028877   AHMED M E, SEDDIQ S H (Biology Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: hanoonnahy@gmail.com) : Effects of bacterocin from MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa against biofilm of food borne pathogen. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2770-6.

A major challenge in settings hospital are multi- antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When ability bacteria strain establish surfaceattached bio-film census. Many recent studies have puriûed and identiûed there is a need for create new antimicrobials that are operant contra multi-drug-resistant and surface-close fitting bacteria bacteriocins for application in food technology, both crude bacterocin are antibacterial proteins produced by MRSA and P. seudomonas aeruginosa, one hundred clinical samples (urin, ears and nasals) swaps were collected from patients of Al-Yarmouk Hospital and Teaching Baghdad Hospital during the period from November / 2015 to January / 2016. Cultural and morphological characteristice examination, biochemical tests were conducted and confirmed the diagnosis by antibiotics sensitivity test and Vitek-2 system. In vitro experiment was carried out on the antibacterial activity of bacterocin crude extract against different isolates cusing food born included (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus) by using well assay method for planktonoc cells and microtiter plate was also used against biofilm embedded cells. The results showed that first bacterocn more actine then second extract was active against these isolates when found as planktonic and biofilm state. The higher effect of crude extract from MRSA at concentration (32.5 µg/ml) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm while other bacterocin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa at concentration (30.5 µg/ml) less effect. Significant effect of both bacterocin extract killing food-borne pathogens cells in a planktonic and biofilm state at concentration 32.5 µg/ml. This study proposse that bacteriocins can be an potently way to adjudge surface-attached pathogenic bacteria.

7 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

028941   HUSSAIN M J, SARBOOT A K, HUSSEIN E F (Sumer Univ, Iraq, Email: marwa.jamal@gmail.com) : Histological study of celery aqueous seeds extract (Apium graveolens L.) on ovaries in adult female rats. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2717-22.

Most recent studies have focused on the use of herbal extracts in medicine and treatment of many diseases especially in the side of fertility be cause the containment of active compounds that play an important role in stimulating hormones responsible for fertility, one of the examples of these herbs is celery. For this reason, this study was designed to determine the importance of the aqueous extract of celery seeds in the increase of fertility of adult female rats through its reflection on the diameter of both ovary and uterus also the number of ovarian follicles. Thirty healthy adult female albino rats (2-3 month) aged with (130-170 gm) weight randomly divided into three groups: control group and two experimental groups, 10 rats for each group. The control group was given an equal amount of orally distilled water daily for 28 days while experimental group animals were given a single dose orally (0.057 g/kg per weight) and double dose (0.114 g/kg per weight) from celery seed aqueous extract also for 28 days. Five females randomly selected from each group for anesthesia and histology. After the sacrifice, the ovaries were removed from the body to be weighed and then prepared for the routine histological preparation stages to obtain colored microchips with a haematoxylin- eosin thickness of 5-7 micrometers ready for imaging and microscopic measurements. Results showed increased in the ovaries and uterus weights of female experimental groups that received celery extract as compared with control group. Microscopically sections of ovary were indicated noticeable increasing in the thickness of ovary and uterus muscle layer also increasing in the numbers of primary, secondary, Graafian Follicles and Corpora Lutea of both experimental rats that received single and double dose of celery extract as compared with control rats but not depended on the dose.

6 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

028888   AL-WAITH H K, MOHAMED T R, AL-ANBARI N N (Animal Production Dep, Al-Anbar Univ, Iraq) : Association between DQA1 gene polymorphism and reproductive, immunity performance and heat tolerance in Holstein cattle. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2681-6.

This investigated was conducted in Al-Salam station for Dairy cattle /private sector, for the period from 1-11-2016 to 1-11- 2017, to determine the association between DQA1 gene’s genotypes with some reproductive traits, immunity and heat tolerance coefficient in Holstein cows. The results DQA1 gene analysis showed a highly significant Different (P<0.01) between genotypes of DQA1 gene’s genotypes A, B & C, the percentage were 47.06, 5.88 and 47.06 % respectively. The results of the current study showed that services per conception and days open was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by different genotypes of the DQA1 gene for the cows with C genotype. There was also a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the genotypes of DQA1 gene for IgG concentration in calves blood who belong to mother’s with A& C genotypes compared with B genotype. The concentration of IgG in this study 44.73 ± 2.68 & 43.55 ± 1.82 g/L. blood which belong to cows with A &C genotypes respectively and it was higher than claves which belong to cows with C genotype (37.09 ± 1.77 g/L. blood). For the heat tolerance coefficient it was found that there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference between the genotypes of the DQA1 gene in this trait and for the cows with B & C genotype in the second and third months of the lactation season, while there was no effect of DQA1 gene genotypes of the heat tolerance coefficient during the first month of the lactation season. It was possible to conclude from this study the possibility of DQA1 gene’s genotypes in the development of genetic improvement strategies and in breeding programs in dairy cows.

2 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

028964   MAHDI M A, MOHAMMED M T, JASSIM A M N, MOHAMMED A I (Chemistry Dep, Mustansiriyah Univ, Iraq, Email: montadhermalky@yahoo.com) : Phytochemical content and anti-oxidant activity of Hylocereus undatus and study of toxicity and the ability of wound treatment. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2672-80.

In this work, the study of Dragon (Hylocereus undatus) properties was done by studying phytochemical screening, trace element and antioxidant activity. The analyzed of fruit extract by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) gave many compound. The antibacterial activities of the Dragon extract agonist different types of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Kebsiella sp, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus) were done by using well diffusion method. The toxicity of the extract was examined against the mice by giving all of the groups (extract group and control group) orally dose 50 mg\b.w and the results of pathological changes were diagnosed. After that, the extract was converted to a cream and used as wound healing cream. The results show that the cream has higher activity as a wound healing than the extract only. The final result appeared that extract had a good bioactive compounds and antioxidant ability, with the acceptable role in wound healing, which can be applied for many antibacterial applications, anti-inflammatory and could be helpful in preparation of pharmacologically drugs.

7 illus, 6 tables, 34 ref

028938   HASSAN M A, KHALIL A H, MENATI J K, NASSER A H (Animal Production Dep, Al-Muthanna Univ, Iraq) : Effect of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flowers water extract on some egg properties of Japanese quail. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2656-60.

This study was conducted at the Agricultural Research and Experimentation Station, Agriculture Faculty, Al-Muthanna University, from 22/7/2015 to 22/11/2015, 256 quail female were used, six weeks age, randomly distributed to four treatments, 64 birds per treatment, four replicates each treatment, 16 birds per replicate, the water extract of the Roselle flowers was added to drinking water at a rate of 25, 50, 75 ml/liter of water for the T1, T2 and T3 respectively, leaving T4 (control) without addition, the traits studied were egg production percentage, egg mass, eggs weight, yolk weight, albumin weight, Shell with membrane weight, shell thickness, yolk diameter, yolk High, yolk index, albumin high and Haugh Unit. The results indicate that the Roselle flowers water extract had a significant effect (P=0.05) on the improvement of studied traits of egg production, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, egg quality (Haugh Unit, saffron and shell thickness) compare with the control treatment.

4 tables, 18 ref

028887   AL-WAITH H K, AL-ANBARI N N, MOHAMED T R (Animal Production Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Relationship of the DQA1 gene polymorphism with productive performance in Holstein cattle. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2636-40.

The present study was conducted in Al-Salam station for Dairy cattle, private sector, for the period from 1-11-2016 to 1-11- 2017, to determine the relationship between genotype for the DQA1 gene and productive performance traits in Holstein cattle. Results showed that total milk production in Holstein cows was highly significant (P<0.01) affected by genotypes of DQA1 gene and for cows with C genotype (1699.65 ± 65.78 kg), while the lactation period was affected significantly (P<0.05) with different genotypes of DQA1 gene. There was no significant different in period from birth to the peak of lactation, while the length of peak production was significantly affected (P < 0.05) with different genotypes of DQA1 gene and the highest average for C & B genotype 50.26 ± 1.78, 48.14 ± 1.73 day respectively, the fat percentage as well as milk density was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by different genotypes of the DQA1 gene’s genotypes, the highest percentage reached in the cow’s milk which had genotype B 5.82 ± 1.31 % fat and best milk density in A & C genotypes 31.82 ± 0.67 g/cm³ and 30.39 ± 0.69 g/cm³ respectively, while lactose, protein and non-fat solids were not significantly affected with the different of DQA1 gene genotypes. It was possible to conclude from this study the possibility of DQA1 gen’s genotypes in the development of genetic improvement strategies and breeding programs that achieved the best productive performance in dairy cows.

2 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

028928   FARHAN M M, HASSAWI D S, IBRAHEEM N K (Biology Dep, Al-Anbar Univ, Iraq, Email: mohammedmut27@gmail.com) : Polyphenols compounds investigation of leaves and callus artichokes (Cynara colymus L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2629-35.

Since ancient times humans have adopted herbs and wild plants in the treatment of diseases. Medicinal plants were used more at the beginning of the 20th century to treat many diseases through the extraction of active chemical compounds. It is, therefore, necessary to detect the active substances of medicinal plant extract. Cynara scolymus L. is a medicinal plant mentioned in British and European Pharmacopeia. Artichoke is considered as medicinal plant, due to its nutritional and phytochemical composition, especially high proportion of phenolics compound. The phenolics include phenolic acids such as (Cynarin, Chlorogenic acid, Luteolin Salicylic acid and caffeic acid). The present study included phytochemicals (secondary metabolites) Screening of the crude extracts (leaves, friable and compact callus) and the five major active phenolic compounds were identified from the crude methanolic extracts of leaves, friable and compact callus using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Two of these compounds, Salicylic acid and 5-o-Caffeoylquinic acid (Chlorogenic) were found to be in high concentration in leaves extract that recorded 526.182 µg/ml and 5222.421 µg/ml, respectively. The other three compounds, 1,3-di-o-Caffeoylquinic acid (Cynarin), Luteolin, and Caffeic acid were found to be in high concentration in friable callus extract that recorded 3205.153 µg/ml, 940.983 µg/ml, 380.437 µg/ml respectively.

7 illus, 4 tables, 32 ref

028946   JASSIM Z M, ALI Z M (Biology Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq) : Molecular study of antibiotic resistance gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from different source. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2617-23.

A total of (100) specimens collected from patient suffeing from typhoid fever during the period from from 15, December, 2016 to 15, April, 2017. The identification of the bacterial isolates were depended on colonial morphology, microscopic examination, biochemical tests and Vitek-2 system. The antibiotic genes was used such as (Aph(3)-llla, ParC, Tet/tet(M(, aac(6´)-Ib-cr, Esp). Rendering to the results obtained according to the morphological, cultural and biochemical characters From the 81 clinical specimen only 26 (32 %) isolates belong to P. aeruginosa, 21 (26 %) isolates were belonged to E.coli, 18 (22.2 %) isolates were Klebsella pneumonia and 16 (19.8 %) Proteus mirabilis. The study investigated the antibiotic resistance genes of bacterial isolated which cooperate a main role in pathogenicity.

5 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

028965   MAHMOUD R W (Biology Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Tolerance susceptibility of Vigna sinensis plant to abscisic acid stress. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2605-8.

A field experiment was conducted in the Botanical garden of the Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Science (Ibn Al-Haitham), University of Baghdad to study the effect of foliar application at different concentrations (15 ppm, 10 ppm) in addition to control treated of abscisic acid in some of the vegetative characteristics of Vigna sinesis plant. The resulted showed the affected of leaf area and total content of chlorophyll and proline at the concentration of 15 ppm, while at the time of harvest, the concentration of 10 ppm was the highest resulted in the leaf area character, leaf area index and leaf area proportion.

4 tables, 23 ref

028879   AL-AMMASH M S J, AL-SHAIBANI K T M, AL-ABODI H R J (Samarra Univ, Iraq, Email: ebnbaz87@gmail.com) : Investigating the prevalence of infection with Toxoplasma gondii in men and women in Samarra city, Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2501-8.

The present study included 50 men and 50 women aged 18-45 years. Acute and chronic infection was detected by ELISA-IgM and ELISA-IgG. Blood samples were collected and the relevant information (age, gender, area of residence, educational level, job, presence of cats and with the number of miscarriages) was recorded about the study groups by using a questionnaire comparing the infection with T. gondii between men and women. The results of ELISA-IgM and ELISA-IgG test showed that the highest rate of acute (12 %) and chronic (74 %) infections in men, while in women was 14 % and 66 %, respectively. The present study showed the highest rate of acute infection in men (16.6 %) and women (27.3 %) was in the age group 32 - 38 years, the highest rate of chronic infection for men (78.6 %) in the age group 18 - 24 years and women (81.8 %) in age group 32 - 38 years. The present results revealed that there was a lack of differences between the urban and rural areas with parasitic infection, whereas the highest percentage of acute infection was in men and women live in urban (14.3 %) and the rural (18.5 %) areas, while the highest rate of chronic infection in men was 74.3 % and women was 73.9 % live in the urban area. The current results showed that the highest rate of acute infection was in uneducated men (14.3 %) and women (50.0 %), while the highest rate of chronic infection was in men and women with intermediate school stage (85.7 % and 87.5 %), respectively. The present results indicated that the highest rate of prevalence of acute infection with toxoplasmosis according to work was in employed men (12.5 %) and non-employed women (16.2 %), while the highest rate of chronic infection prevalence in employed men was 85.3 % and women 70.3 %. As for the presence of cats, the current results showed the highest incidence of acute infection in men and women who were breeders of cats at home (33.3 % and 44.4 %) respectively, while the highest rate of chronic infection was in men (77.3 %) and women (70.7 %), who indicated to their homes were almost don’t free of stray cats. The present results showed a significant increasing in the total number average of leukocytes at the acute stage of infection for men (11866 ± 2508 cells/ mm³ blood) and women (10300 ± 2504 cells/ mm³ blood), then the average non-significant decreasing at the chronic stage of the infection for men (9068 ± 1975 cells/ mm³ blood ) and women (8623 ± 1810 cells/ mm³ blood), compared with the control group (7280 ± 1148 cells/ mm³ blood and 10300± 2504 cells/ mm³ blood), respectively. The present results showed the percentage of miscarriages according to the number of aborted women under study in Samarra. The percentage of total number of aborted women was 76.7 %, for abortion twice (100 %), for three times (70 %) and either the percentage of miscarriages more than three times was 100 % for acute infection only.

7 tables, 35 ref

028952   KHASAEV A N, ZUBAIROVA M M, ASTARKHANOV F G, TELEVOVA N R, DAGIROVA F N, GADZIYEV N M-S (Anatomy Dep, Dagestan State Agrarian Univ, Russia, Email: hasaev84@mail.ru ) : Macro-and microstructure of the sheep testis in the dynamics of postnatal ontogenesis. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2491-4.

To study the histologic structure of a sheep testicle of the Dagestan rock breed during various age periods of post-natal ontogenesis. The material for the study has been selected on farms and at slaughter floors, fixed in Buen’s liquid and embedded in paraffin. The sections of 5-6 µm thickness were made of paraffin blocks. For histological staining the standard practice of hematoxylin and eosin has been used. Histochemically the black Sudan “B” has been used for lipid detection. The Ascorbic acid has been detected with silver nitrate. The morphometry has been performed with the help of the UCMOS 03100KPA eyepiece camera with the licensed “Altami Studio” software. To determine the percentage of convoluted seminiferous tubules of the testis to the interstitial tissue, RA-6 drawing and projection apparatus has been used. For statistical analysis of the obtained data the MS program “Excel” has been also used. Carrying out histological analysis, we have obtained the data on the percentage of convoluted seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue of the testis at various periods of postnatal ontogenesis. So, predominance of the interstitial tissue over the convoluted seminiferous tubules in the newborn period has been noted, whereas in the subsequent age periods the convoluted tubules widely grow. The interstitial endocrinocytes (Leydig cells) are found in all age periods. The maximum number of interstitial endocrinocytes is observed in the newborn period, minimum number of interstitial endocrinocytes is observed in the prepubertal period (3-4 months). These are large-sized cells with clear boundaries of a round, oval and rarely dendritic shape. The cytoplasm is oxyphilic; large amount of the Sudanophil material is accumulated histochemically. The nucleus of a large, light, round shape is located eccentrically. The obtained results of the research showed that the content of interstitial tissue predominates over the convoluted seminiferous tubules in the testis of the sheep of the newborn period, whereas the convoluted seminiferous tubules grow in the subsequent age periods that leads to a decrease in the content of interstitial tissue. The interstitial endocrinocytes (Leydig cells) are found in all age periods. High functional activity is noted in interstitial endocrinocytes morphologically, histochemically and morphometrically.

7 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

028881   AL-BDERY A S J, AL-YASSEEN A K (Biology Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq, Email: ahlam.alyaseen@uokufa.edu.iq) : Genotypic and phenotypic detection of some virulence factors among Porphyromonas gingivalis related with periodontitis in Al-Najafal-Ashraf city, Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2345-53.

Porphyromonas gingivalis represented one of the most etiological agents in pathogenesis and progression of the inflammatory events of periodontal disease. Fimbriae and gingipains are the most potent factors responsible for the attachment of bacteria to the host, damage the periodontal tissues, inactivate and degrade a number of host defense and structural proteins, and persistent infection of P. gingivalis. This research aimed to explain the distribution of P. gingivalis among oral cavity in patient suffering from periodontitis and to detect the correlation between biofilm formation and adherence with Fimbriae and gingapin encoding genes. Isolation and identification of P. gingivalis from patients suffering from chronic periodontitis (CP) according to phenotypic detectable of biofilm formation and the capacity of bacterial cells to adherence to oral human epithelial cell has been carried out. Out of 150 subgingival dental plaque specimens only 78 isolates were belong to P. gingivalis by conventional methods while the results of PCR technique showed that only 20 isolates were belonged to P. gingivalis. Genotypic detection of fimA genotypes revealed that fimA type IV gene was the most predominance (20 %) followed by fimA type III while fimA type II and V show up the lowest percentage (5 %) whereas fimA type Ib was not identified. Genetic investigation of kgp and rpgA revealed that all isolates were possess both genes. All isolates have the ability to produce biofilm and adherence to oral human epithelial cells. Wide distribution of P. gingivalis in CP patients and molecular methods were more accuracy in identification of these bacteria. A wide prevalence of fimA genotypes (except fimA Ib), kgp and rpg. A correlation has been found between biofilmformation, adherence to epithelial cells and possessing of fimA genotypes.

5 illus, 5 tables, 49 ref

028885   AL-KAZZAZ A G M (Biology Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Effect of salinity stress and selenium spraying on broad bean plant Vicia faba L.. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2335-9.

The experiment was conducted in the old botanical garden belong to Biology Department/ College of Education for Pure Science - Ibn Al-Haitham/Baghdad University for growing season 2015-2016 to study the effect of irrigation with four concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 50, 100, 150) mM.L^-1 and spraying with selenium in three concentrations (0, 10, 20) mgL^-1 on growth of broad bean plant using clay pots. The experiment was design according to completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results indicated that broad bean plant irrigated with saline water and increasing concentrations of sodium chloride in growth medium caused a significant decreased in the plant growth parameters (plant height, no. of compound leaves. Plant^-1, leaf area, proline acid content, concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) whereas spraying with selenium showed significant increase in growth parameters studied, as for interference for both factors, the best values was at the concentrations 10, 20 mg.L^-1 selenium which elevate the adverse effect of high sodium chloride concentration 150 mM.L^-1.

4 tables, 33 ref

028896   AWAD H A, HINDI M J (Animal Production Dep, Karbala Univ, Iraq) : Effect of carotenoids extracted from shrimp shell on lipid oxidation in sesame oil. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2324-8.

Shrimp shell composition had determined on dry base for moisture, ash, lipid and protein content were 72, 11, 1, 16 % for wet samples and 14.5, 25, 2.06 and 31 % for dry samples respectively. Different methods were employed for carotenoids extraction from dried shrimps shell. The first method (T1) used different combinations of organic solvents ( Ethanol : petroleum ether, 1:1 V/V ) by soxhlet device at 50 °C. The second (T2) and Third (T3) methods used separately acid and basic infusion for 48 hours with 0.1 N , HCL and 0.1 N NaOH respectively. The fourth method (T4) based on sunflower oil extraction . The fifth treatment (T5) included cold extraction with ethanol (100 %). The sixth method used solvent combination of Hexane : Acetone (1:1 V:V) . The seventh method used combination of Hexane : Acetone (2:1 V/V ). The T6 was adopted as the highest carotenoid yield was obtained and valued 0.08 µg/g with 80 % extraction yield as compared to the other of or mentioned methods. Deproteinization to carotenoids were conducted on shrimp samples before extraction and valued 76.5 % for wet samples and 58.5 % for dry samples. Crud extract had added in different levels of 0.01, 0,2, 0.04. 0.5 and 1 % in sesame oil compared to control and BHT 0.02 % and samples stored to 30 days at 65 °C. Peroxide Value and Thiobarbituric acid were determined for sesame oil samples after every two days storage. The obtain results revealed that the 1 % crude extract in sesame oil have the strongest effect as natural antioxidant against oil oxidation to 28 days compared with other group.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

028882   AL-JANABI H R A, AL-RAWI A J, AL-ANBARI N N (Animal Production Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: al82janabi@gmail.com) : Genetic polymorphisms of leptin gene associated with production traits in Holstein Primiparous cows. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2311-6.

This study was conducted on 50 Holstein cows at Al Salam Station for dairy cows / Private Sector (Latifia township, 25 km south of Baghdad), fifty samples collected of Holstein primiparous cows from a period of lactation / 2016 – 2017, in addition the Laboratory of Scientific Progress of Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics Analysis. Determination of the genotypes at the position LEP/Sau3AI of Leptin gene and the relationship with some of production traits in Holstein cows. Genotype differed for the target leptin gene encoding region due to different genetic bundles resulting from enzymatic digestion, which were genotyped in both AA and AB and their distribution ratios were 80.00 and 20.00 % respectively, and that the differences between these percentages were highly significant (P < 0.01 ), and allele frequency were 0.90 and 0.10 for both A and B respectively. The results of the present study showed that the total milk production and the lactation period for the Holstein cows were significantly affected (P < 0.01) by the Genotype of the leptin gene and for the cows with heterozygous Genotype AB. There was a significant variation (P < 0.01) in the period from birth to the peak of production, at 44.95 ± 0.85 and 33.78 ± 1.73 days for the two genotypes AA and AB respectively, as for the length of the production of peak reached the two genotypes in the same order 46.78 ± 0.94 and 60.46 ± 1.92 days (P < 0.01). The percentage of fat was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by genotypes of the Leptin gene, reaching the highest percentage of cow milk with the Genotype of AA (3.93 ± 0.62 %) and the lowest of the genotype AB (3.69 ± 0.30 %), while the percentage of lactose, protein and non-fat solids and specific gravity of milk had not significantly affected by the genotypes of leptin gene. It could be concluded by studying the genotypes of leptin gene that could be adopted in the development of genetic improvement strategies in milk cows to maximize the economic return of their breeding projects by selecting and crossing the genotypes that achieved the best economic characteristics.

3 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

028975   MUHAMMED R A, HASSAWI D S, IBRAHEEM N K (Biology Dep, Anbar Univ, Iraq, Email: rawaaalrouh@yahoo.com) : In vitro micropropagation of Taraxacum officinale medicinal plant by direct and indirect organogenesis. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2273-84.

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) is a herbal medicinal plant, which suffers from wide limitations when cultivated in the soil, including environmental limitations as well as the low rate of seed germination. The study involved using different explants (leaves, petioles and roots) of T. officinale from two sources, locally collected wild plants from Iraq and plants from in vitro germinated seeds. That cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators (NAA, BAP, IAA and BA) with registering the obtained response and periods taken until a response to establish a rapid and efficient protocol for in vitro micropropagation of the plant. The study results elucidated the ability for in vitro micropropagation of T. officinale plant in two ways; through direct and indirect organogenesis. The explants of in vitro germinated plants origin are a better source of explants than wild plants origin; moreover, the petioles are better explants than leaves and roots for micropropagation of T. officinale plant through direct organogenesis while the roots are the best explants for indirect organogenesis. The highest callus response resulted from petiole explants, while the highest shoot initiation response resulted from root explants and the best root regeneration resulted from leaf explants. The study concluded that complete plantelets can be produced from a single explant of T. officinale by tissue culture without requiring for sub-culturing through two ways: indirect and direct organogenesis. Auxins can be used alone in both petioles and roots explant to regenerate complete plants.

8 illus, 12 tables, 37 ref

028884   AL-KAISY W A, AL-HAYANY E H, MAHMOUD R W (Biology Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq, Email: emanhh1973@gmail.com) : The effect of amino acids glycine in some growth and yield indicators of Vigna sinesis plant. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2270-2.

A field study of the 2016-2017 growth season was carried out in the Botanical Garden of Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Science, Ibn Al-Haitham, University of Baghdad to study the effect of the glycine amino acid (0, 5, 10, 15) mg. L^-1 in the growth and yield of Vigna sinesis plant. The results show that the glycine acid act on increasing plant height, the number of leaf, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, the number of pods and weight of one pod.

3 tables, 19 ref

028892   ALTAMEME H J M (Biology Dep, Babylon Univ, Iraq, Email: huda_jasim@yahoo.com) : Phytochemical analysis of Frankenia aucheri Jaub. et Spach (Frankeniaceae) by GC-MS and FT-IR techniques. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2263-9.

In this study, the phytochemical analysis of Halophyte plant Frankenia aucheri Jaub. et Spach (Frankeniaceae) in methanolic leaf extracts was taken up in Iraq and reported for the first time The GC-MS analytical studies revealed the presence of twenty-one composites of different types such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, esters, etc. Also, the study summarized the information concerning with various functional groups like alkenes, alkanes, and aliphatic fluoro compounds have been identified by FT-IR analysis compared with original and methanolic extract. These constituents may be responsible for pharmacological activities and may add new knowledge to the information in the traditional medical systems.

24 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

028996   SHAFIQ S A, KAMAL S B, MOHAMMED S T, MOHAMMED N, ABDULKHALIQ R J (Biology Dep, AL-Mustansiriya Univ, Iraq, Email: Spsht@uomustansiriyah.edu.iq) : Efficiency of seaweed extract of brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum against Leishmania donovani parasite. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2252-6.

The screening study to search for new natural antiprotozoals, we screened the commercial product seaweed extract of brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum and tested them in vitro and in vivo against Leishmania donovani parasite the responsible for one of the major endemic parasitic diseases,the viability rate after treated with seaweed extract was decreased with increasing of concentration at 50 % was (35.62 %,16.51 % and 0) after (15 min, 30 min and 1 hrs) respectively, but in concentration 25 % the viability became (50.30 %, 35.30 % and 0) after the same incubation period compared with control treatment and drug treatment (pentostam). The histological changes of liver tissue for treating males white mice orally with seaweed extract for three weeks after injecting with 1×10⁶ cell/ml intraperitonial by Leishmania donovani showed As observed a clear improvement in liver hyperplasia in Kupffer cell, and hydropic degeneration but noticed reduced presence of parasites and approximately mild reaper occur beside the group of mice treated with drug pentostam, compared with the positive control (mice inoculated orally 0. 1 ml/day) normal saline. The histological section of liver for infected mice with leishmamial parasites showed haemorrhage, infiltration of lymphocytes, proliferative for Kupffer cell as a result of the presence of parasites.

4 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

028889   ALI A H, ABDULZHARA E M (Biology Dep, Basrah Univ, Iraq) : Histological study of direct somatic embryogenesis in date palm cultured in vitro. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2199-206.

Somatic embryogenesis is a sexual reproduction in which a bipolar structure is derived from somatic (non-zygotic) cell without vascular connection in the original tissue. This process can by achieved in vitro through using the different types of auxin and cytokinins. In date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) some research workers were able to obtained by using different compination of auxins and cytockinins. In present study we try to induced the direct somtic embryogenesis on shoot tip explants derived from in vitro microshoots. Shoot tip explants were inoculated on medium containing Cytokinins thidiazuron (TDZ) alone or in combination with auxins. It was found that MS medium enriched with 10 and 15 mg/L TDZ only was more effective to induce direct somatic embryogenesis in compared with others containing auxins, Beta naphthoxyacetic acid (NoA) or 1- napthaleen acetic acid (NAA) in combined with TDZ. While, the minimum response rate obtained when auxins NoA and NAA combined with TDZ. Transferred of somatic embryos to maturation and germination medium induced secondary embryogenesis and were developed after 4 weeks. Four weeks later somatic embryo start germination and developing to plantlet. In this medium direct organogenasis were also recognized. Histoligical examination of explants grown on medium containing 10 mg/L TDZ revealed that the somatic embryo originated from two area. First somatic embryo induced from the sub-epidermal area and second from the vascular cells. Histological analysis showed that the division pattern of the cambical cells during the somatic embryo formation tock place in one side that caused the sweeling of the explants. Subsequent cell division led to progress in somatic embryo developmental stages. The first distinct appearance of embryogenesis was marked by development of globular forms that were embedded in the explants tissue, but there were separated from the adjusent tissue by vaculated cells and became a single embryo. No vascular connection between a somatic embryos and surrounding tissue has been recognized. More development of these embryos caused raputureing of surrounding tissue and embryo emergence.

8 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

028883   AL-JIBOURI K D W (Biology Dep, Diyala Univ, Iraq, Email: taxonomy_kh@yahoo.com) : Ecology and geographical distribution of Arabis L. spp. (Cruciferae) in Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2177-80.

The study included the ecology and geographical distribution of the Arabis L. species, which are grown wildly in Iraq. The species varied in their ecology growth, altitude and distribution on Iraqi phytogeography districts. A. nova Vill. has wide distribution, which was spread in five districts: Sulaimanyia (MSU), Rawanduz (MRO), Amadiya (MAM), JabalSingar (MJS), and Nineveh (FIN). A.aucheri was found in three districts, MRO, MAM and MGS, but A. caucasica Willd. distributed in Mountain Region (MR) districts MSU, MRO, MAM and MJS. A. sagittata (Bertol.) DC. distributed in MSU, MRO, MAM and FNI. The study showed the variations in ecology, altitude and geographical distribution with taxonomic value in isolation of species.

3 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

029005   TWAIJ B M, ALWAN A H (Biology Dep, Mustansiriyah Univ, Iraq, Email: msc.baan@uomustansirihyah.edu.iq) : Anti-fungal activity of Althaea officinalis L. tissue culture extracts. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2053-7.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the alcoholic and water extracts of the tissue plant to inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporam. The results showed that the alcoholic extract was significantly higher inhibition compared to the control plant, 100 % inhibition of 60 mg / 100 ml, 80 mg / 100 ml on both fungi. The effect of hot water extract was 84.5 % and 90 % for Rhizoctonia solani at 60 mg / 100 ml, 80 mg / 100 ml respectively. 86.1 % and 89.7 % for Fusarium oxysporam at 60-80 mg/100 ml, respectively.

2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

028874   ABDUL-LATEEF ALI N, ALSHOJIRY A K, KAZEM S J, AL-SHERIFY S M H (Animal Production Dep, AL-Qasim Green Univ, Iraq) : Studying the effect of adding different concentrations of the mint oil to the ration of broiler chicks on some blood biochemical traits. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 2005-9.

This study was conducted at Poultry farm of Animal Resources Department, College of Agriculture, University of AL-Qasim Green to study the effect of adding different concentrations of the Mint oil to the ration of broiler chicks on some blood biochemical traits. The 144 broiler chicks (Ross 308) with one day old were used, as it was randomly divided into four treatments, with 36 chicks per treatment, each treatment consists of three replicates (12 chicks per replicate). Experiment treatments were as follows: The first treatment (control) without adding Mint oil to the ration, add Mint oil at a concentration of 600 mg.kg^-1 feed^-1 (the second treatment), add Mint oil at a concentration of 800 mg.kg^-1 feed^-1 (the third treatment) and add Mint oil at a concentration of 1000 mg.kg^-1 feed^-1 (The fourth treatment). The study included investigating of the following traits: Total Protein concentration, Albumin, Globulin, Cholesterol and Triglycerides. The results indicated that the addition of Mint oil at a concentration of (600, 800, 1000 mg.kg^-1 feed^-1) to ration of broiler chicks led to a significant improvement in blood biochemical traits of broiler chicks.

3 tables, 28 ref

028890   ALI I M, IBRAHIM M H, UDDIN M K (Biology Dep, Putra Univ, Malaysia, Email: rosimahn@upm.edu.my) : Effect of delay harvest on seed quality and germination of three varieties of soybean (Glycine max) seeds. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1961-6.

The loss in soybean seed quality owing to adverse environmental reasons is unavoidable, particularly in the tropics. Seed ability to germinate and produce a vigorous seedling is a significant characteristic for any seed-propagated crop. Seed deterioration is a harmful feature of agriculture crops which hindered quality seed of Soybean. Thus, the purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between seed deterioration and physiological changes of delayed harvest soybean seeds. Three soybean varieties which are AGS-190, Cikurai, and Willis were used as planting in the field at Universiti Putra Malaysia as materials in this experiment. The seeds were harvested at harvest maturity HM (H1) demonstrating 95 % of the pods have reached their mature brown color and 2-week delay after HM (H2). The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The result showed that seed deterioration of larger seeded soybean varieties can be increased at a 2-week delay after harvest maturity stage. Seed quality of soybean was affected by field weather environment during harvest date. AGS190 was the most sensitive to adverse weather surroundings as shown by deterioration of seed quality at a 2-week delay after harvest maturity stage. Loss of seed viability and vigor demonstrated depending on harvest date and directly related to increase in the level of phomopsis sp. infection. Germination percentage, tetrazolium test seed viability and vigor are negatively correlated with electrical conductivity and phomopsis sp., while in small seeded varieties was less seed deterioration.

4 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

028891   ALLIDI K M L, ABDULLA H A (Plant Protection Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Evaluation of local Beauveria bassania isolation as a nano-biocide (Bb-AgNPs) and non-nano-biocide against the fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus put in swamp water and under laboratory conditions. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1819-22.

This experiment was carried out at the Plant Protection Laboratories, College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad for assessing the effect of local isolating Beauveria bassania as a biolarvicide (Bb-AgNPs) on the fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoesat different three times. Beauveriabassania wasisolated from the dead larvae of mosquitoes C. quinquefasciatus. Beauveria bassania used for convert AgNO₃ into nanoparticles in a biological way. Three concentrations of Bb-AgNPs (1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm) were present. They gave results of death in fourth stage larvae of C. quinquefasciatu (30.5, 37.6 and 47.8 %), respectively after (24, 48, 27 hours). In addition to testing the effect three concentrations of Beauveria bassania (3 × 10⁴, 3 × 10⁵ and 3 × 10⁶) spore /ml as a natural biolarvicide (non-nanoparticles) on the same larvae. The result of mortality was 19.1, 14.9 and 11.8 %), respectively.

2 tables, 12 ref

028901   BASITH M A, RAO K P, RAMTEKE P W (Biological Sciences Dep, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, Email: ksbhargav@rediffmail.com) : Phyto-toxic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on seed germination in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1791-4.

Zinc plays a vital role for various metabolic pathways in plant systems. Application of Zinc fertilizers can therefore, make a significant contribution towards the goal of higher crop yields. Recently, nanoparticles have received considerable attention due to their increased uptake by plants as they are small in size and have high rate of penetration through plant cell membrane. The present study investigates the effect of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on tomato crop with a view point of their potential use as future “nano-fertilizers”. Different concentration (0, 250, 500 and 750 mg L^-1) of ZnO Nps, were prepared in distilled water and used for the treatment in tomato seeds to study the effect on seed germination and seedling growth. Preliminary studies on seed germination revealed no evidence of toxicity up to 250 mg L^-1 ZnO NPs. Seed germination increased in lower concentrations, however showed decrease in values at higher concentrations.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

028968   MEZEAL I A, MIZIL S N, HUSSIN M S (Biology Dep, Mustansiriyah Univ, Iraq, Email: intesarali664@uomustansiriyah.edu.iq) : Researching biocontrol of Trichoderma viride, Paecilomyces lilacinus in contradiction of effectiveness of fungi insulated as of selected therapeutic herbals. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1631-7.

Concluded present examination, diverse parasites confined as of soil contradiction by three restorative Herbals including Malva parviflora, Alhagi graecorum and Achyranthus aspera, were gathered as of three better regions in Iraq [Dayalla, Kut, Hilla]. Aimed at supplementary bio control assessments (T. viride, P. lilacinus) utilized as bio control operators in contradiction of tomato sicknesses produced by A. solani, F. chlamydosporum, now neighborhood assortment as of tomato. T. viride, P. lilacinus estimations of inhibitory zones in contradiction of disconnected growth, organic control corrections T. viride, which framed 83.9 %, 78.8 % inhibitory locale in contradiction of F. solani and A. humicola, separately. P. lilacinus framed 83.1 %, 77.9 % restraint territory in contradiction of F. chlamydosporum, A.solani individually in double culture inspections. Accommodation tow bio control specialists additionally totally influenced the yield, biomass and catalyst movement, fresh, dry weight, tomato stature, tomato organic products tomato, Peroxidase action, Phenyl alanine action and protein.

5 illus, 41 ref

028886   AL-OBEIDI B M R (Biology Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : A comparative anatomical study of three types of gymnosperm plants Cycas revoluta, Thuja oreintalis and Cupressus semperviens. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1521-8.

The three types of Cycas revolute, Thuja orientalis and Cupressus semperviens are among the most important Gymnosperm plants. Studied the anatomy of the petiole and leaf for all studied species by light microscope. The fact that the cultivated plants in Iraq are subject to the same environmental conditions and few anatomical studies on the Gymnosperm plants, therefore this research study was conducted to learn the anatomical study of the plants of the Gymnosperm as well as their assistance to distinguish between the three types, which gave them a taxonomic value and by knowing the anatomical qualities of this research. The three types were distinguished and find out the tissues that are configured for them in a detailed and scientific way.

2 tables, 12 ref

028951   KHADHIM H A, AL-MAYALI H K (Biology Dep, Al-Qadisiyah Univ, Iraq) : The ameliorative effect of Morin against methotrexate - induced hepatotoxicity and some physiological and biochemical in male rats. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1503-11.

Morin possesses therapeutic properties through, which a course as an antioxidant and a sweep of free radicals, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, heart tonic and anti-tumor. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the Morin compound against the toxic effects of Methotrexate in white male rats. Sixty males of white rats aged (10-12) were used in this experiment. The rats were divided randomly into six groups (10 rats per group). The first group was of a negative control (C) and was pumped with distilled water only for four weeks. The second group was of positive control (T1) with Methotrexate by (0.250) mg / kg B.W for four weeks, The third (T2) was given the Morin compound only with concentration (25) mg / kg B.W. for four weeks; the fourth (T3) was orally injected with the drug for two weeks. Then the drug was treated with Morin (25) mg / kg B.W for two more weeks. The fifth (T4) was treated with For Morin for two weeks and then Methotrexate was given in the last two weeks. The sixth (T5) was given both drugs Methotrexate and Morin at the same time and simultaneously for four weeks. The rats were sacrificed and blood was taken from them for the sake of observing the effects of the studied characteristics. The results of the statistical analysis show a significant increase in the level of the enzymes of the liver AST, ALT, ALP. also significant increase in MDA and significant decrease in GSH, SOD and significant decrease in the level NF-κB, IL-6, HP of the given drug group (T1) as compared to negative control and other aggregates. While the groups treated by Morin were clearly improved and decreased in level AST, ALT, ALP also in the MDA level with high levels of antioxidants GSH, SOD and immunoglobulin HP, IL-6, NF-κB especially in the two groups (T2, T5). It can be concluded that Morin with a dose of 25 mg / kg has a protective and therapeutic role in reducing the toxicity of MTX in male rats.

6 illus, 3 tables, 58 ref

028880   AL-AWADI H M, YOUSSEF T G (Biology Dep, Kufa Univ, Iraq) : Epidemiology of bloody diarrhea in Al-manathera city / Najafalshraf Province, Iraq. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1443-6.

Throughout the period from 1/7/2017 till 1/2/2018, 720 stool samples from diarrhea patients who attended Al-Manathera Hospital which is within boundaries of An-Najaf province, were examined. The results revealed that 305 (42.4 %) of the patients have bloody diarrhea, with around 221 (72 %) of the cases being infected with Entamoeba Histolytic. New born to 24 years old patients has high frequency of occurrence of Amoebiasis compared with shigellosis 222 (72 %), 84 (27.5) respectively. The results also show that male are more prone to infection for both diseases and people from rural areas are more prone to get infected with bloody diarrhea Amoebiasis and shigellosis, Furthermore; infected family members with the patient in the family was 152 (68.7) for Amobiasis compared with shigellosis 44 (52.3). Mixed infections were more dominant in stool samples of people infected with E.histolyica 153 (61). Shigellosis sonnei is the main bacteria that causes dysentery 16 (19 %) in our study.

8 tables, 28 ref

028978   NAYYEF I A (Animal Production Dep, Baghdad Univ, Iraq) : Genetic parameters for scabies disease and relation with Interleukin 12 concentration in sheep. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1297-300.

The research carried out to study relationship between scabies with immune response through the level of interleukin 12 (IL12) in serum. Moreover, genetic variance for infection and some factors related to animals. Overall mean for incidence rate was 0.70 %, age affected by this disease for adults which infected with percentage rate 0.78 % among ages 4 - 6 years, whereas reduced to 0.59 % in older animal, however, there are no significant difference with offspring age and lower rate was 0.56 % for lamb less than one year then increased to 0.80 % for ages between 1-3 years after that declined to 0.73 % for more than 4 years, there is no impact of sex on infection, on the same side, this study noticed significant differences (P>0.05) between single and twin were 0.74 % and 0.54 %, respectively. On the same hand, season has an important role in parasitic incidence, Spring and Autumn witnessed higher rates reached to 1.00 % and 0.75 % sequentially, while decreased to 0.53 % in winter and 0.50 % in summer. Higher significant response (P>0.05) for IL-12 level for infected received to 0.28 ng/ml while reduced to 0.08 ng/ml for healthy animals . Heritability for each of incidence rate of scabies and level of IL-12 were 0.51 and 0.24 respectively whereas repeatability for this disease was 0.46. There is a high significant correlation between infection and IL-12 concentration was 0.344 and negative (P>0.05) with dam age -0.225 and birth type -0.250 while insignificantly with offspring age reached to 0.147. This research concludes that animal resistance to scabies disease result from interaction between genetic and immune activation which depended firstly in selecting healthy animals with less incidence of this disease.

3 tables, 16 ref

027971   PUELAIAH C P, KEDAM T, NELSON V K, KUMAR G V N, DAYANAND REDDY G (Pharmacology Dep, Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai - 600 106, Email: samuelpharma@gmail.com) : Supplementation of Daucus carota L. extract prevents urolithiasis in experimental rats. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 253-60.

Daucus carota L. was first used for medical purposes and gradually used as a food worldwide and it has been endorsed in relic Ayurvedic scriptures in India and is being used in many Ayurvedic formulations as a chief ingredient. The present study was designed to evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of D. carota L. extract against ethylene glycol (EG) and Vitamin D₃ induced urolithiasis rats. The protective effect of D. carota L. root extract was studied in a dose-dependent manner by using 200 and 400 mg/kg in rats for four weeks and the anti-urolithiatic potentiality was accessed by measuring the parameters like calcium, sodium, potassium, oxalate, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid were estimated in both serum and urine by using commercial diagnostic kits. The in vivo antioxidant activity of D. carota L. was also evaluated and histopathological changes that occurred in the kidney observed. Serum and urinary levels of calcium, creatinine, oxalate, blood urea and blood urea nitrogen level were found to be decreased significantly in groups pre-treated with D. carota L. extract. The animals treated with test drug showed much improvement in physical parameters like body weight, urine volume and pH of urine. Histopathology of kidney showed almost normal kidney architecture in treated groups compared to disease control rats. The biochemical and histopathological parameters studied in rats have revealed the presences of antiurolithiatic property in the roots of Daucus carota L. This property was dose-dependent.

2 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

027940   KUMAR S, KUMAR R, SRIVASTAVA R, RAI R K, SASTY J L N, GUPTA A (DRDC Healthcare, Sahibabad-201 010, Email: arun.gupta@mail.dabur) : Sub chronic oral toxicity study of a herbo-metallic ayurvedic formulation Swarna Guggulu in Wistar rats. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 244-52.

Safety of herbomineral formulations is being debated worldwide. Swarna Guggulu (SG) is a propriety ayurvedic formulation intended for use in arthritis and other neuromuscular disorders. The ingredients of SG have traditionally been used since long and are reported to be safe. In the present study, the safety profile of SG via repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study was investigated in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into six groups. Aqueous extract of SG was administered orally once daily for 90 consecutive days to three group of animals at three dose levels (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg BW). One group served as high dose satellite reversal. One group each served as control and satellite control receiving milli-Q water. All the animals were observed for mortality and clinical sign of toxicity. Satellite groups were further observed for 28 days without treatment to detect any delayed toxicity or recovery from toxic effects if any. All the treated and control and satellite group animals exhibited a progressive gain in body weight and feed consumption throughout the dosing period and post-dosing recovery period. Abnormal breathing and lethargy were observed in one animal each in 500 mg/kg BW and satellite reversal group. These mortalities were, however, observed to be incidental findings. Laboratory parameters estimated for the treated and control animals on day 91 and satellite groups on completion of recovery period showed some significant changes in TLC, platelets, PCV and biochemical parameters that were comparable to control. These changes in haematology and biochemistry were inconsistent and therefore, considered incidental findings not related to test item. Urine parameters were found unaffected by treatment with SG. Necropsy of the surviving and found dead animals did not show any pathologically significant lesions. Histopathological examination of animals treated at 50 and 500 mg/kg showed lesions in some organs which were comparable with the control and hence, considered incidental findings. Based on the results, the NOAEL of SG, when administered orally once daily for a period of 90 days in both the sexes of wistar rats was found to be 500 mg/kg BW.

3 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

027898   CHOWDHURY A, PANNEERSELVAM T, SUTHENDRAN K, BHATTACHEJEE C, BALASUBRAMANIAN S, MURUGESAN S, SURAJ B, SELVARAJ K (Sir CV Raman-KS Krishnan International Research Centre, Krishnankoil - 626 126, Tamilnadu, Email: selvapharmabio@gmail.com) : Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of bioactive polyphenolic compounds from Marsilea quadrifolia L. using RSM and ANFIS modelling. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 204-21.

Extraction of bioactive compounds, rich in plant secondary metabolites as a form of polyphenolic compounds has gained utmost important in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their antioxidant properties. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was utilized for maximum extraction of bioactive polyphenolic compounds from Marsilea quadrifolia L. with consuming less toxic solvent. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) were followed to design and optimize the experimental parameters to get highest yield of bioactive polyphenolic compounds from M. quadrifolia L. The quantitative effects of experimental parameters such as methanol concentration (X₁), microwave power (X₂), irradiation temperature (X₃) and irradiation time (X₄) were investigated to obtain the maximum yields of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and antioxidant properties. The optimum conditions were observed at methanol concentration (X₁= 87.5 %), microwave power (X₂= 25 %), irradiation temperature (X₃= 60 ºC) and irradiation time (X₄= 15 min). Under these conditions, the highest yields of TPC (y₁)= 693.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), TFC (y₂)= 84.86 mg rutin equivalents (RU)/g), % DPPHsc (y₃)= 81.06 %, % ABTSsc (y₄)= 71.34 % and FRAP (y₅)= 68.09 μg mol (Fe (II)/g) has been attained. Further, the experimental results were highly acknowledged with predicted values of RSM and ANFIS. The analysis of LC-ESI-MS spectrum confirmed 6 major bioactive compounds, namely, Betasitosterol, Tridecyliodide, 2,3,7,8 tetracholorodibenzofuaran, Chlorogenic acid, Pentachlorophenylacetate and Triacontyl hexacosanoate in the optimized extract of M. quadrifolia L. The optimized extract can be used as an alternative of synthetic antioxidants for product manufacturing in food and pharmaceutical industries.

8 illus, 5 tables, 39 ref

027956   ONUEGBU U C, AGARWAL A, SINGH N B (Sharda Univ, Greater Noida, Email: nbsingh43@gmail.com) : Growth performance of cultured African catfish (C.Gariepinus) fingerlings in the presence of nano and macrocuo feed supplements. J Sci Ind Res 2018, 77(9), 499-503.

Nanomaterials are having transformational effects on the world of science including animal feeds. The present study investigated the dietary effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on the growth and general health profiles of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. Conventional catfish feed (initial copper content 0.83 mg Kg^-1) was supplemented with nano (n) and macro forms of CuO at levels of 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 mg Kg^-1 feed respectively. Fish were fed the diets for 7 weeks., after which significant (p < 0.05) weight differences were observed in fish fed 3-10 mg nCuO Kg^-1 feed and those fed 5-10 mg CuO Kg^-1 feed respectively. Highest percent weight gains attained were 620.20 % and 491.63 % at the supplementation level of 10 mg (nCuO & CuO) Kg^-1 feed respectively, against 322.55±3.19 % for the control, suggesting that nCuO was more effective in impacting the health of C. gariepinus than CuO.

4 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

027995   SHARMA A, MAGOTRA A, BHATT S, DOGRA A, WAZIR P, SATTI N K, SINGH G, BHUSARI S S, NANDI U (CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu-180 001, Email: unandi@iiim.ac.in) : Potential herb-drug interaction of a flavone glycoside from Cuminum cyminum: Possible pathway for bioenhancement of rifampicin. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 776-82.

Traditional knowledge on classical herbal based Ayurvedic formulation namely ‘Trikatu’ in the Indian system of medicine has led to the discovery of ‘Risorine’, a world’s first boosted rifampicin in combination with piperine (one of ingredient in Trikatu) as bioenhancer for the treatment of tuberculosis. This encourages us to combine rifampicin with a flavone glycoside (CC-I), one of ingredient of Cuminum cyminum which found its application in culinary purposes and immensely widespread in diverse ethnomedical systems worldwide as an integral part of folklore therapy. Therefore, aim of the study is to explore the reason for bioenhancement of rifampicin by CC-I using a panel of in vitro and in vivo experimentations for the first time. Plasma concentration of rifampicin was markedly enhanced by CC-I orally in Wistar rats. Mechanistic studies showed that CC-I have action on efflux transporters based on rhodamine transport and P-glycoprotein dependent ATPase assay but no alteration of in vitro transcellular diffusion and plasma protein binding of rifampicin. Intestinal transit of rat was not affected upon treatment with CC-I whereas inhibition of CYP3A4 in rat and human liver microsomes was occurred to a little extent. Bioenhancer effect of CC-I was mainly through improving absorption by down regulation of efflux transporters.

6 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

027954   NEGI K, TEWARI S D, CHATURVEDI P (Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (Ministry of Ayush), Janakpuri, New Delhi-110 058, Email: negikavita123@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of Marchantia papillata Raddi subsp. grossibarba (Steph.) Bischl. against Staphylococcus aureus. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 763-9.

Staphylococcus aureus is a universally identified gram positive bacteria causing boils, carbuncles, skin infections or abscess, involving muscle or bone, and can easily disseminate even to the lungs or affect heart valves. The prolonged use of synthetic drugs like methicillin and cephalosporin have led to development of resistance in S. aureus. The present study aims to search for a natural and potent antimicrobial agent by validating the use of some traditionally used Bryophytes applying standard antimicrobial assays along with chemical characterization of important antibacterial compounds. Crude methanol/ethanol and acetone extracts of six Bryophyte species; collected from different regions of Kumaon hills (belonging to five different families), viz. Conocephalum conicum (L.) Underw, Marchantia papillata Raddi subsp. grossibarba (Steph.) Bischl. (syn. Marchantia palmata Reinw., Nees & Blume), Reboulia hemispherica L. Raddi, Asterella wallichiana (Lehm.) Grolle, Anaectangium thomsonii Mitt. and Funaria hygrometrica Hedw; were prepared and screened for antibacterial activities by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The experiment showed that the six Bryophyte species had significant antibacterial activities against S. aureus with MIC and MBC ranging from 0.97 to 31.25 µg/mL and 1.95 to 125 µg/mL, respectively. Ethanol extract of M. papillata showed highest zone of inhibition (ZI=31±0.57 mm) with 0.97 µg/mL MIC and 1.95 µg/mL MBC and the ZI of its ethanol extract was found superior over the ZI of used antibiotics, viz. streptomycin and choloramphenicol. GC-MS data obtained from its ethanol extract showed a high percentage of sesquiterpenes/diterpenes (8.18 %), steroids (11.52 %), fatty acids (31.77 %) and alcohol derivatives (1.46 %) attributing to its antibacterial potential. Besides, a specific marker compound of liverwort-riccardin C (2.46 %), was also detected in M. papillata.

2 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

027944   LATURIYA A A, PARMAR K M, PRASAD S K, DHOJRAJ N, ITANKAR P R (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033, Maharashtra, Email: prakashitankar@hotmail.com) : Anti-obesity potential of Medohar Ark: A traditional Ayurvedic preparation in high fat diet-induced rat model. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 745-53.

The aim of the present study was to develop a phytochemical profile of Medohar Ark, one of the Ayurvedic formulation used as a potent tool for reducing weight in obese patients and also to perform preclinical evaluation for anti-obesity activity. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, specific gravity and total solid content of Medohar Ark marketed (MAM), Medohar Ark in-house (MAIH) and distilled cow urine (DCU) were performed along with phytochemical screening and chromatographic (HPTLC and HPLC) study using Crocin as a biomarker. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterol, carbohydrates and saponins in MAIH and MAM. The HPTLC analysis revealed that, MAIH contained 4.58 % w/w of Crocin, whereas in MAM, Crocin was not detected. However, HPLC analysis of MAIH and MAM showed that MAIH and MAM contained 4.56 % w/w and 1.23 % w/w of crocin, respectively. The pharmacological evaluation concluded that, MAIH showed better result as compared to MAM in reduction of body weight of rats in high fat diet (HFD) rat model. From the lipid profile and antioxidant evaluations of animals, it was observed that there was a significant restoration in altered lipid profile and antioxidant status of HFD induced rats treated with MAM and MAIH, which was also confirmed through histopathological studies showing very less fat deposition. The overall study concludes that the Medohar Ark has a significant anti-obesity activity especially in case of in-house formulation, which can be used as a major tool for obesity management in human healthcare.

4 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

027928   JOIS S N, D'SOUZA L (World Pranic Healing Foundation, Mysore-570 009, Karnataka, Email: srikanth@pranichealing.co.in) : The effectiveness of superbrain yoga on concentration, memory and confidence in school students. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 741-4.

Superbrain Yoga (SBY) is based on the principle of ear acupuncture and subtle energy movement in the body. SBY enhances the qualitative and quantitative pranic energy in the brain. The present study aims to improve the concentration, memory, and confidence of students by practicing SBY. The study consists of 1,945 school students from Mysore district, India. SBY was introduced to the students through the teachers for a period of 3 months. After three months, responses from the students were collected using a questionnaire centered on concentration, memory, and confidence facing examinations of students. Attributes harvested from the questionnaire were collected and analyzed with contingency coefficient and Chi-square tests. 86 % of the students reported that by practicing SBY has helped them to face examinations more confidently. Students also reported that their memory has improved by 75.9 % and concentration by 70.5 %. Thus, SBY has improved the overall performance of students in the school.

3 tables, 16 ref

027990   SHAFFIQUE S, AHMED S, REHMAN T, MUMTAZ W, ANWAR H, HUSSAIN G (The Islamia Bahawalpur Univ, Pakistan, Email: shifa.shafiquee@gmail.com,) : Anti-hyperuricemic potential of Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja syn. Ledum palustre L. 30c and 1M in potassium oxonate induced rat model. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 724-31.

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disorder and several homeopathic ultra-high dilutions are being used in the treatment of hyperuricemia and its related diseases. Conventional treatment for the hyperuricemia is allopurinol but it gives many side effects like allergic reactions, gestrohepatic ailment, hepatic and renal complaints. It is the need of the hour to introduce an alternative system of medicine with minimal side effects. The study aimed to find hypouricemic effects of Ledum palustre 30c and 1M in potassium oxonate induced hyperuricemia rat model. The study comprised of 11 groups of rats (E = 33). All the groups except normal control were treated with potassium oxonate. Normal control group received distilled water, hyperurecemic control group succussed alcohol mixed in distilled water. Allopurinol, Ledum palustre 30c and 1M were administered for one day, 3 day and 7 days (single dose/day) in different study groups (3×3 = 9 groups). Blood samples were collected by rat tail vein bleeding. Serum uric acid and serum creatinine levels were checked by using standard kits. Student's t-test for independent means was used for statistical analysis of difference between the groups. p ≤ 0.05 (two tailed value) was considered significant. Oral administration of Ledum palustre 30c and 1M decreased serum uric acid levels of hyperurecemic rats in time dependent manner. 3 day and 7 day administration of Ledum palustre 30c and 1M reduced serum uric acid level more significantly as compared to one day administration. However, allopurinol normalized serum uric acid levels in all study groups. The present study indicated marked hypouricemic effects of Ledum palustre 30c and 1M in hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate in rats. However, clear conclusion of hypouricemic potential of Ledum palustre required replication of experiment.

2 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

027957   ORABUEZE CELESTINA I, ADESEGUN SUNDAY A, OTA DUNCAN A, COKER HERBERT A (Pharmacognosy Dep, Lagos Univ, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, Email: iorabueze@unilag.edu.ng) : In vivo antiplasmodial activities of four Nigerian plants used singly and in polyherbal combination against Plasmodium berghei infection. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 716-23.

Methanolic extracts from 4 medicinal plants representing 4 families, used traditionally for malaria treatment in South east Nigeria were screened for their in vivo antimalarial activity in mice against a chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65, alone and in combination as polyherbal remedy. The methanolic extracts of individual plants in single and in combination (100-400 mg kg^-1) were administered orally to P. berghei-infected mice in both early and established models of antiplasmodial studies. Survival time was determined. When used alone, extracts from the 4 plants, Fadogia cienkowskii (FC), Lophira lanceolata (LL), Vernonia conferta (VC) and Protea madiensis (PM) had statistically significant parasitaemia suppression (62.06 – 93.44 %) and curative (48.93 – 72.47 %) effects. Lower doses of the 4 individual plants constituted FLVP at a combination ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1. Polyherbal formulation (FLVP) gave statistically significant suppression and curative which ranged from 45.5 – 85.1 % and 45.5 – 74.00 %, respectively. A more general improved antimalarial recovery effect, controlled weight lost and enhanced survival rate of the test mice compared to the individual plant therapeutic effect was observed. The standard drug, CQ gave stronger curative effect 100 % parasitaemia clearance. Our study findings suggest that the 4 plants used both as monotherapy and combined polyherbal remedy showed antiplasmodial in vivo activities and FLVP showed a more stable recovery status. FLVP is safe up to tested dose of 4000 mg kg^-1. Further studies using varying fixed ratios for FLVP could result in better and improved antimalarial formulation.

5 tables, 34 ref

027927   JANG S-H, HOSSAIN M A, LEE J S, REZA M A, LEE S-P, KANG J W, PARK S-C (Kyungpook National Univ, Daegu 702-701, Korea, Email: parksch@knu.ac.kr) : Hepatoprotective effects of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire (Yerba mate) extract in rats. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 707-15.

Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire has been revealed as an antioxidant, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, and obesity preventive agent. The objective of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Ilex paraguariensis 70 % ethanol extract (IPEE) against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in an animal model. IPEE (200 and 400 mg/kg/day) were administered to rats for 7 days prior to a single dose of CCl₄. Organs were collected for biochemical, histological, and molecular study after 24 h of CCl₄ application. Chromatographic analyses of IPEE were accomplished. The GGT, ALP, ALT and AST in CCl₄-treated control were 9, 32, 401 and 168 % increased, correspondingly than in non-treated control. The SOD, GSH and GPx levels in IPEE-pre-treated rats were similar to non-toxicated control, but were seriously affected in CCl₄-treated control. The IPEE pre-treatment reduced hepatic lesions and necrosis, and expressions of PPARα and CYP4A2 were recovered about 48 % by 400 mg/kg/day of IPEE-pre-treatment. We found 6 major compounds, including cynarine and chlorogenic acid, and the extract was appeared to be non-toxic in acute toxicity study. This study indicates the protective effect of IPEE against CCl₄-associated liver injury by attributing its control on PPARα, CYP4A2 regulation, and thereby it could be an opportunistic agent.

4 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

027955   OKDEM B, KARATOPAK G S, KOSAR M (Pharmacognosy Dep, Erciyes Univ, Kayseri, Turkey, Email: gskaratoprak@gmail.com) : Anti-inflammatory activity and phenolic composition of a traditional medicinal plant from Turkey: Potentilla recta L. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 691-8.

Potentilla recta L. (Rosaceae) is traditionally used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects and as a tonic in Turkey. In this study, phenolic composition and anti-inflammatory activities of aerial part extract of P. recta from Turkey was examined. The chemical composition was analyzed via spectrophotometric and chromatographic (LC-MS/MS) techniques. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring the inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production and determining the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. P. recta extract decreased the TNF-α level significantly compared to LPS group (2045.18±476.12 pg/mL).  Potentillin was identified in the extract and the extract was found to be rich in phenolic compounds. These findings support the traditional use of P. recta with its strong anti-inflammatory activities.

1 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

027958   PAL R, GULATI K, BANERJEE B D, RAY A (Pharmacology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: rishipal@kgmcindia.edu) : Protective effects of melatonin in endosulfan induced immunomodulation and their association with oxidative stress markers in rats. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(10), 725-33.

Endosulfan toxicity affects the nervous system as well as immunological functions. It also causes oxidative stress and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. In the present study, we tried to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin on endosulfan (END) induced immunological and biochemical changes in rats. Wistar rats (200-250 g, n=8/group) were immunized with fresh SRBC (0.5×10⁹ cells/kg) and were exposed to END (4-16 mg/kg, orally), simultaneously exposed animals were treated with vehicle or melatonin (10 and 50 mg/kg) for 14 days. On day 15, their blood and spleen was collected for immunological assays and oxidative stress markers. Endosulfan (8 and 16 mg/kg) significantly suppressed (i) anti-SRBC antibody titer; (ii) footpad thickness; (iii) spleen PFC counts; and (iv) Th₁ (IFN-γ) & Th₂ (IL-4) and significantly increases serum TNF-α level as compared to controls (P <0.05 in all parameters). Endosulfan induced immunological changes were found associated with changes in oxidative stress markers as evidenced by the results of this study. Endosulfan, while significantly decreased GSH, SOD and CAT activity (P <0.05), it increased serum TBARS activities (P <0.001). These endosulfan induced changes in immunological and biochemical parameters were found significantly reversed by the treatment with melatonin (10 and 50 mg/kg) in a dose dependent manner by differential degrees. Results of the present immunological and biochemical data suggest the protective role of melatonin in endosulfan induced immunomodulation which is associated with oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.

2 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

028007   VAROL K, BIRDANE F M, KELES I (Internal Medicine Dep, Erciyes Univ, Kayseri-38100, Turkey, Email: kmlvrl@yahoo.com) : Effect of ozonated olive oil on experimentally induced skin infection by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in rats. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 657-64.

Antibiotic resistance problem is one of the most important problems in treating infectious diseases. To overcome such problems, agents apart from antibiotics that can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases and have no resistance problem should be explored. Natural substances, such as vegetable oils and ozone are possible resources. Thus, in the present study,we investigated  the effect of ozonated olive oil on experimentally induced skin infection by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in rats. The study was performed on 3 main groups. Experimental skin infection was induced by S. pyogenes (Group 1) or S. aureus (Group 2). Animals in Groups 1.1 (n=10) and 2.1 (n=10) received ozonated olive oil, in Groups 1.2 (n=10) and 2.2 (n=10) received olive oil, in Groups 1.3 (n=10) and 2.3 (n=10) received fucidic acid on the infection side in their skin at 24, 28, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96 hours. Groups 1.4 (n=11) and 2.4 (n=11) did not receive any treatment after infection. Group 3 (n=11) received only serum physiologic at above mentioned periods. After occurrence of the skin infection; ozonated olive oil had anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory effects and observed to have healing activity at 72-80 h after infection. Furthermore, the effects of ozonated olive oil were comparable with the effects of fusidic acid which its activity proved against skin infections with Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

3 illus, 5 tables, 41 ref

027959   PANDEY D, JOSHI A, MISHRA S, SAIRAM K, HEMALATHA S (Pharmaceutics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu Univ), Varanasi-221 005, Email: shemalatha.phe@itbhu.ac.in) : Antinociceptive, anti inflammatory and antiarthritic activity of ethanol root extract and fraction of Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 646-56.

Aganosma dichotoma (Roth) K. Schum, locally called Malati, has been traditionally used in the treatment of pain and inflammation in Ayurvedic system of medicine. In the present study, We investigated its antiarthritic potential. Qualitative and quantitative study through HPTLC was done in ethanolic root extract (EAD), petroleum ether fraction (PF) and chloroform fraction (CF) using quercetin, kaempferol, ursolic acid and lupeol as standard. EAD (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.), PF and CF (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) were evaluated for analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activities by Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis model (FCA). Arthritis was assessed on the basis of ‘change in paw’ volume and arthritis index. Hematological parameters, spleen and thymus index, cytokine level in serum, radiological and histological parameters were also evaluated. EAD possess a higher amount of ursolic acid (2.23 %) and lupeol (5.81 %). EAD 400 mg/kg, p.o. showed potent inhibition in paw volume and TNF-α (33.19, 57.32 %) as compared to curcumin 100 mg/kg, p.o. (31.12, 44.09 %), respectively. EAD, PF and CF possessed significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activities. EAD and PF at higher dose decreased the spleen index.

6 illus, 6 tables, 39 ref

027975   RAMANE S P, VERMA R, MONDAL T, UPMANYU V (Mycobacteria Laboratory, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: rishendra_verma@yahoo.com) : Tuberculin response in guinea pigs with recombinant proteins cocktail prepared from Indian strain of Mycobacterium bovis (3/86 Rv). Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 638-45.

The bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a serious disease among cattle worldwide resulting in considerable economic loss. There is a need for a diagnostic test that can discriminate M. bovis infection from BCG vaccination and NTM sensitization in animals. In this study, we intended to find out the potential use of recombinant antigens from Indian strain of Mycobacterium bovis (3/86Rv) for the intradermal tuberculin test of cattle. Immunodominant proteins MPB64, MPB83 and ESAT6 from M. bovis (3/86 Rv) Indian strain were recombinantly overexpressed, purified and immunologically characterized (rMPB64, rMPB83 and rESAT6). Four different cocktail combinations viz., cocktail I of protein antigens contained rMPB64, rMPB83, rESAT6, rCFP10 with protein concentration of 0.5 µg each; cocktail II contained 0.5 µg of each of rMPB64, rMPB83, rESAT6; cocktail III with 1 µg of each rESAT6, rCFP10; and cocktail IV contained rMPB64 and rMPB83 with 1 µg concentration of each protein, were administered at a dose of 0.1 mL. The DTH response was measured in heat killed M. bovis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) sensitized, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinated and control guinea pigs.The first cocktail of rMPB64, rMPB83 and rESAT6 containing 1.5 µg showed almost similar to cocktails II and III but stronger DTH response even at lower individual protein concentrations (each 0.5 µg) than the rESAT6 and rCFP10 protein of third cocktail with higher individual protein concentration (each 1 µg). The fourth cocktail with rMPB64 and rMPB83 elicited less DTH response as compared to the all other formulated cocktails. Cocktail I of four protein antigens elicited highest response at 24 h. Guinea pig model sensitized with heat killed M. bovis was found to be an efficient model for evaluating DTH response elicited by recombinant proteins cocktails. None of the cocktails elicited positive erythematous reaction in NTM sensitized and BCG vaccinated guinea pigs. A diagnostic test based on above cocktails could discriminate M. bovis infection from BCG vaccinated  and NTM sensitizatized cattle.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

027979   SADOWSKA A, CAR H, PRYCZYNICZ A, USTYMOWICZ K G, CEPOWICZ D, KEDRA B (Experimental Pharmacology Dep, Medical Bialystok Univ, Bialystok-15-295, Poland, Email: anna.sadowska@umb.edu.pl) : Different bak and bax expression in tumor and normal colon tissue. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 629-37.

Apoptosis is genetically programmed mechanism of cellular death, triggered by various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. It plays a significant role in prevention of cancer development in the body. In this study, we determined the expression of apoptotic proteins: Bak, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and procaspase-3 in colorectal tumor and adjacent normal mucosa, and also investigated the correlation between them and with clinicopathological parameters. Expression of the examined proteins was evaluated on tumor and corresponding healthy tissue specimens using immunohistochemical study. Statistical analysis of the results did not show significant differences in the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bak, Bax and procaspase 3 in colon cancer cells comparing to control. Comparison of its expressions between cancerous and normal tissue on the basis of clinicopathological parameters was found statistically significant for Bak and/or Bax proteins. We also found significant correlation between two proteins: Bak and Bax in healthy mucosa of CRC patients. The differences in Bak and/or Bax expression between tumor and control healthy tissue indicate physiological mechanisms of cell death in healthy mucosa.

1 illus, 8 tables, 45 ref

027877   ANTHELME N-B S, PATHAK P, KANSHANA J S, KANURI B N, REBELLO S C, KUMAR B, YADAV P P, TRAORE F, JAGAVELU K, DIKSHIT M (Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Email: drmadhudikshit@gmail.com) : Vasomodulatory effects and mass spectral analysis of Bridelia ferruginea Benth. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 621-8.

Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Fam. 'Euphorbiaceae) is known to possess potent anti-inflammatory activity. Here, we investigated its vasomodulatory effect, as anti-inflammatory therapy that beneficially impact the cardiovascular system. Extracts (Bf1, Bf-HA) and fraction (Bf2) of B. ferruginea (Bf), were prepared from the bark of Bf to study their vasomodulatory effect using rat aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of Bf1 and Bf2 was mediated by the activation of nitric oxide synthase/endothelial isoform (NOS3) as confirmed by EA.hy926 endothelial cells, real-time PCR and Western blotting. Mass spectral analysis of these extracts and fraction was performed to understand the profile of compounds present in them. Mass spectral analysis showed the presence of similar ions in both Bf1 and Bf2 while Bf-HA showed different patterns. Vasorelaxant effect of Bf1 and Bf2 in phenylephrine (PE) pre-contracted endothelium intact aortic rings was blocked significantly in the presence of both N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one [ODQ]). However, cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitor (indomethacin) did not exert any change. In contrast, Bf-HA significantly inhibited ACh-induced vasorelaxation, but had no effect on sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-mediated relaxation, thereby suggesting NOS inhibitory activity in the extract. Studies with Bf1 and Bf2 on EA.hy926 cells demonstrated NOS3 mediated nitric oxide (NO) generation. Purified fractions of Bf, thus possess vasorelaxant compounds, which remain to be identified.

3 illus, 1 tables, 28 ref

027888   BISWAS S, SAMUI S, BISWAS S, DAS A K, NASKAR J (Biochemistry and Biophysics Dep, Kalyani Univ, Nadia-741 235, Email: jishunaskar@gmail.com) : A synthetic aromatic tripeptide, H-Phe-Phe-Phe-OH recognizes the groove of the double stranded DNA: Spectroscopic and thermodynamic study. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2018, 55(5), 361-65.

The ability of a synthetic, aromatic tripeptide, H-Phe-Phe-Phe-OH (FFF) to recognize the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) has been tested with various biophysical and thermodynamic techniques. From the study, it is established that the peptide can recognize the groove of the ct-DNA and the binding constant value calculated from the isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) study at 25 °C is 9.96 × 10³ M^-1. From ITC data it is also noticed that the peptide–DNA complexation is favored by positive standard molar entropy contribution (TΔS °) of 13.65 kJ mol⁻¹ and negative standard molar enthalpy contribution (ΔH °) of −9.170 kJ mol⁻¹. The temperature-dependent ITC study also shows that the equilibrium constant value decreases gradually with increasing temperature. However, the standard molar Gibbs energy change exhibits only minor alterations suggesting the occurrence of enthalpy-entropy compensation. The studies reveal the insight into the spectroscopic and thermodynamic prospect of the FFF-ct-DNA interaction in vitro and hold the promise of future applications as DNA targeting drug.

6 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref