Vol. 24(10) October 2020
Antibacterial activity and DNA binding properties
of bivalent metal complexes with p- dimethylaminio benzaldehyde acetoylhydrazone
Nagamani Y.B., Hussain Reddy K., Anuja K., Srinivasulu K. and Dhanalakshmi D.
Page No. 1-9
Copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of p-dimethylaminobanzaldehyde
acetoylhydrazone (DAAH) are synthesized and characterized based on mass spectra,
molar conductivity, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectral data. The complexes are found to be
non-electrolytes. FT-IR data suggests that the DAAH acts as neutral bidentate ligand.
The copper complex is further probed using ESR spectroscopy at room temperature
and liquid nitrogen temperature (LNT). Spin Hamiltonian, orbital reduction and bonding
parameters are calculated for the complex. The interactions of these complexes with
calf thymus DNA have been investigated using absorption spectrophotometry.
The nickel complex binds DNA more strongly than copper and cobalt complexes. The
metal complexes are screened for their antibacterial activity against pathogenic
bacterial strains. Complexes showed higher activity than the metal free ligand.
Cobalt complex shows more activity than any other two complexes under investigation.
Full Text
Biosorption of malachite green using Rhizopus species
– An in vitro approach
Ashwini R. and Poonkothai M.
Page No. 10-20
The present investigation was carried out to assess the
decolourisation of malachite green using Rhizopus species and its impact on the
growth of cowpea. The effect of various optimization parameters (initial dye concentration,
inoculum concentration, incubation period, pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen
sources) on decolourization was investigated. Characterization of the dye-biosorbent
interaction was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning
electron microscopy. The per cent decolourisation by Rhizopus species was found
to be maximum on 6th day in the medium amended with 0.01g of dye at pH 6 at 35°C
with 1% inoculums supplemented with glucose and sodium nitrate (1%).
Moreover, the experimental data have been analysed using the linearized forms of
Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Both the isotherms were found to provide best
theoretical correlation for the experimental data for biosorption. Cow pea grown
with microbially treated malachite green dye (T3) exhibited significant growth when
compared to those grown in untreated dye solution (T2) indicating the non toxic
nature of the dye degraded metabolites.
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A pilot study on the Cytochrome P450 content in the
leaves of some plants
Chadha Sonia
Page No. 21-24
The environment in which a plant grows is made up of
both nutrients and foreign substances termed as xenobiotics. Like most other organisms,
plants have mechanisms to defend themselves against the potentially toxic effects
of these xenobiotics. Cytochrome P450s (Cyt P450) form a large class of plant enzymes
involved in xenobiotic metabolism. These are membrane- bound proteins and depend
on NADPH-P450 oxidoreductase to transfer reducing equivalents from NADPH. However,
information regarding environmental detoxification by plant cytochromes is limited
due to lack of characterization of plant cytochromes. Identification of plants with
appreciable cytochrome P450 content will serve as a stepping stone in the molecular
characterizations of plant cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may help in increasing
their expression levels and creation of herbicide-resistant plants.
The present study aimed at determining the P450 content in leaves of Doob grass
(Cynodon dactylon), Bamboo (Banbusa bamboos) and Neem (Azadirachta indica). Cytochrome
P450 was solubilized from the microsomes using Triton X-114. Cytochrome P450 content
was determined by CO-difference spectroscopy (A450-490). The maximum Cyt P450 content
was there in the microsomes prepared from doob grass leaves. Significant Cyt P450
activity was recovered from doob grass with fold purification of 1.59. Doob grass
was found to have the maximum cyt P450 content and activity and therefore may serve
as a useful and economical sink for environmental pollutants. Further studies are
needed to characterize the cytochrome P450 activity in doob grass and study the
metabolism of herbicides by it.
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Acute and chronic effects of imidacloprid to anuran
tadpoles (Polypedates teraiensis)
Tamuly Dulumoni, Basumata Caroline, Nath Ratul and Dey Mithra
Page No. 25-30
Impact of common agricultural pesticide Imidacloprid
on the mortality and growth of Polypedates teraiensis tadpoles in acute and chronic
exposure was studied. Acute exposure to high concentration was carried out to determine
the LC50. The larval stages were exposed to imidacloprid concentrations of 18.5,
20, 21.5, 23, 24.5, 26, 27.5 mg/L. Mean percentage mortality increased significantly
(p < 0.05) with increased pesticide concentration and exposure time. Percent mortality
of tadpoles was significantly affected by concentrations F = 52.15, p ˂ 0.01. On
exposure to sublethal concentration of 2.091, 1.045 and 0.697 mg/L, the percent
mortality of tadpoles was significantly different (F = 8.87, p = 0.002) to the control
except at 0.697 mg/L (p = 0.09).
The weight of the tadpoles decreased in all the concentrations with maximum reduction
on 21 day. These treatment levels were selected based on the 1/10, 1/20 and 1/30
of their 96 h LC50 value. Body weight between treatment and control was analyzed
by analysis of variance (ANOVA).
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Column Studies of Adsorption by using Dead Biomass
of Eichhornia crassipes for Hexavalent Chromium
Kumar Sunil and Dhankhar Rajesh
Page No. 31-38
The purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption
potential of Eichhornia crassipes dead biomass for removal of hexavalent chromium
in column experiments. The downward flow was maintained during experiments with
the help of a peristaltic pump. The effects of various flow rates, bed heights and
influent concentration were studied to demine the adsorption characteristics. Ct/C0
ratios were calculated by the breakthrough curve plot between Ct/C0 versus time,
Ct was the effluent concentration at time t while C0 was the influent concentration
of Cr (VI) during the experiment.
The study revealed that Cr (VI) sorption yield decreased with increasing flow rates
and influent concentration of Cr (VI) solution while increased with increase in
bed heights. Breakthrough times were decreased with an increasing flow rates but
increased with increasing bed heights. Maximum breakthrough adsorption capacities
(qb) were 14.9 at 10ml/min flow rate, 10.9 at 5cm bed height and 14.8 mg/g at 40
mg/L Cr (VI) concentration. Thomas kinetic model was better fitted as compared to
Bohart-Adams model. Eichhornia crassipes dead biomass was found suitable for adsorption
of Cr (VI) in the continuous process.
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Vegetable Peel Extract mediated Synthesis of Silver
nanoparticles and its antimicrobial activities
Nandhini S. and Daniel Sheeba
Page No. 39-44
Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract
has been proposed as a cost effective, environmental friendly and a reliable alternative
to chemical and physical methods for the production of nanoparticles. The present
study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using vegetable
peel extracts of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) and Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina).
This peel extracts acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the production of
silver nanoparticles. The aqueous peel extracts of these vegetables are added separately
to 1 mM silver nitrate solution and the formation of silver nanoparticles is primarily
detected by the change of colour from colourless to reddish-brown.
The reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 is confirmed by UV-Visible spectrum. FT-IR spectroscopy
is performed to detect the bioactive molecules liable for reduction and capping
of biogenic silver nanoparticles. The nature of the particle is determined from
the X-ray diffraction analysis. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesised
nanoparticles are tested against human pathogens and show toxic effects on Staphylococcus
aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aerogenisa, Aspergillus
and Candida albicans.
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Electrokinetic assisted phytoremediation of industrially
heavy metal polluted soil of Pithampur, MP, India
Pathak Richa, Garg S.L. and Dwivedi M.K.
Page No. 45-54
The objective of the present work was to investigate
the presence of heavy metals in soils of Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh (India) and their
removal with coupled electrokinetic phytoremediation technology. The physicochemical
characteristics and heavy metals like Chromium (Cr) and Lead (Pb) were analyzed
in different soil samples collected from sector I, II and III of Pithampur industrial
area. The concentration of Cr in soil samples was found under the WHO permissible
limits in sector I and III, however, high value (161.63 mg/Kg) was found in soil
samples collected from sector II. Similarly, the concentration of Pb in soil samples
was found under the WHO permissible limit in sector II and III except sector I where
it was 126.78mg/Kg. Hence the soil samples of sector I and sector II were chosen
for further studies. Electrokinetic remediation of soil samples was carried at 50
V for 25 days.
The electrokinetic cell was sectioned into four compartments and analyzed for the
concentrations of Cr and Pb. After electrokinetic remediation, the heavy metal contaminants
got concentrated in different sections according to their charges. The soil in the
four compartments of the electrokinetic cell was subjected to phytoremediation with
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). The efficiency of Brassica juncea was proved in
remediating the heavy metals Cr and Pb from the polluted soils. This study proves
the potential feasibility of electrokinetic assisted phytoremediation of Cr and
Pb polluted soils with Indian mustard.
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Fight against Covid-19
Nagpal Jaspreet Singh, Srivastava Bharvee and Kumar Prashant
Page No. 55-58
COVID-19, virus attack is one of the biggest challenges
mankind has faced since the Spanish flu in early 19th century. Although it is already
declared global pandemic, but still there is a long way to go to win the battle
against it. As it is respiratory disease, sanitation and social distancing are the
only ways to fight against disease till the time a curable medicine is found.
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Electrochemical behavior of Heat treated Al 356 Alloy
using N2-phenyl-1, 3, 5-triazine- 2, 4-diamine compound in 3.5% NaCl solution
Rakshitha B.K., Pruthviraj R.D. and Prasanna Kumar S.G.
Page No. 59-65
In the present research work, corrosion behavior of heat
treated Al 356 alloy in 3.5% NaCl with and without heat treatment in different concentration
of inhibitors is studied. Rectangular specimen 2cm X 1cm X 1mm was subjected heat
treatment for 2h, 4h and 6 hours in Muffle furnace at 5500C. The specimen were tested
for corrosion characterization of Electrochemical studies test. The result obtained
is compared with heat treated and non-heat treated specimen. It was found that the
heat treated specimen exhibits excellent corrosion Resistance when compared to non-heated
specimen.
Full Text
Synthesis, spectral studies and antimicrobial evaluation
of bivalent transition metal complexes of NNO donor hydrazone ligands
Sudesh and Sonika
Page No. 66-74
The complexes of transition metals have been developed
by the reaction of metal chlorides of Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II) with the three
Schiff base hydrazones named as 4-methyl-benzoic acid (phenyl-pyridin-2-yl-methylene)-hydrazide
[L-1], 2-nitro-benzoic acid (phenyl-pyridin-2-yl-methylene)-hydrazide [L-2], 2-nitro-benzoic
acid (methyl-pyridin-2-yl-methylene)-hydrazide [L-3]. The ligands were synthesized
by reacting 2-benzoyl pyridine and 2- acetyl pyridine with derivatives of benzhydrazide.
The synthesized ligands and metal complexes were analysed by using various spectroscopic
methods like IR spectroscopy, Proton-NMR, 13C-NMR, ESR, mass spectrometry, electronic
spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis of the complexes
was also done to examine their thermal behavior.
It has been observed that the linkage with metal occurs through two nitrogen and
one oxygen atoms present in the ligand. The antifungal and antibacterial activities
of the synthesized Schiff base hydrazone ligands and their metal complexes were
also assessed against number of bacterial species like gram negative Escherichia
coli, gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gram positive S. aureus, gram positive
B. subtilis and two fungi namely C. albicans, A. niger. The results of antimicrobial
activity reveal that all the metal complexes have better inhibitory action against
complete range of the tested microorganisms as compared to the parent free ligands.
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Geochemical Signatures and Chemical Toxicity Assessment
of Groundwater Uranium in the Agricultural Dominated Tehsil after Indian Summer
Monsoon
Pandey Shwetank Shashi, Singh Bholey, Barwa Manjeet Singh, Gautam Y.P. and Pani
Balaram
Page No. 75-82
The present study deals with the determination of uranium
in drinkable groundwater samples by LED fluorimeter, contour analysis, PCA analysis
and chemical toxicity assessment. The concentrations were found to be between 0.11
to 39.76 ppb with an average of 4.78 ppb. 7.14 % of samples exceed the WHO limits
(30 ppb).
The calculated maximum hazard quotient was 0.64 which lies in the safe range value.
Mean LADD was observed as 0.35 and 0.28 µg/kg per day in adults and children respectively
which are less than the AERB prescribed limit of 4.53 µg/kg per day. Contour and
PCA analysis shows that the ORP and fluoride were the driving factors of uranium
in the studied area.
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Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamics
for Malachite Green and Methylene Blue Removal in Water using Low-Cost Banana Peel
Biosorbent
Zango Z.U., Dahiru M. and Haruna M.A.
Page No. 83-92
Low cost biosorbents are one of best promising materials
for dye removal in wastewater treatment studies. They offer high removal efficiency
and economic viability. In this work, we reported the adsorption of malachite green
and methylene blue onto prepared Banana peel powder. The adsorbent was successfully
characterized by various techniques. Proximate analysis has shown the presence of
various components in the material such as carbohydrate and fiber, protein and fatty
acids. FTIR results have confirmed the presence of various active functional groups
of the various components determined from the proximate analysis test. EDS test
revealed the elemental compositions of the material with rough porous surface from
the corresponding SEM result.
The results from the effects of dyes concentration have shown the high uptake of
the dyes at high concentrations with MG increasing from 77 to 125 mg/g and MB increasing
from 82 to 138 mg/g with the dye concentrations of 50 – 200 mg/L. Pseudo second-order
adsorption kinetics were found to be best to describe the mechanism of the adsorption
with higher calculated equilibrium adsorption capacity (qe cal) values coefficients
of correlations (R2 ≥ 0.99). Higher temperature (323K) was found to be more efficient
for the removal of both dyes with the removal efficiency of 97% and 98% using 50
mg/L MG and MB respectively. From the thermodynamics studies, all the values of
Gibbs free-energy change (ΔG°) were found to be negative and less than 20 kJ/mol
which indicated the spontaneous nature of the adsorption. Langmuir model was found
to be the best isotherm model for the dyes with the higher value of monolayer adsorption
capacity (Qo) of 89.44 mgg-1 and 112.50 mgg-1 for MG and MB at higher temperature
of 333K.
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Synthesis, Characterization, DFT, DNA binding/cleavage
studies of Schiff base metal (II) complexes
Satish Naik, Parameshwara Naik P., Krishnamurthy G. and Manjuraj T.
Page No. 93-103
The novel complexes of the type [ML2Cl2] where M = Co(II),
Cu(II), Ni(II) and [FeL2Cl2]Cl with bioactive ligand L= (E)-N-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)-4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2yl)benzenamine
were synthesized and characterized by different spectral techniques. The interaction
of complexes with the cancer causing receptors was evaluated and results were compared
with biological activity.
The DNA binding affinities of complexes with Calf thymus DNA was studied using absorption
spectroscopy. Metal complexes are potent DNA intercalators with significant intrinsic
binding constant (Kb) value.
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Central Composite Design Approach for the Optimisation
of Catalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Dye using Silica-Silver Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Mohd N.K., Azmi A.A. and Khalik W.M.A.W.M.
Page No. 104-111
Bare silver particles are widely used as the catalyst
in the degradation of azo dyes. But, the performance of bare silver particles has
been known to have limitations compared to their core-shell nanostructure. Herein,
this study aims to reveal the potential of silica-silver core-shell nanoparticles
to act as a catalyst in the catalytic degradation of an azo dye, namely methyl orange
dye. Silica particles were synthesised based on the Stӧber method. The deposition
of a silver layer on the silica surface involved electrostatic attraction between
[Ag(NH3)2]+ ions and silanol groups while the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone acts
as a reducing and stabilising agent. The catalytic activity of silica-silver core-shell
particles for the degradation of methyl orange dye was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
Response surface methodology using 23-central composite design was conducted to
assess the degradation efficiency.
The synergistic and antagonistic effects were evaluated based on three variables,
initial concentration of methyl orange dye, a dosage of catalyst, and contact time.
Optimum operation conditions as suggested by the model were set as follows; dosage
of catalyst (0.5 mL), initial concentration of methyl orange (5.24 x 10-5 M) and
contact time (5 minutes). Validation of optimum operation condition provided the
percentage of dye degradation at 89.9% and 91.7% in deionised and environmental
water samples respectively. Low relative standard deviation < 5% demonstrates the
catalytic degradation method that has good precision and that can be suitably used
for routine analysis.
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Study of microbial diversity and effect of plant growth
promoting rhizobacteria isolated from Kaas Plateau, Western Ghats as Biostimulants
in Floriculture
Patwardhan Rajashree B., Deshmukh Neha S., Deshmukh Neha B. and Gore Suneeti S.
Page No. 112-125
The present work was conducted on KAAS plateau soil to
study different plant growth promoting traits of soil microorganisms and their effects
on plant growth and flowering. Out of 153 microbial isolates from KAAS plateau soil,
six isolates were decisively selected for further studies. These isolates demonstrated
indole acetic acid, gibberellins, ammonia production, cellulase, amylase, caseinase
activities and phosphate solubilization. The work was conducted to study the microbial
diversity of soil. Shannon’s index displayed the diversity of KAAS plateau area
whereas Simpson’s index showed the actual richness of KAAS plateau area. For the
use of PGPR from KAAS soil for sustainable and safe agriculture, we applied consortium
of these organisms on wheat and marigold plants.
The growth rates of inoculated plants accelerated with respect to the non-inoculated
plants and interestingly, the inoculation accelerated the flowering time in Marigold
plant. Thus, these findings provide novel and interesting aspects of PGPR consortium
with number of properties and can be utilized to satisfy the future demand of augmented
crop production attributed to increase in plant growth and to stimulate flowering.
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Studies on the effect of functional additives on the
performance of epoxy based structural adhesive
Arora Pinklesh, Singh Rakesh Kumar and Kaicker Praveen Kumar
Page No. 126-134
In the present investigation, two components based structural
epoxy adhesive system has been developed for bonding of aluminum as well as other
dissimilar substrates. To develop the adhesive system, epoxy resins have been modified
by incorporation of performance additives, alumina and aluminum. The effect of these
additives was studied on bonding performance of adhesive by means of lap shear strength,
pull off strength and hardness etc. The rheology of modified epoxy system was also
studied to understand its ease of applicability. Thermal stability with any physical
or chemical interaction was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential
scanning Calorimetry (DSC), FT-IR and other relevant instrumental techniques. The
morphology of the adhesives was also studied by Transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The present study correlates the effect
of varying concentrations of performance additives i.e. alumina and aluminum on
the thermal, mechanical and bonding properties of adhesive formulations for aluminum
metal.
The studies showed remarkable improvement in performance of epoxy based adhesives.
The significant enhancement in the glass transition and thermal behavior temperature
of modified epoxy formulations was found vis-a-vis base epoxy polymer favoring high
temperature applications. Lap shear strength of prepared adhesives exhibited an
increase of ~20% by increasing the concentration of filler content from 0 to 40%.
The prepared adhesive compositions showed very strong bonding with aluminum substrate.
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One-pot synthesis of bidentate ligand CHTC @ Cu (II),
Ni (II), Co (II), and Zn (II) complexes for anti-mycobacterial and molecular docking
studies
Ashma A., Anandhavelu S., Anbarasu S. and Askar Ali S.J.
Page No. 135-147
Transition materials have proved its efficacy as potential
antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory agents, and also anti-tubercular activity.
In this study, novel ligand (E)-N-cyclohexyl-2-((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl) methylene)
hydrazine carbothioamide (CHTC) was derived from 4-cyclohexyl-3-thiosemicarbazide
and 5-nitro-2-thiophene carboxaldehyde. The synthesized ligand CHTC was treated
with Cu (II), Ni (II), Co (II), and Zn (II) chloride in presence of methanol solution.
The synthesized metal complexes were characterized by functional groups using UV-Vis,
FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, single crystal x-ray diffraction, ESI-Mass spectroscopy
and thermal analysis.
The synthesized ligand (CHTC) and its metal complexes were screened for antimicrobial
activity including anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The zinc
(II) and nickel (II) complexes showed a broad antimicrobial activity against the
bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus facecalis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal species Candida albicans whereas CHTC-Zn only
showed moderate anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at 250µg/ml
concentration compared to other complexes.
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A Green Chemical Approach to remove Chromium from
Wastewater using Bifunctional Ionic liquid
Devi Niharbala and Mishra Bibhuti Bhusan
Page No. 148-152
In this study, a typical ionic liquid (IL) was used namely[trioctylmethylammonium
/ 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl phosphinate] [A336/Cy272] for chromium removal. The IL extracts
metal salts rather than metal ions and the beauty of the extractant is that no ionic
component is released to the aqueous solution in the process of extraction. The
extraction of Cr(VI) from the synthetic K2Cr2O7 solution was carried out using 1M
of the IL at an A:O ratio of 20:1.
The extraction parameters such as initial pH of the solution, contact time and temperature
were studied during different run of the experiment. Lower pH favoured the extraction
efficiency as the Cr(VI) extraction increased with the decrease of pH of the solution.
A maximum of 200 mg/L Cr(VI) could be extracted at pH 1.0 within an equilibrium
time of 45 min. Increasing temperature had a negative effect on the Cr(VI) extraction
showing that the process is exothermic in nature. The optimum condition obtained
from the batch scale extraction process for the synthetic Cr(VI) solution was further
applied to extractCr(VI) from the water sample collected from the contaminated NALA
of Sukinda valley of Odisha.
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Thermal and mechanical properties of fumaric acid
modified unsaturated Polyester resin and Jute composite
Patel R.B.
Page No. 153-160
Unsaturated polyester resin has been synthesized using
maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, propylene glycol and fumaric acid. Synthesized
resin, stryrine and jute fiber along with benzoyl peroxide as catalyst were used
for the composite preparation. Mechanical and thermal properties of composites were
evaluated. The obtained composites were characterized by TGA and DSC. The DSC scans
of resins are analyzed by the method proposed by Borchardt and Daniels.
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Effect of radiation and antioxidant diet on the efficacy
of silk synthesis of the silkworm, Bombyx Mori
Radha M.J., Jalaja H.D. and Lakshmi P.N.
Page No. 161-170
Bombyx mori is a beneficial and environment friendly
insect reared commercially for silk. In today’s scenario, the silk farming shows
a great downfall due to the promotion of synthetic materials. Thereby it is necessary
to upsurge the production of silk fibres. The efficacy of silk is achieved through
the growth and development of silkworms at a higher rate through supplementing their
feed with antioxidant from the plant sources. Later the same worms were exposed
to low dose radiation from the gamma source. These are considered as experimental
groups while the worms without the supplement of antioxidant and radiation exposure,
control group. The adaptability of the insects in terms of growth and economic parameters
viz., silk filament, cocoon weight, shell weight and pupal weight was recorded.
The total proteins in hemolymph and silk gland were assessed.
The present study results indicated the increase in the efficacy of silk as well
as economic traits in all the experimental groups compared to the control group.
The assessed total proteins showed an increment in the silk gland and hemolymph
was statistically significant. The larvae exposed to gamma radiation at low doses
reflects hormesis that has exerted stimulatory and beneficial effects on the efficacy
of silk production.
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Impact of COVID 19 Lockdown: A Move towards Sustainable
Environment
Banerjee Munmun, Awasthi Garima and Prakash Jyoti
Page No. 171-181
Corona virus originated in the capital of Hubei province
in China named Wuhan. At the end of December 2019, China reported cases of an unknown
disease with pneumonia like symptoms. By January 2020, corona virus transmitted
to other countries as well and the disease caused by it was named as COVID-19 by
the World Health Organization on 11th February 2020. After this, COVID-19 did not
take more than a month’s time to attain the status of global pandemic. Haunted by
the alarming intensity of the transmission of this disease, most of the countries
implemented either a complete or partial lockdown. The lockdown which has been proposed
as the most effective strategy to curb transmission so far surprisingly did wonders
for the nature. There have been reports from NASA and other research institutions
regarding considerable drop in emissions of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen,
sulphur and carbon in the atmosphere. The local, state and national authorities
of several countries have reported enhanced water quality of various water bodies.
The researchers are also working on various aspects to check the quality parameters
of air and water. Lastly, the lockdown has provided an opportunity to wildlife for
reclaiming their areas. However, in order to convert these short- term effects to
a lasting impact, we need to plan for sustainable development with the same urgency
that has been employed to deal with the pandemic. In current study we have studied
environmental aspects which are having positive impact due to lockdown and also
the strategies to maintain green and clean environment for long lasting.
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Chenopodium album Linn.: Phytoconstituents, Medicinal
and Biological Properties
Arora Charu and Tamrakar Vinita
Page No. 182-195
Over the last few years, focus on plant research has
increased and researchers have aimed at characterizing and validating plant derived
substances for the treatment of various ailments of human beings, animals and crops.
Medicinal plant species, having great therapeutic properties, are being explored
for various purposes. It has been already proved that various parts of plants such
as Leaves, fruits, seeds etc. provide health and nutrition promoting compounds.
Chenopodium album Linn. (Family: chenopodiaceae) commonly known as bathua is used
as ingredient in various Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and other traditional medicines.
In present study we have reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological
activities of Chenopodium album Linn. The crude extract of C. album exhibited biological
activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer and anti-microbial
activities. Number of chemical constituents namely α-pinene, linalool linaly acetate,
gallic acid, vallinic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, ascorbic
acid, isorhamnetin, chenoalbicin, 20-hydroxyecdysone 20,22- monoacetonides, 20-hydroxyecdysone
2, 3-monoacetonides poststerone etc. have been isolated, characterized and evaluated
for biological activities. This review study will be helpful for upcoming research
activities on Chenopodium album by providing updated information on the phytochemical
constituents and medicinal properties of the plant to a possible extent with relevant
data. Further research is needed to explore its isolated bioactive compounds and
their molecular mechanism of action.
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COVID-19, an emerging pandemic infection
Mishra Arunesh K., Pratibha, Das Megha and Das Ratnesh
Page No. 196-200
COVID-19 disease is spreading rapidly in the form of
pandemic in the whole world. It has taken the form of a global pandemic on which
World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed concern. Coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19), a type of respiratory syndrome that is spread by the severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in December
2019 in Wuhan, China. Infection of this particular nCoV-2 virus occurs in humans,
and the side effects of which are increasing rapidly, on which fast research is
also being done. The "n" in the 2019-n CoV name refers to the novel because it exhibits
differences from the genomes of other (previously known) coronaviruses. However,
virologists believe that variation in the genome may be the cause of its lethality.
Seeing the potential risk of this epidemic, scientists and physicians are constantly
making efforts to understand this new virus and the pathophysiology of the disease
in order to uncover possible treatments and discover effective therapeutic agents
and vaccines.
Covid-19 is testing the ability for rapid development, testing and deployment of
drugs, presenting both opportunities and challenges to our country's drug-evaluation
system. Several aspects of the scientists' response raise serious concerns, highlighting
how procedures for the evaluation and approval of drugs can flare up during a public
health crisis. The global epidemic has put pressure on physicians and scientists
to act rapidly to provide medicines to patients. Very limited observations and anecdotal
evidence raised the possibility that anti-malarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
may have opposite activity to SARS-CoV-2.
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Current Scenario of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Gupta Geetika, Kumar Ashok and Bharadwaj Alok
Page No. 201-204
‘COVID-19’ is the most dangerous and lethal disease in
the present scenario that is caused by Coronavirus belonging to the genus Coronaviridae.
Human coronaviruses are posing threat to human population globally. Emergence of
SARS – CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus- 2) in the 21st century
is a serious global health concern. Wuhan market in China is the origin place of
coronavirus infection spreading in all over world. It was isolated on 7th January
2020 in China. Now COVID-19 is a pandemic disease affecting many people globally.
WHO named this new virus as coronavirus caused by SARS-COV-2 and reported that around
20% people get serious illness with COVID-19. WHO suggested the people for avoiding
crowded public places and close contact to infected persons. Washing of hands and
use of disinfectants should be very essential. Lockdown is the best action for the
prevention of coronavirus taken by most of countries. Food items which have source
of Vitamin C are very useful against the virus. Phyllanthus emblica has highest
percentage of vitamin C.
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An insight into the SARS-CoV-2: Use of zinc ionophores
- a blockbuster approach
Gupta Jeetendra Kumar
Page No. 205-213
Erratic disturbance in biome is due to the daredevil
conduct and dubious behavior of human beings. Noxious pestilences on earth have
putdown the whole humankind in serious difficulties. At present the world is facing
humanity’s biggest crisis, that is, coronavirus pandemic. There are six divergent
types of corona viruses which have been indentified till date. Out of these, four
types have honed potential to cause common cold infections in human beings. The
virus SARS-CoV-2 is one of them which is extremely treacherous and threatening the
world with their catastrophic emergence. This virus has severe potency to induce
acute respiratory setback in human beings. It was initially reported in Wuhan, a
city of central China, and the virus has subsequently spread to other countries
of Asia, America, Europe and Africa continents. At present, the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) has taken the configuration of dreadful pandemic and abominably affecting
the global health at alarming level. The intermediary host of this virus and the
subsequent mode of transmission are still unknown, but the transmission from human
to human is broadly confirmed.
Several drugs like remdesivir, doxycycline, azithromycin, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
have been tried in the course of treatment. As per existing literature, these drugs
reduce the severity of illnesses in the patients of COVID-19, however the promising
mechanism of cure has not yet been approved or peer-reviewed. Many clinical studies
are still underway worldwide. Increasing the intracellular concentration of zinc
has been observed to impair the replication of variety of RNA viruses. Zinc ionophores
are the zinc binding compounds that target viral RNA polymerase in order to inhibit
viral replication. Despite these activities, zinc also possesses anti-inflammatory
as well as immunomodulatory activities. Hence, the use of zinc ionophore may be
a blockbuster against the virus SARS-CoV-2. All-inclusive clinical studies can be
carried out in order to assess the synergism of zinc with the existing ionophores
against the COVID-19.
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