bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feselol Enhances the Cytotoxicity and DNA Damage Induced by Cisplatin in 5637 Cells
Authors: Mollazadeh Samaneh , Matin Maryam M. , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Behnam-Rassouli Morteza , Rassouli Fatemeh B. , Neshati Vajiheh
Published: January 2015

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), which is the most common type of bladder cancer, shows resistance to chemotherapeutic agents due to the overexpression of drug efflux pumps. In this study, the effects of feselol, a sesquiterpene coumarin extracted from Ferula badrakema, on cisplatin cytotoxicity were investigated in 5637 cells, a TCC subline. Cell viability and DNA lesion were evaluated by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and comet assays, respectively. Feselol had no significant cytotoxic effect in 5637 cells but at 32 μg/mL it increased the cytotoxicity of 1 μg/mL cisplatin by 37% after 24 h. Furthermore, the comet assay revealed that DNA damage induced by cisplatin in 5637 cells is enhanced by 31% when used in combination with feselol. Therefore, feselol might be considered as an effective reversal agent for future in vivo and clinical studies
Infl uence of Pesticides on Yeasts Colonizing Leaves
Authors: Vadkertiová Renata , Sláviková Elena
Published: January 2015

The effect of nine different pesticides on the growth of yeasts isolated from the leaves of fruit and forest trees was investigated. Four insecticides (with the active ingredients: thiacloprid, deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, and thiamethoxam) and five fungicides (with the effective substances: bitertanol, kresoxim-methyl, mancozeb, trifl oxystrobin, and cupric oxychloride) were tested. The concentrations of chemicals were those recommended by the manufacturers for the spraying of trees. The yeast strains isolated from the leaves of fruit trees were not sensitive to any of the insecticides. The majority of yeast strains isolated from the leaves of forest trees were either not sensitive or only to a small extent. While Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Pichia anomala were not affected by any insecticide, the strains of Cryptococcus laurentii and Rhodotorula glutinis showed the highest sensitivity. The effects of fungicides on the growth of isolated yeasts were more substantial. The fungicide DithaneⓇ DG (mancozeb) completely inhibited the growth of all yeasts. All strains isolated from fruit tree leaves were more resistant to the tested fungicides than those isolated from the leaves of forest trees. The most resistant strains from the leaves of fruit trees belonged to the species Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia anomala, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas Cryptococcus albidus and C. laurentii, originating from the leaves of forest trees, showed the highest sensitivity to fungicides
Expression, Enzymatic Characterization, and High-Level Production of Glucose Isomerase from Actinoplanes missouriensis CICIM B0118(A) in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang He , Yang Ruijin , Hua Xiao , Zhang Zhong , Zhao Wei , Zhang Wenbin
Published: January 2015

High-level production of recombinant glucose isomerase (rGI) is desirable for lactulose synthesis. In this study, the xylA gene encoding glucose isomerase from Actinoplanes missouriensis CICIM B0118(A) was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), and high-level production was performed by optimization of the medium composition. rGI was purified from a recombinant E. coli BL21(DE3) and characterized. The optimum pH value of the purified enzyme was 8.0 and it was relatively stable within the pH range of 7.0 - 9.0. Its optimum temperature was around 85 °C, and it exhibited good thermostability when the temperature was lower than 90 °C. The maximum enzyme activity required the presence of both Co2+ and Mg2+, at the concentrations of 200 μM and 8 mM, respectively. With high-level expression and the simple one-step chromatographic purification of the His-tagged recombinant enzyme, this GI could be used in industrial production of lactulose as a potential economic tool
Mechanisms Underlying Host Plant Selection by Holcocerus hippophaecolus Adults
Authors: Zong Shixiang , Wang Zhizheng , Luo Youqing , Zang Jingtong , Wen Junbao
Published: January 2015

We determined the mechanisms underlying host selection by adults of the seabuckthorn carpenterworm, Holcocerus hippophaecolus Hua, Chou, Fang et Chen. Four sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) subspecies (varieties) with different degrees of resistance to H. hippophaecolus were chosen for artificial insect infection in cages. The results showed that olfactory and visual cues are very important for the selection of host plants by H. hippophaecolus, but that olfactory stimuli play a more vital role in this process. The relative abundance of branches and leaves had no effect on the likelihood that adults landed on plants from four subspecies (varieties), but did influence landing rates within the same subspecies (varieties). When considering only the most resistant sea buckthorn subspecies (varieties), the presence of luxuriant branches and leaves led to lower landing rates. These results provide a theoretical basis for the understanding of H. hippophaecolus damage to sea buckthorn and the means to implement effective measures of control
Disoxaril Mutants of Coxsackievirus B1: Phenotypic Characteristics and Analysis of the Target VP1 Gene
Authors: Nikolova Ivanka , Galabov Angel S. , Petkova Rumena , Chakarov Stoyan , Atanasov Boris
Published: January 2015

Disoxaril inhibits enterovirus replication by binding to the hydrophobic pocket within the VP1 coat protein, thus stabilizing the virion and blocking its uncoating. Disoxaril-resistant (RES) mutants of the Coxsackie virus B1 (CVB1/RES) were derived from the wild disoxaril- sensitive (SOF) strain (CVB1/SOF) using a selection approach. A disoxaril-dependent (DEP) mutant (CVB1/DEP) was obtained following nine consecutive passages of the disoxaril- resistant mutant in the presence of disoxaril. Phenotypic characteristics of the disoxaril mutants were investigated. A timing-of-addition study of the CVB1/DEP replication demonstrated that in the absence of disoxaril the virus particle assembly stopped. VP1 RNA sequences of disoxaril mutants were compared with the existing Gen Bank CVB1 reference structure. The amino acid sequence of a large VP1 196 - 258 peptide (disoxaril-binding region) of CVB1/RES was significantly different from that of the CVB1/SOF. Crucially important changes in CVB1/RES were two point mutations, M213H and F237L, both in the ligand-binding pocket. The sequence analysis of the CVB1/DEP showed some reversion to CVB1/SOF. The amino acid sequences of the three VP1 proteins are presented
Isoflavonoid Derivatives from Lophira alata Stem Heartwood
Authors: Abderamane Bintou , Tih Anastasie E. , Ghogomu Raphael T. , Blond Alain , Bodo Bernard
Published: January 2015

Six isoflavonoid derivatives among which three are new have been isolated from the stem heartwood of Lophira alata. The structures were elucidated from spectroscopic and chemical evidences. Two have unusual carbon skeletons, possibly resulting from a variant of isoflavonoid biogenesis. The two compounds form the first members of a new subclass of flavonoid compounds which we call "isobiflavonoids". The presence of these isoflavonoid compounds in this plant of the Ochnaceae family has important chemotaxonomic implications since it modifies the botanic distribution of isoflavonoid compounds in non-leguminous plants
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts with Leishmanicidal Activity
Authors: de Souza Rodrigo Octavio M. A. , Barros José C. , da Silva Joaquim F. M. , Antunes Octavio A. C.
Published: January 2015

A quantitative structure-activity relationship model for Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts with leishmanicidal activities was developed which correlates molecular orbital energy and dipole with percentage in the promastigote stage
Effect of the Method of Preparation on the Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of the Essential Oil of Pituranthos tortuosus
Authors: Abdallah Hossam M. , Ezzat Shahira M.
Published: January 2015

The aerial parts of Pituranthos tortuosus (Desf.) Benth and Hook (Apiaceae), growing wild in Egypt, yielded 0.8%, 0.6%, and 1.5% (v/w) of essential oil when prepared by hydrodistillation (HD), simultaneous hydrodistillation-solvent (n-pentane) extraction (Lickens- Nickerson, DE), and conventional volatile solvent extraction (preparation of the “absolute”, SE), respectively. GC-MS analysis showed that the major components in the HD sample were β-myrcene (18.81%), sabinene (18.49%), trans-iso-elemicin (12.90%), and terpinen- 4-ol (8.09%); those predominent in the DE sample were terpinen-4-ol (29.65%), sabinene (7.38%), γ-terpinene (7.27%), and β-myrcene (5.53%); while the prominent ones in the SE sample were terpinen-4-ol (15.40%), dill apiol (7.90%), and allo-ocimene (4E,6Z) (6.00%). The oil prepared in each case was tested for its cytotoxic activity on three human cancer cell lines, i.e. liver cancer cell line (HEPG2), colon cancer cell line (HCT116), and breast cancer cell line (MCF7). The DE sample showed the most potent activity against the three human cancer cell lines (with IC50 values of 1.67, 1.34, and 3.38 μg/ml against the liver, colon, and breast cancer cell lines, respectively). Terpinen-4-ol, sabinene, γ-terpinene, and β-myrcene were isolated from the DE sample and subjected to a similar evaluation of cytotoxic potency; signifi cant activity was observed
Darkness Affects Differentially the Expression of Plastid-Encoded Genes and Delays the Senescence-Induced Down-Regulation of Chloroplast Transcription in Cotyledons of Cucurbita pepo L. (Zucchini)
Authors: Mishev Kiril , Dimitrova Anna , Ananiev Evguéni D.
Published: January 2015

In contrast to differentiated leaves, the regulatory mechanisms of chloroplast gene expression in darkened cotyledons have not been elucidated. Although some results have been reported indicating accelerated senescence in Arabidopsis upon reillumination, the capacity of cotyledons to recover after dark stress remains unclear. We analysed the effect of twodays dark stress, applied locally or at the whole-plant level, on plastid gene expression in zucchini cotyledons. Our results showed that in the dark the overall chloroplast transcription rate was much more inhibited than the nuclear run-on transcription. While the activities of the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) and nuclear RNA polymerase II were strongly reduced, the activities of the nuclear-encoded plastid RNA polymerase (NEP) and nuclear RNA polymerase I were less affected. During recovery upon reillumination, chloroplast transcription in the cotyledons was strongly stimulated (3-fold) compared with the naturally senescing controls, suggesting delayed senescence. Northern blot and dot blot analyses of the expression of key chloroplast-encoded photosynthetic genes showed that in contrast to psbA, which remained almost unaffected, both the transcription rate and mRNA content of psaB and rbcL were substantially decreased
Identifi cation of Species-Diagnostic Inter Simple Sequence Repeat Markers for Ten Phyllanthus Species
Authors: Senapati Sunil Kumar , Aparajita Subhashree , Rout Gyana Ranjan
Published: January 2015

Phyllanthus has been widely used in traditional medicine as an antipyretic, a diuretic, and to treat liver diseases and viral infections. Correct genotype identification of medicinal plant material remains important for the botanical drug industry. Limitations of chemical and morphological approaches for authentication have generated the need for newer methods in quality control of botanicals. In the present study, attempts were made to identify species- diagnostic markers for ten Phyllanthus species using the inter simple sequence repeat-polymerase chain reaction (ISSR-PCR) fingerprinting method. PCR amplification using seven ISSR primers resulted in significant polymorphism among the populations from different species. P. angustifolius and P. urinaria showed monomorphic frequency of maximum (63.88%) and minimum (20.64%), respectively. Seventeen species-diagnostic markers were identified for seven species (P. acidus, P. emblica, P. fraternus, P. urinaria, P. rotundifolius, P. amarus, and P. angustifolius) while no marker was detected for P. reticulatus, P. nivosus, and P. virgulatus. A maximum of six species-diagnostic markers were identified for P. acidus and a minimum of only one of 755 bp was available for P. amarus. Among the seventeen markers, nine were present in all individuals of particular species. The speciesspecific differences in fragment numbers and sizes could be used as diagnostic markers to distinguish the Phyllanthus species quickly
Statistical Optimization of the Medium Composition by Response Surface Methodology to Enhance Schizophyllan Production by Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Li Wenbing , Zhou Pengpeng , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

The response surface methodology (RSM) involving central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the fermentation medium for the cell growth and schizophllan production by Schizophyllum commune CGMCC 5.113 in submerged culture at pH 6.5 and 26°C. The four variables involved in this study were glucose, yeast extract, ammonium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate. The statistical analysis of the results showed that, in the range studied, glucose and yeast extract had a highly significant effect on schizophyllan production. The optimal medium for schizophyllan production calculated from the regression model of RSM was as follows: glucose, 18 g/l; yeast extract, 0.5 g/l; NH4NO3, 0.48 g/l; and MgSO4, 0.05 g/l, with a predicted maximum schizophyllan production of 11.74 g/l. These predicted values were experimentally validated. The excellent correlation between predicted and measured values justifies the validity of the response model. The results of bioreactor fermentation also show that the optimized medium enhanced schizophyllan production (12.80 g/l) by S. commune in a 5-l fermenter
Single-Embryo Metabolomics and Systematic Prediction of Developmental Stage in Zebrafish
Authors: Hayashi Shunsuke , Yoshida Mako , Fujiwara Toshinobu , Maegawa Shingo , Fukusaki Eiichiro
Published: January 2015

Metabolites, the end products of gene expression in living organisms, are tightly correlated with an organism’s development and growth. Thus, metabolic profiling is a potentially important tool for understanding the events that have occurred in cells, tissues, and individual organisms. Here, we present a method for predicting the developmental stage of zebrafish embryos using novel metabolomic non-target fingerprints of “single-embryos”. With this method, we observed the rate of development at different temperatures. Our results suggest that this method allows us to analyse the condition, or distinguish the genotype, of singleembryos before expression of their ultimate phenotype
Phytoecdysteroids of Silene guntensis and their in vitro Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Mamadalieva Nilufar Z. , El-Readi Mahmoud Z. , Janibekov Abdulaziz A. , Tahrani Ahmad , Wink Michael
Published: January 2015

Phytoecdysteroids from aerial parts of Silene guntensis B. Fedtsch were investigated and three phytoecdysteroids were isolated: 2,3-diacetate-22-benzoate-20-hydroxyecdysone (1), 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone (2), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (3). Their chemical structures were elucidated by DEPT, COSY, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The isolated compounds 1 - 3 and crude extracts were evaluated for their antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. They exhibited substantial inhibition of cell growth against human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. The chloroform extract showed potent cytotoxic effects [IC50 values (26.58 ± 1.88) μg/mL, (20.99 ± 1.64) μg/mL, and (18.89 ± 2.36) μg/mL, respectively]. The new compound 1 was mildly cytotoxic compared to extracts [(127.97 ± 11.34), (106.76 ± 7.81), and (203.10 ± 19.56) μg/mL, respectively]. Water and n-butanol extracts exhibited good antioxidant activities [IC50 values of (68.90 ± 6.45) μg/mL and (69.12 ± 5.85) μg/mL, respectively].
Expression of Carotenogenic Genes and Astaxanthin Production in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous as a Function of Oxygen Tension
Authors: Wu Wei , Lu Mingbo , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

This report gives an insight into the specific changes in the transcription of four key carotenogenic genes [encoding geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (crtE), phytoene desaturase (crtI), phytoene synthase lycopene cyclase (crtYB), and astaxanthin synthase (ast), respectively] in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous cultures, with regard to dissolved oxygen (DO) contents of 10%, 25%, and 40% air saturation, respectively. 25% DO proved to be the most beneficial for yeast growth, transcription of carotenogenic genes, and astaxanthin content.
Pharmacological Activity of (R)-(+)-Pulegone, a Chemical Constituent of Essential Oils
Authors: Sousa Damião P. de , Nóbrega Franklin F. F. , Lima Maria R. V. de , Almeida Reinaldo N. de
Published: January 2015

(R)-(+)-Pulegone is a monoterpene found in essential oils from plants of the Labiatae family. This compound is a major constituent of Agastache formosanum oil. In this study, the effect of (R)-(+)-pulegone on the central nervous system was evaluated. (R)-(+)-Pulegone caused a significant decrease in ambulation and an increase in pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice, indicating a central depressant effect. (+)-Pulegone also significantly increased the latency of convulsions as assessed by the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method. The antinociceptive properties of this monoterpene were studied in chemical and thermal models of nociception. Chemical nociception induced in the first and second phase of the subplantar formalin test was significantly inhibited by (R)-(+)-pulegone and was not blocked by naloxone. Thermal nociception was also significantly inhibited while (R)-(+)-pulegone increased the reaction latency of the mice in the hot plate test. These results suggest that (R)-(+)-pulegone is a psychoactive compound and has the profile of an analgesic drug.
Liriodenine, Early Antimicrobial Defence in Annona diversifolia
Authors: Cruz-Chacón Iván De la , González-Esquinca Alma Rosa , Fefer Patricia Guevara , Garcia Luis Felipe Jímenez
Published: January 2015

Annonaceae aporphine alkaloids, of which liriodenine is the most abundant, have not been extensively studied from a biological standpoint. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of liriodenine in antimicrobial defense during early developmental stages in Annona diversifolia. The fungi Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus glaucus, which are responsible for seed deterioration, were isolated during imbibition, and their antifungal activity was determined by diffusion, macrodilution, and metabolic inhibition assays using purified liriodenine and alkaloid extracts obtained from embryos, radicles, and roots at early developmental stages. The presence of liriodenine in extracts was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Purified liriodenine and alkaloidal extracts inhibited both fungi, and there was a positive relationship between extract activity and amount of liriodenine contained therein. The quantity of liriodenine present in extracts suggests its importance in controlling other phytopathogens.
Enantiospecific (S)-(+)-Linalool Formation from β-Myrcene by Linalool Dehydratase-Isomerase
Authors: Lüddeke Frauke , Harder Jens
Published: January 2015

The linalool dehydratase-isomerase from Castellaniella defragrans strain 65Phen catalyzes in the thermodynamically unfavourable direction the hydration of β-myrcene to linalool and further the isomerization to geraniol, the initial steps in anaerobic β-myrcene biodegradation. We have now investigated the stereochemistry of this reaction. (S)-(+)-Linalool is formed with an enantiomeric excess of at least 95.4%. (R)-(-)-Linalool was not detected. This indicates an introduction of the hydroxy group on the si-face of β-myrcene.
Impact of Salicylic Acid on the Antioxidant Enzyme System and Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Cucumis sativus under Chilling Stress
Authors: Zhang Wan-Ping , Jiang Biao , Lou Li-Na , Lu Ming-Hui , Yang Min , Chen Jin-Feng
Published: January 2015

Salicylic acid (SA) is a naturally produced compound and has been implicated to play important roles in defense of plants against diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. To understand how SA functions in the tolerance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) to chilling stress, endogenous SA levels in two different cultivars with opposite chilling responsiveness were quantified. Membrane integrity, including malondialdehyde (MDA) content and leakage of electrolyte, was also examined in SA-pretreated cucumber plants under chilling conditions. In addition, activities of the two antioxidant enzymes peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were quantified, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was investigated histochemically in SA-treated leaves under chilling temperature. Chilling stress resulted in greater induction of SA levels in the chilling-tolerant cultivar Changchun mici in both leaves and seeds compared to the chilling-sensitive one Beijing jietou, while the former one contained higher levels of SA than the latter one in the seeds under normal conditions. Pretreatment with SA diminished the increased electrolyte leakage and MDA content caused by chilling in the leaves of both cultivars, while much less MDA and electrolyte leakage were produced in Changchun mici compared to Beijing jietou. Moreover, exogenous application of SA increased significantly the POD and CAT activities and soluble protein content. Most importantly, exogenous SA treatment could eliminate the accumulation of H2O2 in leaves and cotyledons of both cultivars caused by chilling stress. The data clearly demonstrated that the chilling-tolerant cultivar displays a higher SA level than the chilling-sensitive one, and that exogenous SA can enhance the chilling tolerance ability, which might be achieved through modulating the antioxidant system in cucumber.
Antihepatotoxic Activity of Phyllanthus atropurpureus Cultivated in Egypt
Authors: Sarg Taha , Ghani Afaf Abdel , Zayed Rawia , El-Sayed May
Published: January 2015

The genus Phyllanthus (family Euphorbiaceae) is considered one of the important medicinal and ornamental plants. A phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed to search for the active ingredient. Results of the investigation of the hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus atropurpureus Boj. Hort. Maurit. revealed that the activities of alcoholic extracts of its aerial parts and roots were quite similar to those of silymarin. Both of them improve the parameters of CCl4-induced liver injury including serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Among the extracts tested, the root extract showed maximum activity compared to the aerial parts extract and to silymarin.
Effects of Indole Amides on Lettuce and Onion Germination and Growth
Authors: Borgati Thiago F. , Boaventura Maria Amelia D.
Published: January 2015

3

Auxins, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), are important in plant germination and growth, while physiological polyamines, such as putrescine, are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, and their concentrations increase during germination. In this work, novel indole amides were synthesized in good yields by monoacylation of morpholine and unprotected symmetrical diamines with indole-3-carboxylic acid, a putative metabolite of IAA, possessing no auxin-like activity. These amides were tested for their effects on seed germination and growth of the radicles and shoots of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Allium cepa (onion) seedlings, at 100.0, 1.0, and 0.01 μM concentrations. Germination was generally stimulated, with the exception of amide , derived from morpholine, at 100 μM. On radicle and shoot growth, the effect of these compounds was predominantly inhibitory. Compound 3 was the best inhibitor of growth of lettuce and onion, at the highest concentration. Amides, such as propanil, among others, are described as having herbicidal activity
Geographical Variation of the Furanocoumarin Composition of the Fruits of Icelandic Angelica archangelica
Authors: Sigurdsson Steinthor , Jonsdottir Sigridur , Gudbjarnason Sigmundur
Published: January 2015

Angelica archangelica fruits were collected from 64 locations around Iceland and analysed for furanocoumarins by high-performance liquid chromatography. The average furanocoumarin content was found to be 22.5 mg/g, ranging from 14.0 to 31.6 mg/g. Whereas imperatorin was the main compound in all samples, the order of other compounds was highly diverse. Considerable differences were observed between individuals from the same location and between neighbouring locations. However, strong geographical impact was observed on the composition, with isoimperatorin and bergapten being more pronounced in South Iceland, and oxypeucedanin and an unidentifi ed compound being more pronounced in North Iceland and absent in many samples from South Iceland
Micropropagation of Cyclopia genistoides, an Endemic South African Plant of Economic Importance
Authors: Kokotkiewicz Adam , Luczkiewicz Maria , Hering Anna , Ochocka Renata , Gorynski Krzysztof , Bucinski Adam , Sowinski Pawel
Published: January 2015

An efficient micropropagation protocol of Cyclopia genistoides (L.) Vent., an indigenous South African shrub of economic importance, was established. In vitro shoot cultures were obtained from shoot tip fragments of sterile seedlings cultured on solid Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium supplemented with 9.84 μM 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP) and 1.0 μM thidiazuron (TDZ). Maximum shoot multiplication rate [(8.2 ± 1.3) microshoots/explant)] was observed on this medium composition. Prior to rooting, the multiplied shoots were elongated for 60 days (two 30-days passages) on SH medium with one-half sucrose concentration, supplemented with 4.92 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The rooting of explants was only possible in the case of the elongated shoots. The highest root induction rate (54.8%) was achieved on solid SH medium with one-half sucrose and one-half potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate concentration, respectively, supplemented with 28.54 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 260.25 μM citric acid. The plantlets were acclimatized for 30 days in the glasshouse, with the use of peat/gravel/perlite substrate (1:1:1). The highest acclimatization rate (80%) was obtained for explants rooted with the use of IAA-supplemented medium. The phytochemical profile of the regenerated plants was similar to that of the reference intact plant material. HPLC analyses showed that C. genistoides plantlets obtained by the micropropagation procedure kept the ability to produce xanthones (mangiferin and isomangiferin) and the fl avanone hesperidin, characteristic of wild-growing shrubs.
Nonvolatile Chemical Cues Affect Host-Plant Ranking by Gravid Polygonia c-album Females
Authors: Mozūraitis Raimondas , Murtazina Rushana , Nylin Sören , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin
Published: January 2015

In a multiple-choice test, the preference of egg-laying Polygonia c-album (comma butterfly) females was studied for oviposition on plants bearing surrogate leaves treated with crude methanol extracts obtained from leaves of seven host-plant species: Humulus lupulus, Urtica dioica, Ulmus glabra, Salix caprea, Ribes nigrum, Corylus avellana, and Betula pubescens. The ranking order of surrogate leaves treated with host-plant extracts corresponded well to that reported on natural foliage, except R. nigrum. Thus, host-plant choice in P. c-album seems to be highly dependent on chemical cues. Moreover, after two subsequent fractionations using reversed-phase chromatography the nonvolatile chemical cues residing in the most polar water-soluble fractions evidently provided sufficient information for egg-laying females to discriminate and rank between the samples of more and less preferred plants, since the ranking in these assays was similar to that for natural foliage or whole methanol extracts, while the physical traits of the surrogate leaves remained uniform.
Antifungal Activity of Tetrahydroquinolines against Some Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Gutiérrez Margarita , Carmona Unai , Vallejos Gabriel , Astudillo Luis
Published: January 2015

Seven synthetic tetrahydroquinolines with different substitution patterns were obtained by an imino Diels-Alder condensation reaction and were evaluated against phytopathogenic fungi. Compounds with a methoxy group showed interesting activity against Cladosporium cladosporoides with a MIC value of 13.75 μg/mL
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Paris quadrifolia L.
Authors: Jenett-Siems Kristina , Krause Nadin , Siems Karsten , Jakupovic Sven , Wallukat Gerd , Melzig Matthias F.
Published: January 2015

A study of the components of Paris quadrifolia was undertaken to identify compounds with potential influence on cardiac cells, since previous reports suggested a cardiotoxic risk of this plant. Compounds isolated and identified included one new steroidal saponin, (23S,24S)- spirosta-5,25(27)-diene-1β,3β,21,23,24-pentol-1-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1→2)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranoside 21- O- β- D- apiofuranoside 24-O-β-D-fucopyranoside (1), demonstrating quite unusual structural features, as well as the known compounds 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5-en-furost-3β,17α,22α,26-tetraol- 3- O- α- L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl - -(1→2)]- β- D- glucopyranoside (2), pennogenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamno pyranosyl- (1→4)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→ 2)]-β -D- glucopyranoside (3), 7- O- β- D-glucopyranosyl- kaempferol-3- O- β- D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β- D-galactopyranoside (4), kaem pferol- 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), 5-hydroxyecdysterone (6), and 20-hydroxyecdysone (7). The pennogenin derivative 3 showed strong cardiotoxic effects in an in vitro cellular model system, whereas the respective furostanol derivative 2 was inactive.
Cytotoxic Constituents of Viscum coloratum
Authors: Zhao Yun L. , Wang Xin Y. , Sun Li X. , Fan Rong H. , Bi Kai S. , Yu Zhi G.
Published: January 2015

4

Phytochemical studies on Viscum coloratum have resulted in the isolation of nineteen compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-Q-TOF-MS. Pachypodol () and ombuine (6) were characterized in the family Loranthaceae for the first time. 1,7-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-heptadien-3-one (8) and 5-hydroxy-3,7,3’-trimethoxyfl avone-4’-O-β-D-glucoside (13) were two new natural compounds, which exhibited cytotoxic activities against four human tumour cell lines (HeLa, SGC-7901, MCF-7, and U251)
Phenolic Compounds from the Mongolian Medicinal Plant Scorzonera radiata
Authors: Wang Yao , Wray Victor , Tsevegsuren Nanzad , Lin Wenhan , Proksch Peter
Published: January 2015

Chromatographic separation of a crude extract obtained from aerial parts of the Mongolian medicinal plant Scorzonera radiata yielded fifteen natural compounds, including two new flavonoids and one new quinic acid congener, as well as four flavones and eight quinic acid derivatives, all of which are known natural compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HMBC, ROESY, and TOCSY) and mass spectrometric data. The antioxidant activities of the quinic acid derivatives were evaluated by the DPPH assay
Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Senecio aegyptius var. discoideus Boiss
Authors: Hassan Wafaa , Gendy Amal , Al-youssef Hanan , El-Shazely Assem
Published: January 2015

1

A new eremophilane sesquiterpene, 1-β-hydroxy-8-oxoeremophila-7,9-dien-12-oic acid (), in addition to two known fl avonol glycosides, rutin (2) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside- 7-O-rutinoside (3), was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the aqueous alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Senecio aegyptius var. discoideus Boiss. (family Asteraceae). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR analysis (1H, 13C, COSY, HMQC, HMBC), MS and UV data, and through comparison with the literature. The ethyl acetate fraction and the isolated rutin showed significant cytotoxic activity against colorectal carcinoma (HCT 116) and to less extent against brain (U 251) and breast carcinoma (MCF 7). The ethyl acetate fraction showed a significant level of activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, while the total extract showed the best antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the ethyl acetate fraction was significant (96.7%) when compared to ascorbic acid. It also showed anti-inflammatory activity but no diuretic effect
Gastroprotective Activity of Sterculia striata A. St. Hil. & Naudin (Malvaceae) in Rodents
Authors: Sousa Joubert A. , Oliveira Irisdalva S. , Silva Francilene V. , Costa Danielly A. , Chaves Mariana H. , Oliveira Francisco A. , Nunes Paulo H. M. , Oliveira Rita C. M.
Published: January 2015

The Sterculia striata ethanolic extract (Ss-EtOH) inhibited gastric lesions induced by ethanol, HCl/ethanol, and ischemia/reperfusion, but not those induced by indomethacin, and did not alter the gastric secretion. Ss-EtOH restored the catalase activity and content of nonprotein sulfhydryl groups in the stomach of mice treated with ethanol. The gastroprotection induced by Ss-EtOH in the ethanol-induced gastric lesion model was abolished by NG-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) pretreatment, suggesting the involvement of nitric oxide and antioxidant compounds, but not prostaglandins, in this activity. Lupeol obtained from Ss-EtOH promoted gastroprotection as well as the extract at the same dose, and it must therefore contribute to the observed effects
Physiological Responses of Two Wheat Cultivars to Soil Drought
Authors: Chipilski Radoslav R. , Kocheva Konstantina V. , Nenova Veselina R. , Georgiev Georgi I.
Published: January 2015

Young plants of the two wheat cultivars Katya and Prelom, differing in their reaction to drought in the fi eld, were grown in soil in pots, and their water status was assessed as well as the intensity of gas exchange, chlorophyll fl uorescence, and accumulation of compatible solutes and hydrogen peroxide after 7 days of dehydration. It was established that cv. Katya displayed markedly better tolerance to soil drying in comparison with cv. Prelom. This was partly due to the more effective control of water balance, activity of the photosynthetic apparatus, and metabolic activity of leaves under stress. Consequently, lower amounts of hydrogen peroxide were accumulated and a lower membrane injury index was determined
Characterization of Erwinia amylovora Strains from Bulgaria by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Atanasova Iliana , Urshev Zoltan , Hristova Petya , Bogatzevska Nevena , Moncheva Penka
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to characterize genetically Bulgarian Erwinia amylovora strains using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. Fifty E. amylovora strains isolated from different hosts, locations, as well as in different years were analysed by PFGE after XbaI, SpeI, and XhoI digestion of the genomic DNA. The strains were distributed into four groups according to their XbaI-generated profile. About 82% of the strains displayed a PFGE profile identical to that of type Pt2. Three strains belonged to the Central Europe Pt1 type. Two new PFGE profi les, not reported so far, were established - one for a strain isolated from Malus domestica and another for all Fragaria spp. strains. The same grouping of the strains was obtained after analysis of the SpeI digestion patterns. On the basis of PFGE profiles, after XbaI and SpeI digestion, a genetic differentiation between the strains associated with subfamily Maloideae and subfamily Rosoideae was revealed. The presence of more than one PFGE profi le in the population of E. amylovora in Bulgaria suggests a multiple source of inoculum
Analysis of the Low-Molecular Weight Protein Profile of Egg-White and its Changes during Early Chicken Embryological Development
Authors: Fang Jun , Ma Mei H. , Qiu Ning , Jin Yong G.
Published: January 2015

Many low-molecular weight (LMW) proteins in egg-white are potentially bioactive, but the mass range and number of these are not yet fully characterized. The aim of the present study was to map the LMW protein profile in egg-white and provide the basis for further understanding of the physiological function of these proteins. For this purpose, six time points (days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of incubation) were selected in an attempt to delineate the LMW proteomic profile in egg-white and its changes during early chicken embryological development. Samples were pretreated using gel chromatography techniques prior to analysis by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Protein search focused on the mass range m/z 1,000 to 8,000. One hundred and fourteen mass signal peaks of LMW proteins ranging from m/z 1,035.88 to 7,112.91 were detected at all six time points. The observed changes in the LMW protein profile during development were highly dynamic. Eighty six novel mass signal peaks of LMW proteins were generated during incubation, the origin of which could be assigned to the high-molecular weight protein fractions.The list of egg-white LMW proteins provided in this paper is by far the most comprehensive and is intended to serve as a starting point for the isolation and functional characterization of interesting LMW proteins which may play a crucial role in early embryo nutrition and immunity
Flavonoid Glycosides and their p-Coumaroyl Esters from Campylospermum calanthum Leaves
Authors: Manga Savio S. Elo , Tih Anastasie E. , Abderamane Bintou , Ghogomu Raphael T. , Blond Alain , Bodo Bernard
Published: January 2015

Six new compounds, comprising three flavonoid glycosides and their respective coumaroyl esters, have been isolated and characterized from the methanol extract of the leaves of Campylospermum calanthum, along with three known flavonoid aglycones, 7-O-methyl apigenin (1), 7-O-methyl luteolin (2), and 7-O-methyl quercetin (3). Their structures were elucidated based on chemical evidence as well as spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR (1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) spectroscopy and by comparing their spectral data with those reported for related compounds
Synthesis and in vitro Biological Activity of New 4,6-Disubstituted 3(2H)-Pyridazinone-acetohydrazide Derivatives
Authors: Sukuroglu Murat , Onkol Tijen , Onurdağ Fatma Kaynak , Akalın Gulsen , Şahin M. Fethi
Published: January 2015

New 3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives containing a N’-benzyliden-acetohydrazide moiety at position 2 were synthesized. The structures of these newly synthesized compounds were confi rmed by IR, 1H NMR, and MS data. These compounds were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The compounds 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)- 6-(morpholin-4-yl)-3-oxo-(2H)-pyridazin-2-yl]-N’-(4-tert-butylbenzyliden)acetohydrazide and 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-(morpholin-4-yl)-3-oxo-(2H)-pyridazin-2-yl]-N’-(4-chlorobenzyliden) acetohydrazide exhibited activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Most of the compounds were active against E. coli ATCC 35218. The preliminary results of this study revealed that some target compounds exhibited promising antimicrobial activities
Sexual Dimorphism in Scent Substances and Cuticular Lipids of Adult Papilio protenor Butterflies
Authors: Ômura Hisashi , Yanai Nanako , Honda Keiichi
Published: January 2015

Adults of Papilio protenor demetrius emit a faint odour; the male odour is notably stronger than that of the females. The extracts of whole individuals of each sex comprised 53 compounds regarded as cuticular lipid components, of which the 17 major compounds were straight-chain alkanes and alkenes with 23 - 31 carbon atoms, higher fatty acids, long-chain aliphatic ketones, squalene, and cholesterol. However, highly volatile compounds were not detected in the whole individual extracts. Eight of the 17 major compounds showed a significant sex difference in relative abundance per individual. Principal component analysis, using the major compounds as variables, revealed a marked sexual dimorphism in the chemical composition of cuticular lipids. From the extracts of 10 dissected individuals of each sex, 21 highly volatile compounds were identified in amounts of less than 200 ng/individual. Among them, linalool and 2,3-butanediol showed a significantly larger amount in males than in females, indicating that the adult odour is also sexually dimorphic. Moreover, both sexes shared several odoriferous compounds, such as heptanal, nonanal, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, and benzoic acid. The faint odour of P. protenor adults, perceivable by the human nose, appears to originate from these volatile compounds
Characterization of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 Gene in Apis cerana cerana in Response to Multiple Environmental Stresses
Authors: Luo Lu , Kang Mingjiang , Liua Kai , Guo Xingqi , Xu Baohua
Published: January 2015

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are serine/threonine kinases that play critical roles in the cell cycle regulation. Herein, we describe the identifi cation of a CDK gene from Apis cerana cerana, named AccCDK6. The full-length cDNA is 1,778 bp long, including an ORF of 1,380 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 459 amino acid residues. Multiple sequence alignment analysis showed that the predicted AccCDK6 sequence shares a high similarity with CDK6 genes of other species, and this protein may share an evolutionary predecessor with Drosophila CDK4. The expression patterns of the gene were also analysed, and the transcript was detected throughout the larval, pupal, and adult developmental stages. Furthermore, the expression level of the mRNA of the gene in adult workers was infl uenced by H2O2, ultraviolet (UV) light, temperature (42°C), HgCl2, and pyriproxyfen. These results indicate that AccCDK6 responds to multiple environmental stresses and may also participate in intracellular reactions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and development processes in honey-bees
Department of Pharmaceutical Care, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
Authors: El-Shazly Assem , El-Sayed Afaf , Fikrey Eman
Published: January 2015

Column chromatography of the light petroleum fraction from the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Salix tetrasperma Roxb. (Salicaceae) resulted in the isolation of β-sitosterol acetate, friedelin, 3β-friedelinol, β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-O-glucoside in addition to palmitic acid. From the dichloromethane fraction of the leaves, catechol and tremulacin were isolated. Salicin and its derivatives tremuloidin and 2’-O-p-(E)-coumaroyl salicin were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves. The isolated compounds were identified by MS, and 1D NMR (1H and 13C) and 2D NMR (H-H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectral analyses. The total methanolic extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (rat hind paw oedema). The extract with a content of 120 mg/kg body weight produced 52% inhibition equivalent to the standard diclofenac sodium (54% inhibition). The antioxidant (DPPH free radical scavenging) and analgesic activities, respectively, were also evaluated.
Digalacturonide Flavones from Egyptian Lantana camara Flowers with in vitro Antioxidant and in vivo Hepatoprotective Activities
Authors: El-Kassem Lamia T. Abou , Mohammed Reda S. , Souda Sahar S. El , El-Anssary Amira A. , Hawas Usama W. , Mohmoud Khaled , Farrag Abdel Razik H.
Published: January 2015

A new digalacturonide flavone, luteolin 7-O-β-galacturonyl-(2→1)-O-β-galacturonide (1), was isolated along with nine known fl avone glycosides from the aqueous methanolic extract of Lantana camara (L.) flowers. Their structures were determined on the basis of the spectral data. The extract of L. camara was evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in the acetaminophen-induced mouse liver damage model. 1 exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay with an IC50 value of 27.2 μM. Pre-treatment with L. camara extract (25 and 75 mg/ kg body weight) decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) enzyme levels that were elevated by acetaminophen. Both doses of the L. camara extract ameliorated the histopathological and histochemical alterations induced by acetaminophen. The results indicate that the L. camara extract possesses hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced liver damage.
In vivo/in vitro Studies of the Effects of the Type II Arabinogalactan Isolated from Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek on the Gastrointestinal Tract of Rats
Authors: Baggio Cristiane H. , Freitas Cristina S. , Twardowschy André , Santos Ana Cristina dos , Mayer Bárbara , Potrich Francine B. , Cipriani Thales R. , Sassaki Guilherme L. , Iacomini Marcello , Marques Maria Consuelo A. , Mesia-Vela Sonia
Published: January 2015

Type II arabinogalactan (AG) is a polysaccharide found in Maytenus ilicifolia (Celastraceae), a plant reputed as gastroprotective. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the AG protected rats from gastric ulcers induced by ethanol. No alteration of mechanisms related to acid gastric secretion and gastrointestinal motility were observed. In vitro, the AG showed a potent scavenging activity against the radical of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) with an IC50 value of 9.3 μM. However, the mechanism of the gastroprotective action remains to be identified.
Correlations among Attributes of Senescence and Antioxidative Status of Leaf Discs during Epiphyllous Bud Differentiation in Kalanchoe pinnata Lam. (Pers.)
Authors: Jaiswal Sarita , Chawla Raman , Sawhney Sudhir
Published: January 2015

Leaf detachment is a common signal that triggers both the differentiation of dormant epiphyllous buds as well as the onset of foliar senescence in Kalanchoe pinnata Lam. (Pers.). The present study looked for any probable correlations among selected attributes of foliar senescence, e.g. soluble proteins, chlorophylls a and b (Chla+b), and membrane stability index (MSI), and the antioxidative status, e.g. phenolics, ferric reducing ability in plasma equivalence (FRAPeq), and membrane protection index (MPI), during epiphyllous bud differentiation. The experimental system comprised 0.75-cm leaf discs, with or without a dormant epiphyllous bud, cultured in vitro and exposed for ten days to continuous light or dark. A steady depletion of soluble proteins and Chla+b, and lowering of MSI in the leaf discs were observed, the decline being relatively faster and of higher magnitude in discs exposed to dark rather than to light. The pigment loss in discs with differentiating epiphyllous buds was greater and faster than in those lacking buds, a somewhat reverse situation was observed in case of soluble proteins. Simultaneously, a time-dependent decrease in the level of phenolics was also observed. Their content was found to be lower in discs exposed to dark as compared to light, pointing to a relationship with a higher rate of senescence-related degradative processes in the dark. The change in the content of Chla+b was found to be significantly correlated with the variation in the level of phenolics. The average FRAPeq after ten days was one half that of the initial level, which could be correlated with the decreasing levels of phenolics (intra-correlation) and maximally correlated with variations in Chla+b and protein contents (inter-correlation). Aqueous alcohol foliar extracts significantly (p < 0.05) protected membranes against peroxidative stress, although the pattern was not found to be in line with that of the phenolics content or FRAPeq. The diminishing Chla+b content was found to be maximally correlated with alterations in the membrane protection.