bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligogalacturonate Hydrolase from Carrot Roots
Authors: Stratilová Eva , Dzúrová Mária , Malovíková Anna , Omelková Jiřina
Published: February 2015

The presence of multiple forms of enzyme with terminal action pattern on pectate was evaluated in the protein mixture obtained from carrot roots. The form with pH optimum 3.8 clearly preferred substrates with a lower degree of polymerization (oligogalacturonates). Its molecular mass, isoelectric point, glycosylation as well as cleavage of pectate from nonreducing end corresponded to an exopolygalacturonase [EC 3.2.2.67]. The affinity of this enzyme to the substrates increased with the increasing degree of polymerization, and the difference was observed only in the maximal ratio of catalysis of oligomeric and polymeric substrates. Sterical hindrance for substrates with more than six ᴅ-galactopyranuronic acid units is supposed and an oligogalacturonate hydrolase rather than exopolygalacturonase is considered.
Stimulation of TNF-α Release by Fungal Cell Wall Polysaccharides
Authors: Majtán Juraj , Kogan Grigorij , Kováčová Elena , Bíliková Katarína , Šimúth Jozef
Published: February 2015

Carboxymethylated derivatives were prepared from the (1→3)-β-ᴅ-glucan isolated from the cell wall of baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and from the chitin-glucan complex of the mycelium of the industrial filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. The polysaccharides were applied to peritoneal mouse macrophages and after a 2-h incubation the release of TNF-α by the stimulated macrophages was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. As the third polysaccharide stimulant, a water-soluble derivative of chitin was assayed and the observed cytokine release was compared with the control experiment. In three concentrations of the polysaccharides applied, carboxymethyl glucan revealed a dramatic increase in the TNF-α release, while addition of carboxymethyl chitin-glucan resulted only in a moderate enhancement, and carboxymethyl chitin was inactive. The results indicate that fungal polysaccharides, especially (1→3)-β-ᴅ-glucan, are potent macrophage stimulators and activators of TNF-α release, which implies their potential application in antitumor therapy.
Oligomeric Structure of Mammalian Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase in Solution Determined by Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Authors: Behlke Joachim , Koellner Gertraud , Bzowsk Agnieszka
Published: February 2015

The influence of phosphate, ionic strength, temperature and enzyme concentration on the oligomeric structure of calf spleen purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) in solution was studied by analytical ultracentrifugation methods. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis used to directly determine the enzyme molecular mass revealed a trimeric molecule with Mr = (90.6 ± 2.1) kDa, regardless the conditions investigated: protein concentration in the range 0.02 -1.0 mg/ml, presence of up to 100 mm phosphate and up to 200 mm NaCl, temperature in the range 4D25 °C. The sedimentation coefficient (6.04 ± 0.02) S, together with the diffusion coefficient (6.15 ± 0.11) 10-7 cm2/s, both values obtained from the classic sedimentation velocity method at 1.0 mg/ml PNP concentration in 20 mm Hepes, pH 7.0, yielded a molecular mass of (90.2 ± 1.6) kDa as expected for the trimeric enzyme molecule. Moreover, as shown by active enzyme sedimentation, calf spleen PNP remained trimeric even at low protein concentrations (1 μg/ml). Hence in solution, similar like in the crystalline state, calf spleen PNP is a homotrimer and previous suggestions for dissociation of this enzyme into more active monomers, upon dilution of the enzyme or addition of phosphate, are incorrect.
Alkaloids of Anuran Skin: Antimicrobial Function?
Authors: Macfoy Cyrus , Danosus Douglas , Sandit Raj , Jones Tappey H. , Garraffo H. Martin , Spande Thomas F. , Daly John W.
Published: February 2015

A variety of alkaloids, most of which occur or are structurally related to alkaloids that occur in skin glands of dendrobatid poison frogs, were assayed for antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the fungus Candida albicans. Certain pyrrolidines, piperidines and decahydroquinolines, perhydro-histrionicotoxin, and a synthetic pumiliotoxin were active against B. subtilis. Only 2-n-nonylpiperidine was active against E. coli. One pyrrolidine, two piperidines, two decahydroquinolines, and the synthetic pumiliotoxin were active against the fungus C. albicans. The results suggest that certain of the skin alkaloids of poison frogs, in addition to being noxious to predators, may also benefit the frog through protection against skin infections.
Identification of Metalliferous Ecotypes of Cistus ladanifer L. using RAPD Markers
Authors: Quintela-Sabarís Celestino , Kidd Petra S. , Fraga María Isabel
Published: February 2015

The genetic diversity of Cistus ladanifer ssp. ladanifer (Cistaceae) growing on ultramafic and non-ultramafic (basic and schists) soils in the NE of Portugal was studied in order to identify molecular markers that could distinguish the metal-tolerant ecotypes of this species. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used in order to estimate genetic variation and differences between populations. The RAPD dataset was analysed by means of a cluster analysis and an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Our results indicate a significant partitioning of molecular variance between ultramafic and non-ultramafic populations of Cistus ladanifer, although the highest percentage of this variance was found at the intra-population level. Mantel’s test showed no relationship between inter-population genetic and geographic distances. A series of RAPD bands that could be related to heavy metal tolerance were observed. The identification of such markers will enable the use of Cistus ladanifer in phytoremediation procedures.
Isolation of Mercury-binding Peptides in Vegetative Parts of Chromolaena odorata
Authors: Velasco-Alinsug Malona P. , Rivero Gilda C. , Quibuyen Titos Anacleto O.
Published: February 2015

Mercury-binding peptides from roots, stems, and leaves of Hg-treated Chromolaena odorata plants were isolated and partially characterized using RP-HPLC and ESI-MS. Upon exposure of C. odorata plants to high concentrations of 1.0 and 2.0 μᴍ Hg(NO3)2 treatments from 0-28 days, they accumulated as much as 125 mg/g (dry wt) Hg in the roots, 15.280 mg/g (dry wt) Hg in the stems, and 0.800 mg/g (dry wt) Hg in the leaves indicating that C. odorata has a high potential as a phytoremediation agent of inorganic mercury. The plant’s ability to accumulate and sequester Hg ions was primarily attributed to the production of Hgbinding peptides, which were initially detected through the use of Ellman’s reagent. Isolation techniques using RP-HPLC equipped with a C18 column manifested a single prominent peak consistently appearing at a retention time of 2.6-2.8 min in all the plant samples treated with different Hg concentrations at varying lengths of exposure. Further characterization of this prominent peak using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed the presence of a peptide containing several cysteine residues with the highest peak concentration recorded at 91 mV and 89 mV in roots and stems of plants treated with 2.0 μᴍ Hg(NO3)2 for 4 wk (P < 0.05) and 85 mV in leaves treated with 1.0 μᴍ Hg(NO3)2 for 1 wk.
Leaching of Microelement Contaminants: a Long-term Field Study
Authors: Németh Tamás , Kádár Imre
Published: February 2015

A field experiment with microelement loads was set up on loamy textured, calcareous chernozem soil formed on loess. The ploughed layer contained ca. 5% CaCO3 and 3% humus. The soil was well supplied with Ca, Mg, Mn and Cu, moderately supplied with N and K, and weakly supplied with P and Zn. The water table is at the depth of 15 m, the water balance of the area is negative, and the site is drought sensitive. Salts of the 13 examined microelements were applied at 4 doses in the spring of 1991. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design, in a total of 104 plots with two replications. Loading rates were 0, 90, 270 and 810 kg/ha per element in the form of AlCl3, NaAsO2, BaCl2, CdSO4, K2CrO4, CuSO4, HgCl2, (NH4)6Mo7O24, NiSO4, Pb(NO3)2, Na2SeO3, SrSO4, ZnSO4. Soil profiles of the control and the 810 kg/ha treated plots were sampled in the 3rd, 6th and 10th year of the trial. The mixed samples, consisting of 5 cores/plot were taken in 30 cm steps to 60 cm (year 1993), 90 cm (year 1996), and 290 cm (year 2000). Ammonium acetate + EDTA-soluble element content was determined. The main conclusions of the study are:

1. In soils contaminated with 810 kg/ha load rates As, Hg, Ni, Cu, Pb, Ba and Sr displayed no significant vertical movement. There is little uptake and translocation in plants of these elements: their concentration in the above-ground plant parts usually remains below 5D 10 mg/kg dry mass with the exception of Ba and Sr showing a somewhat higher accumulation. Under our conditions the above elements did not behave as dangerous contaminants to the soil, groundwater, or plants.

2. Moderate leaching of Zn and Cd was detected when applied at higher doses. Their accumulation was also moderate in the above-ground plants parts. Zn is not a dangerous pollutant for soil, plants or groundwater at our site. Cd, however, is a very dangerous element because of its high toxicity to mammals, soil life and crops.

3. Cr, Se, and Mo (in the form of chromate, selenate and molybdenate anions) exhibited great mobility in the soil and partly in the soil-plant system. Cr was hardly detectable in the above-ground parts of plants. Still, its rapid leaching can jeopardize groundwater quality. Se was strongly accumulated in all plant organs and was highly toxic for all crops. Mo, too, showed 2D3 orders of magnitude greater accumulation in plant parts, resulting in products unfit for animal or human consumption. Under our experimental conditions Cr(VI), Se, Mo can be classified as dangerous contaminants, since the anion forms remained stabile for a long time in this well-aerated calcareous environment.
Nocturnal Uptake and Assimilation of Nitrogen Dioxide by C3 and CAM Plants
Authors: Takahashi Misa , Konaka Daisuke , Sakamoto Atsushi , Morikawa Hiromichi
Published: February 2015

In order to investigate nocturnal uptake and assimilation of NO2 by C3 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants, they were fumigated with 4 μl I-115N-Iabeled nitrogen diox­ide (NO2) for 8 h. The amound of NO2 and assimilation of NO2by plants were determined by mass spectrometry and Kjeldahl-nitrogen based mass spectrometry, respectively. C3 plants such as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and ground cherry (Phy- salis alkekengi) showed a high uptake and assimilation during daytime as high as 1100 to 2700 ng N mg-1 dry weight. While tobacco and ground cherry strongly reduced uptake and assimilation of NO2 during nighttime, kenaf kept high nocturnal uptake and assimilation of NO2 as high as about 1500 ng N mg-1 dry weight. Stomatal conductance measurements indicated that there were no significant differences to account for the differences in the uptake of NO2 by tobacco and kenaf during nighttime. CAM plants such as Sedum sp., Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (kalanchoe) and Aloe arborescens exhibited nocturnal uptake and assimilation of NO2. However, the values of uptake and assimilation of NO2 both during daytime and nighttime was very low (at most about 500 ng N mg-1 dry weight) as compared with those of above mentioned C3 plants. The present findings indicate that kenaf is an efficient phytoremediator of NO2 both during daytime and nighttime.
Detoxification of Herbicides in Phragmites australis
Authors: Schröder Peter , Maier Heiko , Debus Reinhard
Published: February 2015

Unintentional loss of herbicides into drainage ditches, shores or other waterbodies may cause large problems in farmland. Therefore strategies for the phytoremediation of agrochemicals and especially herbicides have become a topic of great interest in many agricultural areas. However, in order to establish effective biological pollution control, information on the detoxification capacity of riparian plants and aquatic macrophytes (e.g., Phragmites australis) is important to build up effective buffer stripes. We determined the detoxification capacity of Phragmites australis roots and leaves for the conjugation of agrochemicals to glutathione by assaying the model substrate CDNB as well as the herbicides fenoxaprop-P, propachlor, pethoxamid and terbuthylazine. Specific GST activities were always higher in the rhizomes (6.78 d 0.88 μkat/mg protein for CDNB) than in leaves (1.08 d 0.21 μkat/mg protein). The detoxification capacity is distributed across an array of GST isoforms. In summary, Phragmites australis seems to be efficient in herbicide detoxification and a good candidate for phytoremediation of effluents from agricultural sites.
Rhizosphere-induced Selenium Precipitation for Possible Applications in Phytoremediation of Se Polluted Effluents
Authors: Vallini Giovanni , Gregorio Simona Di , Lampis Silvia
Published: February 2015

Two bacterial isolates were obtained in axenic culture from the rhizosphere soil of Astragalus bisulcatus, a legume able to hyperaccumulate selenium. Both strains resulted of particular interest for their high resistance to the toxic oxyanion SeO3
2- (selenite, SeIV). On the basis of molecular and biochemical analyses, these two isolates were attributed to the species Bacillus mycoides and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, respectively. Their capability in axenic culture to precipitate the soluble, bioavailable and highly toxic selenium form selenite to insoluble and relatively non-toxic Se0 (elemental selenium) was evaluated in defined medium added with 0.2 or 0.5 mm SeIV. Both strains showed to completely reduce 0.2 mᴍ selenite in 120 h, while 0.5 mm SeIV was reduced up to 67% of the initial concentration by B. mycoides and to about 50% by S. maltophilia in 48 h. Together in a dual consortium, B. mycoides and S. maltophilia increased the kinetics of selenite reduction, thus improving the efficiency of the process. A model system for selenium rhizofiltration based on plant-rhizobacteria interactions has been proposed.
Vegetation Pattern and Heavy Metal Accumulation at a Mine Tailing at Gyöngyösoroszi, Hungary
Authors: Tamás János , Kovács Elza
Published: February 2015

Vegetation at an abandoned heavy metal bearing mine tailing may have multifunctional roles such as modification of water balance, erosion control and landscape rehabilitation. Research on the vegetation of mine tailings can provide useful information on tolerance, accumulation and translocation properties of species potentially applicable at moderately contaminated sites. Analyses of the relationship between heavy metal content (Pb, Zn and Cu) and vegetation in a mine tailing were carried out. These analyses included: (1) spatial analysis of relationship among heavy metal distribution, pH and vegetation patterns, and (2) analysis of heavy metal accumulation and translocation in some plant species. Presence of vegetation was found to be significantly dependent on pH value, which confirms that phytotoxicity is a function of element concentration in solution, which is primarily controlled by pH value in mine tailings. Among the most abundant plant species, dewberry (Rubus caesius), vipersbugloss (Echium vulgare), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) and narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) accumulate significant amounts of Pb, Cu and Zn, while in the case of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) only Pb can be measured in elevated contents. Considering the translocation features, scarlet pimpernel, narrowleaf plantain, and dewberry accumulate heavy metals primarily in their roots, while heavy metal concentration in vipersbugloss and annual bluegrass is higher in the shoots.
1,4-Benzoxazin-3-one, 2-Benzoxazolinone and Gallic Acid from Calceolaria thyrsiflora Graham and their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Bravo Héctor R. , Copaja Sylvia V. , Figueroa-Duarte Sebastián , Lamborot Madeleine , San Martín José
Published: February 2015

Secondary metabolites, DIBOA, HBOA, 7-OH-HBOA, BOA and gallic acid, were isolated and quantified from Calceolaria thyrsiflora Graham, a native medicinal plant of Chile belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. The highest DIBOA contents were determined in leaves (145 mmol kg-1 dry wt) and flowers (161 mmol kg-1 dry wt). Antibacterial activities of DIBOA, HBOA, BOA, gallic acid and infusions of flowers and leaves were determined. The phytomedicinal properties attributed to C. thyrsiflora Graham could be understood on the basis of its antibacterial activity
Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanin Glycoside Derivatives Evaluated by the Inhibition of Liposome Oxidation
Authors: Gabrielska Janina , Oszmiański Jan
Published: February 2015

Cyanidin-3-glycosides (arabinoside, rutinoside, galactoside and glucoside) and delphinidin- 3-rutinoside were examined for their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation induced either by Fe(II) ions, UV irradiation or 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) peroxyl radicals in a liposomal membrane system. The antioxidant abilities of anthocyanins were compared with a water-soluble tocopherol derivative, trolox. The antioxidant efficacies of these compounds were evaluated by their ability to inhibit the fluorescence intensity decay of the extrinsic probe 3-[p-(6-phenyl)-1,3,5,-hexatrienyl] phenylpropionic acid, caused by the free radicals generated during peroxidation. All the anthocyanins tested (at concentrations of 15-20 μm) exhibited higher antioxidant activities against Fe(II)-induced peroxidation than UV- and AAPH-induced peroxidation, suggesting that metal chelation may play an important role in determining the antioxidant potency of these compounds. It was also found that delphinidin-3-rutinoside had a higher antioxidant activity against Fe(II)-induced liposome oxidation than cyanidin-3-rutinoside, which indicates an important role of the OH group in the B ring of delphinidin-3-rutinoside in its antioxidant action. The antioxidant activity of all the anthocyanins studied was higher than that of trolox in the case of Fe(II)-induced liposome oxidation and was comparable with the action of trolox in the case of UV- and AAPHinduced liposome membrane oxidation.
Photochemical and Antioxidant Responses in the Leaves of Xerophyta viscosa Baker and Digitaria sanguinalis L. under Water Deficit
Authors: Ekmekci Yasemin , Bohms Andreas , Thomson Jennifer A. , Mundree Sagadevan G.
Published: February 2015

In this study, photochemical and antioxidant responses of the monocotyledonous resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa Baker and the crab grass Digitaria sanguinalis L. under water deficit were investigated as a function of time. Water deficit was imposed by withholding irrigation for 21 d. Gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence analyses indicated that the dehydration treatment caused photoinhibition in both species. The reduction in the photosynthesis rate in both species during water deficit probably contributed to the decline in the photochemical efficiency of PSII and electron transport rate. However, the stomatal conductance of both species did not change during treatment whereas the intercellular CO2 pressure increased after 10 d of water deficit treatment. These observations could be related to nonstomatal limitations. The increasing net transpiration rate of both species may have contributed to leaf cooling because of water limitations. Prolonged water deficit resulted in photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll (a + b) and carotenoids content loss in only D. sanguinalis. Both species especially D. sanguinalis had increased the level of anthocyanin after 15 d of treatment, possibly to prevent the damaging effect of photooxidation. The total SOD activity of D. sanguinalis was significantly different from X. viscosa during the treatment. The total peroxidase activity in D. sanguinalis was significantly higher than in X. viscosa. X. viscosa acclimated to water deficit with no ultimate apparent oxidative damage due to endogenous protective mechanisms of resurrection. In case of D. sanguinalis, water deficit induced considerable stress and possibly caused some oxidative damage, despite the upregulation of protection mechanisms.
Metabolites from Endophytes of the Medicinal Plant Erythrina crista-galli
Authors: Weber Daniela , Gorzalczany Susana , Martino Virginia , Acevedo Cristina , Sterner Olov , Anke Timm
Published: February 2015

Erythrina crista-galli (Fabaceae) is used in Argentinean ethnopharmacology as anti-inflammatory medication, narcotic, desinfectant, and for the treatment of wounds. The common name of the tree is “ceibo“ or coral tree. The dominating endophytes in E. crista-galli all belong to the genus Phomopsis as identified by microscopic features and the analysis of their ITS sequences. To investigate a possible contribution of Phomopsis spp. to the metabolites found in the plant, twelve different isolates were cultivated in different media. Besides several new metabolites a number of known compounds were detected: mellein, nectriapyrone, 4-hydroxymellein, scytalone, tyrosol, clavatol, mevinic acid, and mevalonolactone.
A Simple Method to Obtain Essential Oils from Salvia triloba L. and Laurus nobilis L. by Using Microwave-assisted Hydrodistillation
Authors: Kosar Müberra , Tunalier Zeynep , Özek Temel , Kürkcüoglu Mine , Can Baser K. Hüsnü
Published: February 2015

A microwave-assisted hydrodistillation protocol was modified to extract essential oils from leaves of Salvia triloba L. and Laurus nobilis L. The essential oils of these plants are generally obtained by hydrodistillation or steam distillation. The volatile compounds obtained by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and hydrodistillation methods were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Both distillation methods and analytical results were compared. 1,8-Cineole (46.8-54.2%) was the main component in the leaf oils of both samples. Although the distillation was accomplished in a shorter time, oil yields and 1,8-cineole contents were slightly higher in the microwave- assisted hydrodistillation compared to usual hydrodistillation. Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation appears to be an effective method for the production of essential oils.
Gastroprotective Effect and Cytotoxicity of Natural and Semisynthetic Labdane Diterpenes from Araucaria araucana Resin
Authors: Schmeda-Hirschmanna Guillermo , Astudillo Luis , Sepúlveda Beatriz , Rodríguez Jaime A. , Theoduloz Cristina , Yáñez Tania , Palenzuela José Antonio
Published: February 2015

The resin of the tree Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) is used by the Mapuche Amerindians in southern Chile and Argentina to treat ulcers and has been shown to display a gastroprotective effect in animal models. A study was undertaken to isolate, identify and assess the gastroprotective effect of the resin constituents and its semisynthetic derivatives as well as to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the products in cell cultures. Eleven diterpenes (ten labdane and a pimarane) were isolated from a resin sample collected in Chile. The labdane derivatives 15-acetoxylabd-8(17)-en-19-ol as well as 15,19-diacetoxylabd-8(17)-en are reported for the first time as natural products. Six diterpenes previously described from other plant sources are reported for the first time for the A. araucana resin. The structure of all compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic means. Some 24 diterpenes isolated/prepared in amounts over 10 mg were evaluated for gastroprotective effects in the ethanol/HCl-induced ulcer model in mice at 100 mg/kg. The highest gastroprotective activities were provided by 15-hydroxyimbricatolal, 15-acetoxyimbricatolal, 15-acetoxylabd-8(17)-en-19-oic acid methyl ester and 15-acetoxy- 19-labdanoic acid, all of them being as active as the reference drug lansoprazole at 20 mg/kg. The cytotoxicity of 30 diterpenes as well as lansoprazole was assessed towards human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and 26 compounds were evaluated on the human gastric epithelial cell line AGS by means of the neutral red uptake assay. A concentration-dependent cell viability inhibition was found with IC50 values ranging from 27 up to > 1000 μm. The relationship between the cytotoxicity data and lipophilicity of the products is also discussed.
Identification of Nematicidal Fatty Acids and Triglycerides from Seeds of Jubaea chilensis by GC-EI-MS and Chemical Transformation Methods
Authors: Gu Jian-Qiao , Eppler C. Mark , Montenegro Gloria , Timmins Scott D. , Timmermann Barbara N.
Published: February 2015

Nematicidal bioassay-guided fractionation of the n-hexane extract of the seeds of Jubaea chilensis led to the identification of eight known fatty acids and a mixture of triglycerides, reported for the first time for this species. In addition, their corresponding methyl esters were identified to be artifacts generated during the extraction and isolation procedures by using GC-EI-MS and chemical transformation methods. The fatty acid composition of the triglycerides was analyzed by GC-EI-MS and chemical transformation techniques. Among the 17 compounds, only lauric acid and myristic acid exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the movement of Caenorhabditis elegans with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 75 μg/ml.
Tanshinone Production in Roots of Micropropagated Salvia przewalskii Maxim
Authors: Skała Ewa , Wysokińsk Halina
Published: February 2015

Production of tanshinones (tanshinone I and IIA) was determined in roots of Salvia przewalskii micropropagated plants. It was found that the total tanshinone content (tashinone I and tashinone IIA) was dependent on the age of the analyzed plants. The roots of 2-year-old in vitro regenerated plants at flowering stage produced highest tanshinone levels (3.8 mg/g dry weight of tanshinone I and 7.6 mg/g dry weight of tanshinone IIA).
Identification and Analysis of Genetic Variation among Rose Cultivars Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA
Authors: Mohapatra Anuradha , Rout Gyana Ranjan
Published: February 2015

Identified germplasm is an important component for efficient and effective management of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, cultivars or species identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit or floral morphology like flower colour and other characteristics of the plant. Studies were undertaken for identification and analysis of genetic variation within 34 rose cultivars through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Analysis was made by using twenty five decamer primers. Out of twenty five, ten primers were selected and used for identification and analysis of genetic relationships among 34 rose cultivars. A total of 162 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.1 to 3.4 kb was amplified by using 10 selected random decamer primers. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of presence or absence of bands. The cluster analysis indicated that the 34 rose cultivars form 9 clusters. The first cluster consists of eight hybrid cultivars, three clusters having five cultivars each, one cluster having four cultivars, two clusters having three cultivars each and two clusters having one cultivar each. The genetic distance was very close within the cultivars. Thus, these RAPD markers have the potential for identification of clusters and characterization of genetic variation within the cultivars. This is also helpful in rose breeding programs and provides a major input into conservation biology.
New Source of Genetic Polymorphisms in Lepidoptera?
Authors: Hundsdoerfer Anna K. , Wink Michael
Published: February 2015

The variability level of the ISSR (inter-simple sequences repeat) primer (GACA)4 was examined in the three Lepidoptera families Pyralidae, Sphingidae and Pieridae. Our study shows that the tetra-repeat (GACA)n is evidently present in sufficient numbers in these butterflies to provide informative DNA fingerprints. The variability is mostly rather high, but within a comparable range to other ISSR studies. Although less polymorphisms may be encountered in some butterfly families, this study indicates that high variability of this marker may be a common characteristic of Lepidoptera genomes. An appeal for a minimal level of standardization of ISSR-PCR data analysis is formulated to enable an exact comparison between the groups of organisms studied with this fingerprint technique.
Comparison of Microsatellite and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers for the Genetic Analysis of a Galloway Cattle Population
Authors: Herráez David López , Schäfer Holger , Mosner Jörn , Fries Hans-Rudolf , Wink Michael
Published: February 2015

Highly informative genetic markers are essential for efficient management of cattle populations, as well as for food safety. After a decade of domination by microsatellite markers, a new type of genetic marker, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), has recently appeared on the scene. In the present study, the exclusion power of both kinds of markers with regards to individual identification and parental analysis was directly compared in a Galloway cattle population. Seventeen bovine microsatellites were distributed in three incremental marker sets (10, 14 and 17 microsatellite markers) and used for cattle genotyping. A set of 43 bovine SNP was used for genotyping the same cattle population. The accuracy of both kinds of markers in individual identification was evaluated using probability of identity estimations. These were 2.4 × 10-8 for the 10 microsatellite set, 2.3 × 10-11 for the 14 microsatellite set, and 1.4 × 10-13 for the 17 microsatellite marker set. For the 43 SNP markers, the estimated probability of identity was 5.3 × 10-11. The exclusion power of both kinds of markers in parental analysis was evaluated using paternity exclusion estimations, and, in addition to this, by estimation of the parental exclusion probability in 18 Galloway family trios. Paternity exclusion was estimated to be over 99% for microsatellites, and approx. 98% for SNP. Both, microsatellite and SNP sets of markers showed similar parental exclusion probabilities.
Exudate Flavonoids in Some Gnaphalieae and Inuleae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Christ Matthias , Dunstan R. Hugh , Roitman James N. , Stevens Jan F.
Published: February 2015

Three members of the tribe Gnaphalieae and six members of the tribe Inuleae (Asteraceae) were analyzed for their exudate flavonoids. Whereas some species exhibit rather trivial flavonoids, others produce rare compounds. Spectral data of rare flavonoids are reported and their structural identification is discussed. 6-Oxygenation of flavonols is a common feature of two Inula species and Pulicaria sicula. By contrast, flavonoids with 8-oxygenation, but lacking 6-oxygenation, are common in two out of three Gnaphalieae species examined. In addition, B-ring deoxyflavonoids are abundantly present in the leaf exudates of Helichrysum italicum (Gnaphalieae). These distinctive features of the two Asteraceae tribes are in agreement with previous flavonoid surveys of these and related taxa.
Biflavones from Chamaecyparis obtusa
Authors: Krauze-Baranowska Mirosława , Pobłocka Loretta , El Helab Atef Ahmed
Published: February 2015

From the leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa several biflavones were isolated and identified, namely: sciadopitysin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, podocarpusflavone B, 7,7″-O-dimethylamentoflavone, bilobetin, podocarpusflavone A, and 7-O-methylamentoflavone. The presence of amentoflavone and hinokiflavone was also confirmed. The composition of biflavones in other Chamaecyparis species D Ch. lawsoniana, Ch. thyoides D and cultivar varieties D Ch. pisifera “Squarrosa”, Ch. pisifera “Boulevard” D was compared using the HPLC method. It was stated, that podocarpusflavone A and 7-O-methylamentoflavone in addition to amentoflavone and hinokiflavone may be classified as chemotaxonomic markers of the genus Chamaecyparis
Antimicrobial Activity and Main Chemical Composition of Two Smoke Condensates from Peganum harmala Seeds
Authors: Shahverdi Ahmad R. , Monsef-Esfahani Hamid R. , Nickavar Bahman , Bitarafan Lila , Khodaee Samira , Khoshakhlagh Narges
Published: February 2015

The smoke of Peganum harmala seeds is traditionally used in Iran as a disinfectant agent. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of two smoke condensates from Peganum harmala seeds. Furthermore the composition of smoke preparations was studied using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis. The most prevalent compound detected in a dichloromethane extract was harmine. Standard harmine as well as the dichloromethane extract showed antimicrobial activity against all test strains. Harmine was not detected in an n-hexane extract and we did not observe antimicrobial activity from this smoke preparation at the tested concentrations.
Trypanocidal Activity of Oleoresin and Terpenoids Isolated from Pinus oocarpa
Authors: Rubio Julieta , Calderón José S. , Flores Angélica , Castro Clementina , Céspedes Carlos L.
Published: February 2015

Fractionation with n-hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1 v/v) by open column chromatography of the oleoresin from Pinus oocarpa Schiede yielded two diterpenes, pimaric acid (1) and dehydroabietic acid (5), the sesquiterpene longifolene (3) and a diterpenic mixture containing pimaric acid (1), isopimaric acid (4) and dehydroabietic acid (5). Subsequently, the isolated compounds, the mixture of 1, 4 and 5, the oleoresin and the dehydroabietic acid methyl ester (2), were tested in vitro against epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The most active compounds were 1, 3 and the oleoresin, being as active as nifurtimox, a drug effective in the treatment of acute infection by American trypanosomiasis and used in this work as positive control.
Metabolites Produced by the Phytopathogenic Fungus Rhizoctonia solani: Isolation, Chemical Structure Determination, Syntheses and Bioactivity
Authors: Pedras M. Soledade C. , Yu Yang , Liu Jun , Tandron-Moya Yudelsy A.
Published: February 2015

The isolation, structure determination, syntheses and biological activity of Nb-acetyltryptamine and three proline containing dioxopiperazines, cyclo(S-Pro-S-Leu) (2), cyclo(S-Pro- S-Ile) (3), and cyclo(S-Pro-S-Val) (4), from cultures of Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn are reported here for the first time. Despite the small amounts isolated, the absolute stereochemistry of these naturally occurring dioxopiperazines was established by 1H NMR using for the first time the chiral solvating agent (R)-(D)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9-anthryl)ethanol.
Emission of Herbivore-induced Volatiles in Absence of a Herbivore - Response of Zea mays to Green Leaf Volatiles and Terpenoids
Authors: Ruther Joachim , Fürstenau Benjamin
Published: February 2015

Green leaf volatiles (GLV), a series of saturated and monounsaturated six-carbon aldehydes, alcohols, and esters are emitted by plants upon mechanical damage. Evidence is increasing that intact plants respond to GLV by activating their own defense mechanisms, thus suggesting that they function in plant-plant communication. The present paper demonstrates that exposure of maize plants to naturally occurring GLV, including (Z)-3-, (E)-2- and saturated derivatives, induce the emission of volatile blends typically associated with herbivory. Position or configuration of a double bond, but not the functional group of the GLV influenced the strength of the emissions. (Z)-3-Configured compounds elicited stronger responses than (E)-2- and saturated derivatives. The response to (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol increased linearly with the dose between 200 and 1000 nmol per plant. Not only the naturally occurring (E)-2- hexenal, but also (E)-2-pentenal and (E)-2-heptenal induced maize plants, although to a lesser extend. Externally applied terpenoids [(3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, β-caryophyllene, and (E)- β-farnesene] did not significantly increase the total amount of inducible volatiles in maize. Of three tested maize cultivars Delprim and Pactol responded much stronger than Attribut. Recovery experiments in the presence and absence of maize plants demonstrated that large proportions of externally applied GLV were assimilated by the plants, whereas (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene was recovered in much higher amounts. The results furthermore suggested that plants converted a part of the assimilated leaf aldehydes and alcohols to the respective acetates. We propose that GLV not only can alert neighboring plants, but may facilitate intra-plant information transfer and can help mediate the systemic defense response in a plant.
Differences in Kinetic Properties of Cytochrome Oxidase in Mitochondria from Rat Tissues. A Comparative Study
Authors: Patel Samir P. , Katyare Surendra S.
Published: February 2015

Substrate kinetic properties of cytochrome oxidase in rat liver, kidney, brain and heart mitochondria were examined using ascorbate + N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) as the electron donor system. Analysis of the substrate kinetics data revealed tissuespecific expression of kinetic components exhibiting differences with respect to Km, Vmax and Kcat/Km values. Regression analysis data suggest that the enzyme activity may be regulated in a tissue-specific manner.
Epigenetic Effectiveness of Complete Carcinogens: Specific Interactions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Aminoazo Dyes with Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein A-I
Authors: Contag Bodo
Published: February 2015

During a co-precipitation of cholesterol (Chol) and slight amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or aminoazo dyes (AZOs) in aqueous albumin solution, complex particles are formed; on their surfaces apolipoproteins with an amphipathic α-helix (e.g. apoA-I) are more or less firmly adsorbed. An efficacy index can be calculated from the strength of the hydrophobic interactions between apoA-I and the [Chol/PAH]- or [Chol/AZO]-complex, and the solubility of the PAH or AZO in an aqueous medium, which correlates to the carcinogenicity of these compounds. A short-term test for PAHs and AZOs is described, in which the efficacy index can be determined in the simplest manner without any great expenditure on equipment. The previous results suggest that the parent compounds of the PAHs and AZOs can be involved in a specific interaction with cholesterol-domains of the plasma membrane of a cell. The changes in membrane fluidity and architecture caused by these specific interactions could modulate the distribution and/or activity of membrane proteins which are critical to the regulation of cellular proliferation.
In vitro Cytotoxicity of Norditerpenoid Alkaloids
Authors: Inés Concepción de , Reina Matías , Gavín José A. , González-Coloma Azucena
Published: February 2015

Forty-three norditerpenoid alkaloids isolated from Aconitum, Delphinium and Consolida species have been evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on the tumor cell lines CT26 (murine colon adenocarcinoma), SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma), HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma), SkMel25 (human melanoma) and SkMel28 (human malignant melanoma) with several multidrug resistance mechanisms and the non-tumor cell line CHO (Chinese hamster ovary cells). Neoline (5), 8-O-methylcolumbianine (6), 1,14-diacetylcardiopetaline (9), 18-O-demethylpubescenine (13), 14-deacetylpubescenine (14), pubescenine (15), 14-deacetylajadine (25), lycoctonine (26), browniine (28), delphatine (29), dehydrotakaosamine (34), and ajadelphinine (37) exhibited selective cytotoxicity to cancerous versus non-cancerous cells. Some of these compounds had an irreversible effect on SW480 (5, 15, 25, 26, and 34), HeLa (15, 34, and 37) and SkMel25 (15 and 34) cell lines. In order to gain insights into the mechanism of irreversible cytotoxic action of these compounds we compared the cell viability by means of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and the acid phosphatase (AP) methods. Our results suggest that the effects of these compounds could be related to the inhibition of ATP production
Isolation and HPLC Quantitative Analysis of Antioxidant Flavonoids from Alternanthera tenella Colla
Authors: Salvador Marcos J. , Ferreira Eliane O. , Mertens-Talcott Susanne U. , De Castro Whocely Victor , Butterweck Veronika , Derendorf Hartmut , Dias Diones A.
Published: February 2015

Phytochemical analysis of the antioxidant ethanolic extract of Alternanthera tenella Colla led to the isolation of six flavonoids, acacetin 8-C-[α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside] (1), 2″-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-vitexin (2), 2″-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-vitexin (3), vitexin (4), quercetin (5) and kaempferol (6). All the structures were established by ESIMS and NMR spectroscopic methods. Antioxidant capacity of extract, fractions and isolated compounds was determined using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and extract, fractions and flavonoids isolated showed antioxidant activity in vitro. Moreover, the total soluble phenolic contents of the extract and fractions were measured using the Folin- Ciocalteau reagent and the quantitative analysis of flavone C-glycosides major constituents was performed by HPLC
Determination of Usnic Acid in Some Rhizoplaca Species from Middle Anatolia and their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Cansaran Demet , Çetin Demet , Halıcı M. Gökhan , Atakol Orhan
Published: February 2015

Three species of lichens, Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca (Sm.) Zopf, Rhizoplaca melanopthalma (DC.) Leuckert & Poelt and Rhizoplaca peltata Ramonds Leuckert, were collected from middle Anatolia, Erciyes Mountain (Kayseri) in Turkey. Their usnic acid amounts were determined by HPLC in acetone extracts. In addition, antimicrobial activities of these extracts were determined against Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Enterococcus faecalis (RSKK 508), Proteus mirabilis (Pasteur Ens. 235), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was shown that, as the usnic acid amount increased, the antimicrobial activities increased too. The usnic acid contents of Rhizoplaca species varied between 0.19-4.0% dry weight
Lovastatin Production by Pleurotus ostreatus: Effects of the C:N Ratio
Authors: Alarcón Julio , Águila Sergio
Published: February 2015

The types of carbon source and nitrogen source used as well as the C:N ratio in the medium influenced lovastatin production by Pleurotus ostreatus. The maximum value of the lovastatin yield was obtained in a medium that contained organic nitrogen
Characterization and Subcellular Localization of Chlorophyllase from Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Okazawa Atsushi , Tang Lei , Itoh Yoshiko , Fukusaki Ei’ichiro , Kobayashi Akio
Published: February 2015

Chlorophyllase (Chlase) catalyzes the initial step of chlorophyll (Chl)-degradation, but the physiological significance of this reaction is still ambiguous. Common understanding of its role is that Chlase is involved in de-greening processes such as fruit ripening, leaf senescence, and flowering. But there is a possibility that Chlase is also involved in turnover and homeostasis of Chls. Among the de-greening processes, autumnal coloration is one of the most striking natural phenomena, but the involvement of Chlase during autumnal coloration is not clear. Previously, it was shown that Chlase activity and expression level of the Chlase gene were not increased during autumnal coloration in Ginkgo biloba, indicating that Chlase does not work specially in the de-greening processes in G. biloba. In this study, we characterized the recombinant Chlase and analyzed its subcellular localization to understand the role of the cloned Chlase of G. biloba (GbCLH). GbCLH exhibited its highest activity at pH 7.5, 40 °C. Kinetic analysis revealed that GbCLH hydrolyzes pheophytin (Pheo) a and Chl a more rapidly than Pheo b and Chl b. Transient expression analysis of 40 N-terminus amino acids of GbCLH fused with GFP (green fluorescent protein) and subcellular fractionation showed that GbCLH localizes within chloroplasts. Together with our previous results, property of GbCLH and its location within the chloroplasts suggest that GbCLH plays a role in the turnover and homeostasis of Chls in green leaves of G. biloba
Identification of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook F. & Thomas Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Rout Gyana Ranjan
Published: February 2015

Identified germplasm is an important component for efficient and effective management of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, plant identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit, floral morphology like flower colour and other characteristics of the plant. Studies were undertaken for identification and genetic variation within 15 clones of Tinospora cordifolia through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Analysis was made using forty decamer primers. Out of them, 15 primers were selected and used for identification and genetic relationships within 15 clones. A total of 138 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.2 to 3.2 kb were amplified using 15 selected random primers. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of presence or absence of bands. The genetic distance was very close within the clones. Thus, these RAPD markers have the potential for identification of species and characterization of genetic variation within the population. This study will be helpful to know the genetic background of the medicinal plants with high commercial value, and also provides a major input into conservation biology
Identification and Genetic Variation among Hibiscus Species (Malvaceae) Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Barik Suvakanta , Senapati Sunil Kumar , Aparajita Subhashree , Mohapatra Anuradha , Rout Gyana Ranjan
Published: February 2015

Germplasm identification and characterization is an important link between the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. Traditionally, species or cultivars identification has relied on morphological characters like growth habit or floral morphology like flower colour and other characteristics of the plant. Studies were undertaken for identification and determination of genetic variation within the two species of Hibiscus and 16 varieties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. through random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) markers. Primer screening was made by using the DNA of variety “Prolific”. Genetic analysis was made by using ten selected decamer primers. A total of 79 distinct DNA fragments ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 kb were amplified by using ten selected random decamer primers. The genetic similarity was evaluated on the basis of presence or absence of bands. The cluster analysis indicated that the 16 varieties and two species formed one cluster. The first major cluster consisted of three varieties and a second major cluster consisted of two species and 13 varieties. The genetic distance was very close within the varieties and also among the species. Thus, these RAPD markers have the potential for identification of species/varieties and characterization of genetic variation within the varieties. This is also helpful in Hibiscus breeding programs and provides a major input into conservation biology