Buchbesprechungen

Morris, C. J. O. R.; Morris, P.: Separation methods in biochemistry. London, Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd., 1964, 887 S., 155 Abb., Leinen, £ 5, 15 s. Reviewed by H. Wolffgang.

Neuman, M.: Vade-mecum des antibiotiques et agents chimiothérapiques anti-infectieun. Paris, Librairie Maloine G. Doin et Cie Editeurs, 1962, 410 S., 8 Abb.; 15 Tab., Karton. 40,00 NF. Reviewed by Thren.

Umbreit, W. W.: Modern microbiology. San Francisco und London, W. H. Freeman and Company, 1962, 507 S., 307 Abb., Leinen, 48 s. Reviewed by H. J. Müller.

Gold, V.: pH-Measurements. Their theory and practice. London, Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1963, 125 S., 11 Abb., Leinen, 10 s 6 d. Reviewed by H. Wolffgang.

Horsfall, J. G. (Ed.): Annual review of phytopathology. Vol. 1, Palo Alto, Annual Reviews, Inc., 1963, 469 S., 6 Abb., Leinen, 9,00 $. Reviewed by M. Schmiedeknecht.

Rubin, B. A.; Artsikhovskaya, Ye. V.: Biochemistry and physiology of plant immunity. Oxford, Pergamon Press, 1963, IX und 358 S., 68 Abb., Leinen, £ 5. Reviewed by H. Wolffgang.

Nord, F. F. (Ed.): Advances in Enzymology. Vol. 24, New York und London, Interscience Publishers a division of John Wiley & Sons, 1962, 572 S., 23 Abb., Leinen, 120 s. Reviewed by H. Wolffgang.

Nord, F. F. (Ed.): Advances in Enzymology. Vol. 25, New York und London, Interscience Publishers a division of John Wiley & Sons, 1963, 565 S., 56 Abb., Leinen, 115 s. Reviewed by H. Wolffgang.

Forbes, J.: A laboratory manual for histology. 2. Aufl., New York, Fordham University Press, 1961, 132 S., 3 Abb., brosch., 3,00 $. Reviewed by J. H. Scharf.

Guaoliumi, P.: Las Plagas de la Caña de Azucar en Venezuela. Bd. 1 und 2, Maracay/Yenezuela, Ministerio de Agricultura y Cria Centro de Investigaciones Agronoinicas, 1962, 850 S., 212 Abb., 14 ganzs. Farbtafeln, brosch., 8,00 $. Reviewed by G. Fröhlich.

Clifton, C. E. (Ed.): Annual review of microbiology. Vol. 17, Palo Alto, Annual Reviews, Inc., 1963, 628 S., 19 Abb., Leinen, 9,00 $. Reviewed by K. Naumann.

Ramschandran, G. N. (Ed.): Aspects of protein structure. Proceedings of a symposium held in Madras 14–18 January 1963 and organized by the University of Madras. London und New York, Academic Press, 1963, 380 S., 130 Abb., Leinen, 84 s. Reviewed by P. Hermann.     

Secretory structures at syconia and flowers of Ficus enormis (Moraceae): A specialization at ostiolar bracts and the first report of inflorescence colleters

The fig (Ficus L.) infructescence, called syconium, is a receptacle with an apical opening, the ostiole, closed by bracts. The ostiolar bracts produce an exudate, which is rather conspicuous in some species. It has not been histochemically analyzed yet, and the structures responsible for its production are still unknown. Some wild growing species of Ficus from Brazil produce high amounts of this ostiolar exudate. Ficus enormis (Mart. ex Miq.) Miq. grows as trees or shrubs in the Atlantic rainforest. Our goal was to identify the secretory structures present in the inflorescence and, to characterize histochemically the ostiolar tissues and exudates. Syconia samples of F. enormis were processed and stained according to the usual techniques in plant anatomy. The morphological analysis revealed different types of bracts, one type specialized in secretion, another showing transitional characteristics between secretory and non-secreting bracts, and a third one being non-secreting. They are designated as secretory ostiolar bracts, transitional bracts and wall bracts. The floral bracteoles, digital-shaped colleters present in the ostiole, at the syconium axis and at the flower receptacle, were also analyzed. All have similar structure, like finger-shaped secretory trichomes. The colleters present among ostiolar bracts may contribute to production and composition of the ostiole exudate.     

Phytochemical potential of Daphne gnidium in inhibiting growth of melanoma cells and enhancing melanogenesis of B16-F0 melanoma

In this study, we have investigated inhibitory capacity of ethyl acetate, total oligomer flavonoid (TOF), aqueous extracts and beta amyrin acetate, a triterpene isolated from ethyl acetate extract obtained from leaves of Daphne gnidium, on mouse melanoma (B16-F0 and B16-F10 cells) proliferation. Influence of these products on percentage cell distribution in cycle phases and melanogenesis was also studied. Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and flow cytometry was used to analyse effects of tested compounds on progression through the cell cycle. In addition, amounts of melanin and tyrosinase were measured spectrophotometrically at 475 nm. Ethyl acetate, TOF and aqueous extracts exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity after incubation with the two types of tumour skin cells B16-F0 and B16-F10. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis revealed that cells treated with ethyl acetate and TOF extracts were arrested predominantly in G2-M phase. Ethyl acetate extract has also the ability to enhance melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity of B16-F0 melanoma cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of environmental variables on the growth and reproductive cycle of Crassostrea (Mollusca,Bivalvia) in Guaratuba Bay,Brazil

The production of oysters in Guaratuba Bay, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, is still a mixed activity of mariculture and extractivism. The sustainable development of this production requires the monitoring of environmental, genetic, reproductive, and zootechnical variables. This study evaluated the importance of these variables on Crassostrea oyster production. Data were obtained between September 2009 and February 2011 from six evaluations: water quality, oyster larvae in plankton, capture of oyster spat by artificial collectors, molecular identification of collected spat and larvae, continuous evaluation of the reproductive maturity stage of adult oysters, and zootechnical performance achieved by experimental production. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and water transparency were the environmental factors that had the most influence on the reproductive cycle (e.g. gonadal development and spat capture) and on the growth of the oyster. The highest rates for spat uptake were recorded in the summer, coinciding with the peak of sexual maturity of adults. The growth of the oysters, in terms of the weight of the meat, was related to the gonadal stage.     

Molecular Modeling of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis DNA Gyrase and its Molecular Docking Study with Gatifloxacin Inhibitors

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt) is a leading cause of infectious disease in the world today. This outlook is aggravated by a growing number of Mt infections in individuals who are immunocompromised as a result of HIV infections. Thus, new and more potent anti-tuberculosis agents are necessary. Therefore, DNA gyrase was selected as a target enzyme to combat Mt. In this work, the first three-dimensional molecular model of the hypothetical structures for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA gyrase (mtDNAg) was elucidated by a homology modeling method. In addition, the orientations and binding affinities of some gatifloxacin analogs with those new structures were investigated. Our findings could be helpful for the design of new more potent gatifloxacin analogs.     

The development of the nervous system in Laevicaudata (Crustacea, Branchiopoda): insights into the evolution and homologies of branchiopod limbs and ‘frontal organs’

We investigated the development of the external morphology and of the nervous system in Lynceus biformis and Lynceus brachyurus (Laevicaudata, Branchiopoda), by using immunohistochemical methods in combination with a confocal laser scanning analysis. In both Lynceus species, a free-swimming nauplius larva, equipped with three appendages, hatches from resting eggs. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship to each other, considerable differences are present in their external morphology. Hatching L. brachyurus larvae are equipped with a large and flattened labrum, where in contrast, the L. biformis larvae possess a smaller labrum with four conspicuous posteriorly directed spines at its margin. Despite these differences, the development of the nervous system is quite similar in both species. The hatching larvae are equipped with a naupliar nervous system, and only in the more advanced stages, the development of the ventral nerve cord starts. Furthermore, our investigation into the nervous system provided insights into architecture and evolution of protocerebral sensory organs, the dorsal setae field and the dorsal frontal organ, only present in Laevicaudata. The identification of frontal filaments with an associated frontal filament organ in Lynceus revealed—after a comprehensive comparison with other branchiopods—that these organs exist throughout Branchiopoda and are comparable to those in other crustaceans. Additionally, our results of the peripheral nervous system analysis showed that the innervation pattern of the naupliar appendages (antenna and mandible) and the trunk appendages could be serially homologized, despite much difference in gross morphology of these. Based on the innervation pattern of limbs, we suggest that the larval uniramous mandibular palp, found in the larvae of all ‘large’ branchiopods, is largely exopodal of nature (contrary to most earlier statements) and that the endopodite of the trunk limbs consists of only one distal endite-like segment (confirming some earlier statements) and not of three as proposed by others.     

Variations in genomic DNA methylation during the long-term in vitro proliferation of oil palm embryogenic suspension cultures

Key message

The long-term proliferation of embryogenic cell suspensions of oil palm is associated with changes in both genomic methylation rates and embryogenic capacities.

Abstract

In the aim of exploring the relationship between epigenetic stability and the long-term in vitro proliferation of plant tissues, we have studied changes in genomic DNA methylation levels in embryogenic suspensions of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Five embryogenic callus lines were obtained from selected hybrid seeds and then proliferated as suspension cultures. Each clonal line obtained from a single genotype was subdivided into three independent subclonal lines. Once established, cultures proliferated for 12 months and genomic DNA was sampled at 4 months intervals for the estimation of global DNA methylation rates through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantitation of deoxynucleosides. Our results show that in vitro proliferation induces DNA hypermethylation in a time-dependent fashion. Moreover, this trend is statistically significant in several clonal lines and shared between subclonal lines originating from the same genotype. Interestingly, the only clonal line undergoing loss of genomic methylation in the course of proliferation has been found unable to generate somatic embryos. We discuss the possible implications of genome-wide DNA methylation changes in proliferating cells with a view to the maintenance of genomic and epigenomic stability.     

Assessing changes in oral health‐related quality of life and its factors in community‐dwelling older Brazilians

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00656.x Assessing changes in oral health‐related quality of life and its factors in community‐dwelling older Brazilians Objective: To describe changes in oral health‐related quality of life and to evaluate the associations of these changes in community‐dwelling older people. Materials and methods: In this longitudinal study a representative sample of 872 older people, living in Brazil, was evaluated during 2004. The follow‐up was carried out during 2008, with 587 older persons evaluated. A questionnaire assessing socio‐demographic information, health history, oral health‐impact profile and number of natural teeth was used. Changes in oral health‐related quality of life were categorized as improvement or deterioration. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach based in a conceptual framework. A hierarchal approach was carried out using Poisson regressions. Results: Older persons living in rural areas, those who reported brushing once a day or less and older persons with fewer natural teeth had an increased chance of reporting deterioration in oral health‐related quality of life. Women and participants who received a minimum wage of less than US$219.50 were more likely to report improvement in oral health‐related quality of life. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that changes in the oral health‐related quality of life are influenced by many of the variables that were included in the conceptual framework.     

Regularity of Daily Activities in Stroke

Various studies have been performed using the Social Rhythm Metric (SRM), though none has been developed with stroke patients. Stroke is a pathology that provokes a strong physical and social impact caused by an abnormality in cerebral circulation. Consequently, we performed two studies to validate the SRM and translate it into Portuguese, and to evaluate the regularity of the daily activities of stroke patients. Both healthy individuals and patients with unilateral cerebral lesions were evaluated. Subjects were of both sexes and between 45 and 65 yrs of age. Participants underwent clinical evaluation and recorded the time of 17 daily activities on the SRM for two weeks. Data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation and Fisher tests. After conceptual translation into Portuguese, corrections were made to arrive at the final version. Normative SRM scores varied from 3.2 to 7.0, suggesting that the activities presented in SRM adequately represented the daily routines of the patients. A correlation was found in SRM between the weeks (r=0.84; p=0.0001), indicating instrument reliability. The mean (±SD) score of the stoke patients was 4.8 (±1.0), and the correlation between the SRM and level of neurological damage showed that patients with lower SRM values were more physically compromised (r=?0.29; p=0.04), suggesting that SRM may be a clinical predictor. Activities related to eating and the sleep‐wake cycle were rated by most patients. In all, 71% of the patients did not work, while 84% of healthy individuals did (p=0.001). Only 64% of patients left home compared to 90% of the healthy subjects (p=0.001), and 59% of patients recorded the activity of going home compared to 82% of healthy individuals (p=0.001). According to the results, there is evidence of the validity and reliability of the SRM, enabling it to be reliably used in chronobiological studies of stroke patients. Given that a less regular lifestyle may be associated with neurological compromise and a decrease in social activities, we suggest new studies with the repeated application of this instrument over the clinical evolution of the disease to better define improvement or worsening of the patient's condition in terms of their social and health aspects.     

Antimicrobial and antiviral activity-guided fractionation from Scutia buxifolia Reissek extracts

Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of the fractions from Scutia buxifolia stem bark and leaves were evaluated. Best antimicrobial results occurred with the ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanolic (NB) fractions from the leaves against Micrococcus sp. (minimal inhibitory concentration—MIC = 62.5 μg/ml), and NB fraction from stem bark and leaves against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 62.5 μg/ml). The most active fractions were selected and fractioned into silica column to perform an in vitro antibiofilm assay, which evidenced subfractions EA2 and EA3 as the more active against Candida albicans (biofilm inhibitory concentration—BIC = 582 ± 0.01 μg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (BIC = 360 ± 0.007 μg/ml), respectively. The NB (selectivity index—SI = 25.78) and the EA (SI = 15.97) fractions from the stem bark, and the EA (SI = 14.13) fraction from the leaves exhibited a potential antiviral activity towards Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 whereas EA2 and EA3 subfractions from leaves (SI = 12.59 and 10.06, respectively), and NB2 subfraction from stem bark (SI = 12.34) maintained this good activity. Phenolic acids and flavonoids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin and quercetin) were identified by HPLC and may be partially responsible for the antimicrobial and antiherpes activities observed. The results obtained in this study showed that Scutia buxifolia has antibiofilm and anti-herpetic activities and that these properties are reported for the first time for this species.