract and 2 had the most potent activity with LD50 value of 4.7 and 1.9 ppm, respectively. MeOH extract, hexane/EtOAc extract, 1 and 2 caused acetylcholinesterase inhibition with 78.0, 89.2, 79.3 and 100% inhibition at 15.0 ppm, respectively. Therefore, the furoyloxy agarofuran may be responsible for the insecticidal activity of these plants
Dibucaine-Induced Modification of Sodium Transport in Toad Skin and of Model Membrane Structures
Authors: Suwalsky Mario , Schneider Carlos , Villena Fernando , Norris Beryl , Cárdenas Hernan , Cuevas Francisco , Sotomayor Carlos P.
Published: February 2015

The interaction of the local anesthetic dibucaine with the isolated toad skin and membrane models is described. The latter consisted of human erythrocytes, isolated unsealed human erythrocyte membranes (IUM), large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) of dimyristoylphosphati-dylcholine (DMPC) and phospholipid multilayers built-up of DMPC and dimyristoylphos-phatidylethanolamine (DMPE), representative of phospholipid classes located in the outer and inner monolayers of the human erythrocyte membrane, respectively. Results indicate a significant decrease in the potential difference (PD) and in the short-circuit current (Isc) after the application of dibucaine in toad skin, which may be interpreted as reflecting inhibition of the active transport of ions. This finding might be explained on the basis of the results ob­ tained from fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies on membrane models. In fact, dibucaine induced structural perturbations in IUM, DMPC LUV and phospholipid multilayers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that dibucaine induced erythrocyte stomatocytosis. According to the bilayer couple hypothesis an echinocytic type of shape change would have been expected given the preferential interaction of dibucaine with DMPC. Although it is still premature to define the molecular mechanism of action of dibucaine, the experimental results confirm the important role played by the phospholipid bilayers in the association of the anesthetic with cell membranes
On the Mode of Action of Methionine Enkephalin, FK 33-824 and Naloxone in Regulating the Hemolymph Glucose Level in the Fresh Water Field Crab Oziotelphusa senex senex
Authors: Sreenivasula Reddy P. , Basha Md. Riyaz
Published: February 2015

The possible involvement of opioid system in the regulation of hemolymph glucose level in the fresh water crab Oziotelphusa senex senex Fabricius, was investigated. Opioid agonist and antagonist was also used in addition to methionine-enkephalin itself. Injection of the opioid, methionine-enkephalin and FK 33-824 significantly elevated hemolymph glucose level. In contrast, injection of naloxone in to crab resulted in decrease in hemolymph glucose level. Injection of naloxone prior to injection of methionine-enkephalin blocked the hyperglycemic action of methionine-enkephalin. Injection of methionine-enkephalin, FK 33824 and naloxone produced no significant effect on hemolymph glucose level in eyestalk-less crab. The alterations in the intact crab hemolymph glucose level hypothesised to be due to stimulation of release of hyperglycemic hormone during methionine-enkephalin and FK 33824 treatment and blocking of release of hyperglycemic hormone during naloxone treatment from the eyestalks of crab Oziotelphusa senex senex
Evaluation of Delayed Apoptotic Response in Lethally Irradiated Human Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Tsoncheva Vania L. , Kirov Krassimir S. , Valkova Christina A. , Milchev Georgi I.
Published: February 2015

To assess the lethal doses of gamma radiation and corresponding apoptotic response in new established human melanoma cell lines we exposed exponentially growing cultures to 8- 100 Gy gamma radiation. The apoptosis and cell survival were determined by trypan blue exclusion, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, colony forming assay, and long-term survival assay. The maximal DNA fragmentation 3 days after irradiation was observed in cultures irradiated with 20 Gy (36.9% TUNEL positive cells). The cultures irradiated with 50 and 100 Gy contained 18.7% and 16.4% TUNEL positive cells, respectively. Cultures exposed to 8 and 20 Gy gamma radiation recovered by week 3-4. Lethally irradiated (50 and 100 Gy) cultures which contained less apoptotic cells by day 3 died by week 5. A detectable increase in melanoma cell pigmentation after irradiation was also observed. The survival of human melanoma cell cultures after exposure to gamma radiation does not correlate with the level of apoptotic cells by day 3. At high radiation doses (> 50 Gy) when the radiation induced cell pigmentation is not inhibited the processes of apoptotic DNA fragmentation might be preferentially inactivated
The Pyoverdins of Pseudomonas sp. 96-312 and 96-318
Authors: Schlegel Karin , Fuchs Regine , Schäfer Mathias , Taraz Kambiz , Budzikiewicz Herbert , Geoffroy Valerie , Meyer Jean-Marie
Published: February 2015

The structures of the pyoverdins isolated from the Pseudomonas spp. 96-312 and 96-318 were elucidated by spectroscopic and degradation techniques. As observed before for Pseudomonas spp. producing pyoverdins with a C-terminal cyclopeptidic substructure, the two strains can recognize to some extent structurally different pyoverdins as long as they have also a similar cyclopeptidic C-terminus.
Iridoid and Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Phlomis tuberosa L.
Authors: Ersöz Tayfun , Ivancheva Stefanka , Akbay Pinar , Sticher Otto , Çalış İhsan
Published: February 2015

A new iridoid glucoside, 8-O-acetylshanzhiside (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Phlomis tuberosa, together with two known iridoid glucosides, shanzhiside methyl ester and lamalbide. The known phenylethanoid glycosides acteoside and forsythoside B were also obtained and characterized. The structure of 1 was determined by means of 1D - and 2DNMR spectroscopic evidence.
Sesquiterpenoids in Root Exudates of Solanum aethiopicum
Authors: Nagaoka Toshinori , Goto Keiko , Watanabe Ayako , Sakata Yoshiteru , Yoshihara Teruhiko
Published: February 2015

Five known sesquiterpenoids, solavetivone, lubimin, lubiminoic acid, aethione and lubiminol were isolated from the root exudates recovered from Solanum aethiopicum by a newly proposed method using charcoal. Quantitative analysis of the sesquiterpenoids in the root exudates of S. aethiopicum and S. melongena suggested that relatively large amounts of the sesquiterpenoids were exuded from the roots. Antifungal activity of the sesquiterpenoids against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae was also examined.
5,5′,6,6′-Tetrahydroxy-3,3′-biindolyl from Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Peel Extract
Authors: Kujala Tytti , Klika Karel , Ovcharenko Vladimir , Loponen Jyrki , Vienola Maarit , Pihlaja Kalevi
Published: February 2015

A compound of unusual structure was isolated from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) peel extract and identified as 5,5′ ,6,6′-tetrahydroxy-3,3′-biindolyl based on the combination of NMR and MS studies.
Phenolic Extracts from Meadowsweet and Hawthorn Flowers Have Antioxidative Properties
Authors: Sroka Zbigniew , Cisowski Wojciech , Seredyńska Magdalena , Łuczkiewicz Maria
Published: February 2015

From the flowers of meadowsweet and inflorescence of hawthorn the whole set of phenolic acids and flavonoids was analysed by TLC . Phenolic compounds were determined both as free ones and those liberated by hydrolysis. Moreover, ethyl ether and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the analysed plants before and after alkaline and enzymatic hydrolyses were evaporated under reduced pressure and residues were analysed for their antioxidative properties. The weakest antioxidative activity was observed with the remaining residue after evaporation of ethyl ether extract obtained from enzymatically (β-glucosidase) hydrolysed hawthorn inflorescence water extract. The strongest antioxidative activity was noticed with the remaining residues after evaporation of ethyl ether extracts obtained from non-hydrolysed and hydrolysed in alkaline conditions of meadowsweet flower water extracts.

The residues from meadowsweet flowers exhibited stronger antioxidative properties than residues obtained from hawthorn inflorescence and can be recommended as margarine preservatives.
Biochemical Parameters as Biomarkers for the Early Recognition of Environmental Pollution on Scots Pine Trees. II. The Antioxidative Metabolites Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, α-Tocopherol and the Enzymes Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Reductase
Authors: Schulz Horst , Härtling Sigrid
Published: February 2015

Field investigations with Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) were performed in eastern Germany, where ambient SO2, NOx and O3 concentrations differed significantly in 1992-99 at three sites, namely Neuglobsow (yearly mean SO2 in 1992: 9 μg m-3), Taura (yearly mean SO2 in 1992: 54 μg m-3 and Rösa (yearly mean SO2 in 1992: 73 μg m-3). To investigate the effects of SO2, NOx and O3 on antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, glutathione, glutathione reductase, α-tocopherol) and pigments including chlorophyll fluorescence as well as visible damage symptoms in the form of needle yellowing and tip necroses, needles of the 1st and 2nd age class from young and mature trees were collected at the sites every October. Eight years after the start of the field study in 1992, the ambient SO2 concentrations had decreased significantly at Neuglobsow (yearly mean SO2 in 1999: 4 μg m-3), Taura (yearly mean SO2 in 1999: 5 μg m-3) and Rösa (yearly mean SO2 in 1999: 5 μg m-3). NOx and O3 differed less at the three sites and showed no temporal variations. Whole needle glutathione continuously decreased, although concentrations were higher in needles of the 1 st and 2nd age class from the polluted sites Taura and Rösa than the unpolluted site Neuglobsow. The activities of glutathione reductase exhibited the same site-related differences and temporal variations and were correlated with concentrations of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). In contrast, the activities of the enzyme superoxide dismutase and the concentrations of whole needle ascorbic acid remained unchanged over the period. Only at the end of the investigation period did the concentrations of oxidized ascorbic acid (dehydroascorbate) increase in six-month-old needles at the polluted sites Taura and Rösa. Despite the clear decreases in SO2, the visible symptoms of needle tip necroses remained unchanged, especially at the polluted sites Taura and Rösa, although the needles contained higher pigment concentrations than needles from the unpolluted sites. The results of measurements with antioxidants as biomarkers for SO2-mediated stress in pine needles show that the adult Scots pine trees at the polluted sites suffered from greater oxidative stress than the needles from the less polluted site.
Effect of α-, β-and γ-Cyclodextrins on Oxygen Evolution by the Thylakoid Membrane. Influence of pH and Temperature
Authors: Sridharan Govindachary , Gaudreau Simon , Dalstein Laetitia , Huiban Christelle , Lejeune Agnès , Fragata Mário
Published: February 2015

The present work investigates the effect of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (CD), i.e., α-CD, β- CD and γ-CD, on the oxygen evolution activity, the protein content and the uv-vis spectroscopic characteristics of thylakoid membranes. To study the pH-dependence, the thylakoids were incubated with the cyclodextrins at 273 K for a period of 10 min in the pH range from 5.5 to 9.0. To study the temperature-dependence the membranes were incubated at 273 and 293 K at pH 6.5, that is, the pH which induces a maximal oxygen evolution in the thylakoid preparations. The major observations are: (i) a stimulation of oxygen evolution in thylakoids incubated with α- and β-CD either in acidic or alkaline conditions, (ii) a low inhibitory effect induced by γ-CD on oxygen evolution, (iii) a significant decrease of the stimulatory effect of α- and β-CD on oxygen evolution as the incubation temperature is raised from 273 to 293 K, (iv) the apparent inability of the cyclodextrins to change the protein contents of the thylakoids, and (v) a significant CD-induced red-shift from 681 to 683 nm observed in the absorption and second derivative spectra of the thylakoid membranes treated with β-CD. First, it was found that the temperature effect described here is in accord with the general trend of the chemical effect of various cyclodextrins, i.e., the increase of the CD efficiency with decreasing temperature. Secondly, the CD effect is related to the size of the inner cavity diameter of the cyclodextrin molecules. An important conclusion in this work is that the molecular targets of the cyclodextrins are not limited to the thylakoid lipids as was described previously [Rawyler A. and Siegenthaler P.A. (1996) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1278, 89-97], but are located as well in other molecular species exposed at the stromal side of the thylakoid membrane. In particular, the CD-induced red-shift from 681 to 683 nm in the absorption and second derivative spectra of the thylakoid membranes indicates that the cyclodextrins targets might be either the exposed heme macrocycle in cytochrome b559, or the chlorophylls and pheophytins in the pigment-proteins of the photosystems I and II.
Copper Uptake by Penicillium brevicompactum
Authors: Tsekova Kohshka , Dentcheva Vera , Ianis Maria
Published: February 2015

Penicillium brevicompactum, Copper Uptake, Kinetics The copper binding properties of Penicillium brevicompactum biomass were influenced by growth phase of mycelium and concentration of copper in reaction mixtures. The efficiency of copper uptake increased with growth time and was largest at the mid-logarithmic growth phase. The time course of copper uptake was biphasic. Double reciprocal plots of absorption velocity of copper vs. copper concentration gave straight lines at concentration between 0.5 to 4 mᴍ . The apparent affinity of copper to the biomass of the stationary growth phase was the same as that of logarithmic growth phase and Km values were about 1.4 mᴍ . Pretreatment of the mycelium with glucose increased the amount of metal uptake about five times in comparison with the controls.
A Comparison of Three Site-Directed Mutagenesis Kits
Authors: Loke Paxton , Sim Tiow-Suan
Published: February 2015

In this comparative study, three different mutagenesis kits, namely the MutaGene phagemid in vitro mutagenesis kit (Bio-Rad), the Transformerä Site-Directed mutagenesis kit (Clontech) and the Quik-change site-directed mutagenesis kit (Stratagene) were used for the mutagenesis of IPNS genes. However, a large difference in mutation efficiencies among these kits was encountered. Furthermore, these kits employ different strategies with its own individual strengths and weaknesses. Thus, a comparison among these three kits to evaluate their usefulness and improvements on the strategy adopted by the Quik-change site-directed mutagenesis kit, which was the kit of choice for our work, are presented for the benefit of research work.
Identification of Genes Induced by Taxol Application Using a Combination of Differential Display RT-PCR and DNA Microarray Analysis
Authors: Fukusaki Ei-ichiro , Oishi Takashi , Tanaka Hozumi , Kajiyama Shin-ichiro , Kobayashi Akio
Published: February 2015

The differential display reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (DD-RT-PCR) was used to hunt for cDNA fragments specifically expressed by taxol treatment of HeLa cells. Forty-eight cDNA clones were differentially displayed through the experiments. The cDNA fragments obtained were separately spotted onto glass slides to prepare a tailor-made DNA chip. The gene expression pattern of differentially displayed cDNA fragments were checked by DNA microarray analysis.
Viviparus ater Hemocyanin: Investigation of the Dioxygen-Binding Site and Stability of the Oxy- and Apo-Forms
Authors: Georgieva Dessislava Nikolova , Stoeva Stanka , Voelter Wolfgang , Genov Nicolay
Published: February 2015

The active site of Viviparus ater (mollusc) hemocyanin was investigated using the fact that the binding of dioxygen to the binuclear copper-containing sites of hemocyanins is connected with the appearance of specific dichroic bands which are very sensitive to changes in the structrure and polarity of the environment. Oxy-Viviparus ater hemocyanin exhibits near UV and visible circular dichroism spectra different from those of other molluscan and arthropo-dan hemocyanins. These differences are due probably to variations in the geometry or charge distribution in the dioxygen binding sites of the compared proteins.

The thermostability of Viviparus ater hemocyanin and the significance of the copper-dioxy-gen system for the stability were also investigated. “Melting” temperatures, Tm, of 77 °C for the oxy-hemocyanin and 57 °C for the apo-protein were calculated from the denaturation curves which demonstrates the considerable role of the binuclear active site for the thermostability. Viviparus ater hemocyanin is more thermostable than other hemocyanins for which data are published.
Structural Alteration of Erythrocyte Membrane during Storage: a Combined Electrical Conductometric and Flow-Cytometric Study
Authors: Bordi Federico , Cametti Cesare , De Luca Francesco , Gili Tommaso , Misasi Roberta , Sorice Maurizio , Circella Annapia , Garofalo Tina
Published: February 2015

Alterations in the electrical passive parameters of red blood cell membranes occurring during storage have been investigated by means of two different experimental approaches, i.e., radiowave dielectric spectroscopy measurements and flow-cytometric measurements. We observed a correlation between the appearance of phosphatidylserine molecules in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane and the occurrence of a change in the electrical passive membrane parameters. The electrical re-organization of the membrane, resulting in an increase of its conductivity and permittivity after 5 -7 days from blood storage, can be considered as a precursory event for the loss of asymmetry in the lipid distribution across red blood cell membrane.
Iridoids from Stachys grandidentata
Authors: Muñoz Orlando , Peña Raúl C. , Montenegro Gloria
Published: February 2015

Monomelittoside, melittoside, 8-acetyl-harpagide, har­pagide, ajugol, 5-desoxy-harpagide, 5-desoxy-8-acetyl-harpagide and catalpol were isolated from the aerial parts of S. grandidentata.
A Highly Substituted Germacranolide from Leontodon cichoraceus
Authors: Zidorn Christian , Ellmerer-Müller Ernst P. , Dobner Michael J. , Stuppner Hermann
Published: February 2015

A re-investigation of subaerial parts of Leontodon cichoraceus (Ten.) Sanguin. yielded the new germacrane- type sesquiterpenoid 15-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8- [p-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)phenylacetyl]-salonitenolide. The structure was established by APCI mass spectrometry and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. A survey by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS gave no signs of this compound in 23 other taxa of Leontodon.
High-Gradient Magnetic Capture of Ferrofluids: Implications for Drug Targeting and Tumor Embolization
Authors: Babincová Melánia , Babinec Peter , Bergemann Christian
Published: February 2015

One of the perspective methods of cancer chemotherapy is magnetic targeting of drugs to tumors. This task is usually accomplished using small permanent magnets attached near the desired sites. In this study a new much more effective approach is proposed which is based on a strong magnetic gradient using a ferromagnetic wire placed in a strong magnetic field. Feasibility of this approach has been evaluated by the formation of ferrofluid seals and measurement of maximum pressure the formed seal can resists. Using this method it is possible to capture even superparamagnetic particles with nanos­ize dimensions, therefore the method may have an interesting applications in biomedical sciences.