EVALUATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC POTENTIAL OF IXORA PAVETTAIN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Objective: Evaluation of anti-diabetic potential ofIxorapavetta in streptozotocin induced diabetic ratsMethods: Diabetes was induced by thesingle dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight i. p.) to female Wistarrats. Diabetic rats were stabilized for six day and from seventh day butenolic fraction of Ixorapavetta(BIP) was administered at a dose of 250 mg/kg, p. o. and 500 mg/kg for 3 weeks. Glibenclamide 10 mg/kg P. O. was used as a standard. The effects of BIP and standard drug on following parameters were recorded - body weight, blood glucose and various biochemical parameters like serum lipid profile eg. total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL. At the end of the study oxidative stress markers like CAT, GSH, and lipid peroxidation were analyzed in the pancreases. Histopathological changes were studied in pancreases of representative animals of the each group.Results: Administration of butenolic fractionof Ixorapavetta(BIP) at a dose of 250 mg/kg, p. o. and 500 mg/kg, p. o did not show any significant change in blood glucose level of normoglycemic rats, whereas, oral glucose tolerance test depicted significant (P<0.001) reduction in blood glucose level at 30 to 60 min. In streptozotocininduced diabetic rats, BIP was found significantly beneficial in controlling elevated blood glucose level and serum lipid parameters. The findings were strengthening by improved antioxidant status in diabetic rats as well as protection towards pathological damage of pancreases. The results showed by 500 mg/kg of butenol fractionof Ixorapavettawere comparable with standard treatment of Glibenclamide 10 mg/kg.Conclusion: Butenolfractionof Ixorapavettapossessanti-diabetic action in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Â

STUDY OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGAL COMMUNITY FROM BARK OF VENTILAGO MADRASAPATNA GAERTN.

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the inner bark of Ventilago madrasapatna, a wellknown medicinal plant of India. It was investigated for endophytic mycoflora as a possible source of bioactive secondary metabolites. A total 66 isolates of 14 species belongs to 5 classes, were studied adopting a standard isolation protocol. The colonization frequency of the endophytic fungi was reported as 87.84%. Fungus composition included 6.25 % Eurotiomycetes, 9.3 % Dothideomycetes, 14.26% Soradariomycetes, 11.08 % Ascomycetes, 2.6 % Leotiomycetes and 1.3 % isolates were classified under Mycelia sterilia. The sterile endophytic fungi presently reported are expected to add to the list of new fungal species. Among the endophytic flora, Fusarium oxysporum was found to be the core-group fungus with a colonization frequency of 34.22%.Cladosporium cladosporiodes and Botrytis sp. are present only in bark of plant collected in Belur forest region. These results indicated that distribution of endophytic fungi is mainly influenced by environment factors

Center to limb observations and modeling of the Ca I 4227 A line

The observed center-to-limb variation (CLV) of the scattering polarization in different lines of the Second Solar Spectrum can be used to constrain the height variation of various atmospheric parameters, in particular the magnetic fields via the Hanle effect. Here we attempt to model non-magnetic CLV observations of the $Q/I$ profiles of the Ca I 4227 A line recorded with the ZIMPOL-3 at IRSOL. For modeling, we use the polarized radiative transfer with partial frequency redistribution with a number of realistic 1-D model atmospheres. We find that all the standard FAL model atmospheres, used by us, fail to simultaneously fit the observed ($I$, $Q/I$) at all the limb distances ($\mu$). However, an attempt is made to find a single model which can provide a fit at least to the CLV of the observed $Q/I$ instead of a simultaneous fit to the ($I$, $Q/I$) at all $\mu$. To this end we construct a new 1-D model by combining two of the standard models after modifying their temperature structures in the appropriate height ranges. This new combined model closely reproduces the observed $Q/I$ at all the $\mu$, but fails to reproduce the observed rest intensity at different $\mu$. Hence we find that no single 1-D model atmosphere succeeds in providing a good representation of the real Sun. This failure of 1-D models does not however cause an impediment to the magnetic field diagnostic potential of the Ca I 4227 A line. To demonstrate this we deduce the field strength at various $\mu$ positions without invoking the use of radiative transfer.Comment: 20 pages, 10 figures, Accepted for publication in Ap

Seasonal and site-specific variation in vapour and aerosol phase PAHs over Flanders (Belgium) and their relation with anthropogenic activities

Peer reviewe

Experimental observation of extreme multistability in an electronic system of two coupled R\"{o}ssler oscillators

We report the first experimental observation of extreme multistability in a controlled laboratory investigation. Extreme multistability arises when infinitely many attractors coexist for the same set of system parameters. The behavior was predicted earlier on theoretical grounds, supported by numerical studies of models of two coupled identical or nearly identical systems. We construct and couple two analog circuits based on a modified coupled R\"{o}ssler system and demonstrate the occurrence of extreme multistability through a controlled switching to different attractor states purely through a change in initial conditions for a fixed set of system parameters. Numerical studies of the coupled model equations are in agreement with our experimental findings.Comment: to be published in Phys. Rev.

Filamentous Soil Fungi from Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen, and Screening for Extracellular Enzymes

Soil filamentous fungi from Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen, were studied. A total of 30 fungal isolates were identified by morpho-taxonomy, and the identity of some morpho-taxonomically complex isolates was authenticated by ITS1-5.8S and ITS2 rDNA domain sequence similarity. The isolates belonged to 19 species under 14 genera (Acremonium, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Corynespora, Emericella, Geomyces, Mortierella, Mucor, Myrothecium, Penicillium, Phialophora, Preussia, Xylaria). To the best of our knowledge, Acremonium roseolum, Aspergillus aculeatus, Emericella nidulans, and Preussia sp. are the first northernmost records from Arctic soils. The viable fungal count in different soil samples varied from 0.5 • 104 to 2.0 • 105 g-1. Species richness in different soil samples was also calculated. Mortierella was one of the most dominant genera in Arctic soils. A temperature tolerance study was carried out for all the isolates, and representative species were screened for their extracellular enzyme activity (amylase, cellulase, phosphatase, and pectinase) at 4˚C and 20˚C. Among the 30 isolates, seven showed cellulolytic activity, two were phosphate solubilizers, three had amylolytic activity, and only one showed pectinolytic activity on solid media. CMCase (β1, 4-endoglucanase) activity was quantified in seven isolates that exhibited positive activity during preliminary screening. The records of enzyme activity for amylases, pectinases, and cellulases are the first from the fungi of Spitsbergen. The present study indicates the dominance in Ny-Ålesund of cellulolytic strains, which may serve as potent decomposers in Arctic tundra. These isolates may be used to facilitate the mineralization of cellulolytic wastes generated by human activities in colder hilly areas across the world, including the Himalayas in India.Nous avons étudié des champignons telluriques filamenteux de Ny-Ålesund, Spitzberg. Grâce à la morpho-taxonomie, nous avons identifié 30 isolats fongiques, et l’identité de certains complexes d’isolats morpho-taxonomiques a été authentifiée au moyen des similarités des séquences de domaines ITS1-5.8S et ITS2 DNAr. Les isolats relevaient de 19 espèces faisant partie de 14 genres (Acremonium, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Corynespora, Emericella, Geomyces, Mortierella, Mucor, Myrothecium, Penicillium, Phialophora, Preussia, Xylaria). Au meilleur de nos connais­sances, Acremonium roseolum, Aspergillus aculeatus, Emericella nidulans et Preussia sp. constituent les premiers enregis­trements aussi nordiques des sols arctiques. Le dénombrement viable de champignons dans différents échantillons de sol variait de 0,5 • 104 à 2,0 • 105 g-1. Nous avons également calculé la diversité des espèces prélevées dans différents échantillons de sol. Le genre Mortierella était l’un des plus dominants des sols arctiques. Nous avons étudié la tolérance à la température de tous les isolats, et des espèces représentatives ont été examinées du point de vue de l’activité enzymatique extracellulaire (amylase, cellulase, phosphatase et pectinase) à 4 ˚C et 20 ˚C. Parmi les 30 isolats, sept présentaient de l’activité cellulolytique, deux étaient des solubilisants du phosphate, trois présentaient de l’activité amylolytique et seulement un présentait de l’activité pectolytique dans le cas des solides. L’activité CMCase (β1, 4-endoglucanase) a été quantifiée dans sept isolats qui affichaient une activité positive au cours de l’examen préliminaire. Il s’agissait de la première fois que de l’activité enzymatique pour les amylases, pectinases et cellulases a été détectée dans les champignons de Spitzberg. Cette étude indique la dominance de souches cellulolytiques à Ny-Ålesund, souches qui peuvent servir de décomposeurs puissants dans la toundra arctique. Ces isolats peuvent servir à faciliter la minéralisation des déchets cellulolytiques émanant des activités humaines dans les régions montagneuses plus froides du monde entier, y compris l’Himalaya, en Inde

A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Keechakadi Taila in Darunaka

Darunaka (dandruff) is a disorder mentioned under the spectrum of Shirokapalagata Roga/Kshudra Roga by various Acharyas. It is a Kapha-Vata predominant disorder of Shiro-Kapala (scalp), characterized by Kandu (itching), Kesha-Chyuti (hair fall), Keshabhumi-Rukshata (dryness of scalp) and Keshabhumi-Sphutana (scaling). Shiroabyanga (oil massage to scalp) with Keechakadi Taila is mentioned as a treatment modality for Darunaka by Vangasena. It contains Keechaka (Bambusa arundinaceace), Sarshapa Taila (mustard oil), Gomutra (cow’s urine) as ingredients.  In general all Tailas (oils) alleviates Vata-Dosha and does not aggravate Kapha-Dosha. It is Twak Prasadaka (nourishing), thus helping in treating the disease by Samprapthi Vighatana (breaking the pathogenesis). Though there are plenty of treatment options available for dandruff, there is no promising treatment in any of the allied sciences assuring its complete cure, avoiding recurrence. Thus with the aim to know the efficacy of Keechakadi Taila in treating Darunaka and also to know how effectively it can prevent/ reduce interval between recurrences of Darunaka the present study was carried out. The study showed statistically significant result in the management of Darunaka

UPLC SEPARATION ANALYSIS OF EMTRICITABINE, TENOFOVIR, COBICISTAT AND ELVITEGRAVIR FROM THEIR DEGRADATION PRODUCTS

Objective: A simple, rapid, accurate and precise stability-indicating UPLC analytical method has been developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, Cobicistat and Elvitegravir in bulk drugs and combined dosage forms.Methods: ACE C18 (50 mm x 3 mm, 2µ). The column temperature was maintained at 30oC and run time 8 min. The mobile phase was a mixture of Mobile Phase: A–0.1% TFA in Acetonitrile, B–0.1% TFA in Milli-Q-water. The injection volume of samples was 20μl. UV detection was carried out using a UV-PDA detector at 240 nm. The validation of this method was done as per ICH guidelines.Results: The retention times were observed as 1.46, 3.59, 4.13, 4.64 min for Emtricitabine, Tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate, Cobicistat, and Elvitegravir respectively. Linearity ranges were observed 150-275 µg/ml Emtricitabine, 250-375 µg/ml Tenofovir, 100-225 µg/ml Cobicistat and 100-225 µg/ml Elvitegravir. Relative Standard Deviation did not exceed 2.Conclusion: The newly developed UPLC method for separation of different degradation products along with the pure drugs were found to be capable of giving faster retention times while still maintaining good resolution than that achieved with conventional HPLC. The decreased flow rate 0.4 ml/min, in UPLC indicate more economical. This method exhibited an excellent performance in terms of sensitivity and speed. The results of stress testing undertaken according to the ICH guidelines reveal that the method is specific and stability-indicating. The proposed method has the ability to separate these drugs from their degradation products in tablet dosage forms and hence can be applied to the analysis of routine quality control samples and samples obtained from stability studies.Keywords: Stability indicating assay, RP-UPLC, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Forced degradation studie

Chromosomal studies of three vulnerable marine fishes from west coast of India

Cytogenetic profiling was carried out in three vulnerable marine ornamental fishes, namely Thalassoma lunare, Zanclus cornutl~s and Arius subrostratus, using silver nitrate, chromoycin A3 CMA3 staining and C- banding techniques to study the variation in localization of NORs and C-bands. Karyotype analyses of these species revealed a diploid chromosome number of 48, all acrocentrics, in T. lunare and Z. cornutus. In A. subrostratus, however, the diploid chromosome number was found to be 58 consisting of 22 metacentric, 16 submetacentric, 10 subtelocentric and 10 telocentric chromosomes with fundamental arm number of 96. The silver stained NORs were observed on 3 pairs of chromosomes in T. lunare, whereas other two species possessed NOR on single pair of chromosome. Within the species, there was complete concordance in number and position of NORs as detected by AgN03 and CMA3 staining. Prominent constitutive heterochromatic bands were detected on 4, 2 and 3 pairs of chromosomes, respectively, in T. lunare, Z. cornutus and A. subrostratus. There was variation found in the number and position on NORs and C-bands among these species, which could be used as species-specific markers. This study describes for the first time the cytogenetic profiling in Z. cornutus and A. subrostratus