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Feasibility of Treatment of the Waters of a Wadi Charged in Iron by Filters Planted of Macrophytes (Phragmites australis)

Problem statement: The context is summarized by the presence of important Steel manufactory close to the wadi Meboudja and its effluents rejected into the wadi which contaminate the water used for irrigation by the local farmer. Approach: The goal is to determine the usefulness of Macrophytes (Phragmites australis) to filter some specific industrial effluents (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn and Cr) present into water of wadi Meboudja. The use of Reeds (Phragmites australis) can be considered as a biologic and an economic solution to minimize the concentration of some industrial effluent, especially Iron which is highlighted in this article. An experimental device was built, and considered as pilot, formed of three basins plus reservoir. We use the water of Wadi to irrigate the �Phragmites australis� which are initially appropriated from Oubaiira Lake in a natural medium. Water and Reeds samples are selected for analyses. Results: Iron is found in important concentration compared to the other Elements Metal Traces (ETM). Such a variation seems to be directly related to the rate of industrial production, fluctuations of the climatic factors and the capacities of assimilation of the plants crop. It is essentially concentrated into the roots of Reeds compared to stems and leafs. For example, in one repetition we found difference between the exit sample and the entry one in basin-1of (60-23=) 37 mg g^-1 into roots. Conclusion: Plantation of Reeds (Phragmites australis) seems a natural solution to reduce elements metal traces, in particularly Iron, into water of wadi Meboudja. Other analysis on the garden products of local farmers should be conducted in order to quantify possible hazards on the health of consumers.

Determination of Precipitation Limit of Zn(II) Ion with (2S)-2-Aminobutanedioic Acid

Problem statement: In this study we examined the precipitation of Zn(II) ion in water solutions of ZnSO₄.7H₂O (1.10^-2 and 5.10^-3 mol L^-1) with (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid (1.10^--1.10^-3 mol L^-1) in constant ionic strength of 0.6 mol L^-1 NaCl. We have determined the concentration region where we have found the clear solution and solid phase. The solid phase is analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Approach: From precipitation diagrams of zinc with (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid in ionic force 0.6 mol L^-1 NaCl, we have found that during decreasing the concentration (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid in case of constant concentration of Zn(II) the limit of precipitation is shifted to lower values of pH. Results: Also from precipitation diagrams we can see that when the concentration of zinc increases, in case of constant concentration of (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid the limit of precipitation will shift at lower values of pH. Conclusion: From the IR spectroscopic analysis we can conclude that Zn (II) ion has reacted with (2S)-2-aminobutanedioic acid.

Chemical Composition of Propolis from Different Regions in Java and their Cytotoxic Activity

Problem statement: Propolis samples from tropical zones, such as Java (Indonesia) with its vast biodiversity, have become a subject of increasing scientific and economic attention. The association of the chemical composition of propolis from different geographic regions with cytotoxic activities lead to the identification of active principles, a fundamental tool to achieve standardization of this bee product. Approach: The purpose of this research was evaluate the quality of propolis collected at different places in Java (Indonesia) based on cytotoxic activity. The ethanolic extracts of propolis from different areas in Java were tested for cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines (T47D, MCF-7, Hela, Myeloma and Vero) using MTT assay. Propolis samples were collected from Batang (Central Java), Lawang (East Java) and Sukabumi (West Java). Results: The extract of propolis from Batang showed the most potent activity of T47D and MCF-7 with IC₅₀ 34.67�8.3 and 37.8�2.5 �g mL^-1. The extract of propolis from Sukabumi showed the most potent activity of Hela cell with IC₅₀ 147.34�8.9. However, all propolis extract did not show activity of myeloma and Vero cells. Conclusion: Ethanolics extract of three propolis samples from Batang (Central Java), Lawang (East Java) and Sukabumi (West Java) regions in Java were investigated using GC-MS. From 37 compounds identified, 7 among of them were found for the first time in propolis. This indicated that the secondary metabolite extract of propolis from Batang (Central Java) obtained in the study has antiproliferative activity of breast carcinoma cells (T47D and MCF-7).

Characterization of Pullulanase Type II from Bacillus cereus H1.5

Problem statement: Pullulanase is one of the important enzymes in starch industry. Search for the pullulanase with distinct features, possibly from easily grown bacterium, is of interest for industrial applications Approach: The extracellular pullulanase produced by Bacillus cereus HI.5 was purified by chromatographic method of DEAE-Sepharose, followed by Superdex gel filtration. The enzyme was characterized in terms of the optimal pH and temperature for activity as well as substrate specificity. Results: The enzyme showed optimal activity at 55�C and pH 6.0. The thermostability and the thermoactivity of the enzyme were increased considerably in the presence of Ca²⁺. In the present of 2 mM Ca²⁺, the enzyme had half-life duration of more than 2 h at 50�C. Almost all metal ions had a strong inhibitory effect, except Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺. The Ca²⁺ had a very strong stimulating effect on the enzyme, increasing its activity by 170%. The enzyme was activated by 2-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol, where as N-bromosuccinimide and Schardinger dextrins were inhibitors, suggesting that tryptophan and thiol residues may be important for the activity. The apparent K_m and V_max value for pullulan was 1.1 mg mL^-1 and 0.275 �mol min^-1, respectively. A relative substrate specificity for hydrolysis of pullulan, amylopectin and soluble starch by this pullulanase was 100, 28.5 and 20.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The enzyme was able to attack specifically the α-1,6 linkages in pullulan to generate maltotriose as the major end product, as well as the α-1,4 linkages in amylopectin and soluble starch leading to the formation of a mixture of maltose and glucose and therefore be classified as a type II pullulanase or an amylopullulanase.

Effect of Drought Stress and Methanol on Yield and Yield Components of Soybean Max (L 17)

Problem statement: In order to evaluate drought stress and methanol on yield and yield components of soybean in field experiments with factorial experiment inform of a randomized complete block design with three replication in field faculty of agricultural of Islamic Azad University Karaj, at 2008. First factor were sprayed aqueous solutions 0 (control), 7, 14.21, 28 and 35% (v/v) methanol by 3 times during growth season of soybean with 12 days intervals on shoot of soybean. Second factor were drought stress condition in two levels 40 and 70% base of depletion available soil moisture. Approach: This study measured grain yield, biomass HI, 1000 grain weigh, high plants, number of branch, diameter of stem, number of pod on plant, number of hollow pod. Results: Results of the experiment indicated that significant differences exist (p>0.05) between sprayed of solution methanol on parameters. Results also showed that was significant (p>0.05) differences between effect of drought stress levels on measured parameters. Effect of aqueous solution 14, 21 and 28% (v/v) methanol on measured parameters was greater than other treatments. Foliar application of 14 and 21% (v/v) methanol increased leaf area index, crop growth rate, pod growth rate, leaf area duration, pod yield, seed yield, weight of 1000 kernel, mature pods per plants. Conclusion: The lowest grain yield obtained in control and 35% (v/v) methanol treatments. Interaction effects were not significant.

Concomitant Down Regulation of Glycolytic Enzymes, Upregulation of Gluconeogenic Enzymes and Potential Hepato-Nephro-Protective Effects Following the Chronic Administration of the Hypoglycemic, Insulinotropic Citrullus colocynthis Pulp Extract

Background Citrullus colocynthis pulp seedless extract has been demonstrated to have antihyperglycemic and insulinotropic effects. Problem statement: The mechanism(s) underlying the antihyperglycemic and insulinotropic effects have not been investigated to date. Approach: The influence of Citrullus colocynthis pulp extract administered orally was studied in alloxan diabetic white albino rats. Rats were divided into four groups, the first group was normal non diabetic rats given normal saline orally and was named control group, the second group was diabetic rats given normal saline orally and were named normal saline treated-diabetic rats, the third and fourth group were diabetic rats treated with the pulp extract or glybenclamide (a positive control) orally. Plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin were determined in all groups. The effect of pulp extract of this plant on liver and kidney tissues was also studied. The amount of insulin in �-cells of the Islets of Langerhans in all groups was assessed using immunohistochemistry procedure. Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with Citrullus colocynthis pulp extract (300 mg kg^-1 body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in plasma glucose, glygosylated Hb and increased insulin levels. This significant increase in insulin may explain the increase in the activity of liver hexokinase, with concomitant decrease of glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Immunohistochemistry procedure showed that the amount of insulin in �-cells of the islets of Langerhans is greater in Citrullus colocynthis treated-diabetic rats in comparison to non-treated diabetic rats. Conclusion: The present study clearly demonstrated that the folk medicinal plant Citrullus colocynthis pulp extract possesses a hypoglycemic effect, through an increase in insulin production and the subsequent increase in activity of glycolytic enzyme and decrease in activity of enzymes of gluconeogenesis. The present study also showed that the pulp extract of this plant to may have protective effects on the liver and kidney.

Alteration of Iron Level in Drinking Water by Aeration in Gonbad Kavoos (North East of Iran)

Problem statement: In this study, removal of iron was surveyed in well water in Gonbad Kavoos City. Approach: Samples were taken before and after aeration. Concentration of iron in each sample was measured by spectrophotometer. Results: The results showed that the iron concentration was decreased after aeration (0.55, 0.44, 0.44, 0.46, 0.40 and 0.41 mg L1) when compared with before aeration of water (0.64, 0.68, 0.65, 0.62, 0.65 and 0.67 mg L1), respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that using aeration technology can reduce iron concentration conform to internationally approved guidelines for iron.

Degradative Plasmid and Heavy Metal Resistance Plasmid Naturally Coexist in Phenol and Cyanide Assimilating Bacteria

Problem statement: Heavy metals are known to be powerful inhibitors of xenobiotics biodegradation activities. Alleviation the inhibitory effect of these metals on the phenol biodegradation activities in presence of heavy metals resistant plasmid was investigated. Approach: Combination of genetic systems of degradation of xenobiotic compound and heavy metal resistance was one of the approaches to the creation of polyfunctional strains for bioremediation of soil after co-contamination with organic pollutants and heavy metals. Results: A bacterial strain Pseudomonas putida PhCN (pPhCN1, pPhCN2) had been obtained. This bacterium contained two plasmids, a 120 Kb catabolic plasmid that encode for breakdown of phenol (pPhCN1) and pPhCN2 plasmid (100 Kb) that code for cadmium and copper resistant. Cyanide assimilation by this bacterium was encoded by chromosomal genes. The inhibitory effect of cadmium (Cd2+) or copper (Cu2+) on the degradation of phenol and cyanide by P. putida strains PhCN and PhCN1 (contained pPhCN1) were investigated. The resistant strain PhCN showed high ability to degrade phenol and cyanide in presence of Cd2+ or Cu2+ comparing with the sensitive strain PhCN1. In addition, Cd2+ or Cu2+ was also found to exert a strong inhibitory effect on the C23O dioxygenase enzyme activity in the presence of cyanide as a nitrogen source. Conclusion: The presence of heavy metal resistance plasmid alleviated the inhibitory effect of metals on the phenol and cyanide assimilation by resistant strain.

Characterization of the Adsorption of the Lead (II) by the Nonliving Biomass Spirogyra neglecta (Hasall) K�tzing

Problem statement: Conventional techniques for removing dissolved heavy metals are only practical and cost-effective when applied to high strength wastes with heavy metal ion concentrations greater than 100 ppm. The possibility of using a nonliving algal biomass to solve this problem was carried in this study. Lead (II) was used in this study because it had been reported to cause several disorders in human. Approach: The nonliving algal biomass was obtained from a filamentous green alga Spirogyra neglecta. The effects of initial concentration and contact time, pH and temperature on the biosorption of lead (II) by the nonliving algal biomass were studied. The equilibrium isotherms and kinetics were obtained from batch adsorption experiments. The surface characteristics of the nonliving algal biomass were examined using scanning electron microscope and Fourier Transformed Infrared. The maximum adsorption capacity of the nonliving algal biomass was also determined. Results: Maximum adsorption capacity of lead (II) was affected by its initial concentration. Adsorption capacity of lead (II) increased with the pH and temperature of lead (II) solution. Langmuir isothermic model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isothermic model. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The nonliving algal biomass exhibited acaves-like, uneven surface texture along with lot of irregular surface. FTIR analysis of the alga biomass revealed the presence of carboyl, amine and carboxyl group which were responsible for adsorption of lead (II). The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of lead (II) by the nonliving biomass of Spirogyra neglecta was 132 mg g1. Conclusion: The maximum adsorption capacity for lead (II) by the nonliving biomass of Spirogyra neglecta was higher than reported for other biosorbents. Therefore, it had a great potential for removing lead (II) from polluted water. Its use will also need to consider the various factors that affect biosorption process.

Transgenic Indian Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Harboring Rice Chitinase Gene (Chi II) Confers Resistance to Two Fungal Pathogens

Plasmid Mediated Tolerance and Removal of Heavy Metals by Enterobacter sp

Host Plant Mediated Population Variations of Cotton Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Aleyrodidae: Homoptera) Characterized with Random DNA Markers

Cadmium Induced Changes in Metabolic Function of Mitochondrial Isolated from Potato Tissue (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Lack of Association of Glutathione S-transferase Gene Polymorphisms in Iranian Prostate Cancer Subjects

The Effects of Air Pollution and Smoking on Cadmium Concentration in Human Blood and Correlation with Biochemical Parameters

Assessment of Site Specific Mutational Effect on Transcription Initiation at Escherichia coli Promoter

The Effect of Higher Sludge Recycling Rate on Anaerobic Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent in a Semi-Commercial Closed Digester for Renewable Energy

Lectin Histochemistry Assay in Colon Tissues for Inter-species Characterization

Classification of Pressure Range Based on the Characterization of Escherichia coli Cell Disruption in High Pressure Homogenizer

Uptake and Recovery of Lead by Agarose Gel Polymers

Essential Oil of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) from East Part of Kosova

Problem statement: We have analyzed the chemical nature of essential oil of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) from East part of Kosova. Approach: The essential oil from aerial part of Tanacetum parthenium (L.), obtained by hidro-distillation was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Results: Out of 25 peaks, 22 components, which constitute 88%, were identified in oil. The main compounds of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) from east region of Kosova, were camphor (63%) and camphene (9.6%). This study demonstrates the occurrence of camphor/camphene chemotype of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) from east part of Kosova. The present study showed the chemical composition of the hydro-distilled oil of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) from East part of Kosova and the results are compared to those reported in the literature. Conclusion: After comparison of our date with those reported in literature we can conclude that genetic and environmental factors play role in determining the composition of essential oil of Tanacetum parthenium (L.).

Recovery of Lead(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Zea mays Tassel Biosorption

Problem statement: Major adsorbent materials used in heavy metal ion removal from polluted aqueous streams are expensive and difficult to regenerate. In this study, the possibility of using Zea mays tassel, as an alternative low cost biosorbent material to remediate heavy metal pollution was investigated. Lead (II) was used because of its wide application in industrial products and well documented toxicity. Approach: Tassel was obtained from mature Zea mays cultivar R52 hybrid plants. The tassel was milled to a powder and was used to adsorb lead(II) ions from simulated solutions in batch experiments. The desorption of lead(II) was carried out using nitric acid and sodium citrate solutions. The adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, EDX and ESCA before and after application of lead(II) solutions. Results: For samples with concentrations of 100 mg L^-1 Pb(II), 94-98% was adsorbed and 57-74 and 57-67% recoveries were achieved with 0.5-5 M nitric acid and 0.01-0.2 M sodium citrate as the stripping solutions, respectively. EDX spectrum of pure tassel indicated that group 1 and 2 metals were the major exchangeable ions present on its surface. ESCA analysis picked up small amounts of lead(II) in the form of Pb(OH)⁺ and Pb(NH)⁺ ions on the surface of tassel adsorbent exposed to Pb²⁺ ions and none on pure tassel sample. Functional groups such as -H, -NH₂, -C = O and -COOH which are polar and are legends which are capable of binding heavy metals were identified by FTIR. Conclusion: The potential of Zea mays tassel to adsorb and recover heavy metals from aqueous solution was successfully demonstrated with Pb(II) sample solutions. The results obtained thus far demonstrated the possibility of using tassel powder in the removal as well as recovery of metals from aqueous solutions.

Modulation of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 and Some Inflammatory Variables in Hyperinsulinemic Rats Treated with Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon Extract (CE) has shown to be generally safe when ingested and to have many pharmacological properties. Problem statement: Study the effects of daily intake of CE on the modulation of hepatic, cardiac Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) and their relations to some inflammatory variables in hyperinsulinemic rats. Approach: The influence of CE administered orally was studied in hyperinsulinemic rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1; control animals received starch as control diet, while Groups 2; rats were fed a �high-fructose diet� (60%). Group 3; fructose-fed rats received orally CE (0.5 mL/rat/day) from the 16th day of fructose feeding in experimental period. The animals were maintained in their respective groups for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, Serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Malondialdehyde (MDA), sialic acid and soluble Fas (sFas) were assayed. Hepatic and cardiac IRS-1 levels were also evaluated. Results: Fed high fructose diet to rats induced significant elevations in serum levels of glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol, HDL-c, sialic acid, sFas and MDA, while the level of serum TAC was significantly reduced as compared to controls. Also significant reduction in the levels of hepatic and cardiac IRS-1 were recorded as compared to controls. Oral administration of cinnamon extract to fructose-fed rats alleviated the effects of fructose and these rats showed a normal level of the parameters studied. The percentage changes of IRS-1 level in fructose-fed rats before and after treatment with CE were 38.51 for liver and 31.92% for cardiac muscle. This increase in IRS-1 level after treatment is still lowered than control level with the percentage change -11.82 and -9.93% for liver and cardiac muscle respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between IRS-1 and TAC level whereas there was negative correlation between IRS-1 and MDA, sialic acid and sFas. Conclusion: This study reports interest findings that cinnamon extract enhances glucose uptake by activating insulin receptor kinase activity in rats fed high fructose diet and it has additional roles as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Thus, clinical application of cinnamon could be considered as a potential therapeutic option in humans in the treatment of insulin resistance states. So inclusion of cinnamon in the daily diet could be recommended.

Do Resistin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Relate to Changes in Insulin Resistance in Normal Pregnancy?

Problem statement: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of resistin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in insulin resistance during pregnancy. Approach: Serum resistin and TNF-α concentrations were measured by ELISA in 86 healthy pregnant women (26, 23 and 37 of them in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively) and in 21 healthy non pregnant women in a cross sectional study. Results: Resistin concentration was significantly higher in the third trimester (9.5�3.3 ng mL^-1) as compared with non pregnant women (7�3.3 ng mL^-1). Serum TNF-α level were also significantly increase in pregnant women (2.6�1.9 pg mL^-1) as compared with maternal healthy controls (0.8�0.7 pg mL^-1). There were significant correlation between gestational age and BMI (r = 0.28, p = 0.01), resistin (r = 0.36, p = 0.002) and TNF-α (r = -0.44, p<0.0001). There was not significant correlation between gestational age and Insulin Resistance (IR). We also did not found correlation between IR and resistin as well as between IR and TNF-α in pregnant women. Conclusion: TNF-α and resistin do not appear to contribute greatly to pregnancy induced insulin resistance in healthy pregnancy.

Antilithiatic Influence of Spirulina on Ethylene Glycol-Induced Nephrolithiasis in Male Rats

Problem statement: Nephrolithiasis or renal stone disease remains a significant health problem in the adult population. Nephrolithiasis is a recurrent disorder prominent in males. It is significant medical and surgical problem because of incidence, recurrence and severe consequences. The present day medical management of nephrolithiasis is either costly or not without side effects. Invasive procedures for the treatment of nephrolithiasis may cause serious complications and they also impose a great load of costs to the healthcare system. Hence the search for antilithiatic drugs from natural sources has assumed greater importance. Approach: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antilithiatic activity of spirulina supplementation on ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in male rats. Healthy male Wistar rats were used in the present study and were divided randomly into 4 groups. Rats of 1st group were served as normal control. Rats of 2nd group were received 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for three weeks and drinking tap water for the next three weeks. Rats of 3rd group were received 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for three weeks and fed with spirulina solution (20 mg kg^-1 body weight) for the next three weeks. Animals of 4th group were treated as 1st group for the first three weeks and fed with spirulina solution ate the same dose given to 3rd group for the last three weeks. After six weeks, serum levels of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Results: Statistically increases in the levels of sodium, chloride, BUN and ALT and a decrease in the level of calcium were noted in rats treated with ethylene glycol. Supplementation of spirulina for the last three weeks mostly recovered the rats from nephrolithiasis and completely from hepatotoxicity induced by ethylene glycol. Conclusion: This study suggested that spirulina is a safety and promising agent as a functional food for the management of nephrolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol and may be also by other chemical factors.

Molecular Evidence for the Association of a Strain of Uganda Variant of East African Cassava Mosaic Virus to Symptom Severity in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Fields in Togo

Problem statement: This study was carried out to demonstrate that the severity of Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) in Togo, is not only influenced by synergism between cassava Begomoviruses in presence, but essentially by recombination between the different Begomoviruses infecting cassava. Approach: Foliar samples presenting typical biological features of Begomoviruses infection were collected from cassava and wild infected plants from different regions of Togo and analysed by PCR targeting the Coat Protein (CP). The PCR products obtained from different isolates of two major Begomoviruses species infecting cassava in Togo were the sequenced and compared with the sequenced of the African cassava mosaic Begomoviruses identified to date and available in NCBI GenBank database by phylogenetic analysis. Results: The results indicate that not only the two major Begomoviruses could be in synergistic interaction in infected cassava in Togo as it has been shown between African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) and East African Cassava Mosaic Virus (EACMV) elsewhere, but could also create recombinants which would be highly interfering in the development of symptom severity in the country. Conclusion/Recommendations: The study confirmed the assumption that the symptom severity in cassava fields in Togo is rather caused by recombination between different Begomoviruses in presence than by synergistic interaction. More investigations should be done to give insight to this founding.

A New Polyoxypregnane Glycoside from the Roots of Dregea volubilis (L.f) Benth. ex Hook. f and its Chondroprotective Effect

Problem statement: Dregea genus (Asclepiadaceae) is well known for the rich of steroid pregnane contents and these plants are famous for the potential to be applied as alternative biological activities. Dregea volubilis is the only species of Dregea genus in Thailand. The chemical and biological investigations of this plant are interesting to bioassay-guided fractionation, particularly chondroprotective effect. Approach: The research was carried out to extract, isolate, purify and elucidate structure of the active compound from the roots Dregea volubilis. Both of the solvent extracts and isolated compound were evaluated with kinds of chondroprotection. i.e., S-GAG), HA, UA and production of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Results: Polyoxypregnane glycoside (PGG) or 12-0-benzoyl-8, 11-ditigloyl-3�, 8�, 11�, 12�, 14�-pentahydroxy-pregn-14-ol, 20-one,-3-0-methyl-�-D-allopyranosyl (1→4)-�-D-thevetopyranoside was isolated from the active ethyl acetate extract of the roots Dregea volubilis. The spectroscopic techniques were provided for success in structure determination. In addition, a new compound was the most powerful to biological activities. Chondroprotective effect of PPG on the degradation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG), hyaluronan (HA), uronic acid (UA) and production of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in interleukin-1� (IL-1�)-stimulated porcine articular cartilage were also assessed. PGG was interestingly effective in reducing IL-1� induced S-GAG, HA release from cartilage explant and MMP-2 activity. Furthermore, PPG can reverse effect of IL-1�-reduced the levels of uronic acid remaining in cartilage tissue. Conclusion: The PGG was possessed a potent chondroprotective activity using the IL-1� stimulated cartilage explant model. Therefore, it is possible to use this compound as a new pharmacological agent for the management of degenerative joint diseases.

The Black Cutworm as a Potential Human Food

Problem statement: The black cutworms (Agrotis ipsilon) were grown in an artificial medium to evaluate their potential as a human food. Approach: The culture was started from moths and the life cycle and culture structure were evaluated. There was an initial adjustment period of 3 days during which the growth of the larvae was very slow. The size of the larvae increased reaching maximum weight and length after 23 days and then declined as the larvae entered the pupation stage. For an efficient production system, the larvae should be harvested after 21 days. The moisture content of the medium may present an important management problem for commercial production. Results: A system in which the eggs are separated from the adults and hatched in separate cages would alleviate the danger of losing the new larvae due to fungal disease. The high moisture content of the larvae (60%) could also cause handling and storage problems. Drying and grinding the larvae would reduce them to easily manageable forms and would improve their marketability as novel food. The moisture, ash, carbohydrate, protein and fat contents were, 13.4, 12.1, 7.5, 53.1 and 13.9% (dry basis), respectively. The larval time index (time to produced one gram) was 3.20 d g^-1 weight. Considering the fact that a female moth produces 1200 eggs, the population time index is 3.90 min g^-1 weight. Because the larvae seem to be a promising source of protein for human consumption, further research is required to evaluate their growth characteristics on low substrates. Conclusion: The research should also evaluate the quality of larval protein (amino acid profile) and other nutritional values such as vitamins and minerals. The effects of environmental parameters, such as temperature, relative humidity and CO2 and heat production on food consumption and protein yield, should also be investigated. This information will aid in the design of an optimal production system of insect protein.

Screening of Actinomycete Isolates from Niche Habitats in Manipur for Antibiotic Activity

Problem statement: The exhaustion of the usual terrestrial sources and the rise of resistant pathogens dictate the search for novel actinomycetes and new antibiotics. In this context, niche habitats such as caves, pristine forests, lakes, rivers, and other wetlands, high salt environments, marine ecosystems and endophytic niches are promising targets for survey of bioactive actinomycetes. Approach: Actinomycetes were isolated from several niche habitats in Manipur, India, on selective media such as SCNA and Chitin agar with or without antibiotics. Selected isolates were subjected to antimicrobial activity screening by Kirby-Bauer method. Results: 172 lake sediment (SCNA, LS1 series), 35 lake sediment (CA, LSCH series), 120 river (NRP, NRB and..series), 39 forest (AML series), 35 cave (KC1 series), 101 salt spring (NH, N3S and .. series), 46 Shirui jungle (SJ series) and 66 Shirui hill (SH series) actinomycetes isolates were obtained. Of 99 randomly selected isolates screened, 37 had antimicrobial activities against 1 or more indicator strains: 32 against Gram positive bacteria and 8 against Gram negative bacteria; 10 actinomycete strains were antimycotic and 3 had broad-spectrum antibiotic activities. About 18 potent antibacterial, 1 anti pseudomonas, 1 exclusively antifungal and 3 broad-spectrum antimicrobial actinomycetes were chosen for further studies. Conclusion: Niche habitats in Manipur especially wetlands show great promise for discovery of bioactive actinomycetes.