019699   Samanta S;Mandal S;Nema R K (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Email: mesulekha@rediffmail.com) : Synthesis of some smaller chain cyclic peptides and their antidiabetic studies through injectable and oral route administration. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(1), 423-33.

The specific portions of insulin molecule, which are important areas for binding to the receptor, keeping this in mind, the synthesis of some novel cyclic peptides were carried out by cyclising the linear peptides. The designed compounds were screened in vitro as well as in vivo studies for their antidiabetic activity on alloxan induced diabetic albino rabbits by two different routes. The synthesized compounds showed significant reduction in the level of serum glucose and exhibits good antidiabetic activity.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

019698   Salib J Y (Chemistry of Tanning Materials and Leather Technology Dep, National Research Centre, El-Bohous St., Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, Email: joslines@hotmail.com) : Flavonoid glycosides from fruit shells of Phoenix dactylifera L.. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1593-8.

Two new natural flavonoids, chrysoerioi-7-O-p-L-arabino-furanosyl (1 → 2)-p-D-apiofuranosideandisorhamnetiri3-O-p-(4''-p-hydroxybenzoyl) galactopyranoside have been isolated from the acetone extract of the fruit shells of Phoenix dactylifera along with seven known flavonoids. The structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated on the basis of chemical analyses and spectral evidence. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also evaluated.

16 ref

019697   Sahare A Y;Padgilwar S S (G.S.P.S. Institute of Pharmacy, , Akola-444 004) : Anti-inflammatory effect of Symplocos racemosa stem bark in wistar albino rats. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(1), 403-7.

The ethanol extract of Symplocos racemosa stem bark was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced paw oedema in rat and paw volume was measured plethysmometrically after 3h of injection. The extract was also investigated in formalin induce paw oedema model in rats and degree of inflammation was measured on 7^th day. All the results compared with control and evaluated statistically by student 't' test were found to be significant.

2 tables, 19 ref

019696   Sah P;Sinha R (Chemistry Dep, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur-342 005) : Antimicrobial and antilesihmanial activities of some new 4-thiazolidinones. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(1), 65-72.

5-[(2 arylamino-l,3,4-thiadiazolo)-3'-nitrophenyl]-2"-(aryl substituted)-3" -amido-4"ªthiazolidinones have been synthesized. The synthesized compounds have displayed some inhibition against the bacterial strains S. aureus, E. Coli, Klebsiella species, P. aeuroguiosa and the antifungal against C. albicans. Penicillium species and A. niger. Antileishmanial activity against L. donovani was also observed.

3 tables, 14 ref

019695   Sabudak T;Dokmeci D;Ozyigit F;Isik E;Aydogdu N (Environmental Engineering Dep, Faculty of Corlu Engineering, Namik Kemal Univ, 59860, Corlu-Tekirdag, Turkey, Email: tsabudak@yahoo.com ) : Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of Trifolium resupinatum var. microcephalum extracts. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1491-6.

The antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Trifolium resupinatum L. var. microcephalum (Leguminosae) have been assessed on arthritic rats. The extract (1.35 and 13.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the paw edema induced by the complete Freund's adjuvant. Furthermore, it also inhibited lipid peroxidation. These effects of T. resupinatum extract may be directly linked to the content in triterpene saponins and flavonoid compounds and consequently to their free radical scavenging activities.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

019694   Ravindra Kumar;Kushwaha B;Nagpure N S;Behera B K;Srivastava S K;Lakra W S (NO, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002) : Physical mapping of rRNA gene in endangered fish Osteobrama belangeri (Valenciennes, 1844) (Family: Cyprinidae). Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 597-601.

Physical mapping of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) was carried out by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in the endangered freshwater fish O. belangeri. The specimens were collected from Imphal valley, Manipur, India and metaphase chromosome preparation was made using standard hypotonic treatment, methanol-acetic acid fixation and flame-drying technique followed by Giemsa, silver, CMA₃ staining for complete cytogenetic characterization of the species. The diploid chromosome number was found to be 50 and the karyotype composed of 6m+16sm+12st+16t (FN=72). One active rDNA site, located on short arm of 3rd submetacentric chromosome, was mapped by FISH and confirmed by silver and CMA3 staining. The karyomorphology, chromosomal location of rDNA loci in this species and the utility of these cytogenetic markers have been discussed in the paper.

019693   Rajiv Kumar;Sharma M K;Puri J N;Jain I P; Singh S;Kapoor K N;Ansari N A;Singh S P (NO, , 1218, Sector 32-B, Govt. Medical College and Hospital Campus, Chandigarh, Uttaranchal, Email: drrajiv.08@gmail.com) : Effect of guggulipid on stress induced alteration on lipid profile in rats. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(3), 9-13.

The study was carried on albino rats (150-200g) of either sex, divided into two groups of 6 each. Group I served as control. Groups II was treated with guggulipid 100mg/kg, p.o. in a single daily dose from day 1 to day 22. Physical stress of 5 hours swimming was given to both the groups on day 22. Blood samples were withdrawn in group I on day O (blank control) and on day 22 after stress (positive control). Blood samples were withdrawn in group II on days 3,7,14 and 21 and on day 22 after stress. All the blood samples were analysed for total cholesterol (TC) HDL, cholesterol (HDLC) triglyceride (TG) by enzymatic method and LDL & VLDL cholesterol was calculated by on the basis of Friedwalds equation. Guggulipid after 21 days of treatment changes the serum lipid levels in rats insignificantly. In control group stress increased the lipid levels in rats significantly except HDL cholesterol which reduced insignificantly. When guggulipid treated rats were subjected to stress on day 22, their serum lipid levels increased significantly except HDL cholesterol which reduced insignificantly. After stress in guggulipid treated rats, serum lipid levels were significantly less when compared to positive control except HDL cholesterol which reduced insignificantly. The study showed that guggulipid (100mg/kg p.o.) is effective in attenuating stress induced dyslipidemia in rats.

2 tables, 26 ref

019692   Prabha T;Dorababu M;Goel S;Agarwal P K;Singh A;Joshi V K;Goel R K (Pharmacology Dep, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005) : Effect of methanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata Linn seed on gastro-duodenal ulceration and mucosal offensive and defensive factors in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 649-59.

Pongamia pinnata has been advocated in Ayurveda for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions and dyspepsia. The present work includes initial phytochemical screening and study of ulcer protective and healing effects of methanolic extract of seeds of P. pinnata (PPSM) in rats. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of flavonoids in PPSM. PPSM when administered orally (po) showed dose-dependent (12.5-50 mg/kg for 5 days) ulcer protective effects against gastric ulcer induced by 2 h cold restraint stress. Optimal effective dose of PPSM (25 mg/kg) showed antiulcerogenic activity against acute gastric ulcers (GU) induced by pylorus ligation and aspirin and duodenal ulcer induced by cysteamine but not against ethanol-induced GU. It healed chronic gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid when given for 5 and 10 days. Further, its effects were studied on various parameters of gastric offensive acid-pepsin secretion, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) and defensive mucosal factors like mucin secretion and mucosal cell shedding, glycoproteins, proliferation and antioxidants; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. PPSM tended to decrease acid output and increased mucin secretion and mucosal glycoproteins, while it decreased gastric mucosal cell shedding without any effect on cell proliferation. PPSM significantly reversed the increase in gastric mucosal LPO, NO and SOD levels caused by CRS near to the normal level while it tended to increase CAT and GSH level decreased by CRS and ethanol respectively. Thus, the ulcer protective effects of PPSM may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and the actions may be due to its effects both on mucosal offensive and defensive factors.

019691   Poddar R;Sharma S R;Andrews J T;Sen P (Applied Physics Dep, Shri G.S. Institute of Technology and Science, Indore-452 003, Email: jtandrews@sgsits.ac.in) : Correlation between glucose concentration and reduced scattering coefficients in turbid media using optical coherence tomography. Curr Sci 2008, 95(3), 340-4.

Noninvasive, non-contact and in vivo monitoring of blood glucose is a long-needed pathology tool for saving patients from the recurring pain and hassle that can accompany conventional blood glucose testing methods. Optical coherence tomography known for its high axial resolution imaging modality is adopted in this article for monitoring glucose levels in tissue-like media, non-invasively. Making use of changes in reduced scattering coefficient due to refractive-index mismatch between the extracellular fluid and the cellular membranes and armed with a theoretical model, we establish a correlation between the glucose concentration and reduced scattering coefficient. The scattering coefficients are extracted from the deconvoluted interference signal using Monte Carlo simulation with valid approximations. A program code using NI Lab VIEW^TM has been developed for automation of the experiment, data acquisition and analysis.

4 illus, 19 ref

019690   Pathak S;Banerjee A;Paul S;Khuda Buksh A R (Zoology Dep, Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Lab, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741 235) : Protective potentials of a plant extract (Lycopodium clavatum) on mice chronically fed hepato-carcinogens. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 602-7.

Chronic feeding of carcinogens p-dimethylamino azobenzene (initiator) and phenobarbital (promoter) for 90 and 120 days elevated activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, levels of blood glucose and cortisol and decreased the activities of glutathione reductase, succinate dehydrogenase, and blood cholesterol and hemoglobin contents, and levels of serum estradiol and testosterone in mice. Levels of these biomarkers in both liver and spleen tissues were positively altered along with a significant reduction of tumor incidence in liver of carcinogen intoxicated mice treated with spore extract of Lycopodium clavatum. The results validate the use of this plant extract in complementary and alternative medicines against hepato-toxicity.

019689   Patel S S;Shah R S;Goyal R K (Pharmacology Dep, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of Dihar, a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 564-70.

Investigation was undertaken to evaluate antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Dihar, a polyherbal formulation containing drugs from eight different herbs viz., Syzygium cumini, Momordica charantia, Emblica officinalis, Gymnema sylvestre, Enicostemma littorale, Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia and Curcuma longa in streptozotocin (STZ, 45mg/kg iv single dose) induced type 1 diabetic rats. STZ produced a significant increase in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, creatinine, and urea levels in diabetic rat. Treatment with Dihar (100 mg/kg) for 6 weeks produced decrease in STZ induced serum glucose and lipids levels and increased insulin levels as compared to control. Dihar produced significant decrease in serum creatinine and urea levels in diabetic rats. There was a significant decrease in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase levels and increase in thiobarbituiric acid reactive species levels in the liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Administration of Dihar to diabetic rats significantly reduced the levels of lipid paroxidation and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The results suggest Dihar to be beneficial for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

019688   Patel P P;Prasad Reddy S L N;Harisikeshvan H J (NO, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, No:5, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, Bangalore-560 034, Email: sreeyapu@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular interations of purinoceptor subtype (P2Y12) with its agonist adenosine diphosphate - an in silico approach. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1393-1401.

The P2Y12 receptor is a member of the family of rhodop-sin like G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and represents an interesting new therapeutical target since it is involved in the platelet aggregation and the disorders related to thrombosis. In order to shed light on the molecular basis of the interactions of the P2Y12 with its agonists, the interactions of receptor and the ligands were examined by molecular modeling methods. The 3D models of the P2Y12 receptor were constructed by using homology-modeling method using the crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin as template. Among the modeled structures, the one with appropriate stereochemical quality was selected by using PROCHECK. The docking software HEX 4.0 was used to dock the natural ligand, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into the model of P2Y12. The amino acid residue Thr-264 of P2Y12 model served as an important residue for nonbonded interaction with ADP.

4 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

019687   Pandey J K;Singh D K (Zoology Dep, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273009) : Molluscicidal activity of Piper cubeba Linn., Piper longum Linn. And Tribulus terrestris Linn. and their combinations against snail Indoplanorbis exustus Desh.. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 643-8.

The toxic effect of dried berries powder of P. cubeba, dried fruit powder of P. longum and T. terrestris singly as well as in combination [binary(1:1) and tertiary (1:1:1)] were studied against snail I. exustus. Toxicity of these plant products were time and concentration dependent. Ethanol extracts of these plants were more effective than that of other organic solvents. 96 h LC₅₀ value of column purified fraction of T. terrestris against I. exustus was 9.57 mg/l, where as 96 h LC₅₀ values of column purified fractions of P. longum and P. cubeba were 11.57 mg/l and 10.93 mg/l, respectively. Binary (1:1) combination of P. cubeba (PC) + P. longum (PL) (41.78 mg/l) was more effective than P. cubeba (PC) + T. terrestris (TT) (42.17 mg/l) and P. longum (PL) + T. terrestris (TT) (55.84 mg/l) respectively; while tertiary (1:1:1) combinations of P. cubeba (PC) + T. terrestris (TT) + T. foenum-graecum (TF) (10.67 mg/l) was more effective than rest of the combinations. These plants can be used as potent source of molluscicides against the snail I. exustus.

019686   Palarie D L;Preda M;Palarie I (NO, , Clinical Hospital Filantropia, 4 C. Brancusi Str., Craiova, Romania, Email: palarie_i@yahoo.com) : Effect of smoking on concentration of carboxyhemoglobin for persons with β-thalassemia minor. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1303-10.

Percentages of carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) from human venous blood have been determined for four categories of subjects: healthy persons and individuals with Beta-thalassernia minor, each of these two classes have also been divided into smokers and non-smokers. Identification of beta-thalassemic individuals has been realized by performing hemoglobin elec-trophoresis on agarose gel. Multicomponent analysis based on absorption spectra of hemoglobin has been used in order to obtain HbCO concentrations. Increased values of HbCO have been determined in the blood of smokers, about 6 % for healthy persons while 10 % for those with beta-thalassemia minor.

2 illus, 10 ref

019685   Nade V S;Dwivedi S;Kawale L A;Upasani C D; Yadav A V (Pharmacology Dep, M.V.P.S College of Pharmacy, Gangapur Road, Shivaji Nagar, Nashik-422002) : Effect of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on reserpine-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 559-63.

Effect of methanolic extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis (100-300 mg/kg) was studied on reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and neurochemical alterations. The rats were treated with intraperitoneal reserpine (1 mg/kg, ip) for 3 days every other day. On day 5, vacuous chewing movements and tongue protrusions were counted for 5 min. Reserpine treated rats significantly developed vacuous chewing movements and tongue protrusions however, coadministration of Hibiscus rosa sinensis roots extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, per orally) attenuated the effects. Biochemical analysis of brain revealed that the reserpine treatment significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GSH), an index of oxidative stress process. Coadministration of extract significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation and reversed the decrease in brain SOD, CAT and GSH levels. The results of the present study suggested that Hibiscus rosa sinensis had a protective role against reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and oxidative stress.

019684   Murugan A;Dhanya S;Rajagopal S; Balasubramanian T (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: rajgopi52@yahoo.com) : Seahorses and pipefishes of the Tamil Nadu coast. Curr Sci 2008, 95(2), 253-60.

Study provides baseline information on the abundance and identification of seahorses and pipefishes of the Tamil Nadu coast. Monthly sampling for seahorses and pipefishes from the by-catch was made during 2000-01 at 15 landing centres along the Tamil Nadu coast. Five species of seahorses belonging to one genus and seven species of pipefishes belonging to four genera were recorded. Hippocampus kelloggi and Trachyr-hamphus bicoarctatus were recorded for the first time in the Indian waters. H. kelloggi was abundant in the Coromandel coast, H. kuda in the Palk Bay and H. trimaculatus in the Gulf of Mannar. H. fuscus was absent in the Coromandel coast and H. kelloggi was not recorded in the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. Seagrasses, seaweeds and dead corals were the preferred habitat of seahorses. H. kelloggi was recorded at 10-20 m depth and the others were found at depths less than 10 m. Abundance of seahorses was more in the Palk Bay than in the Gulf of Mannar and the Coromandel coast. Area-wise and species-wise abundance of seahorses was maximum during northeast monsoon and minimum during summer. In all, 104,018 seahorses were collected from the by-catches, comprising 34% H. trimaculatus, 29% H. kuda, 19% H. spinosissimus, 9% H. kelloggi and 9% H. fuscus. 2000-01 survey on the abundance of seahorses may serve as a yardstick to assess the impact of the excavation and subsequent navigation of the Sethu Canal. With preference to seagrasses and seaweeds, the pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus was the most common species in the shallow coast. In the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, the percentage composition of S. biaculeatus was more than that of seahorses, while seahorses constituted more than 78 % of the total syngnathid landings of the Coromandel coast. Other pipefish species were rare along the Tamil Nadu coast.

6 illus, 5 tables, 42 ref

019683   Momen-Heravi M;Chamani J;Rajabi O (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University-Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran, Email: chamani@ibb.ut.ac.ir) : High helical propensity of the β-lactoglobulin with non-native α-helical intermediate: a spectroscopic approach. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1503-13.

It is generally considered that intermediates of protein folding contain partially formed native-like secondary structures. To understand the mechanism that stabilizes the non-native intermediate, it was characterized by circular dichroism the equilibrium unfolding transition of β-lactoglobulin induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate at pH 2. β-lactoglobulin is a predominantly β-sheet protein, although it has a markedly high intrinsic preference for a-helical structure. The far-UV CD spectrum of the intermediate, obtained by global fitting analysis of the CD spectra in the presence of various concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate, was similar to the burst phase intermediate observed in the refolding thermodynamics and contained non-native α-helical structures. The effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the structure of native β-lactoglobulin at pH 2 was utilized to investigate the contribution of hydrophobic interactions to the stability of non-native β-helical intermediate. Addition of different concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate increased the helical content of the equilibrium intermediate, although the protein still assumed the native structure in the absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. This indicate that because of the high helical preference of the amino acid sequence of β-lactoglobulin, the helical region protrudes into the boundary between the native and unfolded state, resulting in non-monomeric accumulation of the helical intermediate upon equilibrium unfolding of the native β-sheet structure. Results suggest that a non-native α-helical intermediate accumulates during equilibrium unfolding of a predominantly β-sheet protein.

3 illus, 1 table, 67 ref

019682   Mishra J;Sahoo P K;Mohanty B R;Das A (NO, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002) : Sequence information, ontogeny and tissue-specific expression of complement component C3 in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton). Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 672-8.

The complement system is one of the first line of immune defence mechanisms as well as a modifier of acquired immunity. C3 is the central complement component primarily synthesized in liver. The local synthesis of C3 in tissues other than liver may play an important role in local inflammatory processes. The present study aims at looking into ontogeny of C3 in Labeo rohita and its tissue-specific expression that is yet to be explored for Indian carps. Unfertilised eggs, and eggs after 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 h post-fertilization and hatchlings at 24 h, and 3 and 7 days post-fertilization were collected from three brood fish of L. rohita (rohu). Total RNA was extracted from ~50 mg of tissue and subjected to RT-PCR using heterologous carp primers to amplify C3 fragment. A product of 155 bp size of rohu C3 was amplified, the deduced amino acid sequence of which had 91.1% similarity to that of Cyprinus carpio C3. C3 mRNA was not detected in unfertilized and 6 h post-fertilised eggs. C3 transcripts were detected 12 h post-fertilisation. Similarly, tissues from liver, spleen, kidney, muscle, brain, gonads, intestine, blood, heart and gills collected from juveniles of rohu were subjected to detection of C3 transcripts by RT-PCR and C3 mRNA was detected in all the tissues. Thus, it is concluded that there is extra-hepatic synthesis of complement (C3) in L. rohita and the synthesis of this component occurs only 6 h post-fertilisation.

019681   Meera R;Devi P;Kameswari B;Madhumitha B; Merlin N J (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, K.M.College of Pharmacy, Uthangudi, Madurai-625 107) : Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Ocimum basilicum Linn. and Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. against H₂O₂ and CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in goat liver. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 584-90.

Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained by ethanolic extract of leaves of O.basilicum and T. foenum-graecum against liver damage induced by H₂O₂ and CCl₄ as evidenced by decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (enzymatic and non enzymatic). The extract also showed significant anti lipid peroxidation effects in vitro, besides exhibiting significant activity in superoxide radical and nitric oxide radical scavenging, indicating their potent antioxidant effects.

019680   Mailankot M;Jayalekshmi H;Chakrabarti A;Alang N;Vasudevan D M (NO, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal-576 104) : Effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation on renal oxidative stress and Na+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase in ethanol treated Wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 608-10.

Ethanol intoxication resulted in high extent of lipid peroxidation, and reduction in antioxidant defenses (decreased GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio, and catalase, SOD and GPx activities) and (Na+/K+)-ATPase activity in kidney. Alpha-tocopherol treatment effectively protected kidney from ethanol induced oxidative challenge and improved renal (Na+/K+)-ATPase activity. Ethanol induced oxidative stress in the kidney and decreased (Na+/K+)-ATPase activity could be reversed by treatment with ascorbic acid.

019679   Lin M C;Hsieh C W;Tsai H J;Ro Y R;Lin C S;Lin G (Chemistry Dep, National Chung-Hsing Univ, Taichung 402, Taiwan, Email: gilin@dragon.nchu.edu.tw) : Interaction mechanism between Pseudomonas species lipase and nitro compounds. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1217-25.

The object of this work was to determine the enzyme, kinetics for Pseudomonas species lipase catalyzed hydrolysis of substrate 4-nitrophenyi butyrate in the presence of nitro compounds such as nitroglycerin, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), picric acid, styphnic acid, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitrotriazocine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitrotriazocine (HMX) and hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) in vitro. Kinetically, picric acid and styphnic acid were the mixed-type inhibitors but TNT, RDX and HNIW were the essential activators of the enzyme in the presence of a detergent triton-X 100. Interestingly, HMX and nitroglycerin were neither an inhibitor nor an activator of the enzyme. From chemical structure point of view, hydrophilic nitro compounds such as picric acid and styphnic acid are capable to enter the hydrophilic active site of lipase and become inhibitors of the enzyme, while hydro-phobic nitro compounds such as TNT, RDX and HNIW presumably mix with Triton-X-100 and bind to the co-lipase binding site of the enzyme and become the essential activators of the enzyme.

4 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

019678   Kumar R V;Tripathi Y K;Izhaki I;Yadav V P; Ahlawat S P (NO, National Research Centre for Agroforestry, Jhansi-284 003, Email: rvkumar4@rediffmail.com) : Intraspecific variation and interrelationships between morphology, nutritional content and enzymatic activity of Jatropha curcas L.. Curr Sci 2008, 95(2), 239-43.

The study was conducted to assess intra-specific variation and interrelations among morphological, nutritional and biochemical traits in 27 accessions of Jatropha curcas L. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 58 % of the total variation in the measured traits and revealed that there was negative correlation between four morphological traits and all nutritional compounds such as crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acidic detergent fibre, lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose. Larger plants tended to contain lower concentration of protein and other nutritional compounds. Female flower/inflorescence showed maximum variation, while the difference for the number of male flowers/inflorescence was narrow. This might be explained by the difference in intracellular and extracellular enzymatic activity at different development stages in J. curcas L. A strong correlation between plant height and branch length, number of branches and collar diameter was observed, which can help in the selection of superior genotypes of this species. The highest genetic variation was noticed for polyphenol oxidase analysis. PCA analysis showed that peroxidase activity was associated with cellulase, acid detergent fibre and protein content, whereas polyphenol activity was associated with neutral detergent fibre and lignin content.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

019677   Kumar R;Goya D (Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Dep, Thapar University, Patiala-147 004) : Comparative biosorption of Pb<. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 690-4.

The percent removal and uptake of Pb²⁺ by algal-consortium (CP1) developed from wastewater of biological oxidation pond (Wazirabad, New Delhi, India) was studied under batch conditions with live biomass compared with continuous system using dried biomass immobilized on silica under laboratory conditions. In batch study, algal consortium (CP1) consisting of a mixed culture of Chlorella>Chlamydomonas>Lyngbya sp. was found to remove 17% of Pb²⁺ after 15 days of incubation from culture media containing 10 mg/L Pb²⁺, which decreased by increasing metal concentration from 20-50 mg/L. This reduction in removal efficiency was co-related with direct toxic effect of Pb²⁺ on live consortium as indicated by drastic inhibition in growth. A maximum lead uptake capacity (q_max) of 33.31 mg/g showed good accumulation potential of live consortium. Bioresin derived from the biomass of dried algal consortium immobilized on silica gel and packed in column exhibited 92.5% removal of Pb²⁺ with inlet Pb²⁺ concentration of 33.90 mg/L was brought down to minimum 0.375 mg/L of Pb²⁺ in outlet stream. The plot of outlet concentration to volume exhibited the typical 'S' shape curve with Pb²⁺ uptake capacity of 15.95 mg/g. Efficient recovery of 86.16 % of Pb²⁺ was achieved by elution with dilute HCl which indicated multiple usability of immobilized biomass.

019676   Kiran O (Biology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Univ, Kahramanmaras, Turkey, Email: ozkiran@ksu.edu.tr) : Culture conditions for the production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei rut. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1556-60.

Effects of pH values and peptone concentrations on the production of cellulases by Trichoderma reesei RUT were investigated in this study. Trichoderma strains, particularly Trichoderma reesei RUT is the excellent sources of cellulase suitable for practical applications. Enzyme production was observed at pH 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 in 0.05 and 0.1 % peptone containing mediums for 4 d. The activity of cellulase was measured by using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the substrate. According to results the maximum specific activity was obtained in 0.5 % peptone containing medium in 72 h at pH 4.0, 0.05 % peptone containing medium at 96 h at pH 4.5.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

019675   Kaya H;Taysi S;Kaya A;Boyuk A;Dursun H; Islamoglu Y;Tastekin D;Cikman O (Biochemistry Dep, Nenehatum Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey, Email: seytaysi@hotmail.com) : Investigation of free radical scavenging enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue of zinc deficient rats. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1068-74.

The aim of study was to evaluate the lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging enzyme activities in liver tissue of zinc (Zn)-deficient rats and investigate relationship among these parameters in either group. 16 Male rats with a weight of 35-40 g were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into control (n = 8) and Zn-deficient groups. After 4 weeks of feeding, the rats were killed by cervical dislocation and liver tissues were removed. Biochemical measurements in liver tissue were carried out using a spectrophotometer. Catalase. glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase activities, total (enzymatic plus non-enzymatic) superoxide scavenger activity, superoxide dismutase, non-enzymatic super-oxide scavenger activity, superoxide dismutase activities and Zn level in the Zn-deficient group were significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas malondialdehyde level was significantly higher than those of the control group. Slightly increased non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity was not significantly different from the controls. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that Zn-deficiency causes a decrease in antioxidant defence system and an increase in oxidative stress in liver tissue in rats.

2 tables, 29 ref

019674   Kannan S;Bharathiraja C;Krishnan M (Post Graduate and Research Dep of Zoology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi-626 124, Email: skanmbt2000@yahoo.com) : Regulatory mechanism of mouse sex pheromone and intracellular calcium level in V2 Rx receptor expressing cells. Curr Sci 2008, 95(3), 397-400.

Expression of V2Rx receptor and its binding efficiency with mouse sex pheromone (2-octanamine) was studied. A series of animal cell culture experiments were carried out using HEK-293 cell line to assess the interaction of sex pheromone binding with V2Rx receptor and regulation of calcium concentration in the cytoplasm of vomeronasal neurons. V2Rx/pCDNA3(-) plas-mid was transiently transfected into HEK-293 cells and analysed the functional property of vomeronasal sensory neurons. The patch clamping study emphasized the rise of calcium level in the cell line carrying pCDNA3(-)/V2Rx/HEK-293 cells exposed to 2-octanamine. However, there was no change in intra-cellular calcium level in the cells exposed to the other odorants such as n-octanamide and n-hexane. Further, this study confirmed that, the calcium current was found to be high in HEK-293 cells carrying V2Rx when compared to HEK-293 cells lacking V2Rx gene exposed to mouse sex pheromone. Thus, the present study concludes that both sex pheromone compound and its receptor protein efficiently regulate the intra-cellular calcium concentrations.

3 illus, 27 ref

019673   Jesupillai M;Palanivelu M (NO, Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil-626 190, Email: javaharpillai@rediffmail.com) : Analgesic activity of leaves of Erythrina Indica Lam.. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(3), 43-45.

Analgesic activity of the leaves of Erythrina indica was evaluated for ts cfiloroform, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts by Eddy's hot plate method and tail flick method. The reaction time for the leaf extracts were compared with that of standard Pentazocine (10 mg/kg). All the three extracts showed significant activity P<0.01) at the Doncentration of 250 mg/kg. Alcoholic extract was found to exhibit prominent activity vhen compared to the other two extracts.

2 tables, 10 ref

019672   Ilango S;Gunasekaran P (Genetics Dep, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai-625 021) : Natural prduct for the control of haemorrhagic Septicaemia disease in Carp Cyprinus carpio infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. J Aquatic Biol 2008, 23(1), 175-80.

Plant, Callistemon lanceolatus Dc. (Myrtaceae) produces compounds that have a positive antibacterial effect on the fish pathogen, specifically Aeromonas hydrophila. The plant was extracted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and examined by chromatographically. Resulting fractions were screened against A. hydrophila and antibacterial fraction was evaluated in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the fraction was found to be 30 μg/disc. A bath treatment at 20 mg/L of Cl-OCC2 (active fraction) for 30 min on the third and fourth days following challenge?? of Cyprinus carpio with A. hydrophila showed successful control of the bacterial infection over a 42 day period. Erythrocyte, haematocrit, haemoglobin, total serum protein, blood sugar and total cholesterol declined progressively and significantly throughout the experimental period in infected fish. No significant changes were found in the injected control group and infected group of fish that received the treatment recovered.

8 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

019671   Hegde K;Joshi A B (Pharmacology Dep, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Valachil Post-Parangepete, Mangalore 574 143) : Hepatoprotective effect of Carissa carandas Linn root extract against CCl₄ and paracetamol induced hepatic oxidative stress. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 660-7.

Oral pre-treatment with ethanolic extract of the roots of C. carandas (ERCC; 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, po) showed significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄ and paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing the activities of serum marker enzymes, bilirubin and lipid peroxidation, and significant increase in the levels of uric acid, glutathione, super oxide dismutase, catalase and protein in a dose dependent manner, which was confirmed by the decrease in the total weight of the liver and histopathological examination. Data also showed that ERCC possessed strong antioxidant activity, which may probably lead to the promising hepatoprotective activities of C. carandas root extract. These findings therefore supported the traditional belief on hepatoprotective effect of the roots of C. carandas.

019670   Haniffa M A;Dhanaraj M;Muthu Ramakrishnan C; Arthi Manju C;Ananth Kumar Y;Arun Singh S V (NO, Centre for Aquaculture Research and Extension (CARE), St. Xavier's Col, Palayamkottai-627002) : Hybridization between threatened freshwater catfish Mystus gulio (Hamilton & Buchanan) and Mystus montanus (Jerdon) by artificial fertilisation. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 679-83.

Inter-specific hybrids were produced between the threatened catfish species Mystus gulio x Mystus montanus. The differences in percentage of fertilization and hatching between control and interspecies were significant. The survival of hybrid was significantly lower (24.80 ± 4.3%) when compared to control (95.1 ± 3.5%). Time difference in yolk absorption by hybrid (73.30 h) was higher than that of control (72 h). When compared to interspecific fertilized egg the hatching time (24-25 h) and viability of larvae of the control were significantly better. In hybrids more deformed hatchlings (52.7 ± 4.2 %) were noticed than the control (24.80 ± 4.3%).

019669   Halder S;Bharal N;Mediratta P K;Kaur I;Sharma K K (Pharmacology Dei, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital (University of D, Delhi-110 095) : Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antinociceptive activity of Terminalia arjuna Roxb bark powder in mice and rats. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 577-83.

Terminalia arjuna back powder (400 mg/kg,po) significantly reduced formalin-indued paw oedema at 24 h but not carrageenan-induced paw oedema. It significantly increased the anti-SRBC antibody titre in the secondary phase of immune response. The same dose significantly reduced the duration of licks and bites in both phases of formalin-induced pain response and showed significant increase in tail flick latency at higher dose (800mg/kg,po). These effects of T.arjuna were antagonised by pretreatment with naloxone (1mg/kg,ip). In another series of experiments, mice pretreated with morphine for three days in increasing doses (10, 15, 20 mg/kg, ip; twice daily) showed a decreased response in antinociceptive activity of morphine (5 mg/kg, ip). Further, cross tolerance was observed with T.arjuna (800mg/kg, po) in morphine tolerant animals. These findings support the hypothesis that T.arjuna has anti-inflammatory potential against some phlogistic agents along with some immunomodulatory activity and also has antinococeptive action probably mediated via central opioid receptors.

019668   Hakki Yoruk I;Turker M;Kazankaya A;Emre Erez M;Battal P;Celik F (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Yuzunca Yil Univ, 65080, Van, Turkey, Email: musaturker@yahoo.com) : Fatty acid, sugar and vitamin contents in rose hip species. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1357-64.

The content of oleic and linoleic acids, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, vitamin C and E (α and δ-tocopherol) was determined in seeds and fruits of Rosa iberice, Rosa canina, Rosa villosa, Rosa dumalis and Rosa pisiformis. The highest level of the compounds in fruits was determined as follows: linoleic acid in R. dumalis (3.150 μg/g), oleic acid in R. canina (0.57 μg/g), μ-tocopherol in R. dumalis (10.12 μg/g), α-toco-pherol in R. pisiformis (17.60 μg/g), vitamin C in R. canina (2855.33 μg/g), fructose in R. dumalis (18.44 mg/g), glucose in R. dumalis (10.04 mg/g), sucrose in R. canina (5.61 mg/g) and maltose in R. dumalis (1.92 mg/g). The highest level of the compound in seeds was also determined and sequenced as follows: linoleic acid in R. canina (3,97 μg/g), oleic acid in R, dumalis (10.50 μg/g), δ-tocopherol in R. canina (7.15 μg/g), α-tocopherol in R. iberice (11.01 μg/g), vitamin C in R. iberice (952.10 μg/g), fructose in R. pisiformis (17.20 mg/ g), glucose in R. iberice (9.83 mg/g), sucrose in R. dumalis (14.96 mg/g) and maltose in R. canina (2.46 mg/g).

4 tables, 43 ref

019667   Gomathi A;Rajasekaran R;Narayana A (NO, Indian Institute of History of Medicine, 3rd Floor, Osmania Medical College Building, Putilbowli, Hyderabad-500 095, Email: iihm_ccras@yahoo.co.in) : Acute anti-inflammatory activity of Clerodendrum phlomidis linn. leaves. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(3), 29-30.

Acute anti-inflammatory study on the leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. was evaluated in albino rats by Hind paw method. In Tamil and Siddha system of Medicine, this drug is Kown as "'Thazhuthazhai, Takkari, Thalangi, Vathamatakki" and useful for the treatment of inflammation, nasal congestion, fever, joint disorders and tumours. For the investigation purpose, the extract of the drug was prepared by decoction method with 4:1 ratio, 10 gm of dried powder of the leaves added into 40 ml of water, then boiled and reduced into 10 ml. Nine healthy albino rats of either sex were divided into 3 groups, consists of 3 each. Group I served as a Control, Group II received the Test drug (Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.) and Group III served as the Standard. The evaluation was done by Hind paw method and compared with the standard and control groups. The drug shows significant acute anti-inflammatory activity (44%) when compared with the standard (66%).

1 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

019666   Gholizadeh A;Baghban Kohnehrouz B (Biology Dep, Research Institute for Fundamental Sciences (RIFS), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran) : Carborundum-dependent entrance of EcoRI restriction enzyme into plant cells and specific cleavage of genomic DNA. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 684-9.

In a basic research to determine the morpho-molecular interactions of plant tissues with EcoRI DNA restriction enzyme, it was demonstrated that this protein is capable of entering the sunflower and maize leaf cells using a plant tissue-abrading material and cleaving the genomic DNA at specific sites. This was inferred from the analysis of morphological patterns of EcoRI-treated leaf areas as well as using some molecular tests, including the cleavage pattern analysis of genomic DNA isolated from treated locations followed by ligation of cleaved fragments into EcoRI site of a DNA cloning vector system. The overall results indicated that the specific restriction of genomic DNA may happen following the entrance of EcoRI protein most likely into the nucleus of plant cells.

019665   Gholamali P;Khorsandi Z (NO, The Guilan University, Faculty of Agriculture, RASHT, Iran) : Antibacterial activity of the broad bean extracts on resistant bacteria. Int J chem Sci 2007, 5(1), 9-16.

The antimicrobial activities of four different extracts (ethanol, methanol, distilled water and 2ªmethylbutan-l-ol) obtained from different parts of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) such as flowers, leaves, seeds and seed hulls; were tested against Bacillus subtilis, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella peneumoniua, Shigella spp. and Micrococcus pyogenes. Better antimicrobial activity was observed with the leaves of broad bean sterile distilled water extract with a zone of inhibition in between 13-32 mm, Flower and seed hull showed a zone of inhibition in between 15-29 and 14-19 mm, respectively by Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Bacillus subtilis, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus pyogenes. Leaves, seed hulls and flowers of broad bean with ethanol extract showed a zone of inhibition in between 25-34, 15-17 and 15 mm, respectively by Escherichia coli. Flower with ethanol extract had a zone of inhibition in between 15-16mm by Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus pyogenes, respectively. Different parts of broad bean with methanol and 2-methylbutan-1-ol extract did not show any antimicrobial affects.

11 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

019664   Dhara T K;Chatterjee M;Bera R;Sen P C (Molecular Medicine Div, Bose Institute, P -1/12, C.I.T Scheme -VII-M, Kolkata-700 054, Email: parimalsen.boseinst@gmail.com) : Characterization of arylsulphatase A in a 70 kDa protein isolated from goat spermatozoa having Na<. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(3), 230-6.

A protein having inhibitory effect on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase as well as showing arylsulphatase A activity (ASA) was isolated from the cytosolic fraction of goat spermatozoa and characterized biochemically. The molecular mass of the protein was found to be 70 kDa (P70) on 10% SDS-PAGE after 35% ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by hydroxyapatite column chromatographic separation. The isoelectric point (pI) of the protein was found to be 4.9. The sequencing results of first ten N-terminal amino acid residues of protein showed 100%, 90%, and 80% homology with N-terminal 18-27 amino acid residues of mice, pig and human testicular ASA, respectively. The optimum pH, temperature and incubation time for maximum ASA activity of the protein was 5.5, 37°C and 30 min respectively. The ASA activity of protein and AS from a commercial source was studied with respect to the sensitivity to different metal ions, vanadate, carbonyl compounds and ascorbate. Inhibition of AS activity of P70 by silver nitrate suggested that it was related to ASA. Comparable effects of different polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) and purified anti P70-antibody on P70 and AS from commercial source were observed. The findings suggested that protein was novel in nature, having both regulatory and catalytic functions and showed similarities with the ASA reported from different sources.

019663   Deore S L;Khadabadi S S (Government College of Pharmacy, Shivaji Nagar, Polytechnique Campus, Amravati-444 603, Email: khadabadi@yahoo.com) : Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity of Chlorophytum borivilianum root extracts. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 983-6.

The aqueous, hydro alcoholic and methanolic extract of Chlorophytum borivilianum (Liliaceae) roots were investigated for antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity. Antiinflammatory activity was studied by carragenan induced rat paw oedema model. Methanolic and aqueous extract shows most significant antiinflammatory activity as compared to hydro alcohloic extract. Same extracts were studied for antioxidant activity. The assay methods used were DPPH and nitric oxide method. In both free radicals induced assay methods, methanolic extract shows maximum activity as compared to aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts.

2 tables, 9 ref

019662   Colak A;Col M;Canakci S;Belduz A O;Omarov I (Chemistry Dep, Karadeniz Technical Univ, 61080 Trabzon, Turkey, Email: acolak@ktu.edu.tr) : Investigation of extracellular highly thermostable starch hydrolyzing activity from a novel thermophilic bacterium Anoxybacillus gonensis A4. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1577-87.

A novel hot spring thermophile, Anoxybacillus gonensis A4 was investigated in terms of capability of starch degradation and characterization of its thermostable hydrolytic activity. It was observed that A. gonensis A4 has a hydrolytic enzyme responsible for starch hydrolysis with a 0.6 R_f value. The extracellular crude preparation was characterized in terms of pH and temperature optima and stabilities, kinetic parameters and inhibition/activation behaviour toward some chemicals and metal ions. Starch agar assay showed that A. gonensis A4 secreted a hydrolytic enzyme and K_m and V_max values of its activity were found to be 1.88 mg/ mL and 0.54 U/mg protein, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH, for A. gonensis A4 hydrolase was 50 °C and 7.5, respectively. The enzyme activity was not significantly changed by incubating crude extract solution at the temperature range from 20 to 80 °C for 60 h. pH-stability profile of the crude enzyme for 24 h at 4 °C of incubation temperature showed that the enzyme had good stability over 65 % at all investigated pH range from 4.5-9.5. The efficiency of metabisulphite on crude amylolytic activity indicated that A. gonensis A4 produce a hyrolaze having disulfide bridges were essential for starch hydrolysis.

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

019661   Chattopadhyay R;Sanjai Kumar (Malaria Research Program, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmi, Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, Food & Drug Administration, 5516 Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD 20895, USA) : Malaria vaccine: Latest update and challenges ahead. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 527-36.

Development of an effective malaria vaccine remains one of the biggest challenges faced by modern science. Although in the last decade tremendous advances have taken place in the design, construction and testing of malaria vaccines, many questions still remained unanswered. This review highlights exclusively some of the exciting and most recent progress in the development and clinical testing of candidate malaria vaccines and points out some of the outstanding scientific issues and technological challenges that must be met to develop a successful vaccine.

019660   Ceylan M;Gurdere M B;Budak Y (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gaziosmanpasa Univ, 60250 Tokat, Turkey, Email: mceylan@gop.edu.tr) : Reaction of 2-phenyl- and 2-methyl-cycloalkanones with PBr₅ and influence of substituent on the addition of bromine atom. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1373-81.

The reactions of 2-phenylketones 1, 4 and 12 with PBr₅ gave the α-brominated ketones as a regioselectivly and the α,α'-dibrominated ketones. But, the reactions of 2-methyl-ketones 7a-c with PBr₅ gave only the α,α'-dibrominated ketones.

1 table, 18 ref

019659   Bhaskar Rao D;Ravi Kiran C;Madhavi Y; Koteswara Rao P;Raghava Rao T (Biochemistry Dep, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: trrao_au@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Clitoria ternata L. and Eclipta prostrata L.. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(3), 247-52.

Free radical-mediated oxidative stress is believed to be the primary cause of many disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, brain dysfunction, cataract, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, cancer, ageing etc. In treatment of these diseases, antioxidant therapy has gained an utmost importance in the recent years. Current research is now directed towards finding naturally occurring antioxidants of plant origin. In Indian system of medicine, Clitoria ternata L. and Eclipta prostrata L. are the important medicinal plants, which have a wide range of applications. In the present study, the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of C. ternata and E. prostrata was evaluated by determining the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In vitro antioxidant capacity was also determined using different assays and the results were compared with standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), ascorbic acid and rutin. Our results showed that both plant extracts possessed significant levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and also exhibited antioxidant capacity. However, C. ternata showed higher levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as compared to E. prostrata. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of C. ternata was observed to be significant as compared to E. prostrata.

019658   Bera S K;Dixit S;Basumatary S K;Gogoi R (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, Lucknow-226 007, Email: Skbera_2000@yahoo.com) : Evidence of biological degradation in sediments of deepor beel Ramsar site, Assam as inferred by degraded palynomorphs and fungal remains. Curr Sci 2008, 95(2), 178-80.

5 illus, 8 ref

019657   Banerjee N;Chidambarathanu N;Michael D; Balakrishnan N;Sekar K (NO, Bioinformatics Centre, Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, Bangalore-560 012, Email: sekar@physics.iisc.ernet) : Algorithm to find all identical internal sequence repeats. Curr Sci 2008, 95(2), 188-95.

Proteins containing amino acid repeats are considered to be of great importance in evolutionary studies. The principal mechanism of formation of amino acid repeats is by the duplication or recombination of genes. Thus, repeats are found in both nucleotide and protein sequences. In proteins, repeats are involved in protein-protein interactions as well as in binding to other ligands such as DNA and RNA. The study of internal sequence repeats would be helpful to scientists in various fields, including structural biology, enzymology, phylogenetics, genomics and proteomics. Hence an algorithm (Finding All Internal Repeats, FAIR) has been designed utilizing the concepts of dynamic programing to identify the repeats. The proposed algorithm is a faster and more efficient method to detect internal sequence repeats in both protein and nucleotide sequences, than those found in the literature. The algorithm has been implemented in C⁺⁺ and a web-based computing engine, IdentSeek, has been developed to make FAIR accessible to the scientific community.

10 illus, 31 ref

019656   Azeemunnisa Begum M;Siddiqui A A;Refeek Ahmed M (Zoology Dep, Abeda Inamdar College, Pune) : Seasonal variations and the inter relationship between temperature, Ph, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide in katraj lake Pune, Maharashtra. Bull envir Sci 2007, 25(2), 111-20.

Temperature is one of the ecological factors that has multifaceted effect on the activities of living organisms. In fact temperature is a working condition for all forms of life. There is no aspect of metabolism that is not related to temperature. It is one of the physical parameters, directly related to the chemical reactions in the water and biochemical reactions in the living organisms. Temperature is one of the most vital abiotic ecological factors which controls the distribution and physiological behavior of living organisms. Temperature determines the solubility of oxygen in water, at high temperature solubility decreases and water becomes tasteless, while the metabolic activities of organisms increase. Physical, chemical and biological processes are influenced by the dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen affects the nutrient availability resulting in the internal productivity of the entire water body. Determination of dissolved oxygen serves as a basis of the biological oxygen demand that is essential to evaluate the pollution strength of wastes. pH indicates the acidic or alkaline nature of water. It is affected by the environmental factors such as temperature, salinity and pressure. Carbon dioxide is one of the common nutrients needed in I relatively large quantities by aquatic organisms for their cell development. It was an attempt to study the inter relationship between temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the Katraj lake located at Pune, Maharashtra. The mean values and standard deviation are respectively given as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, 27.1±3.50, 26.8±3.00, 27.6±3.22- 6.78±0.45, 8.91±O.91, 8.63±O.54- 7.73±3.93, 8.23±1.81, 7.68±1.42 and 1.28±O.92, 3.11±O.86, 3.85±1.25 at station I, II and III.

4 illus, 8 tables, 17 ref

019655   Azaz A D;Arabaci T;Sangun M K;Yildiz B (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Letters, Balikesir Univ, 10100 Balikesir, Turkey, Email: ksangun@gmail.com) : Composition and the in vitro antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch. and Achilles lycaonica Boiss & Heldr.. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1238-44.

The genus Achillea (Asteraceae) is represented by 42 species (48 taxa) in Turkey and 22 of which are endemic to Turkey. Achillea wilhelmsii and Achillea lycaonica collected from different localities in Turkey, were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield essential oils which were subsequently analyzed by GC and GC/ MS. The main constituents of the oils were identified and antimicrobial bioassays were applied. Camphor (39.62 %) was the main component in the oil of Achillea wilhelmsii. The oil of Achillea lycaonica contained L-camphor (43.19 %) as main constituent. All tested microorganisms were inhibited by the essential oils. On the other hand both essential oils showed strong antifungal activity against Alternaria brassicola than other tested microfungi.

4 tables, 19 ref

019654   Ashok Kumar B S;Satish K V;Suresh N;Sheshadri Sekhar D;Narayan Swamy V B (Pharmacognosy Dep, Sri K.V. College of Pharmacy, Chickballapur-562 101, Email: ashok4vani@rediffmail.com) : Estimation of rutin and quercetin in Amarnathus spinosus by HPLC. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1633-5.

Flavonoids present in the Amaranthus spinosus are rutin and quercetin. Rutin and quercetin possess many biochemical properties like inhibition of enzymes, regulatory role on different hormones and pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antihepatotoxic, protection of cardio vascular system. An HPLC method was developed for estimation of rutin and quercetin from herbal extract of Amaranthus spinosus.

^ssc16 ref

019653   Anil Kumar V;Janaiah C (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Exposure of sublethal concentration of imidacloprid alters serum enzymes in fresh water fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). J Aquatic Biol 2008, 23(1), 119-22.

Sublethal concentration of Imidacloprid (organochloride), on the serum enzymes offish, Channa punctatus were found to be altered during the toxic exposure periods at different time intervals. The activities of different serum enzymes such as aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), iso-citrate dehydrogenase (/CDH), pyruvate kinase, SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatases, acid phosphatases and creatine kinase (CK) were altered under the impact of imidacloprid. The high activities of transaminases indicated that imidacloprid could induce malignance and hepatobiliary disease. Enhancement in creatine kinase leads to impairment of central nervous system (CNS) under toxic stress. The enhanced activities of phospatases might be due to lysosomal mobilization. The increased serum dehydrogenases revealed the damage of kidney and liver of exposed fish.

2 tables, 33 ref

019652   Al-Saleh S S M;Khan S U;Ashraf M (Clinical Lab Sciences Dep, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia, Email: khansamiullah@hotmail.com) : Biochemical characterization and some biological properties of the phosphodiesterase I purified from Agistrodon bilineatus venom. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(3), 221-9.

The venom phosphodiesterase I (PDE-I, EC 3.1.4.1) is useful in the elucidation of the structure and nucleotide sequence of nucleic acids. In the present study, PDE-I was purified from Agistrodon bilineatus venom by preparative native-PAGE. A single protein band was observed in analytical native-PAGE. The enzyme also gave a single band in SDS-PAGE with a molecular mass of 140 kDa. The position of the band was not altered in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol, suggesting the protein did not contain subunits. The enzyme was free from 5'-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase activities. It showed a broad optimum pH range (9.0-11.0), whereas the optimum temperature was found to be 60°C, with activity decreasing at >65°C. Energy of activation (E_a) was calculated to be 0.31. The PDE-I was a glycoprotein having 14% of carbohydrate content. The V_max, K_m, K_cat and K_sp values of the enzyme were 3.85 μM/min/mg, 8.3 x 10-3 M, 23s^-1 and 46.4 M^-1 Min^-1 respectively. Cysteine caused a non-competitive inhibition with a K_I 6.3 x 10^-3 M (IC₅₀ of 1.6 mM), whereas ADP caused a competitive inhibition having K_I 0.8 x 10^-3 M (IC₅₀ 5.4 mM). Glutathione, o-phenanthroline, zinc and EDTA inhibited the enzyme activity, whereas Mg²⁺ slightly potentiated the activity. The enzyme hydrolyzed thymidine 5'-monophosphate p-nitro-phenyl ester most readily (10-fold), while 3'-5'-cAMP was least readily hydrolyzed substrate. The enzyme up to 4.0 mg/Kg i.p was not lethal in mice. It exhibited an anticoagulant effect, and increased the normal clotting time of normal citrated human plasma, whereas the crude venom showed strong coagulant effect. The above results showed that the A. bilineatus PDE-I was very similar to that isolated from other snake venoms. The purification procedure described here is simple, rapid and reproducible and may prove useful to isolate pure protein for investigation into the contribution of this enzyme to the biological activities of A. bilineatus venom and PDE-I insight, in general.

018664   Yilmaz N;Yayli N;Misir G;Conskuncelebi K; Karaoglu S;Yayli N (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Karadeniz Technical Univ, Trabzon 61080, Turkey, Email: yayli@ktu.edu.tr) : Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of Viburnum opulus, Viburnum lantana and Viburnum orientala. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3324-30.

The composition of the essential oils obtained from the air-dried Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana were analyzed by GC-MS. 40 and 53 Components were identified in the essential oils and the main component of these taxons were phytol and occidenol in the ratios 7,8 and 6.3% from V. opulus and V. lantana, respectively. The isolated essential oils of V. opulus, V. lantana and V. orientala were also tested for antimicrobial activity against the bacteria E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, E.faecalis, S. aureus, B. cereus and the fungus C. tropicalis, at maximum essential oil concentrations in hexane of 250,500 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively, though no activity was observed against all the test microorganisms for V. lantana and V. opulus. However, the essential oil of the V. orientale showed weak antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.

3 tables, 23 ref

018663   Yildiz M;Taysi S;Umudum Z (Biochemistry Dep, Nenehatum Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey, Email: seytaysi@hotmail.com) : Nitric oxide synthase activity on erythrocyte of the rabbits which implanted composite resin filling materials into connective tissue. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3902-6.

The aims of study were to assess the alterations in nitric oxide synthase activity in erythrocytes of rabbits. Nitric oxide synthase activities were measured in all groups. Erythrocyte nitric oxide synthase activities were significantly increased in both the first day values and the seven compared to the baseline values. Reactive nitrogen species may play an important role in the cells and tissue damage due to composite resin-generated oxidative stress.

1 table, 16 ref