Peroxidase as a metric of stress tolerance and invasive potential of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) growing in aquatic habitats

An attempt was made to understand the potential of Alternanthera philoxeroides, alligator weed to adapt to diverse conditions present in pond ecosystems, through a correlative investigation of its natural growth pattern and peroxidase level. Eleven ponds were graded into twosubjective categories: “A. philoxeroides Infestation” (High, Medium, Low) and “Level of Pollution” (High and Low), to test for difference in mean peroxidase concentration in A. philoxeroides populations. Significant changes in mean peroxidase concentration in A. philoxeroides were found in ponds categorized on the basis of level of pollution, indicating the adaptability of this plant to propagate under pollution stress.On the other hand, there was no significant change in mean peroxidase concentration for plants growing in ponds categorized on the basis ofinfestation showed that dense, vegetative proliferation caused no stress in A. philoxeroides. An efficient method of assaying peroxidase in A. philoxeroides, under field conditions, using the best suited leaf group (Tips, Tips + 1st leaf pair”, 2nd leaf pair) was also explored. “Tips + 1st leaf pair” proved to be a better sample than mature leaves for estimation of peroxidase concentration in A. philoxeroides

A Lewis Acid Promoted Reduction of Aromatic Nitro to Amines Compounds

This work was funded by Russian Science Foundation (Ref. No. 18-73-00301)

Metal-semiconductor nanojunctions and their rectification characteristics

Junctions of silver-copper oxide and silver-zinc oxide, respectively were prepared within the pores of diameters, 20 nm, in anodic aluminium oxide membranes. Voltage-current characteristics were measured over the temperature range 373-573 K which showed rectification behaviour. Using the standard equation the difference between the work functions of the metal and the semiconductor was calculated. This showed a variation with the temperature of measurement. This is explained as arising due to the effect of pressure generated as a result of thermal expansion of the metallic phases concerned between the electrodes. This is consistent with the theoretical prediction of Fermi level shifting of the semiconductor within the bandgap as a function of pressure

A comparative bioequivalence study to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and safety of single-dose of dydrogesterone 10 mg tablets in healthy adult female volunteers

Background: Dydrogesterone is a progesterone derivative. It is indicated in variety of disorders requiring progesterone administration. The basic aim of this bioequivalence (BE) study was to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of generic dydrogesterone 10 mg tablets (test product- Dydrosure) versus the innovator brand.Methods: This was a randomized, open-label, balanced, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence, two-way crossover, single oral dose BE study conducted in healthy adult females under fasting conditions. A total of 28 subjects participated and 27 subjects completed both the study periods with 14 days washout in between. A total of 23 serial blood samples were collected starting from pre-dose to 72-hour post-dose. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters included peak plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the curve from zero to time t (AUC0-t) and zero to infinity (AUC0-inf); and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of geometric least square mean (LSM) ratio of test product versus reference product were computed to evaluate the BE. The safety evaluation was based on reported adverse events (AEs) and laboratory parameters.Results: The 90% CIs of geometric LSM ratio of all primary pharmacokinetic parameters were within the range of 80 to 125%. The sequence, period and treatment did not have significant effect on the primary pharmacokinetic parameters. A single AE of dizziness was reported with the test product which was mild in intensity and transient in nature.Conclusions: Based on the statistical analysis of dydrogesterone, it is concluded that the test product (T): Dydrosure (dydrogesterone tablets IP 10 mg) manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd., India is bioequivalent to the innovator’s brand, in terms of rate and extent of absorption under fasting conditions. The test product can be used interchangeably with the innovator’s brand

Studies on Multifunctional Effect of All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) on Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Its Regulatory Molecules in Human Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7)

Background. Vitamin A derivative all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is considered as a potent chemotherapeutic drug for its capability of regulating cell growth and differentiation. We studied the effect of ATRA on MMP-2 in MCF-7, human breast cancer cells, and the probable signaling pathways which are affected by ATRA on regulating pro-MMP-2 activity and expression. Methods. Gelatin zymography, RT-PCR, ELISA, Western blot, Immunoprecipitation, and Cell adhesion assay are used. Results. Gelatin zymography showed that ATRA caused a dose-dependent inhibition of pro-MMP-2 activity. ATRA treatment downregulates the expression of MT1-MMP, EMMPRIN, FAK, NF-kB, and p-ERK. However, expression of E-cadherin, RAR, and CRABP increased upon ATRA treatment. Binding of cells to extra cellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin reduced significantly after ATRA treatment. Conclusions. The experimental findings clearly showed the inhibition of MMP-2 activity upon ATRA treatment. This inhibitory effect of ATRA on MMP-2 activity in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) may result due to its inhibitory effect on MT1-MMP, EMMPRIN, and upregulation of TIMP-2. This study is focused on the effect of ATRA on MMP, MMP-integrin-E-cadherin interrelationship, and also the effect of the drug on different signaling molecules which may involve in the progression of malignant tumor development

Synthesis of Quinoxaline Derivatives Catalyzed by Bronsted Acidic Ionic Liquid Under Solvent-Free Conditions

This work was funded by Russian Science Foundation (Ref. No. 18-73-00301)

A CONVENIENT AND SUSTAINABLE METHOD FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF 4-SUBSTITUTED COUMARINS CATALYZED BY BRØNSTED ACIDIC IONIC LIQUIDS

The authors thank Russian Science Foundation (Ref. # 20-73-10205)

How much it costs? Economics of staying near protected area of people around Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Economics is an integral part of conservation as it plays an important role in determining people’s attitude towards wildlife. Out of 1.3 billion people in India, approximately 400 million live near forested areas with 2500 tigers and 8000 leopards in their backyards. Their livelihood option is hugely dependent on exploiting the natural resources. I looked into the variations in cost:benefit ratio of people staying near protected areas in a part of the Central Indian tiger landscape to investigate whether it varies according to distance to understand how economics shapes attitudes and affect conservation. I used close-ended structured questionnaire along a gradient of distance of settlements from the core area to examine perceived loss of human property and how attitude varies. The data was cross-validated using reliable secondary data resources. Market prices for depredated livestock and crop and collected non-timber forest produces were considered to calculate the cost:benefit ratio. The results were contemplated in the light of people’s attitude. 78% of the local residents said that the protected area was detrimental for them. Loss of human property remained same along the gradient of distance from the core area. Cost incurred due to human-wildlife interface was more than the benefit obtained from the forest. People who experienced more losses were more hostile towards wildlife and wanted stricter management strategies for "problem animals". Lethal control was warranted by majority of respondents for crop-raiding herbivores. Co-existence with large carnivores seemed like a plausible option for 70% of the respondents as opposed to 5% positive responses for the herbivores. Overwhelming costs of staying near protected areas with negligible incentives compel people to harbor negative attitude towards wild animals and their conservation. The co-existence between wildlife and people will be facilitated if the trade-off between losses and the benefits gained by the people are economically favorable. Sharing of benefits from ecotourism, providing alternative livelihood options can aid in fostering optimism among the locales. Central Indian landscape is a mosaic of human habitations and forested areas. The forest is not restricted to the core zone only. Buffer supports a good habitat for the animals especially ungulates. Hence the produces gained from the forest and the losses incurred to not vary to a great extent as distance from the designated core zone increases. So these kind of negative attitudes is detrimental for harmonious coexistence between man and animals. Animals residing in smaller reserves surrounded by dense human population face an even greater challenge. Active participation of local residents for long term survival of nature is essential. They are the key force to transform the conservation struggle into a success standing at this pivotal juncture. Key words: cost:benefit ratio, attitude, co-existencepeerReviewe