bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Structure and Permeability of Tryptophan Derivatives Across Human Intestinal Epithelial (Caco-2) Cells
Authors: Urakami Machiko , Ano Rieko , Kimura Yukitaka , Shima Motohiro , Matsuno Ryuichi , Ueno Tamio , Akamatsu Miki
Published: February 2015

ʟ-Trp and its derivatives were used as model compounds to clarify structural factors which influence the intestinal epithelial permeation and metabolism of amino-acid derivatives. Permeability of model compounds through Caco-2 cells was used as an in vitro absorption model for human intestinal epithelial cells. The influence of compound concentration, the effects of various transporter substrates on permeability coefficients, and pH dependency of permeability coefficients were investigated. The transcellular permeability of Trp and Trp-NH2 in the direction from the apical side to the basolateral side, in which nutrients and drugs were ordinarily absorbed, declined with increasing concentration and saturated at more than 1 and 0.4 mᴍ, respectively. The permeability coefficients for N-terminal protected Trp derivatives and Ac-Trp-NH2 showed similar and constant values in both from the apical-to-basolateral and basolateral-to-apical directions. In addition, significant inhibition of the apical-tobasolateral permeation of Trp by Leu and Phe was observed. The permeability coefficient ratio at pH 6.3 to that at pH 7.3 was explained by the ratio of the ionic form to the neutral form of the compounds. Based upon these results and the partition coefficients in the 1-octanol/water system, possible absorption mechanism of Trp and its derivatives across Caco- 2 cells was proposed
Quinolizidine Alkaloid Profiles of Two Taxa of Teline maderensis
Authors: Martins Alice , Wink Michael , Tei Andreas , Rauter Amélia P.
Published: February 2015

The alkaloid composition of the aerial parts of two taxa of Teline maderensis was studied by capillary GLC and GLC-MS. N-Methylcytisine was the major alkaloid found in both plants. Contents of cytisine and lupanine were higher in T. maderensis var. paivae while anagyrine content was more pronounced in T. maderensis var. maderensis. The alkaloids dehydrocytisine, N-acetylcytisine and epibaptifoline appeared only in T. maderensis var. maderensis and N-formylcytisine was identified as a minor constituent in T. maderensis var. paivae, and detected only in trace amounts in the other variety of the plant.
Root Constituents of Cichorium pumilum and Rearrangements of Some Lactucin-like Guaianolides
Authors: Kisiel Wanda , Michalska Klaudia
Published: February 2015

Two eudesmanolides, eight lactucin-like guaianolides and five phenolic compounds were isolated for the first time from roots of Cichorium pumilum, along with two previously reported eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones. Rearrangements of some lactucin-like guaianolides during isolation procedures were also discussed.
Germacrane Derivatives from Santolina pinnata subsp. neapolitana
Authors: Kisiel Wanda , Dawid-Pać Renata , Grabarczyk Halina , Nowak Gerard
Published: February 2015

From the aerial parts of Santolina pinnata subsp. neapolitana, one new and four known germacrane derivatives were isolated. The new compound was characterized as 1α,10β- epoxy-7αH-germacr-4(15)-ene-2β,5α,6β-triol by spectral methods.
Analysis of the Volatile Components of Five Turkish Rhododendron Species by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and GC-MS (HS-SPME-GC-MS)
Authors: Tasdemir Deniz , Demirci Betül , Demirci Fatih , Dönmez Ali A. , Baser K. Hüsnü Can , Rüedia Peter
Published: February 2015

Volatile constituents of various solvent extracts (n-hexane, CH2Cl2, H2O) of 15 different organs (leaves, flowers, fruits) of five Rhododendron species (Ericaceae) growing in Turkey were trapped with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 200 compounds were detected and identified from organic extracts, while the water extracts contained only traces of few volatiles. The CH2Cl2 extract of the R. luteum flowers was found to exhibit the most diverse composition: 34 compounds were identified, with benzyl alcohol (16.6%), limonene (14.6%) and p-cymene (8.4%) being the major compounds. The CH2Cl2-solubles of R. x sochadzeae leaves contained only phenyl ethyl alcohol. This study indicated appreciable intra-specific variations in volatile compositions within the genus. Different anatomical parts also showed altered volatile profiles. This is the first application of HS-SPME-GC-MS on the volatiles of Rhododendron species.
Acetylation and Silylation of Piperidine Solubilized Sporopollenin from Pollen of Typha angustifolia L.
Authors: Ahlers Friedhelm , Lambert Jörg , Wiermann Rolf
Published: February 2015

Silyl and acetyl derivatives of sporopollenin from the pollen of Typha angustifolia L. were prepared. The derivatized products were readily soluble in piperidine-d11 and could be investigated employing one- and two-dimensional proton and carbon NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy (1H,1H-COSY and 13C,1H-HETCOR techniques). For the first time, a two dimensional 13C,1H-HETCOR NMR spectrum of a sporopollenin could be obtained. The results underline the importance of derivatization techniques for obtaining two dimensional 13C-NMR spectra of sporopollenins. Moreover, piperidine turns out to be a more suitable solvent for sporopollenins than 2-aminoethanol, as it allows for higher solubilities, being important for 2D-NMR investigations. From the HETCOR and COSY spectra of the silylated and the acetylated Typha samples the occurrence of aliphatic polyhydroxy compounds as well as phenolic OH groups became evident.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Phlomis linearis Boiss. & Bal., and Biological Effects on the CAM-Assay: A Safety Evaluation
Authors: Demirci Betül , Dadandı Mehmet Y. , Paper Dietrich H. , Franz Gerhard , Başer Kemal Hüsnü Can
Published: February 2015

Phlomis linearis Boiss. & Bal. of the Lamiaceae family growing in central, east and southeast Anatolia is an endemic species for Turkey. The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts by hydro distillation was subsequently analyzed by GC/MS. The main components of the oil were found as β-caryophyllene (24.2%), germacrene D (22.3%) and caryophyllene oxide (9.2%), among 49 identified compounds, representing 94.5% of the total essential oil. The overall biological activity of the essential oil (100 μg/pellet) was tested on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the fertilized hen’s egg in order to examine the anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activity. None of the tests showed pronounced activity, toxicity or irritation at the tested concentration.
In vitro Anti-inflammatory Effect of Carthamus lanatus L.
Authors: Jalil Saima , Mikhova Bozhanka , Taskova Rilka , Mitova Maya , Duddeck Helmut , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Atta-ur-Rahman
Published: February 2015

The anti-inflammatory activity of four total extracts, their fractions and two main constituents (α-bisabolol β-ᴅ-fucopyranoside and luteolin 7-O-glucoside) of Carthamus lanatus L. aerial parts, were assessed in vitro by determining the inhibitory effects on induced human neutrophils. The dichloromethane extract and its water-alcoholic part exhibited the most significant inhibitory effects.
Investigations of Genetic Variation Between Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars Using Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR)
Authors: Kockar Feray , Ilıkcı Rahsan
Published: February 2015

Characterization and selection of olive clones for the production of olive oil is essential in Turkey because of its profitable exploitation. AP-PCR (Arbitrarily-Primed PCR) is a technique that can distinguish the genetic relationship among plant species and other organisms. In this study, AP-PCR approach was used in order to determine the genetic relationship of different six olive clones. The purity of DNA is one of the most important factors affecting the product of the AP-PCR method. In this respect, modified genomic DNA isolation procedure from Oleae europaea clones was developed so that this procedure can be used to obtain plant genomic DNA from diverse aromatic plants, which produce essential oils and secondary metabolites. By following the optimized AP-PCR amplification protocol, unique DNA fingerprint profiles for each olive clone were produced. AP-PCR-generated unique DNA fingerprint profiles can be used in the identification, distribution and diversity of various olive cultivars.
The Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of the Lichen Cetraria aculeata and Its Protolichesterinic Acid Constituent
Authors: Türk Ayşen Özdemir , Yılmaz Meral , Kıvanç Merih , Türk Hayrettin
Published: February 2015

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the acetone, diethyl ether and ethanol extracts of the lichen Cetraria aculeata has been investigated. The extracts were tested against twelve bacteria and eight fungi and found active against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes. No antimicrobial activity against the fungi was detected. It was determined that only one substance in the extracts has antimicrobial activity and it was characterized as protolichesterinic acid. The MICs of the extracts and protolichesterinic acid were also determined.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Two Rhodiola Species from Tibet
Authors: Lei Yidong , Nan Peng , Tsering Tashi , Bai Zhankui , Zhong Yang
Published: February 2015

The essential oils from rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and R. fastigiata in eastern Tibet were analyzed by using GC-MS. The major constituents were geraniol (53.3%), n-octanol (13.4%), 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (10.8%), citronellol (5.3%), 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol (4.0%), myteol (3.0%), and linalool (2.4%) for R. crenulata and geraniol (45.3%), n-octanol (12.3%), 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (8.0%), linalool (5.1%), isogeraniol (4.5%), citronellol (4.4%), and cissabinenehydrate (3.6%) for R. fastigiata.
An Antiviral Meliacarpin from Leaves of Melia azedarach L.
Authors: Alché Laura E. , Assad Ferek Guillermo , Meo Milena , Coto Celia E. , Maier Marta S.
Published: February 2015

Bioassay guided purification of the ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Melia azedarach led to the isolation of the limonoid 1-cinnamoyl-3,11-dihydroxymeliacarpin, which showed IC50 values of 6 μᴍ and 20 μᴍ for vesicular stomatitis (VSV) and herpes simplex (HSV-1) viruses, respectively. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods.
Effect of Aeration on the Production of Carotenoid Pigments by Rhodotorula rubra-lactobacillus casei Subsp. casei Co-Cultures in Whey Ultrafiltrate
Authors: Simova Emilina D. , Frengova Ginka I. , Beshkova Dora M.
Published: February 2015

Under intensive aeration (1.3 l/l min) the associated growth of Rhodotorula rubra GED2 and Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei in cheese whey ultrafiltrate (55 g lactose/l) proceeded effectively for both cultures with production of maximum carotenoids (12.4 mg/l culture fluid). For maximum amount of carotenoids synthesized in the cell, the yeast required more intensive aeration than the aeration needed for synthesis of maximum concentration of dry cells. Maximum concentration of carotenoids in the cell (0.49 mg/g dry cells) was registered with air flow rate at 1.3 l/l min, and of dry cells (27.0 g/l) at 1.0 l/l min. An important characteristic of carotenogenesis by Rhodotorula rubra GED2 + Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei was established - the intensive aeration (above 1.0 l/l min) stimulated β-carotene synthesis (60% of total carotenoids).
Microbiological and Chemical Transformations of Argentatin B
Authors: Maatooq Galal T.
Published: February 2015

Argentatin B is a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpene isolated from Parthenium argentatum x P. tomentosa. It was microbiologically transformed to 16, 24-epoxycycloartan-3α, 25- diol, (isoargentatin D), by Nocardia corallina var. taoka ATCC 31338, Mycobacterium species NRRL B3683 and Septomyxa affinis ATCC 6737. The later microbe also produced 16, 24- epoxycycloartan-3β, 25-diol (argentatin D) and 1, 2-didehydroargentatin B, (isoargentatin D). Sodium hydroxide converted argentatin B to argentatin D and isoargentatin D. Hydrochloric acid treatment gave cycloartan-25-ol-3, 24-dione. Cerium sulfate/sulfuric acid/aqueous methanol induced scission of the isopropanol moiety and provided an isomeric mixture of 24-methoxy-25-27-trinorargentatin B. Oxidation of this isomeric mixture with pyridinium chlorochromate, selectively, attacked the isomer with the equatorial proton at position-24 to give the corresponding lactone, 24-oxo-25-27-trinorargentatin B. The produced compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods.
Lactoferrin-Protector against Oxidative Stress and Regulator of Glycolysis in Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Maneva Ana , Taleva Borislava , Maneva Lilia
Published: February 2015

Binding of lactoferrin (Lf) to its membrane receptors requires an electron for the reduction of Fe3+LF to Fe2+LF. It is possible that glyceraldehyde D3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a glycolytic enzyme part of the erythrocyte membrane, delivers that electron. Then Lf, obtaining an electron from the coenzyme NADH, might stimulate glycolysis, which requires the oxidised state of the coenzyme NAD+. Such possibility is supported by the finding that another extracellular e- acceptor - potassium ferricyanide activates glycolysis by the similar mechanism. Present results show that ferricyanide inhibited the specific 59Fe-lactoferrin binding to its erythrocyte membrane receptors. It may be assumed that ferricyanide competes with lactoferrin for an electron which leads to decrease of the binding of 59Fe-lactoferrin to its receptors. Lactoferrin (50 and 100 nm), similar to ferricyanide, increased the accumulation of lactate (respectively by 25% and 30%). These results support the assumption that ferricyanide and lactoferrin are final acceptors of a common electron transport chain connected with the regulation of glycolysis.

We established an antioxidative effect of lactoferrin on erythrocytes, which was expressed as: a) an influence on content and on activity of intracellular antioxidants - namely an enhancement of the content of reduced glutathione; b) a decreased content both of products of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and hemolysis under normal conditions and oxidative stress.

Lactoferrin is capable to bind metal ions and thus to block their catalytic participation in the oxidative disturbances of the membrane. In most of our experiments there were no metal ions in the incubation mixtures (except those stimulating oxidative stress). Our results showed that Lf limited both the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hemolysis in the absence of metal ions in the media, as well as in their presence. These facts suggest that probably the antioxidative property of lactoferrin is glycolysis stimulation, leading to increased formation of ATP, which is necessary to maintain the ion gradient, membrane potential and morphology of the erythrocyte.
Structural Characteristics of a Bioactive Polysaccharide from Sorghum arundinaceum
Authors: Silva Bernadete P. da , Silva Graziela M. , Parente José P.
Published: February 2015

A polysaccharide, an α-ᴅ -glucan with an apparent molecular weight of 6.85×104, called PSa glucan, was isolated from fresh seeds of Sorghum arundinaceum by fractionation on Sephacryl S-300 HR and Sephadex G-25. Chemical and spectroscopic studies indicated that it has a highly branched glucan type structure composed of α-(154) linked d-glucopyranose residues with (1→3), (1→6) branching points, and a significant amount of α-(1→6) branching to α-(1→3) linked ᴅ -glucopyranose residues. The anti-inflammatory activity of the polysaccharide was performed using the capillary permeability assay.
Influence of the Dilution Rate on the Bioproductivity of Lactose-Utilizing Yeasts: Fuzzy Logic Modeling
Authors: Vassileva Svetla , Tzvetkova Bonka
Published: February 2015

The studied problem is of commercial interest because whey, the cultivation substrate, is a waste by-product from the transformation of milk into cheese and casein. Investigations on the influence of the dilution rate (D) on the bioproductivity of lactose-utilizing yeasts were carried out with two model strains D the oxidative strain Candida blankii 35 and the fermentative strain Candida pseudotropicalis 11. The increase of D led to the different changes in productivity. The best synthesizing ability of both continuously cultivated strains is established at D = 0.4 [h-1] despite the different type of metabolism. The oxidative strain C. blankii 35 is more effective in comparison with the fermentative strain C. pseudotropicalis 11 because of its ability to synthesize 1.5 fold higher biomass and protein yields. These experimental facts were proved also by simulative research with a Fuzzy Knowledge-Based System (FKBS) developed for modeling the influence of D on several process variables.
Minisequencing on Functionalised Self-Assembled Monolayer as a Simple Approach for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis of Cattle
Authors: Du Weidong , Cieplik Michael , Durstewitz Gregor , Sarkar Chandra Mohan , Kruschina Margit , Fries Rudi , Ortigao Flavio Ramalho
Published: February 2015

We have developed a genetic barcode module, based on a parallel sorting facility of single nucleotide polymorphism for secure individual identification of cattle. Biotinylated allelespecific oligonucleotides were immobilized onto the predefined spots of streptavidin tethered self-assembled monolayers with long chain alkanethiols on biochips. The target DNAs for hybridization and subsequent on-chip minisequencing were produced by multiplex PCR method. After enzymatic extension, only the moiety-modified dideoxynucleotide triphosphate, when coupled to its complementary target sequence, could be detected by the corresponding antibody to the moiety in a specific and sensitive manner. The database SNPZoo was developed for storage of the sequence information consisting of cytosine/thymidine patterns. This SNP chip system can further be used in the detection of any replaceable point mutations occurring in the human and animal genes.
Anasterocerebroside A, a New Glucosylceramide from the Patagonian Starfish Anasterias minuta
Authors: Chludil Hugo D. , Seldes Alicia M. , Maier Marta S.
Published: February 2015

Eight glucosylceramides (1-8) were isolated from the water-insoluble lipid fraction of a methylene chloride/methanol/water extract of the Patagonian starfish Anasterias minuta. One of the constituents was identified as a new glucosylceramide, anasterocerebroside A (1), while the known glucosylceramide 7 was isolated and characterized for the first time as a pure compound. The structures of 1 and 7 were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods.
Triterpenoid Saponins from Atriplex semibaccata
Authors: Shaker Kamel H. , Dockendorff Katja , Seifert Karlheinz
Published: February 2015

Four new triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-{[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl}- 11α-methoxy-23-hydroxylongispinogenin, 3-O-{[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl}- 11α-methoxy-23,29-dihydroxylongispinogenin, 3-O-{[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl}- 29-hydroxysaikogenin F and 3-O-{[β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-ᴅ-galactopyranosyl}- saikogenin F, have been isolated from Atriplex semibaccata. The structures were determined primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of NMR signals was performed by means of 1H-1H COSY, ROESY, HMQC and HMBC experiments.
Hormonemate, a New Cytotoxic and Apoptosis-Inducing Compound from the Endophytic Fungus Hormonema dematioides. I. Identification of the Producing Strain, and Isolation and Biological Properties of Hormonemate
Authors: Filip Patrick , Weber Roland W. S. , Sterner Olov , Anke Timm
Published: February 2015

In a search for new fungal compounds inducing apoptosis of the colon cancer derived cell line COLO-320, hormonemate (1) was purified from fermentations of an endophytic fungus isolated from living needles of a Pinus species. The producing strain was identified as Hormonema dematioides by microscopy and ITS rDNA sequence analysis. The structure of hormonemate was determined by spectroscopic methods. The compound exhibited cytotoxic effects against the human colon tumor cell lines COLO-320, DLD-1 and HT-29 as well as five other human cell lines (HL-60, JURKAT, HEP-G2, MCF-7, HeLa S3). It also induced apoptosis in COLO-320 cells as detected by a caspase-activity assay and morphological changes, and it triggered morphological and physiological differentiation of HL-60 cells into granulocytes, which subsequently died by apoptosis.
Flavonoids and Phenol Carboxylic Acids in the Oriental Medicinal Plant Astragalus membranaceus Acclimated in Poland
Authors: Matkowski Adam , Woźniak Dorota , Lamer-Zarawska Eliza , Oszmiański Jan , Leszczyńska Anna
Published: February 2015

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge has been was successfully acclimated in Central Europe. We report the content of isoflavones and some other polyphenolic compounds in roots and aerial parts that have been analyzed by means of TLC and HPLC.

The total amount of isoflavones in leaves, was 0.55 mg g-1 dry weight, and of the flavonols - up to 3.54 mg g-1. In the roots isoflavonoid content was extremely variable, but reached 3.04 mg g-1, whereas flavonols content was 0.49 mg g-1.
Rhoiptelenol and Rhoiptelenone, Two Pentacyclic Triterpenes from Sideritis macrostachya
Authors: Fraga Braulio M. , Reina Matías , Luis Javier G. , Rodríguez Matías L.
Published: February 2015

The pentacyclic triterpenes rhoiptelenol and rhoiptelenone have been isolated from Sideritis macrostachya. Rhoiptelenone is a new natural compound, whose structure has been determined as D:B-friedo-urs-5-en-3-one. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of rhoiptelenol, rhoiptelenol acetate and glutinol have been reassigned. The natural occurrence of the D:B-friedoursene and D:B-friedo-oleanene derivatives has been examined.
Chemical Composition of the Fixed and Volatile Oils of Nigella sativa L. from Iran
Authors: Nickavar Bahman , Mojab Faraz , Javidnia Katayoun , Amoli Mohammad Ali Roodgar
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the extracted fixed oil (total fatty acid composition) and volatile oil of Nigella sativa L. seeds grown in Iran were determined by GC and GC/MS. Eight fatty acids (99.5%) and thirty- two compounds (86.7%) have been identified in the fixed and volatile oils, respectively. The main fatty acids of the fixed oil were linoleic acid (55.6%), oleic acid (23.4%), and palmitic acid (12.5%). The major compounds of the volatile oil were trans-anethole (38.3%), p-cymene (14.8%), limonene (4.3%), and carvone (4.0%).
Tyrosinase Inhibition Kinetics of Anisic Acid
Authors: Kubo Isao , Chen Qing-Xi , Nihei Ken-Ichi , Calderón José S. , Céspedes Carlos L.
Published: February 2015

Anisic acid (p-methoxybenzoic acid) was characterized as a tyrosinase inhibitor from aniseed, a common food spice. It inhibited the oxidation of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (ʟ- DOPA) catalyzed by tyrosinase with an IC50 of 0.60 mᴍ. The inhibition of tyrosinase by anisic acid is a reversible reaction with residual enzyme activity. This phenolic acid was found to be a classical noncompetitive inhibitor and the inhibition constant KI was obtained as 0.603 mᴍ. Anisic acid also inhibited the hydroxylation of ʟ-tyrosine catalyzed by tyrosinase. The lag phase caused by the monophenolase activity was lengthened and the steady-state activity of the enzyme was decreased by anisic acid.
Elucidation of Endemic Neurodegenerative Diseases - a Commentary
Authors: Nishida Yuzo
Published: February 2015

Recent investigations of scrapie, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and chronic wasting disease (CWD) clusters in Iceland, Slovakia and Colorado, respectively, have indicated that the soil in these regions is low in copper and higher in manganese, and it has been well-known that patients of ALS or Parkinson’s disease were collectively found in the New Guinea and Papua islands, where the subterranean water (drinking water) contains much Al3+ and Mn2+ ions. Above facts suggest that these neurodegenerative diseases are closely related with the function of a metal ion.

We have investigated the chemical functions of the metal ions in detail and established the unique mechanism of the oxygen activation by the transition metal ions such as iron and copper, and pointed out the notable difference in the mechanism among iron, aluminum and manganese ions. Based on these results, it has become apparent that the incorporation of Al(III) or Mn(II) in the cells induces the “iron-overload syndrome”, which is mainly due to the difference in an oxygen activation mechanism between the iron ion and Al(III) or the Mn(II) ion. This syndrome highly promotes formation of hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide thus produced can be a main factor to cause serious damages to DNA and proteins (oxidative stress), yielding a copper(II)-or manganese(II)-peptide complex and its peroxide adduct, which are the serious agents to induce the structural changes from the normal prion protein (PrPC) to abnormal disease-causing isoforms, PrPSc, or the formation of PrP 27Ð30 (abnormal cleavage at site 90 of the prion protein).

It seems reasonable to consider that the essential origin for the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) should be the incorporation and accumulation of Al(III) and Mn(II) ions in the cells, and the sudden and explosive increase of scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the last decade may be partially due to “acid rain”, because the acid rain makes Al(III) and Mn(II) ions soluble in the subterranean aquifers.
A New Sweet Dihydrochalcone-Glucoside from Leaves of Lithocarpus pachyphyllus (Kurz) Rehd. (Fagaceae)
Authors: Qin Xiang-Dong , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: February 2015

A new sweet dihydrochalcone-glucoside, trilobatin 2″- acetate (1), was isolated from the leaves of Lithocarpus pachyphyllus, together with phlorizin and trilobatin. The structures were established by spectroscopic methods, including one- and two-dimensional NMR (COSY, HMQC and HMBC).
Composition and the in vitro Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils of some Thymus Species
Authors: Azaz Ayse Dilek , Irtem Huseyin Alper , Kurkcuoǧlu Mine , Can Baser Kemal Husnu
Published: February 2015

The genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) is represented by 38 species (64 taxa) in Turkey, and 24 of which are endemic to Turkey. Aerial parts of Thymus longicaulis subsp. chaubardii var. chaubardii, T. zygioides var. lycaonicus, T. longicaulis subsp. longicaulis var. subisophyllus and T. pulvinatus collected from three different localities in Balikesir province were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield essential oils which were subsequently analysed by GC and GC/ MS. The main constituents of the oils were identified, and antimicrobial bioassay was applied. Thymol (56.6%, 42.8%, 36.9%) was the main component in the oils of T. longicaulis subsp. chaubardii var. chaubardii (chemotype I), T. longicaulis subsp. chaubardii var. chaubardii (chemotype II) and T. zygioides var. lycaonicus respectively. The oil of T. longicaulis subsp. longicaulis var. subisophyllus contained carvacrol (60.0%) and the oil of T. pulvinatus borneol (27.9%) as main constituents.
Antimicrobial Activity of N-Alkoxycarbonylmethyl-N-alkyl-piperidinium Chlorides
Authors: Woźniak Edyta , Mozrzymas Anna , Czarny Anna , Kocięba Maja , Różycka-Roszak Bożenna , Dega-Szafran Zofia , Dulewicz Ewa , Petryna Magdalena
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to assay antibacterial and antifungal activity of newly synthesised N-alkoxycarbonylmethyl-N-alkyl-piperidinium chlorides. The compounds tested were found to inhibit the growth of some Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive strains and some representatives of yeast-type Candida. From microbiological experiments two of the compounds tested, N-dodecyloxycarbonylmethyl-N-methyl-piperidinium chloride (3) and N-dodecyl-Nethoxycarbonylmethyl- piperidinium chloride (6), emerged as more active than the other compounds. Since the resistance of biofilms to biocides should be noted during the design and testing of new antimicrobial agents therefore, we have analysed antibacterial properties of the most active compounds towards biofilms. Our study focused on strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus that served as main model organisms for the biofilm studies.
Antifungal Activity of the Carrot Seed Oil and its Major Sesquiterpene Compounds
Authors: Jasicka-Misiak Izabela , Lipok Jacek , Nowakowska Ewa M. , Wieczorek Piotr P. , Młynarz Piotr , Kafarski Paweł
Published: February 2015

Carrot seed oil is the source of the carotane sesquiterpenes carotol, daucol and β-caryophyllene. These sesquiterpenic allelochemicals were evaluated against Alternaria alternata isolated from the surface of carrot seeds cultivar Perfekcja, a variety widely distributed in horticultural practise in Poland. Alternaria alternata is one of the most popular phytotoxic fungi infesting the carrot plant. The strongest antifungal activity was observed for the main constituent of carrot seed oil, carotol, which inhibited the radial growth of fungi by 65% at the following concentration.
Effects of Theobroxide, a Natural Product, on the Level of Endogenous Jasmonoids
Authors: Yang Qing , Gao Xiquan , Fujino Yumiko , Matsuura Hideyuki , Yoshihara Teruhiko
Published: February 2015

The natural potato microtuber inducing substance, theobroxide, strongly induces the formation of tuber of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and flower bud of morning glory (Pharbitis nil) plants under non-inducing conditions (long days) (Yoshihara et al., 2000). In the present study, theobroxide was evaluated for its effect on the level of endogenous jasmonoids in different tissues of such two plants. An in vitro bioassay using cultures of single-node segments of potato stems was performed with the supplement of theobroxide in the medium. The endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and its analogue tuberonic acid (TA, 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid) in segments and microtubers were quantitatively analyzed. The increase in the endogenous JA level caused by theobroxide was observed in both segments and microtubers. Endogenous TA was only detected in segments, and the content increased with the concentration of theobroxide. As for morning glory, the whole plant was sprayed with theobroxide for 1 ~ 5 weeks under different photoperiods and endogenous JA in the leaves was quantitatively analyzed. Theobroxide spraying increased the level of endogenous JA in the leaves of the plants grown under both long and short days.
Up-regulation of Pathogenesis-related Proteins in the Apoplast of Malus domestica after Application of a Non-pathogenic Bacterium
Authors: Kürkcüoglu Sophia , Piotrowski Markus , Gau Achim E.
Published: February 2015

The intercellular washing fluid (IWF) of Malus domestica cv. Holsteiner Cox before and after application of the non-pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens Bk3 to the leaves was investigated in a comparative manner. SDS-PAGE in combination with ESI Q-ToF mass spectrometry, and homology search in relevant data bases revealed the highly up-regulated expression of several pathogenesis-related plant proteins in the apoplast of the leaves treated with P. fluorescens. These proteins were β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, thaumatin-like protein, ribonuclease-like protein, and a hevein-like protein. Moreover, a 9 kDa non-specific lipid transfer protein was significantly reduced after the application of P. fluorescens. The possible relevance of a pre-treatment of apple cultivars with the non-pathogenic bacterium P. fluorescens Bk3, as an alternative method to the treatment with fungicides, for increasing the resistance of susceptible apple cultivars against an infection with the fungus Venturia inaequalis is discussed.
Role of Salicylic Acid in Tomato Defense against Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner
Authors: Peng Jinying , Deng Xiaojun , Jia Shihai , Huang Jianhua , Miao Xuexia , Huang Yongping
Published: February 2015

We investigated the role of the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway in defense responses of tomato plants to the herbivore, cotton bollworm. After exposure to the cotton bollworm, tomato leaves rapidly accumulated a high level of SA. The transcription of PR1 and BGL2 genes, the marker genes of SA pathway, was up-regulated. An enhanced endogenous SA level was accompanied by an increase in the endogenous H2O2 level as compared with controls. Spraying tomato plants with a solution containing either SA or methyl salicylic acid (Me-SA), the H2O2 level dramatically increased. These data proved that the SA pathway was involved in the tomato plant defense responses to the herbivore.
Comparison of Tropane Alkaloid Spectra Between Datura innoxia Grown in Egypt and Bulgaria
Authors: Berkova Strahil , Zayed Rawia
Published: February 2015

The alkaloid spectra of Datura innoxia plants grown in Egypt and Bulgaria were investigated by GC-MS. Thirty-eight alkaloids were detected in the roots, leaves and fruits of the plants. Five new alkaloids for D. innoxia are reported. Alkaloid spectra of Egyptian and Bulgarian plants differ significantly in respect to their alkaloid composition and main alkaloids accumulated in the plant organs.
Malate Accumulation in Different Organs of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Following Age-dependent or Salinity-triggered CAM Metabolism
Authors: Libik Marta , Pater Beata , Elliot Stewart , Ślesak Ireneusz , Miszalski Zbigniew
Published: February 2015

Different organs of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum exhibit differing levels of CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism), identifiable by quantification of nocturnal malate accumulation. Shoots and also basal parts of young leaves were observed to accumulate high concentrations of malate. It was typically found in mature leaves and especially prominent in plants subjected to salt stress. Small amount of nocturnal malate accumulation was found in roots of M. crystallinum plants following age-dependent or salinity-triggered CAM. This is an indication that malate can be also stored in non-photosynthetic tissue. Measurements of catalase activity did not produce evidence of the correlation between activity of this enzyme and the level of malate accumulation in different organs of M. crystallinum although catalase activity also appeared to be dependent on the photoperiod. In all material collected at dusk catalase activity was greater than it was observed in the organs harvested at dawn.
Wulfenia carinthiaca Jacq., Antioxidant and Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Cervellati Rinaldo , Speroni Ester , Govoni Paolo , Guerra Maria Clelia , Costa Stefano , Arnold Ulrike W. , Stuppner Hermann
Published: February 2015

Relative antioxidant activities of a methanolic extract of three phenylpropanoid glycosides and three iridoid glycosides from Wulfenia carinthiaca were evaluated using the Briggs- Rauscher (BR) reaction method. This method is based on the inhibitory effects by antioxidants on oscillations of the BR reaction. The total extract showed a certain antioxidant activity with respect to resorcinol chosen as standard. The three phenylpropanoid glycosides showed a very high relative antioxidant activity while iridoid glycosides had practically no activity. These experimental results were confirmed by empirical calculations based on the BDE (Bond Dissociation Enthalpy) theory. The total phenolic content was also measured for the phenylpropanoid glycosides using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The obtained values as gallic acid equivalents were in perfect agreement with the relative antioxidant activities. From a pharmacological point of view the results obtained demonstrate that the methanolic extract of W. carinthiaca have antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects in the different models adopted. The plant extract produced a significant inhibition, dose related, of the rat paw edema induced by carrageenin. The anti-inflammatory activity is probably due to the phenylpropanoid compounds present in the plant. The histological sections of paw tissue in animals treated with Wulfenia carinthiaca extract confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects. The results of the antinociceptive assay indicated a significant reduction on the number of abdominal writhes of mice, induced by acetic acid.
Optimization of a Chemical Attractant for Epicometis (Tropinota) hirta Poda
Authors: Tóth Miklós , Schmera Dénes , Imrei Zoltán
Published: February 2015

In field trapping tests in Hungary cinnamyl alcohol (3-phenyl-2-propen-1-ol) and transanethole [(1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)benzene)] attracted significantly more adult Epicometis (Tropinota) hirta (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) when presented together in the same bait compared to the single compounds. Best attraction was recorded by a 1:1 mixture. Addition of other common floral scent compounds, i.e. 3-methyl eugenol, 4-methoxy-cinnamaldehyde, anisylacetone, β-ionone, cinnamyl acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, indole, 2-phenylethanol or phenylacetaldehyde did not influence catches. The binary cinnamyl alcohol/ trans-anethole bait described in this study is recommended for use in traps of E. hirta for agricultural purposes.
Half-inhibition Concentrations of New Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Zdražilová Pavla , Štĕpánková Šárka , Komers Karel , Ventura Karel , Čegan Alexander
Published: February 2015

The power of chosen carbamates and hydrazinium derivatives (carbazates) to inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine by butyrylcholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase was tested. The determined pI50 values (= negative logarithm of the molar concentration inhibiting the enzyme activity by 50%) of the tested substances were compared with pI50 values of the commercially used drugs for the Alzheimer’s disease treatment - rivastigmine and galanthamine.
Antifungal Activity of Oosporein from an Antagonistic Fungus against Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Nagaoka Toshinori , Nakata Kengo , Kouno Kenji
Published: February 2015

An antifungal metabolite, oosporein, was isolated from the culture of Verticillium psalliotae that produced the antagonistic effects on Phytophthora infestans. Oosporein exhibited a significant growth-inhibitory effect on P. infestans in comparison with other phytopathogenic fungi.
Free Radical Scavengers and Antioxidants from Tagetes mendocina
Authors: Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Tapia Alejandro , Theoduloz Cristina , Rodríguez Jaime , López Susana , Feresin Gabriela Egly
Published: February 2015

Tagetes mendocina (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in the Andean provinces of Argentina. Preliminary assays showed free radical scavenging activity in the methanol extract of the aerial parts, measured by the decoloration of a methanolic solution of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and scavenging of the superoxide anion. Assayguided isolation led to 4′-hydroxyacetophenone (1), protocatechuic acid (2), syringic acid (3), patuletin (4), quercetagetin 7-O-β-d-glucoside (5), patuletin 7-O-β-d-glucoside (6) and axillarin 7-O-β-d-glucoside (7) as the free radical scavengers and antioxidant compounds from Tagetes mendocina. On the basis of dry starting material, the total phenolic content of the crude drug was 3.00% with 0.372% of flavonoids. The content of compounds 1-7 in the crude drug was 0.008, 0.015, 0.010, 0.029, 0.238, 0.058 and 0.017%, respectively. Quercetagetin 7-O-β-d-glucoside proved to be the main free radical scavenger of the extracts measured by the DPPH decoloration test as well as for quenching the superoxide anion and inhibition of lipoperoxidation in erythrocytes. In the lipid peroxidation assay the percentual inhibition was related with the number of methoxy groups in the molecule, ranging from 86% for the quercetagetin glucoside to 67% for the monomethoxylated and 31% for the dimethoxylated derivative. The compounds showed low cytotoxicity towards human lung fibroblasts with IC50 > 1mᴍ for compounds 1-3 and 0.24 to 0.52 mm for the flavonoids 4-7.
Tulasnein and Podospirone from the Coprophilous Xylariaceous Fungus Podosordaria tulasnei
Authors: Ridderbusch Daniela C. , Weber Roland W. S. , Anke Timm , Sterner Olov
Published: February 2015

Tulasnein (1), a new metabolite with strong antimicrobial and weaker cytotoxic and phyto­toxic activity, was isolated from culture filtrates of three strains of the xylariaceous coprophilous fungus Podosordaria tulasnei. The producing strains were identified by their rhizomorphs and by ITS rDNA sequence analysis. A second new metabolite, podospirone (2), was also produced by all three strains whereas the weakly cytotoxic (+)-3,4-anhydroshikimic acid methyl ester (3) was detected in only one strain.
The Effect of Alkylresorcinol on Lipid Metabolism in Azotobacter chroococcum
Authors: Rejman Joanna , Kozubek Arkadiusz
Published: February 2015

We studied the effect of exogenous alkylresorcinols on the lipid metabolism of Azotobacter chroococcum. We observed that when 5-n-pentadecylresorcinol was present in the growth medium, the more endogenous alkylresorcinols were synthesized. Concurrently, a drop in the amount of phospholipids was observed. These changes were associated with increasing numbers of dormant cysts, while the number of vegetative cells diminished. The chemical nature of the alkylresorcinols synthesized by Azotobacter chroococcum was dependent on the duration of exposure of the bacteria to exogenous alkylresorcinols. When the exposure time was prolonged to four days, 5-n-nonadecylresorcinol (C 19:0) was substituted by 5-nheneicosylresorcinol (C 21:0) and 5-n-tricosylresorcinol (C 23:0). Two fluorescent membrane probes, NBD-PE and TMA-DPH, further revealed that the presence of alkylresorcinols in the lipid bilayer restrains the phospholipid rotational motion.
Salt-stress Induced Alterations in Protein Profile and Protease Activity in the Mangrove Bruguiera parviflora
Authors: Parida Asish Kumar , Das Anath Bandhu , Mittra Bhabatosh , Mohanty Prasanna
Published: February 2015

Two-month-old seedlings of Bruguiera parvifora were treated with varying levels of NaCl (100, 200 and 400 mᴍ) under hydroponic culture. Total proteins were extracted from leaves of control and NaCl treated plants after 7, 14, 30 and 45 d of treatment and analysed by SDS-PAGE. As visualized from SDS-PAGE, the intensity of several protein bands of molecular weight 17, 23, 32, 33 and 34 kDa decreased as a result of NaCl treatment. The degree of decrease of these protein bands seemed to be roughly proportional to the external NaCl concentration. The most obvious change concerned a 23 kDa-polypeptide (SSP-23), which disappeared after 45 d treatment in 400 mm NaCl. Moreover, the SSP-23 protein, which disappeared in B. parviflora under salinity stress, reappeared when these salinized seedlings were desalinized. These observations suggest the possible involvement of these polypeptides for osmotic adjustment under salt stress. NaCl stress also caused an increase in the activity of both acid and alkaline protease. The increasing activity of proteases functions as a signal of salt stress in B. parviflora, which induces the reduction of protein level.
Cytotoxic Activity of Pisosterol, a Triterpene Isolated from Pisolithus tinctorius (Mich.: Pers.) Coker & Couch, 1928
Authors: Montenegro Raquel Carvalho , Jimenez Paula C. , Feio Farias Rômulo Augusto , Andrade-Neto Manoel , Silva Bezerra Franciglauber , Moraes Maria Elisabete A. , Odorico de Moraes Manoel , Pessoa Cláudia , Costa-Lotufo Letícia V.
Published: February 2015

Pisolithus tinctorius (Basidiomycete) is an ectomicorrhizal fungus found in the roots and soil surrounding of many species of eucalyptus and pine trees. The present work verified the cytotoxic potential of pisosterol, a triterpene isolated from P. tinctorius collected in the Northeast region of Brazil, on three different animal cell models: mouse erythrocytes, sea urchin embryos and tumor cells. Pisosterol lacked activity on mouse erythrocytes as well as on the development of sea urchin eggs, but strongly inhibited the growth of all seven tumor cell lines tested, especially the leukemia and melanoma cells (IC50 of 1.55, 1.84 and 1.65 μg/ ml for CEM, HL-60 and B16, respectively). The results found for pisosterol were compared with those of doxorubicin and etoposide
Complement Inhibiting Properties of Dragon’s Blood from Croton draco
Authors: Tsacheva Ivanka , Rostan Joerg , Iossifova Tania , Vogler Bernhard , Odjakova Mariela , Navas Hernan , Kostova Ivanka , Kojouharova Michaela , Kraus Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

The latex of Croton draco, its extracts and several latex components have been investigated for their influence on both classical (CP) and alternative (AP) activation pathways of the complement system using a hemolytic assay. The best inhibition was found for the classical pathway. The latex, ethyl acetate and ethyl ether extracts exhibited extremely high inhibition on the CP (94, 90 and 77%, respectively) at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. The flavonoid myricitrin, the alkaloid taspine and the cyclopeptides P1 and P2 showed high inhibition on CP (83, 91, 78 and 63%, respectively) at a concentration of 0.9 mм.
Quantitative Changes of Secondary Metabolites of Matricaria chamomilla by Abiotic Stress
Authors: Eliašová Adriana , Repčák Miroslav , Pastírová Andrea
Published: February 2015

The responses of young plants of diploid and tetraploid Matricaria chamomilla cultivars to abiotic stress were studied. The course of quantitative changes of main leaf secondary metabolites was evaluated within an interval from 6 h before to 54 h after spraying the leaf rosettes with aqueous CuCl2 solution. The content of herniarin in the treated plants rose approximately 3 times, simultaneously with a decline of its precursor (Z)- and (E)-2-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyloxy- 4-methoxycinnamic acid. The highest amounts of umbelliferone in stressed plants exceeded 9 times and 20 times those observed in control plants of the tetraploid and diploid cultivar, respectively. Due to stress the concentration of ene-yne-dicycloether in leaves decreased by more than 40%. The pattern of quantity changes of the examined compounds in tetraploid and diploid plants was similar.
The Antiproliferative Agents trans-Bis(resorcylaldoximato) copper(II) and trans-Bis(2,3,4- trihydroxybenzaldoximato)copper(II) and Cytopathic Effects of HIV
Authors: Elo Hannu
Published: February 2015

trans-Bis(resorcylaldoximato)copper(II) and trans-bis- (2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldoximato)copper(II) (CuRES2 and CuTRI2, respectively) have been tested for antiviral properties against HIV, using an in vitro assay that measures the ability of the test compounds to prevent the killing of susceptible human cells by HIV. In the case of CuTRI2, T4 lymphocytes (CEM-V and CEM-Z cell lines) were exposed to HIV at a virus to cell ratio approx. 0.05 in microtiter plates. In the case of CuRES2, a human leukemia cell line (MT-2) was used instead. The tetrazolium salt XTT was added to all wells, and the cultures were incubated and analyzed spectrophotometrically to quantitate formazan production and viewed microscopically for detection of viable cells. In spite of their antiproliferative properties, neither agent had any detectable ability to prevent the cytopathic effects of HIV in cultures of the target cells used. Because the test system employed was constructed in such a way as to detect antiviral agents acting at any stage of the virus reproductive cycle, the results obtained strongly suggest that neither studied agent has any value as the direct prevention of the cell destruction caused by HIV is concerned.