Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ACACIA”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources
PubMed1964

PRESERVATION OF T2 BACTERIOPHAGE WITH LIQUID NITROGEN.

There have been few reports on the preservation of viruses at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196 C). In this study, factors affecting the survival of phage were observed. Phage lysates in broth did not lose titer after a storage period of 4 weeks in liquid nitrogen. The rate of freezing was not critical, but freezing in nitrogen vapor was not satisfactory. When the virus was partially purified and suspended in buffered saline solution, it rapidly lost titer. Of seven protective agents recommended in the literature, only gum acacia seemed to demonstrate significant protection of purified virus against loss of viability. The temperature of thawing of phage suspended in broth did not affect its titer after freezing and storing in liquid nitrogen.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed2005

Colonization of Phaseolus vulgaris nodules by Agrobacterium-like strains.

Non-nodulating Agrobacterium-like strains identified among root nodule isolates of common bean were labeled with gusA, a reporter gene encoding beta-glucuronidase (GUS). Bean plants were then co-inoculated with an infective Rhizobium strain and labeled transconjugants of Agrobacterium-like strains. Blue staining of nodules showed that Agrobacterium-like strains were able to colonize these symbiotic organs. Isolation and characterization by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes revealed a mixed population of Rhizobium and Agrobacterium-like strains in all nodules showing GUS activity. PCR amplification of the nifH gene and nodulation tests did not show any evidence of acquisition of symbiotic gene by lateral transfer from Rhizobium to Agrobacterium-like strains. Moreover, these strains were able to invade mature nodules. Based on sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, one of these Agrobacterium-like strains showed 99.4% sequence similarity with Agrobacterium bv. 1 reference strains and 99% similarity with an Agrobacterium bv. 1 strain isolated from Acacia mollisima in Senegal. Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 and the disarmed variant AT123 did not show any ability to colonize nodules. Co-inoculation of bean seeds with Agrobacterium and Rhizobium strains did not enhance nodulation and plant yield under controlled conditions.

Glucuronidase↗
PubMed2004

Effects of aqueous extracts of "Betel quid" and its constituents on testosterone production by dispersed mouse interstitial cells.

Betel quid (BQ) is a favorite chewing item among many communities in different parts of Asia where it is popular by different names. BQ is a unique combination of nut or fruit from the Areca catechu Linn. (AN) tree, leaf from the Piper betle Linn. (BL) vine, slaked lime, paste of bark from the Acacia catechu tree and other spices. AN has been used successfully in various traditional medicines by different civilizations over several ages. Initially condemned by the medical communities for its health hazards, identification and application of potent pharmacologically bioactive compounds from different constituents of BQ have rekindled growing interest in related investigations. Curious about the stimulating role of BQ, we investigated the potential steroidogenic activity of hot water extract from BQ and its constituents and arecoline on testosterone producing ability in an in vitro experiment. Enzyme dissociated interstitial cells from adult mouse testes (ICR strain) were cultured with/without different doses of the extracts and the level of testosterone produced was assayed by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. It was found that at lower doses of arecoline, AN and BL extracts had significantly stimulated testosterone production over the basal level (p < 0.05). BQ extract, on the other hand, did not show any significant effect on testosterone production. Combinations of arecoline at low doses with 10 ng/ml ovine leutinizing hormone (oLH) showed increases in testosterone produced, while cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) co-culture showed dose-related inhibition. Our current finding hints at the possible dose-dependent dualistic role of AN and BL extracts and arecoline for testosterone production employing possible non-cAMP-dependent pathway of steroidogenesis. However, the identity of the active compounds besides arecoline and the exact mechanism involved remains to be further investigated.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Ecology and evolution of galling thrips and their allies.

About 300 species of thrips belonging to 57 genera are known to form galls. Galls are caused by feeding, usually by one or more adults, on actively growing plant tissue. Most thrips genera with galling capabilities exploit multiple plant families, but there are several possible cases of thrips tracking the speciations of their host-plants. Gall morphology in thrips reflects insect phylogenetic relationships rather than those of plants. Galling species and their nongalling allies on Acacia in Australia exhibit a range of complex social behavior, including soldier castes, pleometrosis (i.e. joint colony founding), group foraging, and group defense, that is directly related to the nature of their domiciles. Galling thrips, by virtue of their haplodiploid genetic system and their ecological relationships with plants and natural enemies, are useful for analyzing a wide range of ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral questions.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microhabitat preference and vertical use of space by patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) in relation to predation risk and habitat structure.

Habitat structure can be important in determining habitat preference of animals because it is often closely linked to factors that affect survival and reproduction, such as food availability and predation risk. Here we examine the ways in which microhabitat structure and predation risk affect the habitat preference of wild patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas). Patas monkeys in Kenya are typically restricted to Acacia drepanolobium habitat, but within our study group's home range, there are two distinct microhabitats, one with taller trees ('tall microhabitat') and one with apparently perennially shorter trees ('short microhabitat'). Examination of ranging behavior indicates that the patas monkeys preferred the tall microhabitat. In the tall microhabitat, focal animals climbed into trees that were significantly taller than average, indicating that they preferred tall trees. Female patas monkeys spent more time scanning from tall trees than from short trees and detected predators only from taller than average trees, based on alarm call data. Their use of tall trees may have decreased their predation risk by increasing their ability to detect predators. We found no evidence of increased food availability or reduced predator presence in the tall microhabitat that could contribute to the monkeys' preference for the tall microhabitat.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Triterpenoid electrophiles (avicins) activate the innate stress response by redox regulation of a gene battery.

Avicins are proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory triterpene electrophiles isolated from an Australian desert tree, Acacia victoriae. The presence of two alpha,beta unsaturated carbonyl groups (Michael reaction sites) in the side chain of the avicin molecule prompted us to study its effects on NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox-regulated transcription factor that controls the expression of a battery of detoxification and antioxidant proteins via its binding to antioxidant response element (ARE). Avicin D-treated Hep G2 cells showed translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus and a time-dependent increase in ARE activity. These properties were sensitive to DTT, suggesting that avicins affect one or more critical cysteine residues, probably on the Keap1 molecule. Downstream of ARE, an activation of a battery of stress-induced proteins occurred. The implications of these findings were evaluated in vivo in mouse skin exposed to an ancient stressor, UV light. Avicins inhibited epidermal hyperplasia, reduced p53 mutation, enhanced apoptosis, decreased generation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and enhanced expression of NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1. These data, combined with our earlier published work, demonstrate that avicins represent a new class of plant stress metabolites capable of activating stress adaptation and suppressing proinflammatory components of the innate immune system in human cells by redox regulation. The relevance for treatment of clinical diseases in which stress responses are dysfunctional or deficient is discussed.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1987

Acquired amputation and prostheses before the sixteenth century.

Amputation has been practiced at least since 43,000 B.C.E. for ritualistic, punitive, curative, or vocational reasons. Fitting with prostheses has been done since at least 1,500 B.C.E. Anesthetics were used, but which ones is not known. Analgesics such as salicylates in plants, narcotics such as cocaine and opium, and soporifics such as alcohol and peyote were common. Amputation was done with knives, axes, and saws. Control of bleeding was by ligature, cautery, bandaging pressure, and plant and animal products. Suture was with cotton or human hair, acacia and other thorns, ant jaws, and sinew, with or without a drain. Prostheses were made of fiber, wood, bone, and metals, often lined with rags.

Amputation, Surgical↗
PubMed2000

Chronic administration of the cholesterol reducing drug gemfibrozil fails to alter 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A mediated receptor behaviours in rats.

Some studies have suggested that reductions in plasma cholesterol might be associated with suicidal behaviour. Serotonergic systems are thought to be involved in suicidal ideation and behaviour and links with altered 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors have been proposed. We have therefore examined the effects of cholesterol reduction using gemfibrozil, upon 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptor-related behaviours in rats. Rats were treated chronically (57 days) with gemfibrozil (50 mg/kg p.o.) or gum acacia vehicle and challenged sequentially with the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-d-n-aminopropyl tetralin, to elicit 5-HT1A syndrome behaviours, and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)2-amino-propane to establish their head-shake frequency. Significant cholesterol reduction, within the clinical range, failed to induce any changes in either 5-HT1A or 5-HT2A mediated behaviours. These data suggest that cholesterol reduction fails to induce changes in 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor tone suggesting that the reduction of plasma cholesterol, within the human clinical range, does not result in neuroplasticity of the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in rats.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗
PubMed1999

[Dispersal of pollen and the variation in number of patients prescribed medicine for allergies in Otaru].

The number of patients prescribed medicine for allergies increased in May and September. Therefore, we suspected that the cause for the increase was pollen. Many kinds of pollen occur in Otaru, such as alder in April, Japanese black pine, white birch, acacia, larch in May, oak in June, and mugwort in September. The total number of pollen count of white birch was about 9 times that of mugwort, but the total number of patients prescribed Celestamine in the season of white birch pollen was about 0.8 times that of mugwort pollen. These results seen in Otaru differed from those in neighboring Sapporo. The coefficient of the correlation of the number of mugwort and white birch pollen and those of patients prescribed Celestamine were r = 0.304 and r = 0.766, respectively. We believe that making available information on pollen is very useful to improve the quality of life of patients.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1997

Bioavailability of soil-adsorbed cadmium in orally exposed male rats.

During the last few decades, the industrial production and use of Cd resulted in the release of significant quantities of Cd into the environment. Concern about health risks of human exposure to this toxic metal, which may be contained in soil and other environmental compartments, has increased significantly in recent years. Soil ingestion is a potentially important pathway of exposure to soil-absorbed environmental contaminants, especially for young children exhibiting hand-to-mouth behavior. Health risk assessments are usually based on unchanged bioavailability of soil-absorbed pollutants, e.g., heavy metals, neglecting interactions of metals with the soil matrix, which may lead to relatively lower bioavailability. This study was conducted to determine the bioavailability of Cd absorbed to soil in rats. Eight-week-old male Lewis rats were given either a soil polluted with CdCl2 (150 micrograms Cd/rat) dissolved in 5% gun acacia or an equal amount of Cd as CdCl2 dissolved in saline. Control rats were gavaged with isotonic saline. Cd concentrations in liver, kidney, brain, heart, and blood, as well as Cd content of urine and feces were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Tissue Cd concentrations in soil-treated animals were significantly lower than the tissue concentrations in the Cd-saline group; in the liver and kidneys of the Cd-saline and Cd-soil groups, 4 and 2.7% respectively, of the original doses were recovered. Relative bioavailability, calculated on the basis of blood Cd levels for the Cd-soil group as compared to the Cd-saline group, appeared to be 43%. No differences in the excretion pattern of Cd into feces were observed between the Cd-saline and Cd-soil groups. After 6 days, over 91% of the original dose was recovered in the feces of both Cd-treated groups. Cd excretion via urine was very low, but in the Cd-soil group a significant increase in urinary Cd was observed as compared to the control group. However, the amount of Cd excreted into urine of the Cd-soil group during the experimental period corresponded to only 0.01% of the original dose. In the Cd-saline group, no additional Cd was excreted into urine as compared to the control group. These results indicate that the soil matrix significantly reduced the absorption of Cd in the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, exposure assessment models, assuming an unaffected bioavailability of soil-absorbed Cd, overestimate the internal dose and thereby overestimate health risks associated with direct ingestion of soil particles.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Activity and survival of spray-dried Beijerinckia sp. microencapsulated in different carbohydrates.

This study examined the possibility of preserving Beijerinckia cultures by encapsulation using a spray drier, for use in biotechnological processes in the production of biopolymers. An adequate choice of the wall (coating) material is one of the factors that will determine the degree of cell survival and the maintenance of fermentative activity in the encapsulated inoculum. Malt dextrin, dehydrated glucose syrups, modified starch, and acacia (gum arabic) were used as wall materials. The results showed that spray-dried Beijerinckia encapsulated in malt dextrin, stored for 2 mo, and inoculated into sterile must after rehydration presented the greatest stability with respect to fermentative activity, although the glucose-encapsulated cells showed the highest percentage of viability during spray drying and during the storage period.

Beijerinckiaceae↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Total phenolics concentration and antioxidant potential of extracts of medicinal plants of Pakistan.

Thirty-seven plant organs, traditionally used as drugs, collected in Pakistan, were extracted with 70% acetone and analyzed for their total phenolics concentration and antioxidant potential. Seven extracts showed more than 85% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in vitro as compared with blank. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 = 233.6 microg/l +/- 28.3) was the strongest antioxidant in our test system. The IC50 results indicate that the extracts of Nymphaea lotus L. flowers, Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Delile beans, Terminalia belerica Roxb. fruits, and Terminalia chebula Retz. (fruits, brown) were stronger antioxidants than alpha-tocopherol, while Terminalia chebula Retz. (fruit coat), Terminalia chebula Retz. (fruits, black) and Ricinus communis L. leaves were weaker antioxidant extracts than alpha-tocopherol and BHT. Total phenolics concentration, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, showed close correlation with the antioxidant activity. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis with diode array detection at 280 nm, of the seven extracts indicated the presence of hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonol aglycones and their glycosides as main phenolics compounds. This information, based on quick screening methods, enables us to proceed towards more detailed chemical and pharmacological understanding of these plant materials.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Interaction of folk medicinal plant extracts with human alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Forty-two extracts of folk medicinal plant organs from Pakistan were tested in competition binding assays for their interaction with the specific ligand recognition sites on the human alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes alpha2A, alpha2B and alpha2C Strong binding of the extracts (40 mg/ml) from Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile leaves (88-98% displacement of radiolabel) and Peganum harmala seeds (89-96% displacement) on three subtypes prompted us to extract these plant materials with 40% and 80% methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The extraction results indicated an absence of alpha2-adrenoceptor binding activity in the stalk of A. nilotica and A. tortils, whereas the leaves of both plants contained activity. The extracts of A. nilotica leaves showed a slight, but consistent, preference for the alpha2C-adrenoceptor, whereas the leaves of A. tortils were slightly more active on the alpha2B subtype. The extract of P. harmala stalks was less active than that of its seeds. The binding activities of A. nilotica leaves and P. harmala seeds were mainly concentrated in the water and 30% methanol fractions and further sub-fractions. In a functional activity assay, the active fractions inhibited epinephrine-stimulated 35S-GTPyS binding, thus indicating a predominantly antagonistic nature of the compounds with alpha2-adrenoceptor affinity in these fractions. Among the known major alkaloids of P. harmala (demissidine, harmaline, harmine, 6-methoxyharmalan, and norharmane), only 6-methoxyharmalan showed moderate affinity (dissociation constant (Ki) of 530 +/- 40 nm for alpha2A subtype). This study is a first systematic attempt towards the discovery of potential drug candidates from these plant materials for treating alpha2-adrenoceptor related diseases.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2004

[Influence of anthropic habits in the dispersion of Triatoma pseudomaculata Corrêa & Espínola, 1964 through Mimosa tenuiflora (Willdenow) (Mimosaceae) in the State of Ceará, Brazil].

Triatoma pseudomaculata was captured in the phloem of the black acacia bush (Mimosa tenuiflora) in seven municipalities in the State of Ceará, Brazil. This bush is widespread in the caatinga (scrub forest) and is used extensively by the rural population for kindling. Peridomiciliary presence of triatomines in the Cariri region may be associated with the use of infested M. tenuiflora wood by the population, thus facilitating the triatomines' mobilization and dispersion.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Interactions between environment, species traits, and human uses describe patterns of plant invasions.

Although invasive alien species (IAS) are a major threat to biodiversity, human health, and economy, our understanding of the factors controlling their distribution and abundance is limited. Here, we determine how environmental factors, land use, life-history traits of the invaders, residence time, origin, and human usage interact to shape the spatial pattern of invasive alien plant species in South Africa. Relationships between the environmental factors and the extrinsic and intrinsic attributes of species were investigated using RLQ analysis, a multivariate method for relating a species-attribute table to an environmental table by way of a species presence/absence table. We then clustered species according to their position on the RLQ axes, and tested these groups for phylogenetic independence. The first three axes of the RLQ explained 99% of the variation and were strongly related to the species attributes. The clustering showed that, after accounting for environmental factors, the spatial pattern of IAS in South Africa was driven by human uses, life forms, and reproductive traits. The seven clusters of species strongly reflected geographical distribution, but also intrinsic species attributes and patterns of human use. Two of the clusters, centered on the genera Acacia and Opuntia, were phylogenetically non-independent. The remaining clusters comprised species of diverse taxonomic affinities, but sharing traits facilitating invasion in particular habitats. This information is useful for assessing the extent to which the potential spread of recent introductions can be predicted by considering the interaction of their biological attributes, region of origin, and human use.

Agriculture↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Asthma and rhinitis in wooding workers.

We present some cases of rhinitis and asthma in wooding workers exposed to hard or soft woods. The specific provocation test confirmed the diagnosis of rhinitis in three patients and of asthma in four. Rhinitis was caused by oak, beech, and pine, while asthma was caused by obeche, chestnut, acacia, and iroko. Occupational exposure to the specific wood, before onset of symptoms (symptom latency) was shorter for patients with asthma. All seven patients with respiratory symptoms were nonsmokers; three were atopics and four, all with asthma, had nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity. Twenty-four hours after the test, PD20FEV1 had decreased in two cases with rhinitis and two with asthma, although the data did not reach statistical significance (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test: NS). After the SBPT, blood eosinophils increased in two cases with rhinitis and three with asthma, and the data were at the limit of statistical significance (P = 0.046). The study confirms that not only hard essences, but also soft woods can cause respiratory symptoms, although the pathogenetic mechanisms are still unclear. A specific provocation test is still the best and sometimes only means of diagnosing wood asthma; standardized protocols with repeated measurements of nonspecific airway responsiveness and of eosinophils in the blood may be helpful for a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism and predisposing factors.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Poloxamer-coated three-ply-walled microcapsules for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium.

The three-ply-walled-based system for controlled delivery of diclofenac was developed. The preparation of three-ply-walled microcapsules is essentially based on the technique of multiple-emulsion formation polymer at the interface followed by rigidization of the wall on evaporation of solvent. The protective colloids with surface-active properties were selected for the present study, viz. acacia gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate. Ethyl cellulose was taken as hydrophobic polymer. The acacia/ethylcellulose/acacia-based three-ply-walled microcapsule system was selected for further studies. The three-ply-walled microcapsule were subsequently coated with poloxamer 188. The non-ionic hydrophilic surfactant coating retards uptake into the reticuloendothelial system. The coated and uncoated microcapsules were characterized for in vitro and in vivo performance. The microcapsules were noted to provide sustained release of the contained diclofenac. The plasma level observed indicated that poloxamer coating results in prolonged release of the drug. Organ distribution demonstrated a different distribution pattern when compared with uncoated microcapsules.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prolonged release of rifampicin from multiple w/o/w emulsion systems.

The formation of multiple w/o/w emulsions with improved stability by using interfacial complex films between polyvinyl alcohol, acacia, polyvinylpyrrolidone and sorbitan monooleate (Span 80) is described. The long term stability of the emulsions, as assessed by microscopy and particle size analysis, showed no changes in the w/o/w emulsion systems prepared using these macromolecules in the internal phase. It has also been observed that the release rate of rifampicin, contained in the internal phase, increased significantly on addition of calcium stearate and/or soya lecithin to the organic phase.

Delayed-Action Preparations↗