Dianthramides A and B,two N-benzoylanthranilic acid derivatives from elicited tissues of Dianthus caryophyllus

Two new phenolic derivatives, dianthramide A and B, were isolated from Dianthus caryophyllus tissues elicited with mycelial extracts of Phytophthora parasitica. The purified substances were identified on the basis of their spectral data and were characterized as N-salicyl-4-methoxyanthranilic acid (dianthramide A) and N-salicyl-4-hydroxyanthranilic acid methyl ester (dianthramide B). Dianthramides A and B co-occur in carnation tissues with the known phytoalexin dianthalexin.     

A genetic analysis of the quality of northern-style Chinese steamed bread

Dissecting the genetic basis for the traits of northern-style Chinese steamed bread (NCSB) is of great significance for wheat quality breeding. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the processing quality of NCSB were studied using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) consisting of 173 lines derived from a “Shannong01–35 × Gaocheng9411” cross. Twenty-four putative additive QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5B, 6B, and 7B. Of these QTLs, QTex1A.1-27, QHei5B.5-488, and QGum4B.4-17 had the highest contribution and accounted for 9.33, 10.9, and 12.0% of the phenotypic variations, respectively. Several co-located QTLs with additive effects were detected on chromosomes 1A, 1D, 4B, and 5B. Two clusters (RFL_CONTIG2160_524-WSNP_CAP12_C2438_1180601 and EX_C101685_705-RAC875_C27536_611) for height, total score, and texture and for chewiness, gumminess, and hardness were detected on chromosomes 1A and 4B, respectively. Two QTLs for chewiness and hardness (QCh1D-4, QHa1D-4) with additive effects were detected; these alleles could be good targets for improving the processing quality of steamed bread from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In addition, QTLs for wheat flour quality and the associated correlations with NCSB were simultaneously analyzed. Negative correlations were detected between chewiness and the wet/dry gluten content (WGC/DGC) or protein content. Two QTLs (QCh4B.4-17 and QPr4B.4-17) and three QTLs (QCh4B.4-13, QWG4B.4-13, and QDG4B.4-13) clustered in the same chromosomal region. The detected QTL clusters should be further investigated during wheat breeding and could be used by breeders to improve wheat quality and especially the processing quality of NCSB.     

Cytotoxic meroterpenoids from the macroalga Cystoseira abies-marina

Two new meronorsesquiterpenes (cystoazorones A and B) and two new meroditerpenes (cystoazorols A and B), along with benzoic acid were isolated from the brown macroalga Cystoseira abies-marina. The structures of the new compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRMS spectral analysis. The in vitro cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds were also evaluated. Cystoazorones A and B, and cystoazorol A exhibited in vitro growth inhibitory activity against HeLa cells. The HeLa cell line in log phase was found to be more sensitive to cystoazorol A than when it was in lag phase. Cystoazorol A also showed a selectivity index higher than taxol, which was used as a positive control. Cystoazorols A and B were found to be the strongest antioxidants among the compounds tested.     

Phosphorylase isoenzymes in Polytoma uvella

Starch phosphorylase isoenzymes in growing cultures of Polytoma uvella were isolated by gel electrophoresis and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Two forms (A and B) were found. These were not detected in the lag phase of the cultures but both forms were present in the log and early stationary phase. Initially form A was more prominent than form B. In the early stationary phase, form A decreased and only form B could be found in the older cultures.     

Solanopubamides a and b,two further steroidal alkaloids from solanum pu bescens

Two new steroidal alkaloids, solanopubamides A and B, were isolated from the aerial parts of Solanum pubescens. Their structures were elucidated as 3β-formylamino-5α,22αH,25βH-solanidan-23β-ol (solanopubamine A) and 3β-acetylamino-5α,22αH,25βH-solaiiidan-23β-ol (solanopunamide B) by spectral and chemical methods.     

Sesquiterpene lactones from the aerial parts of Anthemis arvensis L.

Two known sesquiterpene lactones, antheindurolides A and B, together with five new related lactones with the same unusual skeleton were isolated from the aerial parts of Anthemis arvensis growing in Serbia. The originally proposed structure of antheindurolide B was revised. This (antheindurolide) type of lactones, detected so far only in the genus Anthemis (Anthemis indurata, Anthemis pseudocotula and Anthemis cotula) could be of chemotaxonomic significance.     

Aspernolides A and B, butenolides from a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus

Two aromatic butenolides, aspernolides A and B along with the known metabolites, butyrolactone I, terrein and physcion were isolated from the fermentation broth of a soft coral derived fungus Aspergillus terreus. The structures of these metabolites were assigned on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. The absolute stereochemistry of aspernolides A (1) and B (2) was established by their preparation from the known butyrolactone I. Biogenetically aspernolides A and B must be derived from butyrolactone I, a well known specific inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) from A. terreus. When tested, aspernolide A exhibited mild cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines.     

Phylogeography of Altai osmans fishes (Oreoleuciscus sp., Cyprinidae, Pisces) inferred from nucleotide variation of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene

In this study, analyses based on cytochrome b gene (Cyt-b) mtDNA sequences were undertaken to clarify phylogenetic and phylogeographical relationships among populations Oreoleuciscus sp. (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from Western Mongolia. Two major clusters, designated clusters A and B, and minor clusters were discriminated. Cluster A comprised specimens of Oreoleuciscus from the Valley of Lakes. The cluster B consists of two subclusters; one of them (B1) including populations Oreoleuciscus of the Hollow of the Big Lakes and lakes Big Altai Range. Second subclusters (B2) combines specimens of Oreoleuciscus from Hollow of the Lake Uvs, some isolated lakes of the North-Western Khangay and waterbodies of the Arctic Ocean Basin (Selenge and Orchon basins). On the basis of estimations of sizes genetic and time of a divergence of the revealed genetikal-geographical groups existence of three allopatric species of the within genera Oreoleuciscus is proved.     

Molecular characterization of native Australian trypanosomes in quokka (Setonix brachyurus) populations from Western Australia

The quokka, Setonix brachyurus, is a vulnerable, small marsupial endemic to Western Australia. Blood samples were collected from quokkas from three different geographical locations; Two Peoples Bay, Bald Island and Rottnest Island. The overall prevalence of trypanosomes by nested PCR at the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was 57.3% (63/110) with prevalences of 91.4%, 85.3% and 4.9% respectively for Two Peoples Bay, Bald Island and Rottnest Island. Phylogenetic analysis conducted on 47 18S PCR positives identified two Trypanosoma copemani genotypes, with T. copemani genotype B, the most prevalent genotype infecting quokka populations from the three locations with an overall prevalence of 51.8% (24/47) compared to 34% for T. copemani genotype A (16/47). The overall prevalence of mixed T. copemani genotype A and B infections was 14.9% (7/47). Phylogenetic analysis of 26 quokka isolates at the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) locus, largely supported the 18S analysis but identified a mixed infection in one quokka isolate (Q4112-4117 from Two Peoples Bay). T. copemani genotype B has previously only been isolated from quokkas and the Gilbert's potoroo whereas T. copemani genotype A has a wide host range and may be pathogenic. Further work is required to determine the clinical impact of T. copemani on marsupial populations.     

9-hydroxyrhynchophylline-type oxindole alkaloids

Speciofoline has been assigned the epiallo B configuration on the basis of isomerization studies, NMR and CD spectra, and three new speciofoline isomers, mitrafoline (allo A), isomitrafoline (allo B) and isospeciofoline (epiallo A) have been isolated from Mitragyna speciosa Korth. Two new C-20 vinyl alkaloids, rotundifoleine and isorotundifoleine, have been separated as minor products from crystalline samples of rotundifoline and isorotundifoline respectively, previously isolated from M. parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. A transient product observed during the isomerization of isorotundifoline has been identified as the pseudo B isomer, 3-epi-isorotundifoline.     

Myrotheciumones: Bicyclic cytotoxic lactones isolated from an endophytic fungus of Ajuga decumbens

Two new bicyclic lactones, myrotheciumones A (1) and B (2) which possessed a rare ring-fusion system were isolated from Myrothecium roridum (M. roridum), an endophytic fungus of the medicinal herb plant Ajuga decumbens (A. decumbens) via an in vitro cytotoxicity assay. Structures were deduced from 1D and 2D NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) data. Myrotheciumone A’s in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity were evaluated and myrotheciumone A was shown to exert cytotoxicity via inducing apoptosis in cancer cell line.     

Differentiation of Clostridium botulinum Serotype A Strains by Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis

Ten variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) regions identified within the complete genomic sequence of Clostridium botulinum strain ATCC 3502 were used to characterize 59 C. botulinum strains of the botulism neurotoxin A1 (BoNT/A1) to BoNT/A4 (BoNT/A1-A4) subtypes to determine their ability to discriminate among the serotype A strains. Two strains representing each of the C. botulinum serotypes B to G, including five bivalent strains, and two strains of the closely related species Clostridium sporogenes were also tested. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analyses revealed the genetic diversity among the serotypes and the high degree of similarity among many of the BoNT/A1 strains. The 10 VNTR markers amplified fragments within all of the serotype A strains but were less successful with strains of other serotypes. The composite multiple-locus VNTR analysis of the 59 BoNT/A1-A4 strains and 3 bivalent B strains identified 38 different genotypes. Thirty genotypes were identified among the 53 BoNT/A1 and BoNT/A1(B) strains, demonstrating discrimination below the subtype level. Contaminating DNA within crude toxin preparations of three BoNT/A subtypes (BoNT/A1 to BoNT/A3) also supported amplification of all of the VNTR regions. These markers provide clinical and forensics laboratories with a rapid, highly discriminatory tool to distinguish among C. botulinum BoNT/A1 strains for investigations of botulism outbreaks.     

Neolignans from Callistemon lanceolatus

Two neolignans, named callislignan A and B together with known C-methyl-flavonoids, a lignan and pentacyclic triterpenoid esters were isolated from the leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus. Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Callislignan A and B had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and MRSA SK1 with callislignan B having an MIC of 8 μg/mL.     

Sesquiterpenoids from the liverwort Lophozia ventricosa

Two sesquiterpenoids, previously reported as ventricosins A and B, from Lophozia ventricosa have been identified as ent-4(15),7(11)-eudesmadien-8-one and ent-maalioxide, respectively.     

New brachiopod subfamily Anechophragmiinae (Strophomenida) from the Ordovician of the Leningrad Region

A new strophomenid subfamily Anechophragmiidae is distinguished based on the peculiarities of cardinalia. The strophomenids of this subfamily lack cardinal process at all developmental stages; their socket ridges accrete and form a high plate, which closes the pedicle opening. Two genera are referred to the subfamily: Anechophragma Neuman, 1976 and Biseptata gen. nov. with new species B. briani sp. nov. from the Ordovician of the Leningrad Region. The shell structure, exterior, endoskeleton and ontogeny of A. rarum and B. briani were studied in detail due to the excellent preservation of the material. Two species are referred to Anechophragma: A. rarum Neuman, 1976 and A. alexandrae (Andreev, 1993).     

Cell Wall-Associated Proteases of Streptococcus cremoris Wg2

Two components of the proteolytic system, proteins A and B (J. Hugenholtz, F. Exterkate, and W. N. Konings, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 48:1105-1110, 1984), have been studied in Streptococcus cremoris Wg2 by immunological methods. The components could not be separated by standard chromatography techniques because both proteins had almost identical molecular weights (about 140,000) and isoelectric points (pH 4.5). Specific antibodies were raised against proteins A and B by excision of the different immunoprecipitates from crossed immunoelectrophoresis gels. With these antibodies, protein A or B was removed from solutions containing both proteins. The purified proteins A and B possessed proteolytic activity and were inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Each of these proteins accounted for approximately 50% of the total proteolytic activity isolated from S. cremoris Wg2. The specific antibodies against the proteases were also used for immuno-gold labeling studies. The proteases were clearly seen to be located at the outside of the cell wall. The proteases had the same location when the genetic information coding for the proteases was cloned in Streptococcus lactis and Bacillus subtilis.     

Steroidal saponins from Dioscorea floribunda: Structures of floribundasaponins A and B

Two steroidal saponins, floribundasaponins A and B isolated from the yams of Dioscorea floribunda, have been characterized as pennogenin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and pennogenin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranoside.     

Two new secondary metabolites,saccharochlorines A and B,from a marine bacterium Saccharomonospora sp. KCTC-19160

Two new chlorinated secondary metabolites, saccharochlorines A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the saline cultivation of a marine-derived bacterium Saccharomonospora sp. (KCTC-19160). The chemical structures of the saccharochlorines were elucidated by 2D NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Saccharochlorines A and B (1 and 2) exhibit weak inhibition of β-secretase (BACE1) in biochemical inhibitory assay, but they induced the release of Aβ (1–40) and Aβ (1–42) in H4-APP neuroglial cells. This discrepancy might be derived from the differences between the cellular and sub-cellular environments or the epigenetic stimulation of BACE1 expression.     

Diet-Induced Over-Expression of Flightless-I Protein and Its Relation to Flightlessness in Mediterranean Fruit Fly,Ceratitis capitata

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata is among the most economically important pests worldwide. Understanding nutritional requirement helps rearing healthy medfly for biocontrol of its population in fields. Flight ability is a high priority criterion. Two groups of medfly larvae were reared with two identical component diets except one with fatty acids (diet A) and another without it (diet B). Adults from larvae reared on diet B demonstrated 20±8% of normal flight ability, whereas those from larvae reared on diet A displayed full flight ability of 97±1%. Proteomes were profiled to compare two groups of medfly pupae using shotgun proteomics to study dietary effects on flight ability. When proteins detected in pupae A were compared with those in pupae B, 233 and 239 proteins were, respectively, under- and over-expressed in pupae B, while 167 proteins were overlapped in both pupae A and B. Differential protein profiles indicate that nutritional deficiency induced over-expression of flightless-I protein (fli-I) in medfly. All proteins were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to create 13 biological networks and 17 pathways of interacting protein clusters in human ortholog. Fli-I, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing G protein-coupled receptor 2, LRR protein soc-2 and protein wings apart-like were over-expressed in pupae B. Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, protocadherin-like wing polarity protein stan and several Wnt pathway proteins were under-expressed in pupae B. These results suggest down-regulation of the Wnt/wingless signaling pathway, which consequently may result in flightlessness in pupae B. The fli-I gene is known to be located within the Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) region on chromosome 17, and thus, we speculate that nutritional deficiency might induce over-expression of fli-I (or fli-I gene) and be associated with human SMS. However, more evidence would be needed to confirm our speculation.     

Nebulosides A–B,novel triterpene saponins from under-ground parts of Gypsophila arrostii Guss. var. nebulosa

A bioassay-guided phytochemical analysis of the triterpene saponins from under ground parts of Gypsophila arrostii var. nebulosa allowed the isolation of two triterpene saponins; nebuloside A, B based on gypsogenin and quillaic acid aglycone. Two new oleanane type triterpenoid saponins (nebuloside A, B) and three known saponins (1–3) were isolated from the root bark of Gypsophila arrostii var. nebulosa. The structures of the two new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl quillaic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-fucopyranosyl ester (nebuloside A) and 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-d-galactopyranosyl(1→3)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl gypsogenin 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-fucopyranosyl ester (nebuloside B), on the basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical evidence. Nebuloside A and B showed toxicity enhancing properties on saporin a type-I RIP without causing toxicity by themselves at 15 μg/mL.