Species Differences In Activity Research Articles

Diversity and enzymatic characterization of <i>Bacillus</i> species isolated from traditional cassava starters used for <i>attiéké</i> production

Fermentation plays an important role in the production of cassava-based foods in West Africa. In Cote d'Ivoire, this step requires the use of a traditional cassava starter. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the enzymatic profile of the different Bacillus species present in these traditional cassava starters. Technique based on the analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence was used for the identification of Bacillus species. Enzymatic activity of different species identified was carried out with API ZYM system. Based on the 16S r DNA sequence analysis, seven species of Bacillus (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus methylotrophicus, Bacillus vallismortis and Bacillus toyonensis ) were identified. B. subtilis was the most identified species with a frequency of 30% followed by B. amyloliquefaciens (18%) , B. methylotrophicus (10%), B. cereus (6%), B. toyonensis (6%), B. vallismortis (4%) and B. pumilus (4%). Many of these species have been able to produce osidases, phosphatases, lipases and proteases. Seventeen enzymes from these different enzyme groups were synthesized by the identified Bacillus species. The dominant and enzyme-producing species could be used for the development of a starter culture. Keywords : Bacillus species, enzymes, traditional cassava starter.

Computational Study on the Comparative Differences in the Activity of Inhibitors of Human versus Rat Alpha-Glucosidase

Differences between the inhibitory activities of specific compounds on analogous enzymes isolated from different animal species are one of the critical issues to evaluate when exploring structure-activity relationships. The activity of acarbose is about ten times stronger in rat than in human, and that of neosalacinol is similar in both species. Binding affinities of acarbose and neosalacinol to four catalytic domains of alpha-glucosidases in human and rat were compared to investigate the cause of activity differences among species. Species difference was brought about complicatedly by the balance of interaction with four domains, and the result was indicated that larger ligand would show larger species difference in activity.

Retention of fungal enzyme activity in environmental liquid and filter samples.

Fungal biomass can be determined by measuring the beta-N-acetylhexos-aminidase (NAHA) enzyme activity. NAHA, an enzyme present in fungal mycelium and spores, has been detected in inactive, dormant and non-viable cells. Very little information is available on the enzyme activity of different species or retention of the activity under various storage conditions. This study used fluorometry to evaluate the enzyme activity of liquid and filter samples containing spores of four fungal species from genera Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Acremonium. When fungal spores were stored on a filter, enzyme activity was more stable than when the spores were maintained in suspension for one year. The enzyme activity in suspension samples increased with most of the differences detected between the values at the baseline and 12 months being statistically significant. The results indicate that enzyme activity varies between species. Cladosporium spores had highest NAHA content per spore, whereas Acremonium did not exhibit any detectable enzyme activity even when viability was detected. The results indicated that samples should be stored as dry filter samples.

Medicinal Plants as a Source of New Therapeutic Products: Genus Mentha and the Potential Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts and Essential Oils

The empirical use of plants in the treatment of diseases is a widespread practice since ancient times. Many recent studies concerning plants from genus Mentha, in form of essential oils and extracts, have aimed to show the therapeutic potential of various species found in many regions throughout the world. Particularly, the antimicrobial effects against various infectious agents, like bacteria, fungi and protozoa, have been studied. The aim of this review was to present a comprehensive and detailed investigation of current data on the activity of different species of plants, from the genus Mentha, against various microorganisms that cause human diseases. In this study, different aspects were included such as the region of origin of the researched plants, growing conditions, mode of action and activity of plant compounds, alone or in combination. Although the great potential in the antimicrobial activity of Mentha spp. has been shown, there are important factors that can interfere with the expected therapeutic effects, which need to be better understood. Among these, the growing conditions, species, seasonal aspects and mechanism of extraction of the plants compounds were described. Such factors appear to be decisive for the presence of the therapeutic effect and for the toxicity levels. However, there is still much to clarify about the mechanisms of action of these compounds, their toxicity, mode of action and therapeutic applicability against infections in various sites of the human body. Keywords: Antimicrobial effect, essential oil, extracts, medicinal plants, Mentha spp.

Exploring the dynamics of progenitor cells in the urethra after simulated birth trauma in mice

ObjectiveTo examine the alteration in the cellular dynamics of the urethral tissue after a simulated birth trauma in a mouse model. Materials and MethodsA total of 36 B6 mice received vaginal distention treatment, and four untreated mice were used as controls. Specimens were collected every 24 hours after the injury for 9 consecutive days and examined using immunofluorescent staining for cell markers including c-kit, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and vimentin. Confocal microscopy was used to localize the stained cells and determine the cell number. ResultsThe number of c-kit positive cells increased after the 1st day and peaked on the 3rd day. The amount of SMA positive cells rapidly reduced to its lowest count on the 1st day and maintained a statistically significant low cell number than that at the basal level for 4 days after vaginal distension. The cell number finally returned to basal level on the 9th day. The amount of vimentin positive cells increased dramatically after the 1st day and plateaued from the 3rd day to the 9th day. The number of vimentin positive cells in the plateau phase was significantly higher than that of the control group. ConclusionOur study confirmed that the dynamic change in different cell types after the urethral injury was dependent on the nature and physiology of the wound repairing cells during the tissue healing process. It might be a simple animal model to study birth trauma repair; however, the varied progenitor cell activity in different species should also be considered.

Study on characteristic spectrum of ingredients from different species Cordyceps and its anti-fibrotic activity on human embryonic fibroblasts

In this study, 10 samples of parasites, cursive, and the whole from six different species of Cordyceps were determined and compared by HPLC and LC-MS methods. Uridine, adenosine, and cordycepin were selected as the main evaluation index. The anti-fibrotic activity of different species Cordyceps extracts was observed using in vitro TGF-β1-induced ECM accumulation in human embryonic fibroblasts CCC-ESF-1. The results demonstrated that the number of atoms and hyphae ingredients of different species showed little difference, however, the content distribution of each component has obvious significance. The in vitro anti-fibrotic activities of different species were as follow： Cordyceps flower > Cicada Cordyceps (Cicada flower)> Silkworm Cordyceps> Tussah Cordyceps>natural Cordyceps. Our preliminary data could serve as reference for the discovery of artificial alternatives of natural Cordyceps.

Comparison Between Biofilm Production, Phospholipase and Haemolytic Activity of Different Species of Candida Isolated from Dental Caries Lesions in Children.

C.albicans is the most commonly isolated fungal pathogen in the oral cavity, but isolation of non-albicans Candida is increasing in recent years. We wish to demonstrate the virulence factors of Candida spp. isolated from the dental caries lesion of the children as presence of virulence factors determines the pathogenic potential of any microorganism. To compare biofilm production, phospholipase and haemolytic activity of C.albicans with that of non-albicans species of Candida isolated from dental caries lesions of children to evaluate the role of non- albicans species of Candida in formation of dental caries. Oral swabs were collected from caries lesion of 100 school children of age 5-10 years with dental caries. Candida isolates were tested for biofilm production, phospholipase and haemolytic activity. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-Square test and Mann-Whitney U test wherever applicable using SPSS version 11.5. Out of the 100 children with dental caries 37 were positive for Candida by smear or culture and 31 by culture. C.albicans was the most prevalent isolate followed by C.krusei, C.tropicalis and C.albicans. Out of 21 C.albicans isolates, 10 (47.6%) showed phospholipase activity and 18 (85.71%) produced biofilm. Of the 10 non-albicans strains, 5 (50%) showed phospholipase activity and 6 (60%) produced biofilm. All isolates of Candida produced haemolysin (100%). There was no statistically relevant difference between the virulence factor production by C.albicans and non-albicans species of Candida. In other words, our study shows that both C.albicans and non-albicans species of Candida isolated from caries lesions of the children, produce these virulence factors. So we can say that non-albicans species of Candida also are involved in caries formation.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Aspergillus and Penicillium spp

Bacteria have known as one of the main important limitation factors of many agricultural products. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of different species of Penicillium and Aspergillus on some important bacteria. For this intention 12 and 21 species of Aspergillus and Penicillium, were applied, respectively. Gram-negative bacteria conducted in this research were Pseudomonas viridiflava, Xanthomonas campestrispv. Campestris and Escherichia coli and the only gram-positive bacterium was Rhatayibacter iranicus. Fungal and bacterial isolates were dual cultured simultaneously on Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) and were shaked with 120 rpm. The samples were investigated after a week. The results of this study demonstrated that none of fungal species could inhibit E. coli and the most of the studied species couldn’t suppress the growth of P. viridiflava except isolates of (5033, 5037, and 5071) from P. crysogenum. On the other hand, A. awamori, A. ferreus, A. ostiatus, A. niger, A. foetidus, P. mali, P. crustaseum and P. citrinumcould lead to inhibition of X. campestris pv. campestris Gram positive bacterium, Rhatayibacter iranicus, was not able to grow in the presence of all species of Aspergillus. On the contrary, species of P. piscarium, P. corylophilum, P. griseofulvum and P.chrysogenum couldn’t prevent its growth.

Lipoxygenase activity in different species of sweet lupin (Lupinus L.) seeds and flakes

Lipoxygenase (LOX)-catalysed degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids is supposed to be a major cause of undesirable off-flavour development in legumes. In the present study, a photometric LOX assay including adequate sample workup was adapted to lupin seeds, kernels and flakes, respectively. Optimum reaction conditions were at pH 7.5 using a phosphate buffer concentration of 150mmoll−1 without the addition of sodium chloride. The LOX activities of different lupin species and varieties were compared. Significant variations among the species and varieties ranging from 50 to 1004unitsmg−1 protein were determined, being significantly lower than soybean LOX activity. Hulling and flaking of the seeds resulted in a 15% increase of LOX activity. In contrast to soy and other legumes, LOX from lupin only converted free fatty acids, whereas trilinolein and β-carotene were not oxidised. Consequently, according to the established classification, lupin LOX activity may be assigned to the LOX type-1, which, to the best of our knowledge, was demonstrated for the first time.

Consequences of Mrp2 deficiency for diclofenac toxicity in the rat intestine ex vivo

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DCF) has a high prevalence of intestinal side effects in humans and rats. It has been reported that Mrp2 transporter deficient rats (Mrp2−) are more resistant to DCF induced intestinal toxicity. This was explained in vivo by impaired Mrp2-dependent biliary transport of DCF-acylglucuronide (DAG), leading to decreased intestinal exposure to DAG and DCF. However, it is not known to what extent adaptive changes in the Mrp2− intestine itself influence its sensitivity to DCF toxicity without the influence of liver metabolites. To investigate this, DCF toxicity and disposition were studied ex vivo by precision-cut intestinal slices and Ussing chamber using intestines from wild type (WT) and Mrp2− rats. The results show that adaptive changes due to Mrp2 deficiency concerning Mrp2, Mrp3 and BCRP gene expression, GSH content and DAG formation were different between liver and intestine. Furthermore, Mrp2− intestine was intrinsically more resistant to DCF toxicity than its WT counterpart ex vivo. This can at least partly be explained by a reduced DCF uptake by the Mrp2− intestine, but is not related to the other adaptive changes in the intestine. The extrapolation of this data to humans with MRP2 deficiency is uncertain due to species differences in activity and regulation of transporters.

Phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities in six species of ramie leaves.

Increased consumption of vegetables or plant food has been associated with decreased risk of developing major chronic diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and age-related functional decline. Ramie leaves are rich in phenolics and flavonoids, which have been suggested for human health benefits. Phenolic contents, flavonoid contents, phenolic compounds, and anti-cancer properties in six species of ramie leaves were analyzed by Folin-reagent method, sodium borohydride/chloranil-based assay (SBC), HPLC method and antiproliferation, cytoxicity, respectively. Antioxidant activities were measured through peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) method, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method, and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA). Research indicated that Boehmeria penduliflora contained the highest total phenolic content (2313.7±27.28 mg GAE/100 g FW), and flavonoid content (1682.4±27.70 mg CAE/100 g FW). Boehmeria tricuspis showed the highest PSC value (9574.8±117.63 µM vit. C equiv./100 g FW), while Boehmeria penduliflora indicated the highest ORAC value (330.44±16.88 µmol Trolox equiv./g FW). The antioxidant activities were correlated with phenolic contents and flavonoid contents. Boehmeria tricuspis had the highest antiproliferative capacity with the lowest EC50 (4.11±0.19 mg/mL). The results for the analyzed ramie for CAA were significantly different from each other (p<0.05), Boehmeria tricuspis had the highest CAA value (133.63±7.10 µmol QE/100 g). Benzoic acid, 4-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were the dominant phenolic ingredients in the ramie leaves according to HPLC analysis. Our research is the first report to study the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities in different species of ramie leaves for their health benefit.

Entomological study of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in Asalouyeh, the heartland of an Iranian petrochemical industry

TO INVESTIGATE THE FAUNA AND SEASONAL ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF SAND FLIES (DIPTERA: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in Asalouyeh, the heartland of an Iranian petrochemical industry, Southern Iran, as a oil rich district. Sand flies are the vectors of at least three different kinds of disease, the most important of which is leishmaniasis, and it is a major public health problem in Iran with increased annual occurrence of clinical episodes. A total of 3 497 sand flies of rural regions were collected by sticky traps fixed, and cleared in puris medium and identified morphologically, twice a month from April to March 2008. Predominant species included four of genus Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus alexandri Sinton, 1928, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli, 1910, Phlebotomus bergeroti Parrot and Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot) and one of genus Sergentomyia (Sergentomyia tiberiadis Alder, Theodor & Lourie, 1930). The most prevalent species was Phlebotomus papatasi, presented 56.4% of the identified flies. The others were Phlebotomus sergenti (22.5%), Phlebotomus alexandri (4.5%), Phlebotomus bergeroti (12%) and Sergentomyia tiberiadis (5%) as well. The percentage of females (68%) was more than that of males (32%). The abundance of sand flies represented two peaks of activity; one in early May and the other one in the first half of September in the region. Phlebotomus papatasi is the probable vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region. Further molecular studies are needed to determine the definite vector of the region.

Human PLC exhibits superior fertilization potency over mouse PLC in triggering the Ca2+ oscillations required for mammalian oocyte activation

A sperm-specific phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) is believed to play an essential role in oocyte activation during mammalian fertilization. Sperm PLCζ has been shown to trigger a prolonged series of repetitive Ca(2+) transients or oscillations in oocytes that precede activation. This remarkable intracellular Ca(2+) signalling phenomenon is a distinctive characteristic observed during in vitro fertilization by sperm. Previous studies have notably observed an apparent differential ability of PLCζ from disparate mammalian species to trigger Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse oocytes. However, the molecular basis and confirmation of the apparent PLCζ species difference in activity remains to be provided. In the present study, we provide direct evidence for the superior effectiveness of human PLCζ relative to mouse PLCζ in generating Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse oocytes. In addition, we have designed and constructed a series of human/mouse PLCζ chimeras to enable study of the potential role of discrete PLCζ domains in conferring the enhanced Ca(2+) signalling potency of human PLCζ. Functional analysis of these human/mouse PLCζ domain chimeras suggests a novel role of the EF-hand domain in the species-specific differences in PLCζ activity. Our empirical observations are compatible with a basic mathematical model for the Ca(2+) dependence of generating cytoplasmic Ca(2+) oscillations in mammalian oocytes by sperm PLCζ.

Plant species and organ influence the structure and subcellular localization of recombinant glycoproteins

Many plant-based systems have been developed as bioreactors to produce recombinant proteins. The choice of system for large-scale production depends on its intrinsic expression efficiency and its propensity for scale-up, post-harvest storage and downstream processing. Factors that must be considered include the anticipated production scale, the value and intended use of the product, the geographical production area, the proximity of processing facilities, intellectual property, safety and economics. It is also necessary to consider whether different species and organs affect the subcellular trafficking, structure and qualitative properties of recombinant proteins. In this article we discuss the subcellular localization and N-glycosylation of two commercially-relevant recombinant glycoproteins (Aspergillus niger phytase and anti-HIV antibody 2G12) produced in different plant species and organs. We augment existing data with novel results based on the expression of the same recombinant proteins in Arabidopsis and tobacco seeds, focusing on similarities and subtle differences in N-glycosylation that often reflect the subcellular trafficking route and final destination, as well as differences generated by unique enzyme activities in different species and tissues. We discuss the potential consequences of such modifications on the stability and activity of the recombinant glycoproteins.

Secondary metabolic profiling and antibacterial activities of different species of Usnea collected in Northern Philippines

Secondary metabolic profiling and antibacterial activities of different species of Usnea collected in Northern Philippines

Nocturnal Activity, Monthly Leptomonad Infection, Parity Rate and Physiological Status of Vectors of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Southeastern Iran

Background: Phlebotomus papatasi and P. salehi are reported as vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeast of Iran. Seasonal activity of these species is different in zoogeographical zones and must be known well for better management of the disease. Objectives: To determine the nocturnal activity of sand flies and their leptomonad infection rates. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Chabahar county, where sand flies were collected using sticky-paper traps at 2 - hours intervals from rodent burrows during May to October. Females of Phlebotomus spp. were dissected for leptomonad infection. Results: A total of 9367 sand flies from four species of Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera were collected. The most sand flies were collected in the first third of the night (7:00-11:00 PM), although there was seasonal variation in the nocturnal activity of different species. A total of 1132 female sand flies from two species of P. papatasi and P. salehi were dissected. Totally 2.1% of P. papatasi and 1.07% of P. salehi were found to have leptomonad infection in their midgut, pharynx or head. The infection was observed in September and October in P. salehi, but June, August, September and October for P. papatasi. Conclusions: Knowledge about nocturnal activity and biting rhythms of sand flies and therefore the risk of disease transmission is important for planning control programs for cutaneous leishmaniasis(CL).

Update on hydrocodone metabolites in rats and dogs aided with a semi-automatic software for metabolite identification Mass-MetaSite

1. There has been a lack of in vivo metabolite profiling update of hydrocodone since the original report on species differences was published in 1978. As such, the mechanism for its analgesic activity in different species has been ambiguous. To address safety concern from regulatory agencies, hydrocodone metabolite profiles in rats and dogs are updated herein aided by a newly developed software, Mass-MetaSite.2. Samples collected from rats and dogs dosed orally with hydrocodone were analyzed with reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled with LTQ-Orbitrap. The exact mass measurement data collected with data-dependent acquisition methodology were analyzed both traditionally, using Xcalibur Qual Browser and MetWorks, and by Mass-MetaSite.3. Profiling of hydrocodone metabolites in rat and dog plasma reflected previously reported species differences in circulating metabolites. While hydrocodone mainly underwent O-demethylation and ketone reduction in rats forming hydromorphone and reduced hydromorphone, which were then subsequently cleared via glucuronide conjugation, hydrocodone in dogs was cleared predominantly by N-demethylation and N-oxidation.4. Given the success ratio of metabolite detection offered by Mass-MetaSite, the software will be able to aid chemists in early identification of drug metabolites from complex biomatrices.

Comparative study on hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of different species of Paris L.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe rhizoma of Paris polyphylla var. yannanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis called Rhizoma Paridis as a traditional Chinese medicine has an effect of heat-clearing and detoxicating, detumescence and acesodyne in folk for a long time. The increasing application of Rhizoma Paridis resulted in the shortage of wildlife resources. Here, we compared the major activities of other species of genus Paris to find the replacement plants. Materials and methodsSix species (P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, P. delavayi var. delavayi, P. fargesii var. Fargesii, P. bashanensis Wang et Tang, P. polyphyllar var. minora, and P. polyphylla var. pseudothibetical) were collected from three Provinces in China, and compared the hemostatic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities by different assays. ResultsFor the hemostatic activity, all the plants except Paris fargesii var. Fargesii could significantly shorten the tail bleeding time and blood clotting time (P<0.05). For further mechanism study, they reduced the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), but they had no significant effect on thrombin time (TT). P. fargesii var. Fargesii showed the similar cytotoxicity to P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis (IC50: 18.21 and 15.73μg/mL, respectively). HD50 was used as the index of hemolytic activity. P. delavayi var. delavayi and P. bashanensis Wang et Tang were the last to have this activity as the values were 3.027 and 1.222mg/mL. ConclusionsThe different species of genus Paris have different activities. Paris delavayi var. delavayi and Paris bashanensis Wang et Tang could be used as the resources of hemostatic drugs and P. fargesii var. Fargesii as the antitumor medicine.

Variation in locomotor behaviour of Drosophila bipectinata and Drosophila malerkotliana with altitude

The locomotor rhythm is an innate, ubiquitous and complex biological phenomenon. This activity rhythm makes an organism to adapt to daily light cycles and other environmental cues. This is controlled by robust and self-sustained oscillators. Such robust rhythm is altered by many physical factors such as temperature, light/dark cycles etc. Several studies have shown that locomotor activity in different species varies with changes in altitude and latitudes altered the locomotor activity in different species. In the present study, flies were collected from Chamundi Hill, Mysore, at two different altitudes such as 910 m altitude and 740 m altitude. The locomotor activities of these strains were compared to the activity of laboratory population (LP) (640 m). Result revealed that there is a significant variation in the activity of two species. Drosophila bipectinata showed bimodal activity, whereas in Drosophila malerkotliana showed unimodal activity pattern. It is reverse in the 740 m altitude. LPs of D. bipectinata showed a continuous photo-phase activity, whereas in D. malerkotliana exhibit unimodal activity pattern. The periods of all the six populations were closer to 24 h. The statistical analysis revealed that there is significant difference in the locomotor activity rhythm of two species.

Seasonal variations in the activity of bioindicators in the Garm research area

It was established that the electric activity of slightly electric fish Gnathonemus leopoldianus and the motion activity of somiks Hoplosternum thoracatum and cockroaches Blaberus craniifer, which were kept in a thermally stabilized room, regularly change throughout the year. Changes in the activities of different species of animals are coordinated. In all of the cases, the activity maximum falls on the spring-summer period. Possible factors responsible for seasonal variations in the electric and motion activities are discussed, and their forms are compared with the character of seasonal variations in different geophysical processes.