Characterization of the fungicidal activity of Calothrix elenkinii using chemical methods and microscopy

An investigation was directed towards biochemical characterization of cyanobacterium Calothrix elenkinii and analysis of the chemical nature and mode of action of its fungicidal metabolite(s) against oomycete Pythium debaryanum. Biochemical characterization of the culture in terms of carbohydrate utilization revealed the facultative nature of C. elenkinii. Unique antibiotic markers were also found for this strain. 16S rDNA sequencing of the strain revealed 98% similarity with Calothrix sp. PCC7101. The fungicidal activity was tested by disc diffusion assay of different fractions of the culture filtrate. A minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μl was recorded for ethyl acetate fraction of the 7-weeks old culture filtrates. HPLC, followed by NMR spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of a substituted benzoic acid in the ethyl acetate fraction. Microscopic examination revealed distinct granulation, followed by disintegration of the hyphae of Pythium sp., indicating the presence of an active metabolite in the culture filtrates of Calothrix sp. The fungicidal activity of C. elenkinii can be attributed to the presence of 3-acetyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-methyl benzoic acid. This is the first report of a benzoic acid derivative having fungicidal activity in cyanobacteria.     

Making thin polymeric materials, including fabrics, microbicidal and also water-repellent

A procedure is developed and validated for making a non-functionalized polyolefin fabric/film highly bactericidal and fungicidal which involves a free-radical grafting of maleic anhydride, followed by an attachment of polyethylenimine (PEI) and its subsequent N-alkylation. Separately, cotton fabric coated with a micron layer of a hydrophobic polymer using hot-filament chemical vapor deposition is rendered markedly hydrophobic; if this coating is preceded by immobilization of N-alkyl-PEI, the fabric becomes both water-repellent and bactericidal.     

A note on the potential applicability of malachite green oxalate in combating fish-mycoses

In the present investigations the potential fungicidal ability of malachite green oxalate has been tested in vitro on four fish-pathogenic isolates of Saprolegniaceous fungi viz.,Saprolegnia ferax (Gruith) Thuret,Achlya flagellata Coker,Aphanomyces laevis De Bary andIsoachlya anisospora var.indica Saxena and Bhargava and the lowest concentration having fungicidal ability has been found to be 0.5 ppm. Tolerance tests have also been conducted usingPuntius sophore, Colisa lalia, Anabas testudineus andCatla catla as test fishes. Also the applicability of the lowest fungicidal concentration of this chemical (i.e. 0.5 ppm) in sustained culturing of the adult individuals ofCatla catla, a major food fish, against the mycotic infection, has been tested.     

Occurrence of Conjugated Dienoic Fatty Acids in the Cellular Lipids of Pediococcus homari

Ninety-two thiolcarbamates with various substituents at the nitrogen and sulfur atoms, and their related compounds were synthesized, and their fungicidal activity against rice blast, Piricularia oryzae, and herbicidal activity against barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli, were determined in laboratory tests. The thiolcarbamate structure was necessary for the high fungicidal and herbicidal activities. The hydrophobicity of the substituents at the nitrogen atom was shown by the adaptive least-squares (ALS) method to be favorable to the fungicidal activity. The bulkier the substituents at the nitrogen atom, the less was the fungicidal activity. However, bulkiness of the substituents at the nitrogen and sulfur atoms was unfavorable to the herbicidal activity. The existence of a hydrogen atom at the nitrogen atom was favorable to fungicidal activity, but not to herbicidal activity. Correlation analyses were made to find compounds with both fungicidal and herbicidal activities against rice pests.     

Synthesis of Some New Halogenated N-Thiazolyl Substituted Hydroxy Acid Amides and Their Use as Possible Fungicides

A large number of new N-thiazolyl, chloro-thiazolyl, brome-thiazolyl and iodothiazolyl amides of salicylic, hydroxy naphthoic acids, both halogenated and non-halogenated ones have been synthesised by condensing simple as well as halogenated thiazoles with different aromatic hydroxy acids, viz. salicylic, chloro- and bromo-salicylic, hydroxy naphthoic and bromo hydroxyl naphthoic acids. All these compounds are assayed for their fungicidal activity using Piricularia oryzae (Cav.), Helminthosporium oryzae and Carvularia lunata as the test fungi. An attempt has been made to establish a relationship between chemical structure and fungicidal activity.     

In vitro antifungal efficacy of ciclopirox olamine alone and associated with zinc pyrithione compared to ketoconazole against Malassezia globosa and Malassezia restricta reference strains

The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro fungicidal and growth inhibitory activity of ciclopirox olamine alone (1% and 1.5%) or in association with 1% zinc pyrithione compared to 2% ketoconazole, against Malassezia species particularly involved in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis. Experiments were performed on Malassezia globosa IP 2387.96 and M. restricta IP 2392.96 strains. Growth inhibitory activity of the active compounds in solution was evaluated by measuring minimal inhibitory concentrations using a broth micro-method and their fungicidal activity by a filtration method after contact times between solutions and yeasts ranging from 3–5 to 30 min. Concerning the determination of minimal inhibitory concentration of ciclopirox olamine/zinc pyrithione, it revealed the marked synergistic inhibitory effect of the association, leading to a higher efficacy compared to ketoconazole. As to the fungicidal activity of ciclopirox olamine, it significantly increased with the contact time. After 15–30 min of contact between 1.5% ciclopirox olamine and Malassezia strains, a 2-log reduction of Malassezia counts was observed. The 1.5% ciclopirox olamine/1% zinc pyrithione association was characterized by a steady fungicidal efficacy whereas the 2% ketoconazole solution did not express any fungicidal effect. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the in vitro inhibitory and fungicidal efficacy of the ciclopirox olamine/zinc pyrithione association against Malassezia species and underscores its potential interest in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.     

Research in the field of imidazo[1,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>]benzimidazole derivatives. XXX. Synthesis and properties of (imidazo[1,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>]benzimidazolyl-2)acetic acids

Ethyl esters of (9-subtituted-imidazo[1,2-a]benzimidazolyl-2)acetic acids have been synthesized. The chemical properties of these esters have been studied: hydrolysis, decarboxylation, hydrazinolysis, and hydrazone formation. Some of these compounds demonstrate biological activity (fungicidal, antimicrobial, antiarrhythmic) and effects on brain rhythmogenesis.     

Design,Synthesis, and Fungicidal Activities of Indole-Modified Cinnamamide Derivatives

Dimethomorph is a kind of cinnamamide fungicide with high fungicidal activities for oomycete diseases. The commercially available dimethomorph is a mixture of two isomers, in which (Z)-dimethomorph possessing higher activity and (E)-dimethomorph possessing lower activity. Herein, we reported the design, synthesis and fungicidal activities of a series of novel indole-modified cinnamamide derivatives, which used the indole group to ‘fix’ the cis-styrene group in (Z)-dimethomorph. The modification of the molecular structure of cinnamamide compounds could be beneficial to improve its practical application performance. Tested the fungicidal activities, it was found that compounds 8j , 9a , 9e , 9i and 9j showed excellent in vivo fungicidal activities (80–100 %) against Pseudoperonospora cubensis at a concentration of 100 mg L⁻¹, while dimethomorph and flumorph were noneffective. Moreover, parts of synthesized indole-modified cinnamamide derivatives 8 ( 8a , 8c , 8d and 8j ) and 9 ( 9c and 9j ) exhibited the same in vivo fungicidal activities against Phytophthora infestans with dimethomorph or flumorph at a concentration of 50 mg L⁻¹ with 100 % inhibition. The biological assay results indicated that indole-modified cinnamamide derivatives have promising applications in the prevention and treatment of Phytophthora infestans.     

The ecology of the lechwe, Kobus leche kafuensis Haltenorth, in Lochinvar National Park, Zambia, as affected by the Kafue Gorge hydroelectric scheme. Herbage digestibility in free-living antelope

A method of collecting rumen fluid from free-living antelope is presented, together with the in vitro procedure used to try to estimate the digestibility of the herbage grazed by them. Modifications to this procedure are suggested, which it is thought would allow the calculation of a meaningful equation relating these data to digestibility estimates obtained by a chemical method.     

小檗碱抗新生隐球菌活性和作用机制

【目的】研究小檗碱对新生隐球菌的抗菌活性及其作用机制。【方法】采用微量肉汤稀释法测定小檗碱对新生隐球菌标准菌株和临床分离菌株的最小抑菌浓度,通过棋盘法测定小檗碱与氟康唑、两性霉素B的协同作用,测定小檗碱对隐球菌重要毒力因子的表达,以及对巨噬细胞和隐球菌互作的影响,采用隐球菌感染大蜡螟模型测定小檗碱的体内杀菌活性。【结果】小檗碱是一种杀真菌化合物,在测试的菌株中,最小抑菌浓度(minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC)范围为8-16μg/mL。亚致死剂量小檗碱能够抑制隐球菌荚膜大小、产黑色素能力和有性生殖能力,并能增强巨噬细胞的杀菌能力。锌指转录因子Nrg1介导了上述重要的过程。在隐球菌感染动物模型中,小檗碱能够延长感染大蜡螟的存活时间。【结论】小檗碱在体内外具有优异的抗隐球菌活性,有望作为抗隐球菌药物开发的起始化合物。     

Fungicidal Activity of N-Benzoylanthranilates and Related Compounds

Methyl N-(substituted benzoyl)anthranilates were found to possess inhibitory activity against the powdery mildew of cucumber caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea. Both the anthranilate and the N-benzoyl moieties were essential for this type of fungicidal activity. Substitution at the 2- and 4-positions of the N-benzoyl group was unfavorable to the activity except for the 4-methoxy group. Substitution at the 3-position varied the fungicidal activity to various extents. The variation in the activity of 3-substituted derivatives was analyzed quantitatively with substituent parameters and regression analysis indicating that the variation in the steric dimension of substituents was most responsible for the activity.     

Characterization of the fungicidal activity of Calothrix elenkinii using chemical methods and microscopy

An investigation was directed towards biochemical characterization of cyanobacterium Calothrix elenkinii and analysis of the chemical nature and mode of action of its fungicidal metabolite(s) against oomycete Pythium debaryanum. Biochemical characterization of the culture in terms of carbohydrate utilization revealed the facultative nature of C. elenkinii. Unique antibiotic markers were also found for this strain. 16S rDNA sequencing of the strain revealed 98% similarity with Calothrix sp. PCC7101. The fungicidal activity was tested by disc diffusion assay of different fractions of the culture filtrate. A minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 microl was recorded for ethyl acetate fraction of the 7-weeks old culture filtrates. HPLC, followed by NMR spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of a substituted benzoic acid in the ethyl acetate fraction. Microscopic examination revealed distinct granulation, followed by disintegration of the hyphae of Pythium sp., indicating the presence of an active metabolite in the culture filtrates of Calothrix sp. The fungicidal activity of C. elenkinii can be attributed to the presence of 3-acetyl-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-methyl benzoic acid. This is the first report of a benzoic acid derivative having fungicidal activity in cyanobacteria.     

Analytical Procedures for the Sequential Extraction of 14C-Labeled Constituents from Leaves, Bark and Wood of Cottonwood Plants

A procedure for the extraction, separation, and measurement of photosynthetically fixed ¹⁴C in up to 8 chemical fractions (CHCl), amino acids, organic acids, sugars, protein, starch, hemicellulose, and residue) from small samples (1 to 100 mg) of cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) leaf material is described. The different chemical fractions are extracted in a sequence of chemical, ion exchange, and enzymatic steps. The ¹⁴C-activity in these major fractions is then determined with liquid scintillation spectrometry. These major fractions (e.g., sugars, amino acids, organic acids) can be further separated into their individual chemical components by standard thin-layer or gas- chromatographic methods for quantitative analysis if specific activities are desired. The major advantage of the procedure is that many chemical fractions can be sequentially separated with good reproducibility from a small amount of plant material without transfer of the material from the original homogenizer or centrifuge tube.     

Nitrogen and fungicide applications against Erysiphe cruciferarum affect quality components of oilseed rape

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops in temperate climates. Erysiphe cruciferarum is an important disease of oilseed rape and causes crop loss in warmer areas of Europe. The research investigated the effect of nitrogen fertilizer and fungicidal treatment against powdery mildew infection caused by E. cruciferarum of oilseed rape on seed components, including protein, oil, oleic acid, linolenic acid and undesirable substances such as sinapic acid esters (SAE) and glucosinolates (GSL), using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Five susceptible oilseed rape varieties were employed in this research using four treatment groups: no nitrogen fertilization and no fungicidal treatment (N₀–F₀); no nitrogen fertilization but fungicidal treatment (N₀–F₁); and nitrogen fertilization but no fungicidal treatment (N₁–F₀); nitrogen fertilization and fungicidal treatment (N₁–F₁). Nitrogen fertilization increased the protein, but lowered the oil content, of the seeds. Fungicidal treatments significantly increased oil contents in all varieties tested, however reduced protein levels in fertilized and non-fertilized plots. The level of linolenic acid did not change significantly in any plots of any treatment combinations; a similar result was observed in the level of oleic acid in most of the genotypes. Nitrogen fertilization increased GSL and SAE levels, whereas fungicidal treatment had no effect. Our findings demonstrated that nitrogen fertilization can markedly influence some quality parameters in oilseed rape; however, the application of fungicides reduced side effects of nitrogen fertilizer and resulted a reduction on GSL, SAE and protein contents but an increase on total oil and oleic acid contents.     

An in vitro study of the photodynamic effect of rose bengal on trichophyton rubrum

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the finger or toenails, is predominantly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Treatment is difficult due to high recurrence rates and problems with treatment compliance. For these reasons, alternative therapies are needed. Here we describe the photoactivation of Rose Bengal (RB) using a green laser (λ = 532 nm) at fluences of 68, 133 and 228 J/cm², and assess its fungicidal activity on T. rubrum spore suspensions. A 140 µM RB solution was able to induce a fungicidal effect on T. rubrum when photosensitized with the fluence of 228 J/cm². RB photosensitization using a green laser provides a potential novel treatment for T. rubrum infections. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A New Enzymatic Method for the Measurement of Creatinine Involving a Novel ATP-dependent Enzyme,N-Methylhydantoin Amidohydrolase

A new enzymatic method for the measurement of serum and urine creatinine is described. The method is based on a novel microbial creatinine degradation pathway via N-methylhydantoin [Shimizu et al., Clin. Chim. Acta, 185, 241–252 (1989)]. By using two novel enzymes, N-methylhydantoin amidohydrolase and N-carbamoylsarcosine amidohydrolase, as key enzymes, coupled with a colorimetric procedure for hydrogen peroxide detection, the creatinine level can be measured. The results obtained for human serum and urine show good correlation with those obtained by a standard chemical method based on the Jaffe reaction. The new method is simple and specific, and shows excellent sensitivity and reliability.     

Structural Optimization,Fungicidal Activities Evaluation,DFT Study and Structure-Activity Relationship of Dopamine Derivatives with Benzothiazole Fragment from Polyrhachis dives

In our previous work, two dopamine derivatives with benzothiazole fragment were isolated and identified from Polyrhachis dives (P. dives). Based on their characteristic structure, we used them as lead compound to carry out structural optimization and subsequent fungicidal evaluation. Here 20 dopamine derivatives with benzothiazole fragment were designed and synthesized by a facile method, and their structures were characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³CNMR and HMRS. In bioassays, most of the title compounds possess potential fungicidal activities against Altenaia alternala (A. alternala) and Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea). Especially, (E)-N-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)ethyl)-3-(p-tolyl)acrylamide and (E)-N-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)ethyl)-3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)acrylamide displayed 29.3 mg/L and 10.7 mg/L EC₅₀ value against A. alternala, respectively, which possessed equivalent fungicidal activities level to hymexazol.     

A simple <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> screening method to determine the effects of drugs against growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saprolegnia parasitica</Emphasis>

To screen the effect of possible antifungal chemicals against growth of fish pathogenic Saprolegnia spp., a simple and rapid in vitro screening method has been developed. Heat sterilized hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) colonized by Saprolegnia parasitica are exposed to different concentrations of the test drugs diluted in water. One Saprolegnia colonized hemp seed is transferred into each well of a 48-well flat bottom tissue culture plate, after which 1 mL of each concentration of the test drugs is added per well. Subsequent to exposure and incubation, the plate is inspected and any Saprolegnia growth on the seeds is graded. The method described in the present paper proved to be simple, effective and reproducible in screening of fungistatic and fungicidal drugs against Saprolegnia growth.     

The inter-generic fungicidal activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous</Emphasis>

In this study, the existence of intra-specific and inter-generic fungicidal activity in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous and Phaffia rhodozyma strains isolated from different regions of the earth was examined. Assays were performed under several culture conditions, showing that all the analyzed X. dendrorhous and P. rhodozyma strains have killing activity against Kloeckera apiculata, Rhodotorula sloffiae, and R. minuta. This activity was greater in rich media at a pH from 4.6 to 5.0. Extracellular protein extracts with fungicidal activity were obtained from cultures of all strains, and their characterization suggested that a protein of 33 kDa is the antifungal factor. According to peptide mass fingerprinting and an analysis of the results with the MASCOT search engine, this protein was identified as an aspartic protease. Additionally, extrachromosomal double-stranded DNA elements (dsDNAs) were observed in all X. dendrorhous and P. rhodozyma strains. Although there is a high variability, two dsDNAs of 5.4 and 6.8 kb are present in all strains.     

Susceptibility of Candida glabrata biofilms to echinocandins: alterations in the matrix composition

Candidiases are the most recurrent fungal infections, especially among immunosuppressed patients. Although Candida albicans is still the most widespread isolated species, non-Candida albicans Candida species have been increasing. The goal of this work was to determine the susceptibility of C. glabrata biofilms to echinocandins and to evaluate their effect on the biofilm matrix composition, comparing the results with other Candida species. Drug susceptibilities were assessed through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of caspofungin (Csf) and micafugin (Mcf). The β-1,3 glucans content of the matrices was assessed after contact with the drugs. The data suggest that, generally, after contact with echinocandins, the concentration of β-1,3 glucans increased. These adjustments in the matrix composition of C. glabrata biofilms and the chemical differences between Csf and Mcf, seem responsible and may determine the effectivity of the drug responses.