Chemical characterization of three different extracts obtained from Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine) with insights into their in vitro, in silico and network pharmacological properties

Plant species C. majus, which is a very rich source of secondary metabolites, was used to obtain extracts, using a conventional extraction technique. For the extraction of bioactive molecules, three solvents were used: ethyl acetate, methanol and water, which differ from each other based on their polarity. The obtained extracts were examined in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activity, and cytotoxic effects. The research results indicate that methanol was a better and more efficient extractant in the process of isolating bioactive compounds than ethyl acetate and water. The chemical composition of this solvent, i.e. its polarity, contributed the most to the extraction of alkaloids and flavonoids. The high content of total phenolic compounds in the methanol extract, as well as individual alkaloids, caused a very strong antioxidant activity, as well as a strong inhibitory power when it comes to inhibiting the excessive activity of cholinesterase and tyrosinase. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts achieved very good cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells HGC-27 and HT-29 and did not exert a toxic effect on non-cancerous cell lines (HEK293). Extracts of plant species C. majus, especially methanol extract could be characterized as a very good starting plant material for the formulation of products intended for various branches of the food and pharmaceutical industry.

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of Thymus leucostomus H ausskn. & V elen. extracts

The chemical composition as well as antioxidant, antiproliferative, and enzyme inhibition activities of extracts from aerial parts of Thymus leucostomus H ausskn. & V elen. obtained with hexane, methanol, and water were evaluated. Results showed that the methanol extract had significantly (p < 0.05) the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 107.80 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids content (TFC; 25.21 mg RE/g) followed by the aqueous extract (102.72 mg GAE/g and 20.88 mg RE/g, respectively). LC-MS/MS-guided profiling of the three extracts revealed that rosmarinic acid (34.8%), hesperetin (42.9%), and linoleic acid (18%) were the dominant compounds in the methanol, aqueous and hexane extracts, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract showed that ɣ-sitosterol (29.9%) was the major constituent. The methanol extract displayed significantly (p < 0.05) the highest Cu++ , Fe+++ , and Mo(VI) ions scavenging and reducing properties while the aqueous extract exerted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest metal chelating power (42.51 mg EDTAE/g). Both the hexane and methanol extracts effectively inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (2.63 and 2.65 mg GALAE/g, respectively) while the former extract exerted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest butyrylcholinesterase (2.32 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (19.73 mg KAE/g), and amylase (1.16 mmol ACAE/g) inhibition capacity. The aqueous extract exhibited the best glucosidase inhibition property (0.49 mmol ACAE/g). The methanol and hexane extracts exerted a higher cytotoxic effect on HT-29 (IC50 : 8.12 µg/mL) and HeLa (IC50  = 8.08 µg/mL) cells, respectively. In conclusion, these results provide valuable insight into the potential use of T. leucostomus bioactive extracts in different pharmaceutical applications.

Modification of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for Triacylglycerol accumulation in plant biomass for biofuel applications

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Increased oil biomass in sesame vegetative tissues.

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Enhancement of plant oil biomass plays a chief role in biofuel applications.

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This is a maiden attempt to develop sesame plant for biofuel production.

Sesame is considered as the queen of oil seeds owing to its high oil content of about 56–62% and good quality oil. Sesame oil alone or in combination with other vegetable oils can yield good quality biodiesel. Sesame biodiesel blends up to 20% yields fuel efficiency and power output on par with mineral diesel but superior in environmental performance. Though biodiesel from edible oil is highly criticized, the demand for renewable energy compels the development of high-performance sesame plants. Triacylglycerol synthesis in flowering plants follows an acyl CoA-dependent and independent manner. This study envisages transgenic approaches to enhance oil production in sesame biomass. The genes of choice for oil enhancement includes DGAT1, PDAT1, FAD3 and cytochrome b5F. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and phospholipid diacylglycerol acyltransferases (PDAT) are key enzymes in TAG synthesis. Fatty acid desaturases (FAD) has the ability to enhance specific fatty acids, whereas cytochrome b5 genes augment the process by donating electrons. A combination of the above categories of genes which performed well in terms of oil content in the yeast expression system from our earlier studies is used in Agrobacterium-mediated sesame transformation experiments to evaluate the biodiesel potential of transgenic sesame plants. The transgenic construct with PDAT1 and FAD3 combination yielded a 10% increase in TAG content. The possibility of transgenic sesame as a biodiesel plant is discussed.

Comparative anatomy on the vegetative organs of genus Ziziphora L. (Lamiaceae) from Turkey

The genus Ziziphora L. (Lamiaceae) is represented by five species (nine taxa) in the Turkish Flora. These taxa are Z. clinopodioides Lam. (subsp. elbursensis, subsp. filicaulis, subsp. kurdica, subsp. rigida), Z. capitata L., Z. persica Bunge, Z. tenuior L., Z. taurica Bieb. subsp. taurica, and Z. taurica Bieb. subsp. cleonioides (Boiss.) Davis which to be an endemic taxon for Turkey. They are strongly aromatic herbs which contain rich pulegone and used as herbal teas and spices and for this reason. In this study, comparative anatomy of the genus Ziziphora growing in Turkey is presented for the first time. In anatomical studies, cross sections of vegetative organs such as the root, stem, and leaf (lamina and petiole) were examined. In addition, to exhibit stomatal distribution and anatomy on adaxial and abaxial leaves were taken surface sections of the lamina and calculated stomatal index. Lamina and petiole anatomy were shown to be of great importance in the taxonomy of the Ziziphora taxa. The presence or absence of sclerenchyma in midrib of lamina and petiole, cortex parenchyma layer, mesophyll structure, and epidermal surface were found to be important characters for identification of Ziziphora taxa.

A Facile Synthesis of 4,5-Dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]Quinolines with Vilsmeier Reagent

4,5-Dihydropyrazolo[4,3- c]quinolines have been synthesised in moderate to good yields from dihydroquinolin-4-ones using the Vilsmeier reagent, under conventional and microwave irradiation conditions.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala (an Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation) and 0.2% chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus mutans is one of the most important cariogenic species of the human oral microbial flora. Biofilm style of microbial growth thought to resist the actions of antimicrobials.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala, and 0.2% chlorhexidine against S. mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Randomized control trial.

METHODS

Extracted human mandibular premolars sectioned below the cemento-enamel junction were placed in the tissue culture wells exposing the crown surface to S. mutans to form a biofilm. At the end of 3 rd and 7 th day, all groups were treated for 10 min with the test solutions and control and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

One-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Qualitative assay with 3 days biofilm showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth with Triphala, but 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline showed the presence of bacterial growth. In quantitative analysis, 0.2% chlorhexidine and Saline treated tooth samples have shown 1052 Χ 10(4) ± 15.1 Χ 10(4) CFU/ml, 141.3 Χ 10(9) ± 2.1Χ10(9) CFU/ml, respectively. Qualitative assay with 7 days biofilm on crown portion showed dense growth when treated with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline, whereas Triphala has shown minimal growth. In Quantitative analysis, Triphala showed statistically significant result when compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline.

CONCLUSION

Triphala showed statistically significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. The incorporation of Triphala in mouth rinse could prove to be effective in reducing S. mutans count in the oral cavity.

Ethnomedicinal plants of Aydıncık District of Mersin, Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This survey presents crucial ethnopharmacological data on medicinal plants used by indigenous people who live in the Aydıncık district of Mersin in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide a knowledge base of herbal therapies from the Aydıncık region with their traditional use, plant parts and administration methods besides computing some statistical values.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant samples that have been collected by spice-sellers or residents from Aydıncık for therapeutic purposes were recorded by visiting the villages during the study period, and then brought to the laboratory to diagnose the taxa. In addition, the relative frequency citation (RFC), use values (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were computed.

RESULTS

In this research conducted between 2013 and 2015, 91 taxa associated with 41 families, including 1 fern & 2 gymnosperms were defined they have been used for centuries in terms of the healing by visiting 10 villages & 5 spice-sellers in Aydıncık. Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae, Cupressaceae, Orchidaceae and Pinaceae have been determined as the most used families for therapeutic purposes. The study revealed that most of the locals concurred on the use of Juniperus oxycedrus fruits & leaves to cure gastro-intestinal diseases that demonstrated the highest fidelity level (0.98). 22 taxa have not matched with any studies conducted in and around the region.

CONCLUSION

The light of the information obtained during the investigation demonstrates that the medicinal plants have been mostly utilized as analgesics (0.78 ICF). The most data were acquired from the mountain villagers & Yuruk nomads, having average ages of 65. From the viewpoint of ethnobotany, the district has remained valuable due to the winding roads, ongoing hundreds of kilometers over the mountains and along the coast is very difficult to drive making Aydıncık too far from large cities and mass tourism centers.

Ethnomedicinal plants of Sarigöl district (Manisa), Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This paper provides new and significant ethnopharmacological information on medicinal plants used by native people who live in Sarigöl and its surroundings in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To compile herbal remedies from the area of Sarigöl with their traditional uses, parts of the plant used and form of administration as well as to calculate ethnobotanical indices and validate its therapeutic use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant samples that have been collected by herbalists or informants from Sarigöl and its surroundings for medical purposes were studied by visiting the villages during the study period, and then brought to the laboratory to identify the species. The relative frequency citation (RFC), use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were computed for the plants included in the study as well as a pharmacological validation from International Official sources by using WHO, ESCOP and EMA monographs.

RESULTS

In this research conducted between 2010 and 2013, 141 taxa affiliated with 55 families, including 3 Gymnosperms, were determined as they used for medical purposes. The study was carried out by visiting 15 villages and 4 herbalist shops identified in Sarigöl and its surroundings. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Apiaceae have been detected as the most consumed families for medical purposes. The research showed that most of the informants agreed on the use of Vitis vinifera fruits to cure gastrointestinal diseases that demonstrated the highest fidelity level (0.62). Only 31, out of 141, of the species recorded in this study, currently have a monograph with a validated use.

CONCLUSION

During the survey, it was observed that local people consumed plants in the form of the infusion, whereas when using hard organs such as bark or branches, decoctions were preferred. It was identified that most of the medicinal plants have been used for gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, and they are mainly utilized in the form of infusion or decoction. Vitis vinifera has a different traditional use compared to therapeutic indication proposed by monographs from Official sources like ESCOP or EMA.

Ethnomedicinal plants of Sarigöl district (Manisa), Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This paper provides new and significant ethnopharmacological information on medicinal plants used by native people who live in Sarigöl and its surroundings in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To compile herbal remedies from the area of Sarigöl with their traditional uses, parts of the plant used and form of administration as well as to calculate ethnobotanical indices and validate its therapeutic use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant samples that have been collected by herbalists or informants from Sarigöl and its surroundings for medical purposes were studied by visiting the villages during the study period, and then brought to the laboratory to identify the species. The relative frequency citation (RFC), use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were computed for the plants included in the study as well as a pharmacological validation from International Official sources by using WHO, ESCOP and EMA monographs.

RESULTS

In this research conducted between 2010 and 2013, 141 taxa affiliated with 55 families, including 3 Gymnosperms, were determined as they used for medical purposes. The study was carried out by visiting 15 villages and 4 herbalist shops identified in Sarigöl and its surroundings. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Apiaceae have been detected as the most consumed families for medical purposes. The research showed that most of the informants agreed on the use of Vitis vinifera fruits to cure gastrointestinal diseases that demonstrated the highest fidelity level (0.62). Only 31, out of 141, of the species recorded in this study, currently have a monograph with a validated use.

CONCLUSION

During the survey, it was observed that local people consumed plants in the form of the infusion, whereas when using hard organs such as bark or branches, decoctions were preferred. It was identified that most of the medicinal plants have been used for gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, and they are mainly utilized in the form of infusion or decoction. Vitis vinifera has a different traditional use compared to therapeutic indication proposed by monographs from Official sources like ESCOP or EMA.

Traditional uses of medicinal plants in Elazığ (Turkey)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This study has identified not only the wild plants collected for medical purposes by local people of Elazığ Province in the Eastern Anatolia Region, but also the uses and local names of these plants. These resources are usually regarded as part of a culture׳s traditional knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this study is to collect information from local population concerning the use of medicinal plants of the Elazığ region; identify the most important medicinal plants used; determine the relative importance of the species surveyed and calculate the informant consensus factor (FIC) in relation to medicinal plant use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A field study had been carried out for a period of approximately 2 years (2012-2013). A questionnaire was administered to the local people, through face-to-face interviews (Appendix A). Demographic characteristics of participants, names of the local plants, their utilized parts and preparation methods were investigated and recorded. The plant species were collected within the scope of the study; herbarium materials were prepared; and the specimens were entitled. The collected data were used to calculate the FIC and the plant use values.

RESULTS

74 Plants were found to be used for medical purposes before in the literature analysis of the plants used in our study, while 6 plants were found to have no literature records. Our results showed that the highest use values were recorded for the species Urtica dioica L. (0.46) and Rosa canina L. (0.42), while the highest FIC was cited for skin diseases (0.60).

CONCLUSION

Data obtained showed that in the studied area the folk use of plants is alive and still derives from daily practice. Evaluation of pharmacological activity for the promising medicinal plants is suggested.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the local people of Alaşehir (Manisa) in Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This paper represents the first large-scale ethnobotanical study in the Alaşehir and its surrounding (Manisa/Turkey). There are scarcely any studies for using plants. There is urgency in recording such data. This is the first ethnobotanical study in which statistical calculations about plants are done by ICF (Informant Consensus Factor) method. This study aimed to identify plants collected for medicinal purposes by the local people of Alaşehir, located in the Aegean Region of Turkey, and to document the traditional names, preparation and uses of these plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field study was carried out over a period of approximately 2 years (2010-2012) in Alaşehir. During this period, 137 vascular plant specimens were collected. Demographic characteristics of participants, local plant names, utilized parts and preparation methods of the plants were investigated and recorded. In the scope of the study, medicinal plant species and related information were collected; herbarium materials were prepared; and the specimens were entitled. Field research was conducted by collecting ethnobotanical information during structured and semi-structured interviews with native knowledgeable people in territory. In addition, the relative importance value of species was determined and ICF was calculated for the medicinal plants included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 137 medicinal plants belonging to 58 families were identified in the region. Among them, 105 species are wild and 32 species are cultivated plant. The most dominant medicinal plant families were Asteraceae (>13%), Lamiaceae (>11%), Rosaceae (>7%), and Fabaceae (>4%), again; the most common preparations were infusion and decoction. It was found that Origanum onites L., Urtica urens, Thymus zygioides Griseb., Matricaria chamomilla L., Salvia tomentosa Mill., Cerasus avium (L.), Tilia argentea Desf. ex DC., Hyoscyamus niger L., Urtica pilulifera L., Anethum graveolens L., Euphorbia rigida Bieb., Hypericum perforatum L., Paliurus spina-christi Mill., Rosa canina L., Viscum album L. subsp. austriacum (Wiesb.) Vollman, Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Elymus repens (L.) Gould and Juglans regia L. were the most commonly used species. The traditional medicinal plants have been mostly used for the treatment respiratory tract diseases (14.1%), gastro-intestinal diseases (10%), kidney problems (7.3%), diabetes (7.1%), cholesterol (5%), rheumatism (4%), cancer various (4%), cardiovascular problems (3.1%) and burn (3%).

CONCLUSION

Gathering, processing and consuming wild edible plants are still practiced in all the studied Alaşehir areas. These plants, used in the treatment of many different diseases, are freely harvested in this region at abundant amounts. Due to the increasing health service facilities in the area, herbal medicine, seemed to be more related to health care and disease prevention than cure.

Insecticide susceptibility and resistance development in malathion selected Aedes albopictus (Skuse)

Aedes albopictus was bioassayed to determine resistance development to malathion (OP). Two methods were applied, including WHO larval bioassay to determine the susceptibility to lethal concentration (LC), and adult bioassay to determine lethal time (LT). Larvae from colonies that had undergone selection pressure with malathion to yield 50% mortality were further subjected to selection for subsequent 10 generations. Selection of Ae. albopictus with malathion could relatively induce a consistent resistance ratio of 1.0 throughout 10 generations. It was noted that Ae. albopictus larvae showed less susceptibility to malathion compared to adults. The susceptibility test of adult mosquitoes to diagnostic dosage of 5.0% malathion-impregnated paper showed a variety of susceptibility to malathion when compared to the susceptible strain. Bioassay results indicated that the LT50 values of malathion-selected Ae. albopictus ranged between 11.5 - 58.8 minutes for ten consecutive generations. Biochemical enzyme studies indicated that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in esterase level in malathion-selected mosquitoes compared to non-selected control. Electrophoretic patterns of non-specific esterases at different life stages in malathion-selected Ae. albopictus suggested that non-specific esterases do not play a role in resistance of malathion-selected Ae. albopictus.

No evidence for successful interspecific cross-mating of transgenic Aedes aegypti (L.) and wild type Aedes albopictus Skuse

The natural and artificial mating of laboratory bred Aedes albopictus and transgenic Aedes aegypti RIDL-513A-Malaysian strain was conducted. The experiment consisted of crossmating of homologous Ae. aegypti RIDL female symbol X Ae. aegypti RIDL male symbol and reciprocal Ae. aegypti RIDL female symbol X Ae. albopictus WT male symbol. The other set comprised homologous Ae. albopictus WT female symbol X Ae. albopictus WT male symbol and reciprocal Ae. albopictus WT female symbol X Ae. aegypti RIDL male symbol. This study demonstrated that reproductive barriers exist between these two species. Cross insemination occurred between A. albopictus male and Ae. aegypti female and their reciprocals. There was 26.67% and 33.33% insemination rate in Ae. aegypti RIDL female cross-mating with A. albopictus WT male and Ae. albopictus female cross-mating with Ae. aegypti RIDL male, respectively. There was 0% hatchability in both directions of the reciprocals. There was also no embryonation of these eggs which were bleached. Although none of the female Ae. albopictus WT was inseminated in the cross-mating with Ae. albopictus WT female symbol X Ae. aegypti RIDL male symbol, a total of 573 eggs were obtained. The homologous mating was very productive resulting in both high insemination rate and hatchability rates. Generally there was a significantly higher insemination rate with artificial mating insemination of homologous than with artificial mating of reciprocal crosses. Interspecific mating between Ae. aegypti RIDL and Ae. albopictus wild type was not productive and no hybrid was obtained, indicating absence of horizontal transfer of introduced RIDL gene in Ae. aegypti to Ae. albopictus.

Compton suppression through rise-time analysis

We studied Compton suppression for 60Co and 137Cs radioisotopes using a signal selection criterion based on contrasting the fall time of the signals composing the photo peak with those composing the Compton continuum. The fall time criterion is employed by using the pulse shape analysis observing the change in the fall times of the gamma-ray pulses. This change is determined by measuring the changes in the rise times related to the fall time of the scintillator and the timing signals related to the fall time of the input signals. We showed that Compton continuum suppression is achieved best via the precise timing adjustment of an analog rise-time analyzer connected to a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer.

Characterization on malathion and permethrin resistance by bioassays and the variation of esterase activity with the life stages of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus

Larvae and adults of Culex quinquefasciatus were used for the test undertaken for malathion resistant strain (F61 - F65) and permethrin resistant strain (F54 - F58). The results showed that the LC50 for both malathion (F61 - F65) and permethrin (F54 - F58) resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus increased steadily throughout the subsequent five generations, indicating a marked development of resistance. The adult female malathion resistant strain have developed a high resistance level to malathion diagnostic dosage with a resistance ratio of 9.3 to 17.9 folds of resistance compared with the susceptible Cx. quinquefasciatus. Permethrin resistance ratio remained as 1.0 folds of resistance at every generation. It was obvious that malathion resistance developed at a higher rate in adult females compared to permethrin. Enzyme-based metabolic mechanisms of insecticide resistance were investigated based on the biochemical assay principle. From the results obtained obviously shows that there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in esterase level in both malathion and permethrin selected strains. Female malathion selected strain has the higher level of esterase activity compared to the female permethrin selected strain at (0.8 to 1.04) alpha-Na micromol/min/mg protein versus (0.15 to 0.24) alpha-Na micromol/min/mg protein respectively. This indicated increased level of non-specific esterase is playing an important role in resistance mechanism in female malathion selected strain. Permethrin selected strain exhibited non-specific esterase activity at a very low level throughout the different life stages compared to malathion selected strain. This study suggests that life stages play a predominant role in conferring malathion and permethrin resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus.

ATP7B mutations in families in a predominantly Southern Indian cohort of Wilson's disease patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze ATP7B mutations in Wilson's disease (WD) patients from the Indian subcontinent and to correlate these with WD phenotype.

METHODS

We studied 27 WD patients from 25 unrelated families. Twenty-two families were from three southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu andhra Pradesh and Kerala. We applied conformation- sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) to screen for the mutations in patients and their families. PCR products exhibiting aberrant patterns in CSGE were subjected to direct DNA sequencing. As siblings affected by WD within a family share identical ATP7B genotype, we compared WD phenotype among affected siblings within families.

RESULTS

ATP7B mutations were detected in 22 of the 25 probands -13 were homozygotes and 9 were compound heterozygotes. Eleven novel mutations were detected. Only two common mutations were found: G3182A in 4 (16%) and C813A in 3 (12%) probands. 'Hot spots' for ATP7B mutations were exons 18 and 13. Lack of common dominant mutations prevented correlation of individual ATP7B mutations with WD phenotype. Symptomatic WD in a live sibling was not found in any family. In 8 families, a sibling died of presumed WD - in 6 of these, WD phenotype was identical to that in the proband.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the spectrum of ATP7B mutations including 11 novel mutations in Indian WD patients and document lack of a single dominant mutation. Identical WD phenotype among siblings in only 6 of 8 families with >1 child affected by WD suggests that factors other than ATP7B mutations influence WD phenotype.

In vitro Antioxidant and Antilipidperoxidative potential of Pleurotus florida

The ethanolic extract of Pleurotus florida was studied for its free radical scavenging property on different in vitro models like 1,1 -diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH)Assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and in vitro antilipidperoxidative assay using goat liver homogenate and RBC Ghost model. The in vitro Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was inhibited to a good extent by the Pleurotus florida ethanolic extract and the extent of inhibition being higher in the RBC membrane model than the liver homogenate model. The mushroom extract showed good dose-dependent free radical scavenging property in both the models.

Inhibition of in vitro lipid peroxidation (lpo) evoked by calocybe indica (milky mushroom)

The present study was designed with an objective to assess the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) by the aqueous extract of Calocybe indica (milky mushroom) using an invitro model of goat liver homogenate and RBC ghosts. The invitro LPO was inhibited to a good extent by the aqueous extract of milky mushroom and the extent of inhibition being higher in the RBC membrane model when compared with liver homogenate model.

Resistance development and insecticide susceptibility in Culex quinquefasciatus against selection pressure of malathion and permethrin and its relationship to cross-resistance towards propoxur

To determine resistance level and characterize malathion and permethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus, two methods were used namely: WHO procedures of larval bioassay to determine the susceptibility of lethal concentration (LC) and adult bioassay to determine the lethal time (LT) which are resistant to malathion and permethrin. These mosquito strains were bred in the Insectarium, Division of Medical Entomology, IMR. Thousands of late fourth instar larvae which survived the selection pressure to yield 50% mortality of malathion and permethrin were reared and colonies were established from adults that emerged. Larvae from these colonies were then subjected to the subsequent 10 generations in the test undertaken for malathion resistant strain (F61 - F70) and permethrin resistant strain (F54 - F63). Selection pressure at 50% - 70% mortality level was applied to the larvae of each successive generation. The rate of resistance development and resistance ratio (RR) were calculated by LC5 0 for larval bioassay and LT50 value for adult bioassay. The lab bred Cx. quinquefasciatus was used as a susceptible strain for comparison purpose. The adult bioassay test was carried out by using diagnostic dosages of malathion 5.0%, permethrin 0.75% and with propoxur 0.1%. All bioassay results were subjected to probit analysis. The results showed that LC5 0 for both malathion (F61 - F70) and permethrin (F54 - F63) resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus increased steadily to the subsequent 10 generations indicating a marked development of resistance. The adult female malathion resistant strain have developed high resistance level to malathion diagnostic dosage with resistance ratio 9.3 to 9.6 folds of resistance. Permethrin resistance ratio remained as 1.0 folds of resistance at every generation. It was obvious that malathion resistance developing at a higher rate in adult females compared to permethrin. Female adults exposed to 2 hours of exposure period for propoxur 0.1% showed presence of cross-resistance among the both strains of mosquitoes towards propoxur and it was indicated by 70%-100% mortality at 24 hours post-recovery period.

Community prevalence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus in rural and urban Vellore, Tamil Nadu

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are becoming increasingly common in India. Currently, antenatal prevalence is a surrogate marker for HIV prevalence in the community. The association between antenatal and community prevalence of HIV needs to be validated so that estimates can be verified or adjusted appropriately.

METHODS

A probability proportional to size cluster survey was conducted in the Kaniyambadi block of Vellore district and in the urban wards of Vellore town to estimate the prevalence of antibodies to rubella from August 1999 to February 2000. All personal identifier data from the serum samples were removed to yield a collection for which only the age and sex were known. Estimation of antibodies to HIV in sera from individuals between 15 and 40 years of age, was carried out by one screening ELISA and the reactive sera were further subjected to a supplementary test.

RESULTS

We tested 1512 serum samples from subjects residing in rural areas and 1358 samples from those residing in urban areas. The seropositivity among rural samples was 0.66% and among urban samples 1.4%. The prevalence was almost equal among men and women and the youngest infected individual was 15 years old.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HIV during the period of study was similar to the national surveillance data for Tamil Nadu based on antenatal women. HIV prevalence differs in urban and rural Tamil Nadu, with urban areas having a higher burden of the disease.

Supramolecular structures of 2-cyano-3-dimethylamino-N-(4-methylphenyl)acrylamide and 2-cyano-3-dimethylamino-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)acrylamide

In the title compounds, C(13)H(15)N(3)O, (I), and C(13)H(15)N(3)O(2), (II), the dihedral angles between the planes of the phenyl ring and the amide group are 4.1 (1) and 20.7 (1) degrees, respectively. The molecules adopt a fully extended conformation, aided by intramolecular interactions. The molecular structures of (I) and (II) display different crystal packing and hydrogen-bonding networks.