1,5-Dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-[phenyl(pyri-din-2-ylamino)methyl]-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one

In the title compound, C(23)H(22)N(4)O, the pyrazole ring makes dihedral angles of 45.57 (11)° with the attached phenyl ring, and 83.98 (10) and 67.85 (10) °, respectively, with the other phenyl ring and the pyridyl ring. The pyridyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 80.15 (10)° with the adjacent phenyl ring. In the crystal, N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds supplemented by weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains which run parallel to the a-axis direction.

Distribution of enteric bacteria in the sediments of Parangipettai and Cuddalore coast of India

Distribution of major groups of enteric bacteria viz., Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae was studied in the sediment samples collected from different depths of 5, 15, 25 and 35 m in Parangipettai and Cuddalore coast during March, 2009 to February, 2010. Among the bacterial population in Parangipettai, V parahaemolyticus was found to be maximum with an occurrence of 55% followed by Shigella spp. (15%), V cholerae (12%), Salmonella spp. (12%) and E. coli (6%). In Cuddalore, as an oddity, Vibrio cholerae emerged as dominant species with an incidence of 60% of the total. V parahaemolyticus came next in the order with an incidence of 14%, followed by E. coli (11%), Shigella spp. (8%) and Salmonella spp. (7%). Similarly, monsoon and premonsoon seasons registered higher bacterial populations in both the regions. When the depth wise results were viewed, 5 and 15 m depths showed maximum (V parahaemolyticus 3.7 x 10 CFU g(-1) in Parangipettai; V cholera--8.6 x 10 CFU g(-1) in Cuddalore) bacterial population compared to subsequent depths. Cluster and MDS also showed distinct spatial and seasonal variations of bacterial populations in both the regions. Biota-Environment (BIO-ENV) method revealed the combinations of temperature, salinity and TOC as the best match influencing bacterial population.

Hatchery production of the clownfish Amphiprion nigripes at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, India

Healthy individuals of matured clownfish, Amphiprion nigripes and sea anemone, Heteractis magnifica were collected from the Agatti island lagoon by snorkeling. During 'conditioning' for 3 months, pair formation occurred and the same were transferred to rectangular fiber glass spawning tanks of 10001 capacity. Suitable water quality parameters were maintained. The fishes were fed with tuna eggs, boiled clam meat, squid, octopus and trash fish thrice in a day. Reproductive behaviour and embryonic development were documented. Spawning took place in between 0900 - 1100 hr and hatched-out occurs, after sunset following an incubation period of 8-9 days. Size of the newly laid egg was 2.0-2.2 mm in length and 1.0-1.2 mm in width. The larval rearing tanks were maintained with UV-treated water and followed the optimal physico-chemical parameters as in the parent tanks. The different light regimes and diets were used for the successful larval rearing. The maximum larval survival (61%) was achieved at the photoperiod of 24 L/0D. Within 15-17 days, the larvae metamorphosed and took up parent colouration and comparatively high growth rate was observed when fed on algae enriched rotifer than those with poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA).

Effect of potent ethyl acetate fraction of Stereospermum suaveolens extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

To evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens in streptozotocin-(STZ-) induced diabetic rats by acute and subacute models. In this paper, various fractions of ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens were prepared and their effects on blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats were studied after a single oral administration (200 mg/kg). Administration of the ethyl acetate fraction at 200 mg/kg once daily for 14 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats was also carried out. The parameters such as the fasting blood glucose, hepatic glycogen content, and pancreatic antioxidant levels were monitored. In the acute study, the ethyl acetate fraction is the most potent in reducing the fasting serum glucose levels of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The 14-day repeated oral administration of the ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and pancreatic TBARS level and significantly increased the liver glycogen, pancreatic superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities as well as reduced glutathione levels. The histopathological studies during the subacute treatment have been shown to ameliorate the STZ-induced histological damage of pancreas. This paper concludes that the ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens possesses potent antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties, thereby substantiating the use of plant in the indigenous system of medicine.

Seahorses - a source of traditional medicine

Wild marine organisms have been used in the discovery and development of traditional and allopathic medical treatments for a long time. Seahorses, a syngnathidae fish, are one of the important candidate organisms which have been used in Chinese traditional medicine from time immemorial. It is believed that seahorses have the potential to cure infertility, baldness, asthma and arthritis. An authentic research work on the biomedical validation of seahorses proved that they have the ability to cure arthritis and its associated inflammation. A Cathepsin-derived peptide from the seahorse species of Hippocampus kuda proved to be effective in chondrocyte cells and its associated impaired arthritis inflammation. Apart from this, seahorses have a putative free radical scavenging effect in controlling the ageing process. More authentic research is needed in order to validate the biomedical potential. This article highlights the role of seahorses' value in traditional medicine and their biomedical properties.

Antidiabetic effect of a black mangrove species Aegiceras corniculatum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Earlier ethnopharmacological records divulged the traditional usages of mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum (Linn.) Blanco distributed in coastal and estuarine areas of Southeast India. Excluding scientific knowledge of A. corniculatum against diabetes an upgrowing endocrinal disorder, our present study evaluated the effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult rats of the Wistar strain by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. The experimental rats were administered with leaf suspension of A. corniculatum post orally using an intragastric tube. On completion of the 60-day treatment, a range of biochemical parameters were tested including liver hexokinase, glucose-6phosphatase and fructose 1, 6 bisphosphatase in the liver of control and allaxon-diabetic rats. As a result, A. corniculatum leaf suspension showed moderate reduction in blood glucose (from 382 ± 34 to 105 ± 35), glycosylated hemoglobin, a decrease in the activities of glucose-6 phosphatase and fructose 1, 6-bisphosphatase, and an increase activity of liver hexokinase achieved through the oral administration of extract on 100 mg/kg. The present findings support promising results in terms of antidiabetic activities establishing its candidacy for further purification of individual compound in order to understand their mechanism of action.

Characterization of protease from Alcaligens faecalis and its antibacterial activity on fish pathogens

Alcaligens faecalis AU01 isolated from seafood industry effluent produced an alkaline protease. The optimum culture conditions for growth as well as enzyme production were 37 degrees C and pH 8. The partially purified protease had specific activity of 9.66 with 17.77% recovery with the molecular weight of 33 kDa and it was active between 30-70 degrees C and optimum being at 55 degrees C and pH 9. The enzyme retains more than 85% activity at 70 degrees C and 78% even at pH 10. The enzyme inhibited the growth of fish pathogens such as Flavobacterium sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Vibrio harveyi, Proteus sp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. From the present study it can be concluded that Alcaligens faecalis AU01 has the potential for aquaculture as probiotic agent and other several applications.

Antimicrobial potential of selected brown seaweeds from Vedalai coastal waters, Gulf of Mannar

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Turbinaria conoides (T. conoides), Padina gymnospora (P. gymnospora) and Sargassum tenerrimum against human bacterial and fungal pathogens.

METHODS

The antimicrobial activities of the extracts against various organisms were tested by using disc diffusion method.

RESULTS

The methanol extract showed the better result than the other extracts. Whereas, the strong antibacterial inhibition was noted in methanol extracts of P. gymnospora against Bacillus subtilus (26.33±1.86) and the mild inhibition of ethanol extracts from T. conoides against Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.33±0.51). Acetone extraction of P. gymnospora had strong antifungal inhibition against Cryptococcus neoformans (23.00±1.78), and acetone extract of T. conoides had mild inhibition against Aspergillus niger (3.00±0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

The seven different solvent extracts of seaweeds used in the present study have shown significant bacterial action. Further, a detailed study on the principle compound in the seaweeds which is responsible for antimicrobial activity is still needed and it can be achieved by using advanced separation techniques.

Extraction, Purification and Characterization of Thermostable, Alkaline Tolerant α-Amylase from Bacillus cereus

Thermostable alkaline α-amylase producing bacterium Bacilluscereus strain isolated from Cuddalore harbour waters grew maximally in both shake flask and fermentor, and produced α-amylase at 35°C, pH 7.5 and 1.0% of substrate concentrations. α-Amylase activity was maximum at 65°C, pH 8.0, 89% of its activity was sustained even at pH 11.0. Added with MnCl(2,) α-amylase activity showed 4% increase but it was inhibited by EDTA. The molecular weight of the purified α-amylase is 42 kDa.

Effects of taurine on glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione levels in rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of oral administration of taurine on endogenous glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in normal rats. Normal saline (Group I) or 5% taurine in normal saline was administered in dose of 50 mg (Group II), 250 mg (Group III) or 500 mg kg(-1) of body weight (Group IV) through intragastric intubation for 60 days. GPx and GR enzyme activities and GSH and taurine levels were determined in liver, heart, stomach, kidney and plasma of normal Wistar rats. GPx activity showed an increase in liver, heart, stomach and plasma. GR activity increased in kidney and decreased in liver and plasma. GSH levels increased in liver, stomach and decreased in kidney. Liver showed an increase and heart, stomach and kidney a decrease in taurine level in taurine administered rats when compared to control rats. The results varied from organ to organ and the observed variations among organs might be related to their respective enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidant potential and its functions. From the present study it may be concluded that long term oral administration of taurine affects GPx, GR and GSH levels in normal rats.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Marine Cyanobacterium Trichodesmium Erythraeum against Carrageenan-Induced Paw Oedema in Wistar Albino Rats

Inflammatory diseases, including rheumatic, diseases are a major cause of morbidity of the working force throughout the world. Inflammation is a tissue reaction to infection. The effects are redness (erythema), swelling (oedema) and pain, to the area that can result in loss of function. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms which are potentially useful in pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and restriction enzymes. Trichodesmium species are non-heterocystous cyanobacteria, commonly found in tropical and subtropical oligotrophic oceans. They occur in filaments of 20–200 cells which often congregate to form larger colonies called blooms that can be seen and often form dense blooms covering vast areas in sub-tropical regions. The present study tested the anti-inflammatory effect of the marine cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium erythraeum in carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. The aqueous extract showed anti-inflammatory activity at a high dosage (500 mg/kg) and this effect was on par with the commercial drug, indomethacin. The inhibition of inflammation volume was 57.5±5.5 % and 47.5±4.7% respectively, at higher and lower dosages, in 30 minutes of treatment. The control group without any treatment exhibited an increase in the paw volume. This is the first report on the anti-inflammatory effect of marine-derived Trichodesmium erythraeum.

Biosurfactant Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Renewable Resources

This study deals with production and characterization of biosurfactant from renewable resources by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biosurfactant production was carried out in 3L fermentor using waste motor lubricant oil and peanut oil cake. Maximum biomass (11.6 mg/ml) and biosurfactant production (8.6 mg/ml) occurred with peanut oil cake at 120 and 132 h respectively. Characterization of the biosurfactant revealed that, it is a lipopeptide with chemical composition of protein (50.2%) and lipid (49.8%). The biosurfactant (1 mg/ml) was able to emulsify waste motor lubricant oil, crude oil, peanut oil, kerosene, diesel, xylene, naphthalene and anthracene, comparatively the emulsification activity was higher than the activity found with Triton X-100 (1 mg/ml). Results obtained in the present study showed the possibility of biosurfactant production using renewable, relatively inexpensive and easily available resources. Emulsification activity found with the biosurfactant against different hydrocarbons showed its possible application in bioremediation of environments polluted with various hydrocarbons.

Effects of oral administration of antioxidant taurine on haematological parameters in Wistar rats

The present study evaluates the effects of oral administration of taurine on haematological parameters in normal wistar rats. Tissue oxidative stress is implicated in pathogenesis of various clinical disorders and antioxidant taurine is emerging as prophylactic and therapeutic agent. However, studies on effects of taurine on normal physiology are not reported in literature. Normal saline (Group I) or 5% taurine in normal saline was administered in dose of 50 mg (Group II), 250 mg (Group III) or 500 mg kg(-1) of b.wt. (Group IV) through intragastric intubation for 60 days. The blood cell counts, haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, blood indices, bleeding time and clotting time were estimated using routine laboratory haematological techniques. Neutrophil's phagocytic activity was determined by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test; serum lysozyme activity was estimated colorimetrically by the degree to lyse bacterial cell suspension and serum taurine levels were estimated by HPLC fluorimetric technique. Platelet count showed a decrease in Group III and IV when compared with Group I and II (p<0.001). Mean corpuscular haemoglobin of Group III and IV are significantly lowered when compared to Group I (p<0.001). A statistically significant decrease was observed in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration between Group 1 and Group IV (p<0.001). The neutrophil percentage of Group II, Group III and Group IV showed a significant increase over Group I (p<0.001). The percentage of lymphocytes showed a significant decrease in Group II, III and Group IV when compared to Group I (p<0.001). Neutrophil's phagocytic activity is significantly lowered in Group III and IV when compared to Group I (p<0.001). The serum lysozyme activity of Group III and IV showed a significant increase over Group I (at p<0.001). From the present study it may be concluded that long term oral administration of taurine affects normal haematological functions.

Z and E isomers of butenedioic acid with 2-amino-1,3-thiazole: 2-amino-1,3-thiazolium hydrogen maleate and 2-amino-1,3-thiazolium hydrogen fumarate

Maleic acid and fumaric acid, the Z and E isomers of butenedioic acid, form 1:1 adducts with 2-amino-1,3-thiazole, namely 2-amino-1,3-thiazolium hydrogen maleate (2ATHM), C(3)H(5)N(2)S(+) x C(4)H(3)O(4)(-), and 2-amino-1,3-thiazolium hydrogen fumarate (2ATHF), C(3)H(5)N(2)S(+) x C(4)H(3)O(4)(-), respectively. In both compounds, protonation of the ring N atom of the 2-amino-1,3-thiazole and deprotonation of one of the carboxyl groups are observed. The asymmetric unit of 2ATHF contains three independent ion pairs. The hydrogen maleate ion of 2ATHM shows a short intramolecular O-H...O hydrogen bond with an O...O distance of 2.4663 (19) A. An extensive hydrogen-bonded network is observed in both compounds, involving N-H...O and O-H...O hydrogen bonds. 2ATHM forms two-dimensional sheets parallel to the ab plane, extending as independent parallel sheets along the c axis, whereas 2ATHF forms two-dimensional zigzag layers parallel to the bc plane, extending as independent parallel layers along the a axis.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Stereospermum suaveolens ethanol extract in rats

The anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC (Bignoniaceae) bark given orally at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was studied in rats using the carrageenan-, dextran-, and histamine-induced hind paw edema, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation models. Indomethcin at the dose of 10 mg/kg body weight was used as a standard drug. The extract (400 mg/kg body weight per os) showed maximum inhibition of edema 64.6, 53.48, and 50.06% at the end of 3 h with carrageenan-, dextran-, and histamine-induced rat paw edema, respectively. The extract (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant reduction (34.77%) in granuloma weight in the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. From these results it could be concluded that, the ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens possesses maximum anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner, in various experimental models.