bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Dimerostemma Species (Asteraceae) and in vitro Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Stefani Ricardo , Schorr Karin , Tureta Juliana Maria , Vichnewski Walter , Merfort Irmgard , Da Costa Fernando B. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Two Brazilian species of Dimerostemma (Asteraceae) were chemically investigated. Two known sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), a germacrolide and an eudesmanolide, were isolated from D. episcopale while D. brasilianum afforded the new germacranolide 1β,5β,10α-trihydroxy- 8α-angeloyloxy-germacra-3,11(13)-dien-6α,12-olide in addition to a known one. Structure identification based on NMR and MS analyses. 1β,10α,4α,5β-Diepoxy-8α-angeloyloxycostunolide isolated from D. brasilianum was studied for its anti-inflammatory activity. This STL completely inhibited DNA binding of the transcription factor NF-κB at a concentration of 5 μм and 10 μм in Jurkat T and Raw 264.7 cells, respectively. Elastase release from human neutrophils was reduced to 50% at a concentrations of 23 μм after stimulation with PAF and of 27 μм after stimulation with fMLP without showing cytotoxic effects. Additionally, elastase was also directly inhibited.
Deoxypodophyllotoxin Content and Antioxidant Activity of Aerial Parts of Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm.
Authors: Dall’Acqua Stefano , Giorgetti Michela , Cervellati Rinaldo , Innocenti Gabbriella 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Deoxypodophyllotoxin content of the aerial parts of Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm. growing at different altitudes was evaluated in comparison to the roots. The lignan accumulation in ground parts was at least double compared to aerial ones.
In addition antioxidant-guided fractionation of the crude methanol extract of aerial parts was performed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. Active fractions contained mainly luteolin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidant properties of both crude extract and isolated compounds were also investigated with the Briggs-Rauscher (BR) oscillating reaction. A satisfactory agreement between the results obtained with the two methods was observed.
Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Aristolochia maurorum L.
Authors: Alali Feras Q. , Tawaha Khaled , Shehadeh Mayadah B. , Telfah Suha 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Aristolochia maurorum L. of Jordanian origin has been investigated phytochemically, quantitatively, and biologically. Three atypical alkaloids, namely aristolochic acid I (1), aristolochic acid II (2) and aristolochic acid IIIa (3), have been isolated and identified. Of these known 1-phenanthrenecarboxylic acids, 2 and 3 are reported for the first time from this species. The identified compounds 1-3 were first evaluated biologically as cytotoxic agents against the brine shrimp lethality test (BST), in which compound 1 was found to be the most potent (LC50, 4.9 μg/mL). The antiplatelet activity of the methanolic extracts, the acidic fractions of aerial and root parts, and the identified compounds 1-3 were evaluated using an automatic platelet aggregometer and coagulation tracer (APACT 2). Using external reference standards, and a reverse-phase isocratic method, the distribution of aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II in different plant parts of Aristolochia maurorum L. during flowering stage was analyzed by PDA-HPLC. A quantitative comparison between two previously reported extraction methods was also made. Roots were found to be the main storage of aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II during flowering stage with about 0.22 and 0.108% (w/w), respectively.
Herbicide-Affected Plant Metabolism Reduces Virus Propagation
Authors: Kazinczi Gabriella , Gáspár László , Nyitrai Péter , Gáborjányi Richard , Sárvári Éva , Takács András , Horváth József 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
It has been previously shown that certain herbicides or plant extracts inhibited the viral infection. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of Obuda pepper virus (ObPV) infection and herbicide or plant extract treatments on the photosynthetic processes of the host plants to get informations about the interactions of these factors. In Capsicum annuum- ObPV host-virus relations the virus infection slightly increased the activity of photosystem II (PSII), as it was supposed from fluorescence induction parameters. Chlorophyll content of leaves was also elevated probably due to virus-induced growth inhibition. The herbicide Stomp (active ingredient: pendimethalin) incorporated into the soil one week before planting (preplant treatment) together with virus infection even strengthened these effects in agreement with previous observations that this herbicide always did not prevent virus infection or reduce virus concentration in hosts. In ObPV-infected Nicotiana tabacum the structural changes showed similar tendency like in ObPV-infected C. annuum, but PSII efficiency did not significantly differ from that of the control. However, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased because of the strongly decreasing CO2 fixation activity. Though simultaneous application of a water extract of Cirsium arvense shoot caused a little stronger inhibition of CO2 fixation, little loss in production was obtained due to significant reduction in virus concentration. In Solanum nigrum-ObPV relation the slightly increasing tendency of the values of actual PSII quantum efficiency could be related to the probably elevated ratio of reaction centre components (increased chlorophyll a/b ratio) in the thylakoids. Application of the herbicide Fusilade S (active ingredient: fluazifop-P-butyl) at 4-6 leaf stage as a postemergence treatment practically prevented systemic virus infection and the virus-induced changes of photosynthesis are probably due to inhibiting the virus infection/replication process.
Biological Activity of New N-Oxides of Tertiary Amines
Authors: Kleszczyńska Halina , Bielecki Krzysztof , Sarapuk Janusz , Bonarska-Kujawa Dorota , Pruchnik Hanna , Trela Zenon , Łuczyński Jacek 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Potential biological properties of newly synthesized single and double alkyl chain N-oxides of tertiary amines (NTA) were studied. Individual compounds in each of the series had alkyl chains of different length. Various experiments were performed to determine a mechanism of the interaction between NTA and model and biological membranes. These were measurements of hemolytic efficiencies of NTA (pig erythrocytes), their influence on the transition temperatures (DPPC liposomes), on potassium leakage from cucumber, its growth and chlorophyll content (Cucumis sativus cv. Krak F1), and on the resting membrane potential in alga cells (Nitellopsis obtusa).
Also, prevention of erythrocyte membrane lipid oxidation induced by UV irradiation was studied. Potential antioxidative properties of NTA were additionally tested in radical chromogen (ABTS●+) experiments in which antioxidative efficiencies of NTA were compared to that of the standard antioxidant Trolox.
It was found that NTA readily interacted with erythrocyte membranes. Their hemolyzing efficiency increased with the alkyl chain length. Slightly more intensive interaction was found for double alkyl chain compounds. Similar results were obtained in DSC experiments, where incorporation of NTA into liposomal membranes shifted the main transition temperatures and caused a broadening of the main transition peaks depending on the alkyl chain length. Double alkyl chain compounds were also found more efficiently influencing the growth of cucumber. Influence of NTA on the resting membrane potential of algae cells was not quite following the alkyl chain length rule found in erythrocyte and liposome experiments. Also potassium leakage and chlorophyll content determined in physiological experiments were not following the increase of lipophilicity of compounds. Most efficiently influencing those parameters were NTA having shorter alkyl chains, and efficiencies of single alkyl chain compounds were evidently stronger.
Both methods used to test the antioxidative properties of NTA showed that they depended on the alkyl chain lengths of compounds within each series, but double alkyl chain ones exhibited markedly greater efficiency.
Spectroscopic Characterization of the Artificial Siderophore Pyridinochelin
Authors: Kumke Michael U. , Dosche Carsten , Flehr Roman , Trowitzsch-Kienast Wolfram , Löhmannsröben Hans-Gerd 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Siderophores play a very important role in the uptake process of iron by bacteria. Due to the so-called active transport the uptake of siderophores by bacteria is very specific, which makes the use of siderophores as effective shuttles for antibiotics in the treatment of infections and other diseases caused by bacteria highly attractive. In order to further investigate the transport and incorporation of siderophores into the bacteria cells, distinct molecular probes are needed. Especially artificial siderophores, that show a specific intrinsic fluorescence, are highly attractive for such monitoring purposes. A promising candidate of such a fluorescent artificial siderophore is bis-2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl-2,6-dimethylamino-pyridine (pyridinochelin, PY).
The fluorescence properties of PY were investigated in different solvents and in the presence of different metal ions. It was found that PY in its free form shows a complex fluorescence behavior. In methanol a clear dual fluorescence is observed. In aqueous solution intermolecular interactions with water molecules are determining the intrinsic fluorescence. Upon complexation with metal ions (Me3+ = Eu3+, Tb3+, Al3+, Fe3+) the fluorescence characteristics changed. The fluorescence quantum yield of PY decreased upon addition of Me3+ - except for Al3+, which showed no fluorescence quenching. The fluorescence decay of PY loaded with metal ions showed a nicely mono-exponential fluorescence decay, which was in contrast to PY in the absence of metal ions. This drastic change in the fluorescence properties of PY upon metal ion complexation makes PY highly attractive as a fluorescence probe for the investigation of siderophore action and siderophore-mediated transport processes
Sophoraflavanone G from Sophora pachycarpa Enhanced the Antibacterial Activity of Gentamycin against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fakhimi Ali , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Amin-Ar-Ramimeh Esam , Zarrini Gholamreza , Shahverdi Ahmad Reza 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In this study the enhancement effect of Sophora pachycarpa roots’ acetone extract on the antibacterial activity of gentamycin was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. Disc diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of gentamycin in the absence and presence of plant extract and its various fractions separated by TLC. A clinical isolate of S. aureus was used as test strain. The active component of the plant extract involved in enhancement of gentamycin’s activity had Rƒ = 0.72 on a TLC plate. The spectral data (1H NMR, 13C NMR) of this compound revealed that this compound was 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy-8- lavandulylflavanone (sophoraflavanone G), previously isolated from Sophora exigua. In the presence of 0.03 μg/ mL of sophoraflavanone G the MIC value of gentamycin for S. aureus decreased from 32 to 8 μg/mL (a fourfold decrease). These results signify that the ultra-low concentration of sophoraflavanone G potentiates the antimicrobial action of gentamycin suggesting a possible utilization of this compound in combination therapy against Staphylococcus aureus.
Cytotoxic α-Pyrones from Xylaria hypoxylon
Authors: Schüffler Anja , Sterner Olov , Anke Heidrun 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Two new α-pyrone derivatives, xylarone (1) and 8,9-dehydroxylarone (2) possessing cytotoxic activities, were isolated from the culture fluid of submerged cultures of the ascomycete Xylaria hypoxylon, strain A27-94. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.
Antinociceptive Effects of Tetrahydrophthalimides and Related Compounds
Authors: Costa Bianca B. C. , Corrêa Rogério , De Souza Marcia M. , Pretto Juliana B. , Ardenghi Juliana V. , De Campos-Buzzi Fátima , Filho Valdir Cechinel 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This paper describes the antinociceptive effects of tetrahydrophthalimides and related compounds in mice. Twenty compounds were obtained by the reaction of cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride with appropriate amines, dehydration, and addition to the imidic double bond. They were analyzed in the writhing test at 10 mg/kg given intraperitoneally. The most active compound 2-benzyl-5-morpholin-4-yl-hexahydroisoindole-1,3-dione (19) was studied on formalin, capsaicin, glutamate and hot plate models. The antinociceptive activity demonstrated by some studied compounds is promising, and some of them were more active than acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol used as reference drugs in writhing tests in mice. Compound 19 was about 5-fold more potent than the reference drugs, being also effective by oral route and against the inflammatory response in the formalin test. The results suggest that compound 19 could be used as a model to obtain new and more potent antinociceptive agents. It exhibits an interesting antinociceptive profile, and does not interact with opioid systems.
UV-B Effect on Constituents of Azolla caroliniana
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Mostafa Eazaz M. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Changes in growth and ultrastructure of Azolla caroliniana in response to elevated UV-B radiation were investigated. Exposure of plants to UV-B radiation for 1, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h exhibited a significant decrease in biomass and relative growth rate. This decrease resulted in an increase in doubling time over the control. Also, Chl a and b contents were significantly decreased especially after 16 h. The reduction was accompanied by a decrease in 5-aminolaevulinic acid content (precursor of chlorophyll). On the other hand, contents of carotenoid and UV-absorbing phenolic compounds (flavonoids and anthocyanins) were increased.
L-Amino Acid Oxidases with Specificity for Basic L-Amino Acids in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Gau Achim E. , Heindl Achim , Nodop Anke , Kahmann Uwe , Pistorius Elfriede K. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The two closely related fresh water cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC 6301 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 have previously been shown to constitutively express a FAD-containing l-amino acid oxidase with high specificity for basic L-amino acids (L-arginine being the best substrate). In this paper we show that such an enzyme is also present in the fresh water cyanobacterium Synechococcus cedrorum PCC 6908. In addition, an improved evaluation of the nucleotide/amino acid sequence of the l-amino acid oxidase of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 6301 (encoded by the aoxA gene) with respect to the FAD-binding site and a translocation pathway signal sequence will be given. Moreover, the genome sequences of 24 cyanobacteria will be evaluated for the occurrence of an aoxA-similar gene. In the evaluated cyanobacteria 15 genes encoding an l-amino acid oxidase-similar protein will be found.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel n-Alkane-Degrading Strain, Acinetobacter haemolyticus AR-46
Authors: Bihari Zoltán , Pettkó-Szandtner Aladár , Csanádi Gyula , Balázs Margit , Bartos Péter , Kesserű Péter , Kiss István , Mécs Imre 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Strain AR-46, isolated and identified as Acinetobacter haemolyticus, evolutionally distant from the known hydrocarbon-degrading Acinetobacter spp., proved to have excellent longchain n-alkane-degrading ability. This is the first detailed report on an n-alkane-utilizing strain belonging to this species. The preferred substrate is n-hexadecane, with an optimal temperature of 37 °C under aerobic conditions. Five complete and two partial open reading frames were sequenced and correlated with the early steps of monoterminal oxidation-initiated n-alkane mineralization. The encoded protein sequences and the arrangement of these genes displayed high similarity to those found in Acinetobacter sp. M-1, but AR-46 seemed to have only one alkane hydroxylase gene, with a completely different induction profile. Unique behaviour was also observed in n-alkane bioavailability. Substrate uptake occurred through the hydrophobic surface of n-alkane droplet-adhered cells possessing long, thick fimbriae, which were presumed to play a major role in n-alkane solubilization. A majority of the cells was in detached form, with thick, but short fimbriae. These free cells were permanently hydrophilic, unlike the cells of other Acinetobacter strains.
A New Oviposition Deterrent to the Leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii: Cucurbitane Glucoside from Momordica charantia
Authors: Kashiwagi Takehiro , Mekuria Daniel Bisrat , Dekebo Aman , Sato Keiko , Tebayashi Shin-ichi , Kim Chul-Sa 
Published: February 2015

A new cucurbitane glucoside, 23-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-7-hydroxy-3-O-malonylcucurbita-5,24-dien-19-al, named momordicine V, has been isolated from Momordica charantia leaves, along with the previously reported compounds, momordicines I, II, IV and 3-O-malonylmomordicine
I. The structure of the new compound was established on the basis of spectral
analysis, as well as by its conversion to momordicine II by alkaline catalyzed hydrolysis. Momordicine V deterred significantly the oviposition by L. trifolii on host plant leaves treated at 26.16 μg/cm2 leaf surface
Activity-Guided Isolation of Antioxidant Principles from Limoniastrum feei (Girard) Batt
Authors: Chaabi Mehdi , Beghidja Noureddine , Benayache Samir , Lobstein Annelise 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Bioguided fractionation of a leaves extract from Limoniastrum feei (Girard) Batt. (Plumbaginaceae) led to the isolation of seven polyphenolic constituents: gallic acid (1), myrciaphenone A (2), myricetin-3-O-β-galactopyranoside (3-1), epigallocatechin gallate (3-2), myricetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin (5) and myricetin (6). Gallic acid was the most antioxidant compound in DPPH [(0.94 d 0.68) μg/mL] and FRAP [(0.83 d 0.15) μm Fe2+/mL] tests, whereas myricetin was a more specific superoxide radical scavenger since it was the most active product in the superoxide nitroblue tetrazolium hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase test [(1.86 d 0.12) μg/mL].
Structure and Spasmolytic Activity Relationships of Monoterpene Analogues Found in Many Aromatic Plants
Authors: Sousa Damião P. de , Júnior Genival A. S. , Andrade Luciana N. , Calasans Flávia R. , Nunes Xirley P. , Barbosa-Filho José M. , Batista Josemar S. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Rotundifolone, a monoterpene isolated from the essential oil of the leaves of Mentha x villosa, is a constituent of several essential oils and known to have spasmolytic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between structure and spasmolytic activity of rotundifolone and its analogues in ileum isolated from guinea-pig. Five of the seven tested analogues were found to have a spasmolytic effect more potent than rotundifolone itself, except for pulegone and (+)-limonene. The comparison between rotundifolone and limonene oxide showed that the absence of the keto group did not decrease the relaxant effect. Comparison of the spasmolytic activity between rotundifolone and (+)-pulegone showed that the absence of the epoxy group did not decrease the relaxation of the ileum. Carvone epoxide was found to be significantly more potent than rotundifolone. The monoterpene (-)-carvone produced ileum relaxation and was more potent than its enantiomer (+)-carvone. (+)-Limonene and pulegone oxide showed a similar effect. The study showed that the functional groups and their position at the ring of rotundifolone contributed to the relaxation activity of the ileum. The absence of the oxygenated molecular structure is not a critical requirement for the molecule to be bioactive.
Biosorption of Nickel by Yeasts in an Osmotically Unsuitable Environment
Authors: Breierová Emilia , Čertík Milan , Kovárová Annamaria , Gregor Tomaš 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The tolerance, sorption of nickel(II) ions, and changes in the production and composition of exopolymers of eight yeast strains grown under nickel presence with/without NaCl were studied. Strains of Pichia anomala and Candida maltosa known as the most resistant yeasts against nickel tolerated up to 3 mm Ni2+. NaCl addition decreased both the resistance of the yeast strains toward nickel ions and the sorption of metal ions into cells. All yeasts absorbed nickel predominantly into exopolymers (glycoproteins) and on the surface of cells. However, while the amount of polysaccharide moieties of exoglycoproteins of most of the resistant yeasts was induced by stress conditions, the ratio polysaccharide/protein in the exopolymers remained unchanged in the sensitive species Cystofilobasidium. The exopolymer composition might play a key role in yeast adaptation to stress conditions caused by heavy metal ions.
Increasing CoQ10 Production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris J001 Using a Two-Stage Fermentation Process
Authors: Jiang Shi-yun , Yu Long-jiang 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
CoQ10 is used not only as a medicine but also as a food supplement due to its various physiological activities. The production of CoQ10 by microbes is a successful approach for generating large amounts of this natural product. The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) contents and the two-stage fermentation process on cell growth and CoQ10 production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris J001 were investigated. The optimal DO contents for cell growth and CoQ10 production were 45% and 15%, respectively. A two-stage fermentation process, which consists of a 1st stage with 45% DO, a 2nd stage with 15% DO and a synchronous feeding of 2.0% NaAc at the switching time (42 h after inoculation), has proven to be the optimum fermentation process for the production of CoQ10. The maximum biomass, CoQ10 production and CoQ10 production rate were 1.31 g l-1, 89.1 mg l-1, and 1.142 mg l-1 h-1, respectively, increased by 28%, 585% and 426% as compared to the one-stage batch production with 45% DO. The DO level was the major factor to increase the CoQ10 production by the two-stage process.
Growth Inhibition of Candida albicans in the Presence of Antiserum Elicited in Rabbits by Mannan-Protein Conjugate
Authors: Machová Eva , Bystrický Slavomír 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Antifungal properties of rabbit antiserum prepared by immunization are reported. The immunization was done by a chemically prepared conjugate consisting of Candida albicans (serotype A) surface mannan and human serum albumin. Addition of rabbit antiserum to d-glucose medium inoculated with C. albicans effectively inhibited its growth. Moreover, C. albicans cells treated with rabbit antiserum revealed the entire loss of viability (expressed as decreased mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity). No growth of treated cells on an agar plate was observed. The results confirmed that the mannan-protein conjugate could be considered as an effective component of perspective vaccine.
A future of archaeology
Authors: Mizoguchi Koji 
Published: February 2015

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FUTURESAs archaeologists we look to the past, but where might archaeology be going in the future? In this issue ofAntiquitywe begin a new feature where we invite archaeologists from different parts of the world to consider how the subject may or should develop in the coming years. For the first of these, Koji Mizoguchi, President of the World Archaeological Congress and Professor at Kyushu University in Japan, offers a perspective on the regional traditions of archaeology within an increasingly globalised world.